Conwy Castle

This gritty dark-stoned fortress has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell. Conwy, constructed by the English Monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1287 as one of they key fortresses in his "iron ring" of castles to contain the Welsh, was built to prompt such a humbling reaction.

Conceived and created in just four years, Conwy Castle remains one of the outstanding achievements of medieval military architecture. There are no concentric "walls within walls" here, because they were not needed. Conwy's massive military strength springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle (a World Heritage Inscribed site) an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time.

The views from the battlements are breathtaking, looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castle's great hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls. Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over one and a quarter kilometres long and guarded by 21 towers and three double gateways, is one of the finest in the world.

General Information:
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Shop
  • Tourist Information Centre
  • Guided tours available - please book in advance
  • Guide dogs only allowed



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 31st October:
    Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm.

    1st November to 31st March:
    Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.

    Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan.

    Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £4.60; Concession £4.10.
    Family ticket (2 + all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £13.30.

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5yrs Free.

    Joint ticket with Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House available.

    Directions
    Conwy via A55 or B5106.
    Show map of Conwy Castle...

    Conwy Castle Postcode for SatNav: LL32 8AY

    Nearby Attractions
    Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House (< 1 Mile)*
    Plas Mawr is possibly the best preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Great Britain. It was built by Robert Wynn between 1576 and 1585.
    Aberconwy House (< 1 Mile)*
    Aberconwy House is a 14th-century merchant's house, it is the only medieval merchant's house in Conwy to have survived the turbulent history of this walled town over nearly six centuries.
    Bodnant Garden (3 Miles)*
    The garden at Bodnant is one of the finest in the world. It is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping to the south-west and looks across the valley towards the Snowdonia range.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    The Quay Hotel (1 Mile)*
    This contemporary hotel and day spa complex offers real luxury on the breathtaking Deganwy Marina, with views over the Conwy Estuary.
    Deganwy Castle Hotel (1 Mile)*
    This listed building, originally a farmhouse dating from the 17th century, is now a hotel offering modern amenities whilst keeping its old world charm. Period features include oak beams and roaring log fires.
    Bodysgallen Hall and Spa (2 Miles)*
    more nearby hotels...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Tardys (1 Mile)*
    Tardys, with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, is located in a quiet cul de sac on the wonderful Conwy Marina in North Wales. Walking distance of Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club (voted Welsh Club 2007), sandy beaches and the Marina Restaurant
    Pendragon (1 Mile)*
    Pendragon is located on the wonderful Conwy Marina in North Wales and is within walking distance of Conwy Golf Club (voted Welsh Club 2007), sandy beaches and the Marina Restaurant.
    Golf Cottage (1 Mile)*
    Golf Cottage is on Conwy Marina in North Wales, a short walk to Conwy Golf Club (Welsh Club 2007), sandy beaches and the marina pub/restaurant, The Mulberry.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more nearby self catering...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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