Medieval Conwy Castle and Conwy Attractions

Conwy is one of the finest examples of a medieval walled town in Europe and Conwy castle is exceptionally well preserved. Some facts on Conwy Castle are that is was Built by Edward i in the 13th century to contain the Welsh, the Castle stands high above an estuary and is a testament to the skill of the stonemasons who constructed this magnificent structure. With the combination of the castle and garrison town walls it is easy to see the fortifications that would have been in place over 700 years ago and the whole town offers a very complete atmosphere. The walls themselves are nearly 30 feet high and three quarters of a mile long with 21 towers up to 45 feet high. The castle itself has eight huge towers and high curtain walls.

Medieval Conwy Castle with eight huge towers and garrison town walls offers a magnificent view of the estuary

The castle was built between 1283 and 1287 and work stopped during the harsh winter months. Conwy town is still housed within the original walls which gives it a very real and unique feeling that transports any visitor back in time. Although the interior of the castle has been victim to the elements, it is accessible and a climb up to one of the towering turrets rewards you with a magnificent view of the estuary, town and surrounding country side. In 1826, the Thomas Telford Suspension Bridge opened. This leads to Conwy across the estuary where you are greeted with the intimidating Conwy Castle. It is designed to blend in with the castle turrets and it looks every bit the part when passed on the main road into the town.

1826 Thomas Telford Suspension Bridge

In the town itself, is Britain's finest example of a 16th century Elizabethan mansion house known as Plas Mawr. This is easily missed on the High Street but should not be overlooked. Now looked after by CADW, this house is the best example of an Elizabethan mansion in Britain and is allegedly haunted by a different ghost every day of the week. Its 365 windows and 52 doors add some mystery to the story! It has recently been renovated to the cost of £2.5 million and it now captures the authentic period with all the workings and decoration of 1665. There is a guided audio tour available by the use of radio headphones which offer many different languages. The tour explains the restoration of most rooms of the house along with the descriptive lifestyle led by Robert Wynn and his servants.

A walk to the Conwy quayside will reveal the smallest house in Britain (72 inches wide and 122 inches tall) which was once inhabited by a six foot fisherman and has one room upstairs and one room downstairs. The smallest house in Britain looks out over Conwy's harbour and although it's not the most time consuming tourist attraction, the price (50p) matches the size so it is worth a look at least. You will notice the house because of the lady in traditional Welsh dress who will meet you outside.