Conwy Castle stands above the River Conwy estuary in the walled town of Conwy, North Wales. King Edward I began it in 1283 during his conquest of Wales, and it holds the best-preserved royal apartments in the country. Eight towers, restored spiral staircases and a full circuit of battlements let you walk much of the fortress, with views over the harbour, the town and the mountains of Snowdonia. Save time for the King's Great Chamber, the chapel and the model of the area's past, then continue along the town walls.
Built for Edward I, from 1283
Conwy Castle was begun in 1283 for King Edward I during his conquest of Wales. The architect was Master James of St George, who designed the castle and the town walls as a single project. It replaced Deganwy Castle, which stands across the estuary.
The site was chosen on purpose. It already held meaning for the Welsh, and Edward liked the idea of a castle dominating it. The location also suited the English, who could arrive by sea, while the walls held off attack by land. Craftsmen came from all over England to speed the work, and one source puts their number at up to 1,500. The cost, around £15,000, was a very large sum for the period.
The original castle was white. If you look closely at the walls, small remains of the old render can still be seen.
From the Civil War to World Heritage status
Edward used Conwy in 1294, when he moved to put down an uprising led by Madog ap Llywelyn. During the English Civil War the castle was first held for the king, then fell to Parliament in 1646. Afterwards it was slighted, meaning it was deliberately damaged so that it could no longer be used militarily. It fell into ruin by the late 17th century.
In 1986 UNESCO inscribed Conwy together with the castles at Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris as the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. UNESCO describes Conwy as one of the finest examples of late 13th and early 14th century military architecture in Europe. It is also twinned with Himeji Castle in Japan, the only pair of World Heritage Sites linked in this way.
Inside the castle
The royal apartments are the best-preserved in Wales and have changed little since they were built. Inside you can find the King's Great Chamber and the chapel, and follow the passages once used by servants. Parts of the great hall have lost their roof, but there is still plenty to explore.
A model shows how the castle and its surroundings looked in the past. It is worth a few minutes before you head up the towers, because it makes the layout much easier to read.
Each tower has a spiral staircase, restored in recent decades, and the tops are open to visit. The restoration is what makes the full circuit of the battlements possible.
Battlements, walls and the view
From the battlements you look across the harbour, the town and the estuary, with the Snowdonia range behind. The Conwy Suspension Bridge and the tubular railway bridge are both in view, and the railway line runs close beside the castle.
The castle belongs to a larger defensive system. The town walls run for 1.3 km and include 21 towers and three gatehouses. Walking them gives a different angle on the castle and the estuary. Dogs are not allowed inside the castle, but they can join you on the town walls.
A fee covers the castle interior and the towers. The exterior of the castle can be walked around without paying.
Around the castle
Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan town house with restored interiors, is a short walk away and is closed from November to the end of March. The quayside has the smallest house in Britain. The harbour area and the independent shops in the town suit a slow stroll after the castle.
If you want to avoid the narrow town roads in summer, the train is an option. Conwy is reachable by rail from Liverpool, and one visitor found the journey quick and scenic.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Conwy Castle?
Yes, there is a fee to enter the castle interior and climb the towers. The exterior can be walked around without paying. Check the Cadw website for current prices.
Should I book Conwy Castle tickets in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, and tickets can be bought online. Cadw runs the site, and its website carries updates on tours and restoration work.
Can I take my dog to Conwy Castle?
Dogs are not allowed inside the castle. They are welcome on the walk along the town walls.
Is Conwy Castle wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the car park have wheelchair access. The towers involve spiral stairs, steps and tight passages, so some areas are hard to reach.
Where can I park near Conwy Castle?
There are free and paid car parks and street parking in the area. Buy enough time to cover your whole visit, as the car park is strictly enforced.
