Conwy Tourist Information & Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle, the History of Conwy Castle and Conwy

Sandwiched conveniently between the border of Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Bay (good fishing here), and overlooked by one of Wales' most spectacular Castles - Conwy Castle, a UNESCO Heritage site, Conwy makes a superb holiday base. Like Llandudno, Conwy town is adorned with some splendid Victorian architecture (great specialist shops too!), with a fair sprinkling of Medieval buildings. Take time to explore Bodnant Garden (weblink right) situated near Conwy, or take a boat trip around the estuary from the Quay. The Conwy Valley Cycle Route which runs in a loop for 25 miles is also popular. Conwy Castle is a prime example of a fortification built to keep the Welsh in order, in this case built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289.

Conwy Castle forms part of the iron ring of fortresses built by Edward I. Largely intact (although it deteriorated after the Civil War), Conwy is very much how you'd envisage a castle - with numerous towers. There was no need to build elaborate defensive walls as the castle sits up high on the rocks. The views from the battlements are breathtaking as you can imagine - Snowdonia and the coast. The town of Conwy is walled though, and these walls are best viewed from the castle looking down.

Conwy Castle. Tel: 01492 592358

• Hotels in Conwy
• Conwy Bed and Breakfast
• Holiday Cottages in Conwy

Conwy Tourist Information Centre & Conwy Attractions

There are two tourist information points in Conwy, one at the Castle entrance, the other in the Handicraft/Souvenir shop adjacent to Conwy Station. Conwy sits too at the mouth of the Conwy River, transgressed here by Thomas Telford's marvel of a suspension bridge (see below). The list of Conwy attractions goes on, with the impressive Royal Cambrian Academy art gallery, plus the UK's Smallest House situated on Conwy's quayside, along with the Conwy Mussel Centre also on the quay (tel: 592689). Britain s Smallest House, Quayside, Conwy LL30 2YF - Wales. Tel: 44 (0)1492 593429.

Other attractions in Conwy include the Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House (see CADW weblink right for details). Splendidly preserved, Plas Mawr is a fascinating insight into Tudor pomp and life, built between 1576 and 1585 by Robert Wynn. The interior is as well preserved as the exterior, with ornate plaster ceilings and plenty of wood screens. Check the CADW weblink right for opening times and entrance fees. See too the National Trust weblink right for the 14th Century Aberconwy House, a merchant's house sited as the oldest town house in Wales.

Conwy, Cadw Visitor Centre, Castle Entrance, Conwy, LL32 8LD. Tel: 01492 592248.

• Conwy Holiday Parks
• Conwy Accommodation
• Conwy B&B

Thomas Telford Engineer 2007 Anniversary & the Conwy Suspension Bridge

Acknowledged as one of Britain's greatest engineers, Thomas Telford was active in the Conwy and North Wales area - he built suspension bridges. One here in Conwy, finished in 1826, runs across the River Conwy adjacent to the castle. An amazing site, it's worth taking time to view it in conjunction with the nearby big sister - the Menai Suspension bridge also designed by Telford. Thomas Telford aficionados are in for a treat in 2007, when a host of events are to be held across the UK at sites designed by him, celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth.

Thomas Telford's legacy for North Wales is undisputed - his improvements to the transport networks of the area opened it up, not just for industry, but tourism. His bridges, roads and canals are still in use today. His own personal history is fascinating too - he came up from pretty much nothing to become one of the UK's greatest engineers!

• Conwy Hotels
• Guest Houses in Conwy
• Conwy Holiday Cottage

Conwy Golf

Conwy Golf Club, Morfa, Conwy, LL32 8ER. Tel: 01492 592423 (weblink right for details).

Conwy Golf Club is a famous links course situated at the mouth of the River Conwy. It's an Open Championship qualifying golf course!

• Bed and Breakfasts in Conwy
• Accommodation in Conwy
• B&Bs in Conwy