Conwy
Conwy guide
A walled medieval town on the Conwy estuary, with one of Edward I's great castles, a working quay and some of the best-preserved town walls in Europe.1283 to 1287Conwy Castle built1.3kmOf medieval town walls1826Telford's suspension bridgeUNESCOWorld Heritage Site
Overview
Why go to Conwy
Conwy is small enough to walk round in a morning and good enough to fill a weekend. Edward I and his master mason, James of St George, built the castle and town walls in just four years, and they survive almost complete. Inside the walls are Plas Mawr, Aberconwy House and streets of independent shops, pubs and cafes.Down on the quay you will find the Smallest House in Great Britain, fishing boats, mussel men and fish and chips with a view of the castle. Llandudno is ten minutes away, and Bodnant Garden and the Conwy Valley are just up the river.Things to do
Top things to do in Conwy
Conwy CastleCadw's castle of eight great towers, built 1283 to 1287 and open all year. Climb the towers for views over the estuary.
The town wallsWalk sections of the 1.3km circuit for views over the rooftops. The stretch between the Watch Tower and the Wing Gate is closed, with Cadw aiming to reopen it by Easter 2027.
Plas MawrRobert Wynn's Elizabethan town house of 1576 to 1585, with remarkable painted plasterwork. Cadw, open March to early November.
Smallest House in Great BritainOn the quay, 72 inches wide and 122 inches high. Its last resident, a fisherman, was 6ft 3.
Conwy Suspension BridgeThomas Telford's bridge of 1822 to 1826, styled to match the castle. Now National Trust, open to walkers and cyclists.
Aberconwy HouseA 14th century merchant's house on the High Street, looked after by the National Trust.
RSPB ConwyWetland reserve by the estuary, just across the river, with hides, trails and a cafe. The reserve is open all day; the visitor centre 9.30am to 5pm.
Conwy MountainWalk up from the town for views across the bay to the Great Orme and Anglesey. Bodlondeb Woods is a gentler stroll.
Events
Events in Conwy
Conwy's Honey Fair has been held every 13 September under a charter from Edward I, moving to the Monday when the 13th falls on a Sunday. The Pirate Festival in June and the River Festival in August fill the quay, and the Christmas market comes to the quay in late November. The Gwledd Conwy Feast, once the big October weekend, ended after 2019.- 7Nov
Sat 7 NovArtisan Bread Making at Bodnant Welsh Food Cookery School (7 November)Bodnant Welsh Food, ConwyA six-hour artisan bread making class at the Bodnant Welsh Food cookery school. Price: £130. - 8NovSun 8 NovBodnant Welsh Food Artisan MarketBodnant Welsh Food, ConwyAn artisan market at Bodnant Welsh Food with more than 50 local stalls. Times are not published, so check with Bodnant Welsh Food on 01492 651100 before you go.
- 10Nov
Tue 10 Nov, 2pmArt workshopsRoyal Cambrian Academy, ConwyFree art workshops for people with disabilities. Enjoy different art techniques working with a wide range of artist. - 11Nov
Wed 11 NovChristmas Preview Evening at Bodnant Welsh FoodBodnant Welsh Food, ConwyChristmas comes to the farm shop at Bodnant Welsh Food: an evening of tasters, offers and festive fun. - 11Nov
Wed 11 Nov, 10amNorth Wales Business Network: Caer RhunCaer Rhun Hall, ConwyAn informal business networking meeting in the Apothecary Bar at Caer Rhun Hall near Conwy, 10am to 11.30am, with the chance to introduce yourself and your business.
- 13NovFri 13 NovSteak Night at The Hayloft, Bodnant Welsh FoodBodnant Welsh Food, ConwySteak night at The Hayloft Bar and Grill, Bodnant Welsh Food.
See more eventsListings from North Wales Events. Check with the venue before you travel.
Getting there
Getting to Conwy
By car: leave the A55 at junction 17 or 18. The A55 goes under the river in the Conwy Tunnel. The castle has no car park of its own, so see our Conwy parking guide before you go.By train: Conwy station is inside the walls but is a request stop with fewer trains. Llandudno Junction, across the river, has far more services and is a 15 to 20 minute walk over the bridge.By bus: buses link Conwy with Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Bangor.Stay
Places to stay in Conwy
Coaching inns and B&Bs inside the walls, plus hotels at Deganwy and the marina, and cottages in the Conwy Valley.Search places to stay in Conwy
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, for hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and holiday homes.
Our local guide
Go deeper on Conwy
Conwy.comThe full visitor guide to Conwy town and castle.Visit the site →Llandudno.comTen minutes away: the resort, the Orme and places to stay.Visit the site →Betws-y-Coed.comUp the Conwy Valley to the forest village at the heart of Eryri.Visit the site →Colwyn.org.ukLocal guide to Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea and Old Colwyn.Visit the site →
Nearby: Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Betws-y-Coed, Christmas markets, Conwy Council, all areas.
