Conwy

(see also: Penmaenmawr | Deganwy)

Conwy Castle from Deganwy

Dominated by its castle built by Edward I, the walled town of Conwy overlooks the estuary of the River Conwy over towards Deganwy. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular view of both the estuary and the mountains. Visitors can also walk along part of the town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street.

Alongside the castle are three bridges crossing the estuary - the Conwy Tubular Bridge built by Robert Stephenson to carry the railway, a modern bridge carrying the road, and the old road bridge and toll house built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, and now owned by the National Trust.

On Conwy Quay is the smallest house in Britain - only six feet wide and eight feet high. Aberconwy House is the sole survivor of the mediaeval merchants' houses of Conwy. Now owned by the National Trust, it features an exhibition of life in Conwy from Roman times to the present day.

Another house to visit in Conwy is Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan town house owned by CADW. The Royal Cambrian Academy has a superb art gallery in the town - in Crown Lane, just behind Plas Mawr. Conwy Butterfly Jungle provides an interesting way of seeing free-flying tropical butterflies, and there is also a Teapot museum in the town. Just outside Conwy in the Sychnant Pass is Pinewood Riding Stables where you can go horse riding. For those who prefer messing about in boats, one of the newest yacht marinas may be found at Conwy Morfa.