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Before we really dig into how to spend a day in Conwy, let’s take a background look at the town.
Nestled between the brooding slopes of Snowdonia and the silver sweep of the estuary, Conwy is one of Britain’s most captivating medieval towns. Its heartbeat is the formidable Conwy Castle, built between 1283 and 1287 by order of King Edward I of England during his campaign to conquer Wales. Designed by the great military architect Master James of St. George, the fortress—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—was part of a ring of “iron castles” intended to subdue the native Welsh princes.
What sets Conwy apart is how the town itself was also part of this fortress scheme. The medieval town walls, still largely intact, encircle a settlement originally meant only for English settlers, a living testament to colonisation by castle. Outside the walls, however, the Welsh identity endured—in music, language, and quiet defiance.
In Edward’s era, Europe was teeming with change. While he tightened his grip on Wales, Marco Polo was charting the Silk Road, William Wallace would soon ignite rebellion in Scotland, and gothic cathedrals were rising across France and the Holy Roman Empire. Conwy’s foundations were laid not in isolation, but as part of a world in flux—defensive, ambitious, and deeply symbolic of royal power.
Today, the same walls that once kept the Welsh out now welcome visitors from across the globe. With cobbled streets, working quays, panoramic views, and layered heritage, Conwy offers a day’s adventure that stretches far beyond its size—a rich mosaic of old and new, stone and story.
You can read this article in its entirety, or you can skip to the bits that are most relevant to you. Either way, we hope you find it valuable when planning your next trip.
For couples seeking a day of connection, culture, and culinary delight, this walled town offers an experience that feels both intimate and adventurous.
Start your morning with pastries and barista coffee at L’s Coffee and Bookshop on Castle Street. With its snug reading nooks and central location, it’s a gentle start to the day. From there, stroll hand-in-hand to Conwy Castle. Explore its spiral staircases and walk the battlements together for sweeping views of the Conwy Estuary, Deganwy, and even the distant mountains of Snowdonia.
After exploring the castle, wander along the Conwy town walls—one of the finest surviving examples of medieval defensive walls in Europe. Walking them offers peaceful, elevated perspectives over the slate rooftops and riverside.
As lunchtime nears, head down to the quayside, where boats bob gently and seabirds chatter. Sample the seafood platter or a sizzling steak at Lava Hot Stone Kitchen or the rustic Fisherman’s Chip Shop. Don’t miss the iconic Smallest House in Great Britain, painted a vibrant red and tucked tightly into the terrace—it makes for a charming photo stop and a reminder of life’s simpler pleasures.
Your afternoon should included a visit to Bodlondeb Woods, ideal for a quiet stroll beneath leafy canopies, or a trip to the Marina. Here, you can grab a snack or a glass of wine at the Mulberry, enjoying an amazing view of the harbour and estuary.
Return to town for an indulgent dinner at Signatures Restaurant, located just outside Conwy Marina, or Johnny Dough’s at The Bridge: top-rated pizza and partner to Johnny Throws (that’s us).
🙋♀️ Did you know? Johnny Dough’s at The Bridge was featured in Channel 4’s Four in a Bed!
For sunset, grab a table outside The Erskine Arms—its warm lighting and relaxed but stylish décor make it perfect for date night.
Cap the evening with a riverside walk or a shared dessert at Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour. As the sun dips behind the Conwy hills, the old town quiets into something timeless—just cobbled streets, stone towers, and the two of you.
Adults visiting Conwy have the freedom to explore the town’s deeper cultural and historical layers. Begin your day with a locally roasted coffee from Popty Conwy, an independent bakery with hot pasties and award-winning bara brith.
Make your way to Conwy Castle, where you can lose yourself for hours in the towers, battlements, and narrow staircases. Views across the estuary to Deganwy and the Carneddau Mountains are unforgettable.
For art and craftsmanship, check out the Royal Cambrian Academy, a working gallery that showcases contemporary Welsh artists in a beautiful heritage building.
After lunch at Lava Hot Stone Kitchen or a lemongrass gin from The Peppermill, take a walk along the harbour. The Conwy Mussel Museum is an under-the-radar gem, highlighting the town’s fishing traditions.
End the evening with a drink at The Albion Ale House, a restored Victorian pub run by four North Walian breweries. It’s one of the most atmospheric spots in town (and just down the road from The Peppermill).
Conwy is one of the most walkable heritage towns in the UK, making it ideal for older visitors. Begin with a gentle stroll along the Conwy Town Walls, which still encircle the heart of the town. There are steps to negotiate, but the views are breathtaking and the pace can be leisurely.
Step into Plas Mawr, an impeccably preserved Elizabethan townhouse that gives fascinating insight into the domestic life of 16th-century merchants.
For lunch, try Cantin, delicious lunches, a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s right next to Conwy’s new library.
In the afternoon, take a river cruise from Conwy Quay for a scenic, seated experience on the water — a peaceful way to see the estuary and Snowdonia beyond.
End your day with tea and scones or Classic Afternoon Tea at The Castle Hotel, or enjoy a glass of Penderyn Welsh whisky at your hotel bar while the castle glows in the evening sun.
Start with St Mary’s and All Saints Church, built in the 12th century as part of the original Aberconwy Abbey. It houses the tomb of Llywelyn the Great and features some of the oldest surviving stained glass in Wales.
Next, visit St Agnes Church, a smaller 19th-century gem tucked into the hillside, offering views of the town and estuary.
Just outside Conwy, explore St Celynin’s Church, known locally as Llangelynnin Old Church. It’s a remote medieval chapel nestled in the hills above Henryd — one of the most atmospheric and remote churches in Wales.
Finish your day with a moment of reflection at St Hilary’s Church in Llanrhos, where local lords and abbots are laid to rest beneath ancient yew trees.
Start with a panoramic view from the Conwy Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1826. Then walk to the Conwy Castle battlements and photograph the town framed by sea and sky.
Head to the Quay, where you’ll find the Smallest House in Great Britain — a red-painted curiosity measuring just 72 inches across.
Walk the town walls for a bird’s eye view of gardens, slate roofs, and the River Conwy. Don’t miss Bodlondeb Park, just west of the town, with riverside trails and manicured gardens.
Finish your sightseeing with a gentle walk to the Marina, where you can watch boats drift out to sea as the sun sets.
A rainy day is perfect for Conwy’s indoor delights. Start at Plas Mawr, where the historic interiors feel all the more intimate with the sound of rain on the slate roof.
Explore Conwy Culture Centre, home to the town library, museum exhibits, and a warm café with homemade cakes and hot drinks.
Watch a film at Theatr Colwyn, just ten minutes away in Colwyn Bay — one of the UK’s oldest working cinemas.
Return to Conwy for an early dinner at Dylan’s, known for their amazing seafood, or try Johnny Dough’s Pizza for a casual, family-run experience.
Start with a visit to Conwy Castle, where kids can climb towers, cross bridges, and imagine themselves as knights and queens.
Let off steam at Bodlondeb Park or walk to the Conwy Quay to watch the boats and feed the ducks.
Pop into the Smallest House in Britain for a photo opportunity, then grab ice cream at Parisella’s, a legendary local spot since 1954.
Afternoon fun continues with a trip to Conwy Morfa Beach, or try Conwy Mussel Museum for some hands-on maritime learning.
A family day in Conwy means mixing history with adventure. Start with a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour around the coast, or walk the Wales Coast Path from the castle to Deganwy.
Have lunch at The Mulberry, overlooking the marina, then rent bikes to explore the local trails.
Take a late afternoon break at Conwy Culture Centre, where younger kids can enjoy books or crafts while parents relax with coffee.
Round off the day with family games at Knightly’s Funfair just down the coast, or pizza back in town at Doughs.
During the summer, Conwy bursts with festivals, live music, and markets. Check out Conwy River Festival or the Honey Fair, both held in August.
Head out early to beat the crowds at Conwy Castle, then visit the Quay, where local vendors sell crafts, honey, and souvenirs.
Book a Wildlife Boat Tour for the afternoon, spotting seals, seabirds, and the occasional porpoise.
Dinner options are endless: tapas at L’s Coffee & Bookshop, or burgers at The Erskine Arms.
Wrap up the day with a sunset stroll along Marine Walk, enjoying magnificent views and and a relaxing wind-down.
Evenings in Conwy are elegant and atmospheric. Begin with a romantic dinner at Alfredo’s, an old-school Italian restaurant famed for its service and candlelit booths.
Head next to Bank of Conwy, a cocktail bar with mixology flair, or keep it simple with a pint at The Blue Bell, a classic Welsh pub with roaring fires and live folk music.
Night owls can explore the town walls in lantern light or search for the perfect night time photograph, capturing moonlit castles and estuary reflections.
Many of Conwy’s top attractions can be enjoyed for free. Walk the town walls, wander Bodlondeb Woods, visit the harbour and Quay, and explore the Wales Coast Path.
Stroll to the suspension bridge and photograph the castle from the water’s edge, or visit St Mary’s Church to admire its ancient architecture and peaceful gardens.
Bring a picnic and spend time in Lancaster Square, where locals gather beneath the town clock and passing bagpipers add a flourish.
Conwy is extremely dog-friendly. Walk the Coastal Path or climb to the Sychnant Pass for dramatic hilltop views.
Dogs on leads are allowed along the town walls, and many pubs welcome them inside, including The Erskine Arms and The Albion.
Visit Morfa Beach for off-lead freedom and end the day with a bowl of water and a treat outside Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour, where four-legged friends are regulars.
Whether you’re drawn to medieval marvels, windswept beaches, historic churches, or fresh seafood by the harbour, Conwy offers a rich, multi-sensory day out for all ages and interests. It’s a town where the past isn’t just preserved — it’s alive in every stone wall, every tide of the estuary, and every tale shared over a pint at dusk.
From romantic weekends to family adventures, Conwy rewards the curious and welcomes all. The only question is — how will you spend your day?