"An English Castle in Wales" Conwy by antistar

Conwy Travel Guide: 153 reviews and 590 photos

Conwy, North Wales - Conwy
Conwy, North Wales

Conwy is colonialism. It was an English settlement planted deep in North Wales. The English built thick, high walls to keep out the marauding Welsh. But just as much as it was built for protection, it was built for intimidation. The Welsh had no siege engines capable of bringing down the walls: they were built to show the Welsh that they had no hope of ever winning against the English, to show them that they should give up their struggle.

Today the Welsh are free to walk the streets, and in fact you'll hear more Welsh words spoken here than in nearby Llandudno. But the historical divide lingers on: the coastal towns are filled with English, and the valleys are filled with Welsh. Only as you get close to the last bastion of Welsh speakers, the druidic isle of Anglesea, do the Welsh speakers dominate outside of the hills.

The Valleys of Conwy, North Wales - Conwy

The Valleys of Conwy, North Wales

Conwy is a stunningly preserved castle, mostly because it didn't see any action - it wasn't a castle built for war. But it's not just the stern beauty of the castle that makes Conwy special: it's the location. Built upon the briney waters of the Conwy estuary, and backed by the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia, the castle and its harbor provide a mythical spectacle for all who approach it.

An easy visit from nearby Llandudno, and only a few hours from cities like Birmingham and London, it's one of the best castles in Europe and shouldn't be overlooked.

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Reviews (7)

Britain's Smallest House - Conwy Britain's Smallest House Things to Do (6)

It's a bit of a tourist trap, but it does genuinely hold the Guinness Record for being the smallest house in Britain.... more travel advice

City Walls, Conwy - Conwy City Walls Things to Do (6)

A great way to get a view of the castle, and the town itself, is to walk the city walls. It gives great views of the... more travel advice

Conwy, Wales - Conwy Conwy Town Things to Do (6)

The castle protected the small market town of Conwy, and the town obviously has a history as long as the castle itself.... more travel advice

The Bridges of Conwy - Conwy Conwy Bridges Things to Do (6)

Conway might be a very small town, but it has not one, not two but three bridges linking it with Llandudno. Two of them... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Reply
    balhannah's Profile Photo
    Jan 31, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Nice page! Love the photo's you have taken from the Castle walls, the views are fantastic!

  • Reply
    Durfun's Profile Photo
    Aug 4, 2010 at 3:01 PM

    Has whetted my appetite for a visit. Last time I was in Wales I was 3 years old!!!

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