The call for the most beautiful castle in Wales is one that can surely spark passionate debate, as there is certainly more than one contender for the title. Personally, the choice is easy: Conwy Castle, with its rugged stone walls set against the backdrop of the Eryri mountains and sweeping views over the Conwy estuary, never fails to impress me—whether I visit or simply drive past (the sight of the castle revealing itself when crossing the Conwy Road bridge is particularly striking).
What makes Conwy Castle so appealing is not just that it is one of the most iconic landmarks in North Wales, but also its sheer scale and remarkable state of preservation. This late 13th-century castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the whole of the United Kingdom. The town itself also offers much worth exploring, so if you are visiting North Wales, this is certainly a destination to mark on your map.
Things to See and Do in Conwy
The castle’s defensive walls and eight massive towers remain remarkably intact, allowing you to wander through a genuine medieval stronghold. You’ll find the remains of the Great Hall, chambers, and kitchens, with information boards offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life during the medieval period. The highlight for me is walking around its battlements, where you can enjoy spectacular 360˚ views of the town, the river, the mountains, and the surrounding countryside. You won’t be able to stop taking photos and videos—I can promise you that.
Another must-do in Conwy is to walk along the ring of walls, which stretch for three-quarters of a mile and are among the most complete in Europe. Access is free, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for your phone or camera again as you come across unique views of the castle and the town. The walls link directly to the castle itself, making it easy to combine the two.
Conwy is also a charming town in its own right. Wander down to the harbour to see the Smallest House in Great Britain, with its unmistakeable red frontage. Stroll along the High Street to browse local shops and cafés, or treat yourself to an ice cream. One of the best fish and chips I’ve had was from the Fisherman’s Chip Shop on Castle Street. Other attractions well worth considering include Plas Mawr, the finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse anywhere in the country.
And don’t forget that Conwy lies just a short distance from Llandudno, another must-see destination in North Wales. If you’d like to find out more, be sure to read our in-depth guide to Llandudno.
quick history about conwy castle
- Conwy Castle was built between 1283 and 1287 during Edward I’s conquest of Wales. Completing such a vast project in just four years was a remarkable achievement for the time, especially as the works also included the town walls.
- The castle was designed by the master military architect James of St George and formed part of the “iron ring” of fortresses built to secure English rule. Its strategic position on the estuary allowed control over both land and sea routes, making it a vital stronghold.
- Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed turbulent events, including its seizure during Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh rebellion in the early 15th century and its involvement in the English Civil War. Despite centuries of conflict, much of its structure survives, which is why it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with other North Wales castles such as Caernarfon, Harlech, and Beaumaris.
Best Time to Visit Conwy
Conwy Castle is open all year round, except from 24 to 26 December and on 1 January. Opening times vary with the seasons, so it’s best to check the Cadw website for the latest information.
Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit, as you’re likely to encounter fewer crowds. Summer is busier, but you’ll also find more family-friendly events, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring.
Don’t overlook winter, either: a cold but sunny day brings beautiful light, and the views are every bit as impressive as at any other time of year (albeit rather more chilly!).
Useful Information When Visiting Conwy
Public Transport: There are direct trains to Llandudno Junction on mainline services from Manchester, Chester, Bangor, and Holyhead. From there, you can connect to Conwy. Alternatively, there is a direct service from Llandudno on the Conwy Valley Line, which also continues to Betws-y-Coed. Conwy station is only a short walk from the castle. The town is also served by bus number 5, which runs on the Llandudno–Conwy–Bangor/Caernarfon route. Read more about Public Transport in Wales.
Parking: Several pay-and-display car parks are available in the town, all within a few minutes’ walk of the castle. I recommend the one at the south-west end of town, Morfa Bach. A tunnel and short path from there will take you directly into the centre and to the castle.
EV Charging Stations: The nearest charging points are located in Llandudno Junction, in retail car parks such as Lidl and Tesco, just across the bridge from Conwy.
Public Toilets: Facilities are available by the shop inside the castle, as well as at the harbour and the information centre in the town.
Tickets: Entry to the castle costs £13.10 for adults and £9.10 for children. Family tickets and other concessions are also available. Admission is free for Cadw members.
Accessibility: Be aware that there are steep paths and steps in various parts of the castle, which may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
