A world-class medieval fortress in a stunning position — towers, walls and views that instantly justify the short hop from Llandudno. A classic North Wales must, done at your own pace.
Conwy Castle is one of the great medieval fortresses of Europe -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most visited attraction in Wales, and an utterly commanding presence on the Conwy Estuary. From Llandudno it is a twenty-minute drive along the A55, and it is the kind of place that justifies rearranging a day around it.
The castle was built between 1283 and 1287 on the orders of King Edward I, as part of his campaign to establish English dominance over Wales following the death of the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1282. It was designed by James of St George, a Savoyard master builder who was responsible for several of Edward iron ring of Welsh castles, and completed at extraordinary speed -- the main structure built in just four years by a workforce of over 1,500 men. It was constructed simultaneously with the walled town around it, designed as a single fortified entity from the outset.
The castle has eight massive towers, two barbicans, a postern gate leading down to the river, and the most complete surviving set of royal apartments in any medieval castle in Wales. Its walls still stand to their full height in most places. Walking the full circuit of the battlements gives views over the estuary, the town, the three bridges crossing the Conwy, and the mountains of Eryri behind -- one of the finest panoramas in North Wales.
In its history the castle was besieged by Edward himself during a Welsh rebellion in 1295, sheltered Richard II as he fled the forces of Henry Bolingbroke in the 14th century, and was captured by Owain Glyndwr in 1403. It is managed today by Cadw, the Welsh Government historic environment service. Allow at least two hours for the castle alone; if you plan to walk the town walls as well, allow three.
- ✦ Highly rated by our guests
- ✦ Easy to reach from The Rosedene
- ✦ Suitable for all guests
