Exploring Conwy Castle in North Wales - A Medieval Experience

Published on 2 June 2023 at 19:19

If you are looking for a fun and educational day out in North Wales, look no further than Conway Castle.  This magnificent medieval fortress is one of the best-preserved castles in Britain and a World Heritage Site.  Here are some reasons why you should visit Conway Castle and what you can expect to see and do there.

History and Architecture

Conway Castle was built by King Edward I of England between 1283 and 1287 as part of his campaign to conquer Wales.  He hired Master James of St George, a famous architect and engineer, to design and supervise the construction of the castle and the surrounding town walls.  The result was a masterpiece of military architecture that still impresses today.

The castle has eight massive towers that rise from a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Conwy and the town.  The towers are connected by a high curtain wall that forms an inner and outer ward.  The inner ward contains the royal apartments, the great hall, the chapel and the kitchen.  The outer ward has several smaller buildings and a postern gate that leads to the river.

The castle was designed to be both strong and comfortable. It had thick walls, arrow slits and drawbridges to defend against attacks.  It also had fireplaces, windows and wall paintings to provide comfort and luxury for the king and his guests. 

Attractions and Activities

Conway Castle is open to visitors all year round, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. You can buy your tickets on arrival or book online in advance. The admission fee includes access to all areas of the castle, except for some restricted parts for safety reasons. You can also buy a guidebook or download an audio guide to learn more about the history and features of the castle.

One of the highlights of visiting Conway Castle is walking around the battlements.  You can climb up the spiral staircases in the towers and enjoy stunning views of the town, the river, the mountains and the sea.  You can also see some of the original features of the castle, such as corbels, gargoyles, carvings and graffiti.

Another attraction is the exhibition in the visitor centre.  You can see models, maps, photos and videos that explain how the castle was built and how it changed over time.  You can also see some artefacts that were found in the castle, such as coins, pottery, weapons and armour.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try some activities in and around the castle.  You can join a guided tour or a themed event that will bring the castle to life with stories and characters.  You can also explore the town walls that surround Conway and visit some other attractions nearby, such as Plas Mawr (a Tudor house), Aberconwy House (a medieval merchant’s house) or Conwy Suspension Bridge (a 19th-century engineering marvel).

Facilities and Services

Conway Castle has several facilities and services to make your visit more enjoyable and convenient.  There are toilets, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, in the visitor centre and near the entrance gate.  There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, books, toys and local products.

There is no cafe or restaurant in the castle, but you can bring your own food and drink and have a picnic in the outer ward or on the grassy area outside the castle.  There are also plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Conway town where you can find something to suit your taste and budget.

There is no parking in the castle grounds, but there are several car parks nearby where you can park your car for a fee.  There is also a bus stop near the entrance gate where you can catch a bus to Llandudno Junction or Bangor/Caernarfon.  If you are travelling by train, you can get off at Conway Station or Llandudno Junction Station and walk to the castle.

Conclusion

Conway Castle is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history, architecture or nature.  It is a place where you can travel back in time and imagine how life was like in medieval times.  It is also a place where you can have fun and learn something new with your family or friends.

So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and plan your visit to Conway Castle.


Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.