Three-quarters of a mile of town walls, 21 towers and three original gates: Conwy can be read through its fortifications. The walls are among the finest and most complete in Europe. Together with Conwy Castle, they tell the story of medieval architecture in two distinct forms.
Castle, Ramparts and Town Walls
Conwy Castle contains the best-preserved complete set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. Visitors can walk the full circuit along the ramparts. The town walls offer a different scale: their length, 21 towers and three original gates make the extent of the fortifications tangible. Visiting both sites brings you face to face with royal rooms as well as an extensive town fortification. Check the latest access conditions before visiting the castle and ramparts.
Elizabethan Townhouse and Cultural Centre
Plas Mawr adds another era. The house is considered the best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Britain; visitors can explore 17 rooms there. This means medieval royal apartments and an Elizabethan townhouse stand side by side in Conwy as distinct historical discoveries. Check the latest access conditions for Plas Mawr before visiting.
Conwy Culture Centre houses the county archive, a library, historical exhibitions, a community arts centre and a café. Its exhibitions take visitors through 5,000 years of history and include unique objects, works of art and family-friendly interactive interpretation. The offer thus combines historical themes with art and opportunities to take part. Check the latest information about exhibitions, facilities and opening hours before your visit.
Wetland and Woodland by the Estuary
Nature and landscape are also among Conwy’s discoveries. RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve is a wetland haven for wildlife, created using material excavated during construction of the A55 road tunnel. The reserve’s creation is therefore part of its story. A circular trail runs along the estuary, offering views of mudflats and salt marshes. Check the latest conditions for this trail before your visit.
Bodlondeb Woods offer a different perspective on the Conwy Estuary. Footpaths connect Conwy to the woodland, which offers views of the estuary. There is also a permanent orienteering course. If you would like to take part, check the latest route materials beforehand. The combination of woodland, estuary views and orienteering sets this natural spot apart from the wetland at the RSPB reserve.
Routes with Different Connections
For cyclists, National Cycle Network Route 5 follows the north Wales coast, connecting Rhyl, Kinmel Bay, Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Rhos on Sea, Llandudno and Conwy; it is almost entirely traffic-free. Check the latest route conditions before setting out. The Conwy Estuary Trail connects Llandudno’s West Shore with Deganwy and Conwy. The two route descriptions have different focuses: Route 5 places Conwy among a series of coastal towns, while the Estuary Trail names West Shore, Deganwy and Conwy as connecting points.
Discover Conwy County
Beyond the town, Conwy County offers a linguistic and culinary perspective. Bilingual signs feature Welsh and English; Welsh is spoken on the streets, in the towns and in the villages of the county. The Conwy Seafood Trail takes visitors to places across the county where they can enjoy fresh seafood and local produce. As participating businesses and offers may change, it is worth checking the trail information before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Llanfairfechan, Trefriw, Pentrefoelas, Llanrwst, Llandudno, Gwytherin, Dolwyddelan, Deganwy, Conwy, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn, Betws-Y-Coed, Abergele, Penmaenmawr, Towyn, Llysfaen, Llansannan, Corwen, Capel Garmon, Llanbedr-Y-Cennin, Cerrigydrudion, Llandudno Junction, Kinmel Bay, Dolgarrog.
For the broader travel overview: Wales.
