On the coast of North Wales, the market town of Conwy draws you in with its ancient monuments, stunning scenery, and historic sites.
Despite having only about 4,000 inhabitants, this quaint town leaves an impression unlike any other. Its various landmarks are truly something to behold, making it a must-see on your trip to Wales!
Upon entering the ancient and well-preserved walls of Conwy Castle, you’ll immediately be transported to another time. Observe the untamed nature of Conwy Morfa Beach and Conwy Mountain and end your day with a freshly poured beer at the Conwy Brewery.
So, what are you waiting for? If you enjoy exploring Britain’s smaller towns, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, mystical Conwy is the right place for you!
Fact Check
Location and History
Conwy is located on the coast of North Wales near Llandudno, the largest Welsh seaside resort. While Normans built the first fortress here in the 12th century during their invasion of Wales, Conwy and Conwy Castle were established later during King Edward I’s reign between 1283 and 1289. This should give you a good idea about how old and rich in history Conwy truly is.
But it’s not just Conwy’s history that makes it worth visiting. The fact that it’s home to one of Snowdonia National Park’s entrances is also an added bonus. Definitely set aside some time, preferably a day or more, to explore these sublime mountains.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Conwy is by flying to Liverpool or Manchester and then taking the train or a car for the rest of your journey. Maybe you can even squeeze in some time to explore one of these two cities!
Historic Buildings
Conwy Castle
If you’re looking for a trip back in time, Conwy Castle won’t disappoint. Hardly any other Welsh castle radiates such a dark and medieval atmosphere! After climbing one of the eight towers, you’ll quickly understand what we mean. It’s almost as if the castle emerged on its own from the dark rocks on which it was built.
The view is also a sight to behold – you can see all of Conwy and River Conwy from here!
Conwy Town Walls
Feel like stretching your legs for a bit after exploring Conwy Castle? How about a stroll around the town on the Conwy Town Walls? From here, you can discover remnants of a fascinating past and marvel at the breathtaking views.
Church of St Mary & All Saints
Next up is the Church of St Mary & All Saints in the heart of Conwy. On the outside, this memorable building captivates you with its medieval charm. The inside will then enchant you with intricate carvings and ornaments.
If these historic buildings aren’t enough reason to visit, wait until you see the other architectural masterpieces Conwy has to offer!
Architecture
The Smallest House in Great Britain
Yes, you read that right. With dimensions of just 3 metres by 1.80 metres, the Quay House is the smallest building in the entire United Kingdom. Want to know something funny, though? Robert Jones, the last resident, was 2 metres tall!
Don’t miss the chance to pose in front of Quay House and take the ultimate photo to commemorate your trip.
Plas Mawr – The Golden Elizabethan Age
As you can tell by now, Conwy is practically overflowing with unique architecture, and Plas Mawr is no exception. Also known as the Great Hall, Plas Mawr is the best-preserved Elizabethan house in all of Britain. Even though the house’s façade is hidden in a little back alley, it’s nothing short of impressive!
Behind this unassuming façade, you’ll find seventeen chambers with beautiful decorations and breathtaking interior design.
The house and its rich history are just waiting to be discovered! If you want to learn more about the mysterious Wynn Family, head on over to the Great Hall.
Aberconwy House
Hungry for more beautiful architecture? The Aberconwy House is one of the oldest buildings in Wales and is known as a real eye-catcher.
Like most of Conwy’s other buildings, entering Aberconwy House feels like a journey back in time. After all, it has rooms from the Georgian period as well as a Victorian bedroom and Jacobean loft.
However, its past is not for the faint-hearted! The house is home to countless mystical legends and has allegedly been the site of many paranormal sightings. So, enter at your own risk, for we have warned you!
After visiting all these beautiful and imposing buildings, you’ll probably have had enough architecture for a while. For a change of scenery, you could explore Conwy’s stunning nature next, starting with the Conwy Suspension Bridge.
Nature
Bodnant Garden
Having seen a fair share of historic buildings, you will likely be relieved to spend some time in nature and see something other than stone walls.
Bodnant Garden offers exactly that! Here you can marvel at mighty old trees, a lovely water lily pond, and a gentle stream trickling through the garden’s mystic valley. However, the true highlight here is the 55‑metre‑long tunnel made of laburnum plants, the oldest and longest of its kind in the UK.
Bodlondeb Woods Local Nature Reserve
Home to various mammals, birds, and butterflies, Bodlondeb Woods is a short walk from the town centre. Just follow the pedestrian signs and swarm of butterflies, and you’ll find your way there easily.
From here, you’ll also have a magnificent view of Conwy’s little harbour and Conwy Marina which is filled with yachts.
However, if you want to walk along the coast and enjoy the ocean breeze, visiting one of Conwy’s popular beaches is a must.
Conwy Morfa Beach and Deganwy Beach
Due to its southern position, Deganwy Beach offers phenomenal views of Conwy Castle and gets the most sun during the day. So, grab your trunks or swimsuit and enjoy the sun to its fullest at this charming beach.
Prefer something a bit more romantic? With its golden sandbanks framed by the green hills of Conwy Mountain, Conwy Morfa Beach is not to be missed. Wandering along the shores of the Irish Sea, this picture-perfect scenery will quickly make you lose track of time.
And since you’ll already be close by, why not pay Conwy Mountain a visit as well?
Conwy Mountain
Ever dreamt of admiring picturesque lakes and spectacular countryside in Wales? Well, this is your chance. You can easily reach Conwy Mountain by car via the Synchant Pass.
It takes about two to three hours to climb the mountain, but it’s truly worth the climb. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with impressive neolithic hut circles and a hill fortress from the Iron Age.
Culinary Specialities
Looking for a cosy spot to relax and eat after a busy day of exploring? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the places for you. Below, we’ll introduce you to some of Conwy’s culinary specialities!
The Archway Fish & Chips Shop or The Galleon Fish & Chips are a must-try to experience traditional British food. However, if you’re in the mood for something more conventional, check out Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant, which serves an array of pizza and pasta.
Conwy also has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options! The Manor or Watson’s Bistro in particular, are worth trying out.
Even for you book lovers, we have something up our sleeves. In L’s Coffee and Books, you can sip a yummy coffee with a good book by your side.
Finally, if the weather is nice, it’s worth dropping by Conwy Quay. Here you can have tasty fish and chips or freshly caught Conwy mussels. Just imagine eating delicious dishes with the gentle sound of water splashing in the background. It doesn’t get more perfect than this!
Conclusion
Whether it’s mystical old buildings, historic sites, or striking nature, Conwy has it all. Regardless of its size, this coastal town is a wonder to behold. Its proximity to Cardiff and Snowdonia is also perfect for taking trips to other towns and villages. That way, you’ll have the chance to explore even more of Wales!
