Holiday Cottages in - Conwy - Wales

Conwy is located at the mouth of the River Conwy in North Wales. It is a small county positioned next to the Irish Sea. This picturesque historic town has a wealth of history that is evident as you walk around, from its high wall that can be dated back to the 13th century, which encompasses the old town, a church and a castle that can be dated to the same time and still stand today. In fact a large and gorgeous pearl discovered in a Conwy mussel during the 17th century is part of the Crown Jewels.

The scenery is stunning and the landscape is varied, ranging from a coastline that extends right throughout to the rural centre of Snowdonia. There are fascinating mountain ranges, woodlands, serene lakes and natural moor lands. Together they provide a picture perfect setting for all to savour. The delightful scenery together with the intriguing history of the region ensure a unique holiday destination. Although small in size making it easy to get around there are no shortage of things on offer.

Conwy is easy to get with a great road and rail network. After leaving the motorway, the M56 if travelling from the north west, M6, M5 and M1 if travelling from the midlands and the south of England, the town can be accessed by the A55 and B5106 roads. The train service is fast and frequent with Virgin trains operating a direct London Euston to Llandudno service. Scattered down the coast are other stations that can be easily reached with connecting services. The National Express coach network operates a service to Llandudno and also to some other coastal towns nearby. From Ireland both Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate a sailing to Holyhead from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire. If coming by air Conwy is easily reached from Manchester and Liverpool airports with direct transfers by road, coach and train. Once in the region it offers easy accessibility to other towns close by such as Llandudno 5 miles, Betws-y-Coed 17 miles, and Caernarfon 25 miles away.

The region is particularly attractive to outdoor enthusiasts with a wealth of activities on offer, from mountain trails, walking and cycling trails, outdoor kart circuits, golf, rock climbing, horse riding, watersports, fishing, ski and snowboard centre, bowling clubs and much more. Regardless of the activity you are looking for you will be bound to find it here.

The beaches in the area are stunning and many are award winning making an ideal day out for families. The beaches have fantastic facilities with lots of parking. You can choose from a host of beaches along the 20 plus miles of coastline, for a journey back in time you could take a trip to Llandudno's North Shore which, is home to a Victorian pier and a long promenade it is one of the foremost popular beaches in the region. Whether you simply want to swim, surf, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy the fresh air with strolls along the sandy beaches it is all available here for your enjoyment.

The predominant attraction in the town is Conwy Castle an unsurpassable example of an astounding Edwardian Castle and town walls, it is in fact a World Heritage Site. Built between 1283-1287 for King Edward I, the castle alone is one of the foremost examples of medieval military architecture, standing on a rocky outcrop it provides superb views of both the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia. From the battlements you can also get a view down into the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. Conwy Castle was a predominant fortress in Edwards “iron ring” of castles with the purpose of containing the Welsh. When visiting you also walk along the town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street, the circumference of the walls stretch to in excess of three quarters of a mile long with 22 guard towers, it is stunning and one of the best castles in the world.

In stark contrast Conwy is home to the smallest house in Britain, located at the quayside in Conwy. The house measures 6ft wide by 8ft deep by 10ft high (1.80 metres wide by 3.05 metres high). It was formerly owned by 6ft fisherman, Robert Jones needless to say the rooms were too small for him to stand up. This “one up – one down” house has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records and is a very popular attraction in this walled town. You are greeted by a lady in traditional Welsh costume who collects a nominal fee before you can enter the property for the grand tower, do be prepared to watch your head.

A great engineering feat is the ingenious Conwy Suspension Bridge that was designed and constructed by Thomas Telford finally finished in 1826. The purpose of the bridge was to replace the ferry that prior to the bridge was the only way of getting across the river. The minuscule toll keepers house has recently underwent a renovation and refurbishment to reflect what it would have been like a century ago. During your visit you will get an insight into how this bridge helped to increase trade and travel to the area, find out how a husband and wife kept the bridge open every day of the year regardless of the weather, and enjoy the fantastic views over the Conwy estuary.

Great Orme Mines are the oldest metal mines that are open to the public in the world. Before entering the caves you get to watch an introductory film giving you an insight into the history of the mine and working conditions. Then you get to walk through these 3,500 year old tunnels that lead to an astounding prehistoric cavern. Throughout your trip there are excavation team members available to answer any questions you might have.

Get a sense of the history of the area when you visit Aberconwy House, this is the only remaining example of a medieval merchant's house in Conwy. This house has managed to survive almost six centuries of tumultuous history within this walled town. As you wander through the furnished rooms, an audio-visual presentation will demonstrate what life was like throughout the ages from past to present. You will get an opportunity to discover how people lived from Tudor to Victorian times, hear stories and find out what the walls are made of. Also taking place in the house is live music, ghost stories, a children's trail and lace demonstrations.

Plas Mawr is the finest example of Elizabethan architecture in Britain, owned by Robert Wynn a powerful merchant of upstanding virtue who liked grandeur and colour. He was also fond of entertaining and needed a home to demonstrate his style whilst meeting his needs. The result was a house of lavish proportions, constructed between 1576 and 1585 in the centre of medieval Conwy's narrow cobbled streets. Wherever you look you will be impressed by the fine workmanship and intricate detail from the ornate plasterwork in the hall now repainted with the original bright colours, plasterwork ceiling and friezes and masterful carpentry. Throughout the house the initials “RW” are engraved in crests and coats of arms so you don't forget the proud owner of this house. If this house was a reflection of his wealth then he was an extremely wealthy Welsh gentleman. A modern touch to the property is the multi sensory displays that dig deep into the history of Plas Mawr.a

For some culture head to the Royal Cambrian Academy, the Gallery is positioned in the heart of Conwy behind Plas Mawr. This independent institution is run by prominent artists who wish to improve visual art through exhibitions and education. This energetic gallery holds nine temporary exhibitions during the year and a busy education programme. The exhibitions consist of a mixture of the foremost contemporary Fine Art in wales, historical shows and open exhibitions.

Meanwhile at the Potters Gallery, you can see a collection of ceramic work by twenty regional makers. The shop is operated by members of the “North Wales Potters” and hosts a wide choice of pottery for sale ranging, from domestic ware to unique collectors items and one off to limited production pieces. The Gallery also acts as an information centre with the aim of encouraging knowledge and an understanding of studio ceramics.

Another way to see the area but from a different angle is by taking a cruise along the Conwy River on the Queen Victoria. This is an all weather riverbus providing an informative commentary that highlights points of interest and historical facts, with refreshments and lasting 30 minutes.

Conwy is also home to some delightful gardens and natural habitats. Bodnant Garden has in excess of 80 acres and is one of the foremost gardens in Britain with stunning displays of vibrant colours in the spring and summer whilst, the autumn brings stunning autumnal colours, from the huge range of flowers from all over the world. The gardens consist of terraced, walled gardens and pristine lawns, it is a delightful way to spend a few hours.

From Conwy you can take hour long wildlife cruises on board the Princess Christine. The estuary is home to a collection of wildlife, bird and marine life, it is because of this wealth of life that the estuary has been delegated a site of European importance.

At the edge of the Snowdonia National Park is Conwy Water Gardens, the site consists of an aquatic centre, a coarse fishery with 3 well-stocked lakes, a reptile department and a Dutch pancake house. During the visit you can feed the ducks and fish, chill out in the delightful grounds that enclose the lakes where you can see the otters. There is a play area for children so it is a great day out for all ages.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is also great for young and old alike, the zoo is located high above Colwyn Bay. Here you will be memorised by the far reaching views and amazing scenery. Within the grounds are lovely gardens that are home to this conservation zoo with a collection of animals, a sea lion encounter and parrots aviary.

When it comes to dining out there is a fantastic selection of restaurants, brasseries and gastro pubs offering a wide choice of menus utilising local ingredients where possible. Regardless of where you choose to eat you are ensured a warm Welsh welcome and delicious food whether, it is traditional fayre or international dishes it is all available here.

With the wealth of things to see and do in Conwy there is something to appeal to all ages and tastes making it a perfect holiday destination. If you are just looking to get away from it all and relax in peaceful surroundings or for an adventure break you will get this in Conwy and much more. A visit to Conwy will allow you to see its charm and appeal that attracts visitors time and time again.