Reviewer visits popular North Wales town and describes it as 'ridiculous'

North Wales Live

6 days ago

Conwy, with its majestic medieval fortifications, venerable castle, and bustling harbour, stands as one of the most ridiculously picturesque towns in Wales. Not only is it a favourite among tourists, but it has also earned a spot on the Sunday Times list of the top 72 places to live in the UK, a testament to its irresistible charm.
"Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot," they penned about Conwy.
"Those lucky enough to live in the town can pick up groceries and grab a coffee in impeccably historic surroundings, while enjoying the reassurance of regular trains and a fast road."
The quayside in Conwy is an idyllic starting point for exploration, adorned with lobster pots, knotted fishing nets, and the quintessential maritime miscellany one would expect. Adjacent to The Liverpool Arms, which is quite the spot for a sneaky pint, you'll find an information board detailing current rates for mooring in the harbour, should you be inclined to dock your boat there.
For those whose seafaring dreams are as fictional as my own yacht supposedly anchored in Monaco, the family-operated Queen Victoria cruise boat offers a delightful alternative. It promises scenic voyages up the Conwy Valley or out towards the estuary, granting passengers panoramic views of Anglesey, Puffin Island, and the Irish Sea, all without the need for a captain's license, reports Wales Online.
Buy a beverage on board and look for Herons, Oystercatchers, Curlews, Cormorants, Eagrets, and Swans as you cruise past the medieval town.
Along the harbour, you'll also find one of Conway's most endearing quirks: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the tiny red-fronted abode measures just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was occupied until May 1900.
It's been passed down through the same family for more than 130 years. Its last known occupant was, rather improbably, a 6ft 3in fisherman called Robert Jones. Today, it serves as a curious attraction and twee backdrop for many Conwy snaps.
If you're after a pint with a view, duck into The Liverpool Arms, the oldest traditional pub in Conwy town.
It's perched right on the waterfront, just across the road from the quay and beaches and is super popular on a balmy day with patrons spilling out into the streets. History, harbour views and a proper decent pint, what more could you possibly want?
Along with the harbour, Conwy's biggest draw is the Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and its Walls. Part of one of Wales' UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) features a concentric design with eight towers. It forms part of King Edward I's "Iron Ring", a series of imposing fortresses built in Wales during the late 13th century to solidify English control after the conquest of Wales.
Here, you can investigate the inner and outer wards, which have many rooms, and explore the castle walls, which have 21 towers and completely enclose Conwy town.
This famous fortress is exceptionally well preserved and contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. The high curtain wall and eight lofty towers rise almost as impressively as when they were built more than 700 years ago.
Known for its beauty and historical significance, the castle was named one of the 'most beautiful' in Europe by the influential magazine Condé Nast Traveller.
Condé Nast Traveller writes: "Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world's best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. There's perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can't visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling."
They go on to describe Conwy as 'gorgeous' and its preserved state as 'impressive.' Well, it was built a little over 700 years ago. Equally astonishing is the fact that it took King Ed and his architect, Master James of St George, just four years, between 1283 and 1287, to build the castle and walls, for a cost of £15,000 in that time, which equals around £12m today.
Like many ancient buildings in Wales, Conwy Castle is reputedly haunted, delighting ghost chasers and paranormal lovers.
Creepy sightings have included various silhouettes and dark figures watching the town below from the battlements and windows. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII used the castle as a prison, so many of the sightings are believed to be past inmates.
In 2016, a team of paranormal investigators claimed they recorded the voice of a little girl spirit saying 'don't tell them'. Which is exactly what you don't want to hear in a dark, echoey fortress. Shudder.
In 2020, a man took a picture outside Conwy Castle, which he believes shows a line of phantoms led by a male ghost holding a sword, as reported by North Wales Live.
After you've had your fill of castles and ghosts, it's time to treat yourself, and Dylan's Restaurant is just the ticket. Founded in 2012, Dylan's set out to celebrate the produce, character, and natural beauty of North Wales, and honestly, they've nailed it at this latest venture.
The menu is a love letter to local ingredients, sourced from all over the region, and served up in a building that's as gorgeous as the food. From the upper floors, you get sweeping views of the 13th-century St Mary's Church and Conwy Castle. One end of the room features a slick little bar, serving local pours like Gwinllan Conwy wines and Wild Horse Brewery beers.
The standout here, though, is the seafood. Dylan's is especially famous for its Moules Marinière, made with Menai Strait mussels that are so fresh that they occasionally arrive with a pearl (probably). Steamed in white wine, shallots, garlic, and cream, they are a knockout dish.
Accommodation-wise, opt for a swish stay at the Quay Hotel and Spa.
This destination spa hotel has striking views of the majestic Conwy Castle and estuary and is conveniently located near the Welsh towns of Conwy and Llandudno.
Over £1 million has been invested in revamping and updating the Quay Hotel and Spa, which focuses on guest experience and well-being. Nearby in Deganwy, you'll find bracing coastal walks, tea shops, a shingle and sand beach and the ruins of a stone-built fortress.
The hotel's 77 bedrooms, from classic rooms to suites, feature coastal colours and hints of maritime design. Several rooms offer balconies and private outdoor space for additional luxury and space.
Extensive leisure facilities are available for guests, and the on-site Marina Spa offers luxurious pampering.
Their ambient relaxation rooms overlook the pretty Deganwy Marina, and ESPA products are used in various treatments and seasonal packages. Indulge in a full-body salt and oil scrub, personalised facial, or revitalising back, neck, and shoulder massage.The medieval town by the sea with an epic castle and pubs right on the water.