Close Icon
Views of Conwy Castle over the Harbour

Steeped in a deep and rich history, Conwy Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress and a popular tourist attraction in North Wales.

Together, along with the striking castles of Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris, Conwy Castle and its town walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive fortress is extremely well preserved, containing the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Conwy Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Wales …


Where is Conwy Castle?

Arial view of conwy castle and conwy harbour

The famous fortification is located in Conwy, North Wales, perched on the North Wales Coast. Situated close to the River Conwy, Conwy Castle is surrounded by the idyllic harbour and picturesque streets of Conwy.

The castle was tactically positioned to give easy access to food and weapon provisions. With a dramatic backdrop of the iconic Snowdonia mountains in the distance, Conwy Castle is located in one of the most beautiful places in Wales.

Conwy Castle Location

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy, LL32 8AY

Conwy Castle can be accessed via the A55 or B5105. If you’re arriving by train, the castle is located just 0.6km from Conwy Station or 2km from Llandudno Junction. Or why not take the No 5 Bus Route, taking you just 200m from the castle walls.


When was Conwy Castle Built?

Entrance to Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle was built by King Edward I, during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century. Construction took place between 1283 and 1289, taking King Edward and his architect, Master James of St George, just four years to complete both the mighty castle and dramatic walls.

Master James of St George designed many of the King’s castles in a way to offer protection and give an advantage during points of attack. The historical fortress is highly regarded as one of the finest and most complete examples of a medieval town in Europe.


Visiting Conwy Castle

The mighty towers of Conwy Castle

Transport yourself to medieval times as you explore the private quarters, climb the tower staircases and marvel at the impressive architecture. The spectacular fortress is exceptionally well preserved and thanks to its restored spiral staircase, it’s possible to complete a full circuit of the castle walls and battlements.

With a total of eight towers and three gateways, you’ll have plenty to discover inside the walls and castle, creating a great day out in North Wales for the whole family.

Opening Times

  • Open 1 April to 28th February (excluding 24, 25 and 26 December and 1st January)
  • Saturday to Wednesday: 10am – 5pm (closed 1pm – 2pm)
  • Thursday and Friday: Closed

Tickets


Top 10 Facts about Conwy Castle Facts

The outside of Conwy Castle

  1. Conwy Castle is part of the Iron Ring of Castles, a chain of fortifications and castles built to support King Edward I’s conquest of Wales.
  2. The castle is home to a total of eight towers, 142 arrow slits and two barbicans. Barbicans are outposts or gateways used for defending the castle.
  3. The castle sits on a large rocky ridge, made of sandstone and limestone. Most of the castle was built using the sandstone it rests on, creating a strong, durable structure.
  4. Special sandstone was then brought in from the Creuddyn Peninsula and Chester to carve details including the windows.
  5. The western barbican features the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain.
  6. During the Tudor period, Henry VIII used the castle as a prison, a depot and a house for visitors.
  7. The fortress is sometimes referred to as Conway Castle, as it was owned by the Conway family throughout moments of history.
  8. During the English Civil War, the castle was intentionally damaged by order of the Parliament, so that it could not play a military role in the conflict.
  9. By the end of the 18th Century, Conwy Castle was a ruin. The ruined castle started to become a tourist attraction and the subject of many famous paintings.
  10. Throughout the 20th century, the castle began to be restored. It now attracts over 180,000 visitors every single year.

Cottages in Conwy

If you’re heading to North Wales to explore this remarkable fortress, check out these delightful cottages in Conwy, and find your home away from home whilst visiting Conwy Castle.


We hope reading about Conwy Castle has inspired you to discover more about the history of Wales. Be sure to check out our pick of top castles in North Wales and these incredible history and heritage sites for an extra dose of travel inspiration. Or if you’re looking for more things to do in this beautiful town, check out our blog on the best things to do in Conwy.

Get involved in the Discussion

Comments are closed.