Steeped in rich history, Conwy is one of the most popular towns in North Wales. The imposing and stunning Conwy Castle stands proudly as you enter the town and has stood over Conwy since the 14th century. You enter Conwy over the Conwy Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford, into the beautiful walled town, part of a world heritage site, standing on the West bank of the river Conwy and benefits from stunning views across the estuary. Conwy is popular with tourists and visitors as there is so much to see and do here, from the historic buildings to the boutique shopping, and is also a very well sought after location for house buyers.

Education

Conwy has both a primary and secondary school within the town, which are both very well subscribed and respected within the community.

Ysgol Porth y Felin- Located in the historical town of Conwy, Ysgol Porth y Felin is an English medium Primary school that maintains a strong Welsh ethos within its teaching. A happy, caring and hardworking environment, that maintains a great Estyn score.

Ysgol Aberconwy – A medium-sized, mixed comprehensive, English Language secondary

Shopping

Conwy’s ancient walls enclose a town full of narrow streets, nooks and crannies full of historic buildings and places to explore. It’s the perfect backdrop for a shopping trip, and Conwy has much to offer, including an artisan chocolate shop, one of Britain’s Best Butchers, award-winning ice cream, a traditional sweetshop and interesting boutiques. Nearly all the shops in Conwy are independently owned and run, no big chain stores here, it really is a treasure trove of unique and boutique shops. Here are a few of our favourites….

Baravelli’s – An artisan chocolate shop, this family owned and run shop have been making speciality chocolates for over 10 years. They have been featured on numerous radio and TV appearances, showing off their unique products and skills.

Vinomondo – This small independent Wine shop sells the perfect wine for any occasion, from any part of the world, but specialise in local products. They also sell premium Welsh beers, ciders, whiskies, spirits and liqueurs. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand for guidance. They have wine accessories, books and gifts. There a beautiful, secluded garden bar at the rear, perfect for escaping the streets on a busy day.

Edwards of Conwy – This butchers specialises in traditional Welsh, British and European produce, making award-winning Sausages and Pies. This shop nearly always has a queue outside, it’s that popular. Trading for over 35 years, Edwards has been crowned “Best Butchers Shop in Wales” three times and won the UK wide Britain’s Best Butcher title back 2014. They value themselves on quality, locally sourced Welsh products, a pride in their heritage and support the local community, whilst using as many traditional methods and recipes as possible.

Yesteryear – This charming shop is a traditional style toy shop, where you will find a treasure trove of classic and unusual toys and games. You will find everything from puppets to dolls houses and rocking horses to castles. They stock tin toys, collectables, dolls, soft toys, games from your childhood and novelties for the young and not so young. You won’t find any computer games or technology here, it’s all about the retro at Yesteryear!

Eating and Drinking

Jackdaw – A snug, intimate restaurant on the upper floor of a period house, featuring rustic, white-painted walls, hanging dried herbs and sheepskin-lined chairs. Chef and owner Nick Rudge spent several years working for renowned Chef Heston Blumenthal and it shines through with the compact, modern menu, bursting with Welsh produce and innovated meals.

Lava – A small, family run Hot stone steakhouse. Hot stone cooking is a meal like no other, where you have the opportunity to cook your steak or fish at your table exactly as you like it on volcanic rock. Lava is a Bring Your Own establishment, so you are welcome to bring your own wine, champagne or beer, there is no corkage charge and the restaurant will supply all glassware, ice buckets and soft drinks.

Upstairs at Annas – This classically decorated and furnished tearoom/ restaurant is situated on the first floor of a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1800s. Offering an extensive range of freshly prepared meals, afternoon teas, cocktails and an extensive wine list, Annas offer a full table service in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, boasting ornate chandeliers, plush carpets and a sweeping open staircase.

Dylans – Dylans of Conwy, is a family friendly restaurant, just a stone’s throw away from the scenic Conwy Quay. Serving from their Michelin recommended, award winning menus which features locally sourced, seasonal produce from the seas and hills throughout the local area, much like its sister restaurant in Llandudno. Dylans offers a unique view of the historic Conwy Castle and of the 13th Century St Mary’s Church from its first floor terrace, as well as intimate drinking and dining areas available on the first and ground floor.

Entertainment

Conwy Castle – Conwy Castle stands proudly as the focal point of this historic town, built by King Edward I in the late 13th Century it was intended to dominate and intimidate, a job it still does to this day, set against Snowdonia’s rugged skyline and commanding attention. The castle harks back to the town’s medieval roots, with the tall towers jutting from the dark rock on which they were built. There are eight towers in all, each providing breath-taking views across the estuary of the River Conwy and down into Conwy itself, if you dare to climb up the winding steps of each turret. You can peek inside the bones of the fortress itself, and apart from the absence of roofs, the interior remains largely intact, especially the grand Hall and The King’s Apartments. Conwy Castle is up there with the some of greatest castles of medieval Europe. The town walls completely enclose the original township of narrow streets, and you can walk along the tops of the majority of this walls and view the town below. There are 21 towers and three gateways to explore around the town.

Plas Mawr- Plas Mawr is an Elizabethan town house, located within Conwy’s walls. Robert Wynn bought the house in 1576, for the fee of just £200 and set about building the mansion to its current look. Visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like in a Tudor times. With 17 rooms to explore, all decorated to their original taste, and in addition, after four years of restoration the Elizabethan Garden has also been brought back to its previous, magnificent best.

Smallest House – The Smallest House in Great Britain can be found nestled on Conwy’s quayside. This national treasure is well worth a few minutes of your time. Visitors are impressed by the very special atmosphere of the house inside and can enjoy a short history of the property. The Smallest House is just 72 inches wide by 122 inches high. It was occupied right up until May 1900, and ever since it has been visited by thousands of people from around the world. The last person to live in the house was a local fisherman called Robert Jones, who also happened to be 6 foot 3!

Conwy Culture Centre – Conwy’s Culture Centre is just outside Conwy’s medieval walls. Set in the surroundings of Bodlondeb Park, this light and airy building was completed in 2019 and houses the county’s archive, the area library, a heritage exhibition, café and community arts

hub. It’s a great starting point to learn about Conwy’s history. The exhibitions on display take visitors through five thousand years of history complete with unique objects, beautiful works of art and interactive interpretation. A library and much more besides. The landscaped areas around the centre include a peaceful sensory garden with paths and seating.

Conwy Golf Club – A unique golfing experience on a championship links course where you can admire the scenery while you play. This Golf Club promotes the enjoyment of golf at all levels, offering a friendly and welcoming environment, for golfers of all abilities, from beginners to champions. This stunning location on the North Wales coastline will provide a memorable experience for all golfers.

Get Outdoors

Bodlondeb woods – This attractive local nature reserve of mixed woodland lies between Bodlondeb Park in Conwy and the southern bank of the Conwy Estuary. It is home to a variety of mammals, birds and butterflies. The woods offer good footpath links from the town and also numerous footpaths through the woods with stunning views over the estuary and out to sea towards the Great Orme.

Conwy Morfa Beach – Conwy Morfa beach is a large sandy bay, which at low tide forms part of the sandy beaches and mussel banks of Conwy Bay. You can walk a long way around the bay when the tide is out, through sandy dunes and the windy reeds. It’s also a great place for fishing, has a beautiful marina and is right next to the golf course. The beach area is good for bird watching, building sandcastles, paddling, or just enjoying the scenery.

Sightseeing Cruise – Take a boat trip on board the Queen Victoria for a cruise along the river, to take in the views up the Conwy River towards the Conwy Valley, then enjoy the spectacular views of Anglesey, Puffin Island, the north coast and the Irish Sea as you venture out into the estuary. Wildlife cruises are also available at certain times to learn about the mammals, birds and fish that call Conwy home.

Travel

As with most Towns in Conwy County, Conwy benefits from excellent travel links. The Town’s railway station offers quick and accessible travel to most of the region and further afield should you so wish. There’s plenty of bus stops dotted around the town to allow easy public transport to all neighbouring towns. And if you prefer your own car, then there is ample parking available around the town, both free and paid.