Conwy

Conwy is one of the finest medieval towns in Britain. Enclosed by an almost entirely intact circuit of town walls built by Edward I in the 1280s, and dominated by one of his greatest castles, the town combines extraordinary architectural heritage with an active harbour, excellent cafes and restaurants, and a position on the Conwy estuary that makes it one of the most photogenic towns in Wales.

Though technically just outside the boundary of Eryri National Park, Conwy sits at the mouth of the Conwy Valley — the main northern approach into the mountains — and is a natural base or day trip from Betws-y-Coed and the northern part of the national park. From the castle walls you can see Snowdonia rising to the south, with the Carneddau dominating the view and Yr Wyddfa visible on clear days.

Key Facts

The Castle and Walls

Conwy Castle and town walls are described in detail in our castles guide. The walls extend for 1.3km with 21 towers and can be walked for most of their circuit — one of the finest medieval wall walks in Britain. Allow 2–3 hours to see both castle and walls properly.

Plas Mawr

One of the finest surviving Elizabethan town houses in Britain, Plas Mawr was built in 1576 by the merchant Robert Wynn. The house is famous for its elaborate plasterwork ceilings and friezes — some of the most ornate surviving examples of the period. Managed by Cadw and open to visitors, it provides a vivid picture of wealthy merchant life in sixteenth-century Wales.

The Quay

Conwy's small working harbour sits beneath the castle walls and has a handful of excellent fish restaurants and cafes. The smallest house in Britain — just 3.05m wide — stands on the quay. Mussel fishing has been carried out from the quay since medieval times and Conwy mussels remain a local speciality. The view of the castle reflected in the estuary at low tide is one of the most photographed scenes in North Wales.

Where to Stay

Hotels

The Quay Hotel & Spa, immediately outside the town walls on the quayside, is Conwy's premium option — a contemporary hotel with estuary views, spa facilities, and a good restaurant. The Castle Hotel, inside the walls on the main street, is a Georgian coaching inn — period character with modern comforts at £120–£200 per room.

B&Bs and Guesthouses

The compact walled town has several well-run guesthouses in the lanes behind the high street. Sychnant Pass House, a mile outside the walls with excellent views and very good cooking, is one of the best guesthouses in north Wales. Rates in the town run £80–£130 per room.

Self-Catering

Self-catering within the Conwy town walls is rare and highly sought-after — waking inside the medieval circuit of walls is a genuinely extraordinary experience. The Conwy valley north and south has a wider range of cottages and farmhouses. Landmark Trust properties in the area include some particularly distinctive options.

Camping

Camping near Conwy is available at several sites in the valley. The nearest good site is at Rowen, in the Conwy valley above the town. For wilder camping, the Carneddau to the south give spectacular but demanding options for those with proper mountain experience and kit.