Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Constructed between 1283 and 1287, Conwy rises from a rocky outcrop with com-
manding views across the mountains of Snowdonia and the mouth of the River Conwy.
With two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight fierce, slightly tapered towers of coarse
dark stone and a great bow-shaped hall all within the elongated complex, it's very solid
indeed.
After the Civil War in the 17th century, the castle fell into some disrepair and the Coun-
cil of State ordered it to be partially pulled down. But today it lives on, a slightly more
tumbledown sister to its Unesco partner at Caernarfon, and a must visit for anyone with an
interest in Welsh history.
Exploring the castle's nooks and crannies makes for a superb, living-history visit, but
best of all, head to the battlements for panoramic views and an overview of Conwy's
majestic complexity.
Town Wall
OFFLINE MAP
FORTIFICATIONS
GOOGLE MAP
The survival of most of its 1300m-long town wall, built concurrently with the
castle, makes Conwy one of the UK's prime medieval sites. It was erected to protect the
English colonists from the Welsh, who were forbidden from living in the town and were
even cleared from the surrounding countryside.
You can enter the town walls at several points and walk along the battlements. Perhaps
the easiest place to start is the short section that runs alongside the castle car park to the
Mill Gate
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
. Head through this gate for great views of the wall's ex-
terior.
To find the other accessible section, follow the path under the train tracks, turn right
and head through the wall onto the train station platform. The entrance to the largest sec-
are great views over the town to the castle), before continuing all the way to the quay.
To get down to the quay you'll need to double back and exit the wall on Berry St, and
GOOGLE MAP
(Lower Gate St; adult/child £1/50p; 10am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun Apr-Oct)
, and at a
minuscule 3m by 1.8m, they're probably not exaggerating.
Plas Mawr
HISTORIC BUILDING
