Located along the Northern Coast of Wales, Conwy is a small fishing village. We love Conwy, Wales because it offers the perfect combination of Welsh charm, an adorable harbor-front, and an impressive castle. It’s a great stop on your next UK itinerary to get a taste for Wales. We especially love pairing Conwy with Liverpool, since trains are easily available from Conwy or the neighboring station of Llandudno Junction. Conwy is also easily accessible by car, and can be paired with destinations such as London, the Cotswolds, or the Lake District on a road trip itinerary.
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Where to Stay in Conwy, Wales: Castle Hotel Conwy
Located in the heart of High Street (the British equivalent of “Main Street”), Castle Hotel Conwy offers lovely four-star services and great rooms. Rooms look out towards High Street or Conwy Castle (especially on the higher floor). Plus, breakfast is available at the hotel for guests (extra charge depending on your booking package). The hotel restaurant also offers lunch and dinner.
We especially loved Castle Hotel Conwy because of its location: steps from the shops, restaurants, and the harbor-front. Conwy is a small town, so everything is walkable from this central location!
(Accessibility Note: Please be aware that the hotel does has no elevator, so rooms are only accessible by stairs.)
Where to Eat:
Because Conwy is a seaside town, seafood (and specifically fish and chips) are the most popular menu item. However, there are several great restaurants in Conwy, and we have listed our favorites below:
Castle Hotel Restaurant
Located on High Street, this restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu items mix modern British pub classics with higher end gastropub dishes. Plus, the restaurant offers seating in a pub, outdoor patio, and dining room.
We especially enjoyed the breakfast, which included a Continental Board (croissant, yogurt, and a fresh granola bar), or hot dishes such as a full Welsh Breakfast. (Note: we visited during the summer of 2021, so breakfast may change as COVID-19 requirements relax.) Dinner at the restaurant was also lovely, with an array of options that include beef pie, cooked-to-order steaks, and burgers. The Castle Hotel also offers Sunday Roast specials, for those interested in enjoying the British tradition.
Fishermans Chip Shop
Located on Castle Street, the Fishermans Chip Shop offers tasty fish and chips, which you can enjoy in the restaurant or take out from the to-go window. Our meal from the Fishermans Chip Shop was frankly the best fish and chips we had while in the UK! Plus, we ate at the harbor front, so the setting was unbeatable! We suggest taking your meal to the harbor front to sit on the steps that overlook the harbor and sailboats (although be aware of the seagulls!).
Johnny Dough’s
If you are looking for a pizza place, Johnny Dough’s is a great option! Located close to the Castle, Johnny Dough’s offers a large menu of pizza specialties. We loved that all pizzas are served as individual sizes, so everyone can have what they want!
Popty Conwy Bakery
For anyone looking to satisfy their sweet-tooth, Popty Conwy Bakery offers a huge variety of pastries and baked goods. By far the most enticing treat in the display cases are the cake slices, which range from massive iced brownies to sprinkle-covered vanilla cakes. Popty Conwy Bakery is also conveniently located across from Fishermans Chip Shop (so you can pick up dessert before heading down for your harbor front picnic).
Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour
For those who would prefer gelato to baked goods, Parisella’s Ice Cream on High Street is the place to visit! All of the ice cream is made in Conwy, Wales, and there is a huge variety of flavors to choose from.
Things to Do in Conwy, Wales
Conwy’s primary attractions center around the seaside and the castle. Plus, Conwy’s town center and the nearby Snowdonia National Park offers visitors plenty of fun activities. Here is a list of our favorite activities in the area:
Walk along the Harbor Front
Conwy’s harbor front offers visitors a scenic cobblestoned gathering place. Locals and tourists often enjoy spending time along the harbor front to eat fish and chips, play on the rocky seashore, and watch boats in the water. For a couple of Pounds, you can also visit the Smallest House in Great Britain, which is located along the waterfront. Another fun family activity would be to take a harbor cruise, which would leave from here. Our favorite memory from the harbor front was enjoying fish and chips while looking at the view.
Shopping in Town
For such a small town, Conwy offers a surprising amount of shops and stores. From boutique gift shops to souvenir and clothing stores, Conwy is a fun shopping town! High Street and Castle Street boast most of the shops, although a few shops wrap onto side streets too.
Visit Conwy Castle
Its impossible to miss the imposing Conwy Castle when you enter the town center. From nearly every part of town, at least part of the imposing stone structure can be seen. While the castle is mostly ruins at this point, exploring the castle is a very fun activity. Tickets can be bought online or in the visitor’s center (although due to COVID-19, pre-reserved ticket times may be required; check online for updates).
Wall plaques offer insights into the history and importance of different areas of the castle. Alternatively, you can use the free brochure or purchase a visitor’s book for a few Pounds for more details. Make sure to take in the views from the Castle of the harbor and the three bridges!
Walk along the City Walls
Conwy was once a fortified walled city, and today most of the city walls are still in extremely good condition. A walk on the walls would allow you to better understand Conwy’s history. Plus, it will offer fantastic views of the town, castle, and harbor.
Snowdonia National Forest
If your crew is more adventurous, consider spending some of your time in the Snowdonia National Park. This beautiful park offers plenty of hiking and walking trails, as well as other fun outdoor activities. Ask your hotel or the Conwy visitor center for detailed information on directions and suggested trails.
