Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands proudly on the North Wales coast. Built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, its imposing structure and rich history attract visitors worldwide.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Castle Walls
Why it’s a must: The massive defensive walls surrounding Conwy Castle extend for nearly 1.3 kilometers and are punctuated by 22 towers. Walking along the walls offers spectacular views over the castle, the town of Conwy, and the River Conwy.
Tip: Start your walk at Upper Gate and take in the panoramic views of the estuary and Snowdonia in the background. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as some sections of the wall can be steep.
2. Climb the Castle Towers
Why it’s a must: Conwy Castle’s eight massive towers are a defining feature of its architecture. Climbing to the top of these towers rewards you with breathtaking views of the town, river, and surrounding countryside.
Tip: The best views are from King’s Tower and Chamberlain Tower. Don’t forget your camera—these are the perfect spots for panoramic shots of Conwy Harbour and Snowdonia National Park.
3. Visit the Great Hall
Why it’s a must: The Great Hall was once the heart of the castle’s social life, where feasts and important meetings were held. Though now roofless, you can still imagine the grandeur of this space, with its expansive layout and soaring walls.
Tip: Take a moment to admire the fireplaces and window arches, which give a sense of the hall’s original size and splendor.
4. Walk Along the River Conwy
Why it’s a must: The River Conwy flows alongside the castle, offering stunning views of the fortress reflected in the water. Walking along the riverbank provides a different perspective of the castle’s imposing structure.
Tip: After exploring the castle, take a leisurely stroll along the quayside, which is lined with fishing boats and local cafés. You can also spot Conwy Suspension Bridge nearby, a historic feat of engineering designed by Thomas Telford.
5. Learn About the Castle’s History at the Exhibition
Why it’s a must: Inside the castle, you’ll find informative panels and exhibits that detail the history of Conwy Castle, its role in Edward I’s conquest of Wales, and its importance during the English Civil War.
Tip: Don’t miss the 3D model of the castle, which shows how it would have looked in its heyday. This is a great stop for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the castle’s strategic importance and architectural innovations.
6. Discover the Medieval Town of Conwy
Why it’s a must: The town of Conwy, enclosed by the castle’s walls, feels like stepping back in time. Its narrow streets are filled with medieval buildings, charming shops, and historic pubs.
Highlights: Visit Plas Mawr, one of the best-preserved Elizabethan townhouses in Britain, and Aberconwy House, a 14th-century merchant’s house.
Tip: Don’t forget to visit the Smallest House in Britain, which is located on the quayside. This tiny home is just 1.8 meters wide and was once lived in by a 6-foot-3-inch fisherman!
7. Marvel at the Castle’s Architecture
Why it’s a must: Conwy Castle is renowned for its military architecture, designed by master architect James of St. George. Its curtain walls, barbicans, and twin-towered gatehouses were built to withstand sieges and attacks, making it a masterpiece of medieval military design.
Tip: Take a guided tour or use an audio guide to learn about the castle’s architectural features, such as the drawbridge, arrow slits, and portcullis.
8. Attend a Historical Reenactment or Event
Why it’s a must: Conwy Castle often hosts medieval reenactments, historical events, and seasonal festivals that bring the castle’s history to life. From archery demonstrations to medieval banquets, these events allow visitors to experience what life was like in the castle during the Middle Ages.
Tip: Check the castle’s event calendar before your visit to see if there’s a reenactment or family-friendly event happening during your trip.
9. Explore the Castle Dungeons
Why it’s a must: Hidden beneath the castle are its dungeons, where prisoners were once held. These dark, eerie spaces offer a glimpse into the harsher aspects of medieval life.
Tip: The dungeons can be a bit dark and claustrophobic, so they may not be suitable for very young children, but they’re a fascinating stop for those interested in medieval justice and warfare.
10. Capture the Sunset Over the Castle
Why it’s a must: Conwy Castle is particularly stunning at sunset, when the fading light casts a golden glow over its ancient walls. Watching the sunset from the quayside or the top of one of the castle’s towers is a magical experience.
Tip: For the best sunset views, head to Bodlondeb Park or the top of the castle walls—both locations offer unobstructed views of the castle with the River Conwy and Snowdonia mountains in the background.
Main Positive Reviews:
Breathtaking views from the towers!
Well-preserved castle, a fascinating glimpse into history.
Great for all ages, kids loved exploring the towers.
Beautiful location, perfect for a day trip.
Impressive architecture and a sense of grandeur.
Easy to spend several hours here exploring.
Good value for money, worth the entrance fee.
Plenty of photo opportunities, very picturesque.
Interesting historical insights and stories.
One of the best-preserved castles in Britain.
Very interesting with lots of great little shops and places to eat and boat trips available in the harbour, very reasonably priced too.
Main Negative Reviews:
Can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Steep stairs and walkways, not ideal for everyone.
Limited parking options nearby.
Some areas are not well-lit.
Not much information available inside the castle itself.
Gift shop is overpriced.
Can be windy and cold at the top.
Not enough seating areas.
Difficult to navigate with a stroller.
Lack of accessibility features for people with disabilities.
Serious lack of explanation. With no audio guide available and only a few panels scattered around the place, it's hard to really soak up the atmosphere of the place.
Someone said: Access to the towers is quite chaotic: everyone wants to go up and down at the same time through very narrow stairs, and there is no signage or staff to regulate the flow. Result: we found ourselves stuck against the wall while 20 people were at the top of the tower.
12.5 pounds at full price, considering the 2 previous negative points, we could expect better flow management, more explanations, maybe reconstructions because here, we wonder where our money goes.
Expensive entrance fee.
Overall Analysis
Cost:Average Cost: £10-15 per person (entrance fee)
Conwy Castle receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on both Google and TripAdvisor, boasting an average rating above 4.5 stars. Visitors consistently praise its stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and historical significance. Many appreciate the well-preserved structure, informative signage, and the charming town with its shops and harbor.
However, criticisms regarding crowd management within the castle, particularly on stairs and in towers, are concerning. Additionally, the lack of historical information and interpretation, especially considering the steep entrance fee, is a recurring complaint.
Is it Worth Visiting:
While Conwy Castle remains a visually stunning and historically significant attraction, the negative comments regarding crowd management and lack of interpretation raise concerns. Potential visitors should weigh these factors, especially considering the price. While visually impressive, the experience might lack depth due to limited information provided
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