Conwy

Conwy is yet another Welsh town dominated by a medieval castle. Begun in 1283 by Edward I, Conwy Castle was conceived and created in just four years.

Situated on a rock, the castle has no need for Beaumaris' walls-within-walls design: it appears to spring forth from its rocky foundation, and soaring curtain walls and eight round towers (see photo at left) complete the image of a massive military stronghold. Particularly impressive are the views of Snowdonia from the battlements and towers. From the mountains to the sea, to the roofless shell of the castle with its many chambers, to the ring of town walls and the suspension bridge, one is kept busy taking it all in.

Conwy's circuit of town walls spans over one and a quarter kilometres and contains 21 towers and three double-towered gateways. We came upon the castle from the vantage point of the town walls, a route we highly recommend. Within the town walls are charming streets filled with ice cream parlours, tourist shops, restaurants and pubs. The smallest house in Great Britain is located in Conwy, just minutes from the castle, and reputedly measures 10 by 6 feet. Some way or another we missed it.

Conwy's Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford, was the first bridge to span the river at Conwy. Its opening in 1826 put an abrupt end to the long monopoly held by local ferrymen. The accompanying toll house has been furnished to take visitors back in time to the previous century.

From Conwy we took the short drive to Llandudno, a Victorian seaside resort reputed for its curving promenade and beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Date of Our Last Visit: June 2004