THE NORTH WALES COAST & CONWY
The North Wales Coast & Conwy is a captivating blend of rugged mountains and stunning coastline. It’s a region where ancient castles stand guard over Victorian seaside towns.
This stretch of coast is the gateway to Snowdonia, famed for its towering fortifications, unique wildlife, and rich Welsh culture. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and coastal relaxation.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Fortifications & Medieval Sites
Conwy Castle: A stunning, well-preserved medieval fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominating the town’s skyline.
Conwy Town Walls: A complete circuit of medieval town walls, offering fantastic views of the town and estuary.
Caernarfon Castle: Though technically just outside the official Conwy area, it’s an essential, massive medieval fortress and UNESCO site, crucial to regional history.
Plas Mawr: An exceptionally fine, complete Elizabethan town house in the heart of Conwy, showcasing 16th-century architecture.
Gwydir Castle: A beautiful, atmospheric Tudor courtyard house set in the Conwy Valley, with historic gardens.
Aberconwy House: A National Trust property and the only medieval merchant’s house in Conwy to survive the English Civil War.
Coastal & Seaside Towns
Llandudno Pier: A classic, Grade II listed Victorian pier with amusements and traditional seaside charm.
Great Orme Tramway: A unique, historic street tramway that climbs to the summit of the Great Orme in Llandudno.
The Smallest House in Great Britain (Conwy): A tiny, red-painted historic house on the Conwy Quay, a unique photo opportunity.
Llandudno Promenade & Victorian Arcades: The graceful crescent of the Victorian promenade, perfect for a classic seaside stroll.
Happy Valley & Haulfre Gardens (Llandudno): Beautifully landscaped gardens on the slopes of the Great Orme, offering stunning views.
Rhos-on-Sea (Bae Colwyn): A charming coastal village with a small harbour and the remains of Dinas Bran fort nearby.
Abergele & Pensarn Beach: A long, sandy stretch popular for water sports and views of the Irish Sea.
Natural Beauty & Scenic Views
Great Orme Summit Complex (Llandudno): Offers panoramic views, a café, visitor centre, and a Bronze Age copper mine entrance.
Conwy Estuary & RSPB Reserve: A crucial habitat for wildfowl and waders, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Sychnant Pass (Conwy): A spectacular mountain road and hiking area offering dramatic views over Conwy Bay.
Bodnant Garden: A world-renowned National Trust garden in the Conwy Valley, famous for its spectacular laburnum arch and diverse plant collections.
Fairy Glen (Betws-y-Coed): A magical, mossy gorge with a series of waterfalls, just a short drive from the coast.
Modern & Unique Attractions
Zip World Fforest (Betws-y-Coed): A centre for high-adrenaline activities, including Europe’s highest swing and a forest coaster.
Welsh Mountain Zoo (Colwyn Bay): Home to native and exotic species, with stunning views across Colwyn Bay.
Llandudno Cable Car: A scenic way to ascend the Great Orme, offering magnificent views of the coast.
The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (Conwy): A gallery showcasing work by Welsh artists in a beautiful town setting.
GreenWood Family Park (Y Felinheli): An eco-friendly amusement park with a solar-powered ride and unique play structures.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Conwy Town Walls: Climb the ancient, incredibly well-preserved medieval walls that encircle the town of Conwy, offering stunning panoramic views of the castle, the harbor, and the mountains.
Explore Conwy Castle: Discover this magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Edward I fortress. Wander through its towers and halls to get a real feel for 13th-century military architecture.
Drive or Hike Through Snowdonia National Park: Take a scenic drive or choose a hiking trail (from gentle walks to strenuous mountain climbs) through the dramatic landscapes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia), which is immediately accessible from Conwy.
Take the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno: Ride the unique Victorian cable-hauled tram up the Great Orme headland for breathtaking views of the coastline, or choose the modern cable car for an open-air experience.
Visit Plas Mawr: Step inside this beautifully preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, considered one of the finest examples of its kind in Britain, and learn about the lives of the Welsh gentry.
Kayak or Paddleboard on the Conwy Estuary: Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the calm waters of the estuary, offering a unique perspective on the castle and the surrounding countryside.
Go Underground at Sygun Copper Mine: Explore the winding tunnels of this historic Victorian mine near Beddgelert, which offers a fascinating, hands-on insight into Wales’ industrial heritage.
Surf at Adventure Parc Snowdonia (now Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia): Try out the inland surf lagoon for guaranteed waves, or experience other high-adrenaline activities like zip-lining and canyoning at the adventure center.
Cross the Llandudno Pier: Stroll along the longest pier in Wales, a classic Victorian seaside experience with arcades, food stalls, and a fantastic view of the town.
Try a Coasteering Session: Experience this exhilarating activity that involves traversing the coastline at water level—climbing, jumping, and swimming around the sea cliffs (many operators run trips from Conwy).
Explore the Bodnant Garden: Wander through the stunning National Trust gardens, famous for their magnificent laburnum arch, and enjoy the varied formal and informal planting.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is King: A car is highly recommended for exploring this region. While the main towns like Conwy and Llandudno are walkable, a car provides the flexibility to easily access Snowdonia National Park, the more remote coastal villages, and the region’s scattered castles. Parking can be found in town centers, often requiring payment via a local app or meter.
Trains for Coastal Travel: The main North Wales Coast railway line runs along the coast, connecting Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor, and other towns. This is a very scenic and stress-free way to travel between the key coastal attractions, especially if you want to avoid driving in peak summer traffic.
Buses for Local Access: The local bus network (Arriva and other regional operators) is good for short hops between towns. Be aware that services to more rural areas or deep into the national park can be infrequent, especially in the off-season or on Sundays. Always check the schedule in advance.
From Afar: The closest major international airport is Manchester (MAN), which has a direct train connection to the North Wales Coast. Alternatively, fly into Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) and take a bus or train connection.
Embrace the Welsh Language: While English is spoken everywhere, Welsh is a living, vibrant language in North Wales. You’ll see it on road signs (often appearing first) and hear it spoken by locals. Learning a few phrases, like diolch (thank you), bore da (good morning), or iechyd da (cheers), will be warmly appreciated.
Prepare for the Weather: The weather in North Wales, particularly near the mountains, is unpredictable and can change quickly. Always pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear, even if the day starts sunny.
Navigating Snowdonia: If you plan on hiking in the National Park, always check mountain weather forecasts and inform someone of your route and expected return time. The mountains are beautiful but demand respect.
Local Cuisine—Must Try: Don’t leave without trying some local specialties:
Welsh Rarebit: A savoury dish of melted cheese sauce served over toast.
Bara Brith: A traditional Welsh speckled fruit bread.
Welsh Lamb: Renowned worldwide for its quality and flavour, often sourced from sheep grazing on the mountain slopes.
The Castle Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple historic sites, consider purchasing a Cadw Explorer Pass (Welsh Government’s heritage service). It provides free entry to over 20 attractions, including Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, and Beaumaris Castle.
Hidden Gems
Smallest House in Great Britain: Located on Conwy Quay, this tiny, bright red house is a fun, quick photo stop and quirky piece of local history.
Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tea Room: An iconic, picture-postcard tearoom near Llanrwst, famous for being entirely covered in beautiful Virginia Creeper, which turns a spectacular red in the autumn.
St. Grwst’s Church, Llanrwst: Visit this church to see the Gwydir Chapel, a stunning example of late-Gothic architecture and the burial place of the Wynn family, one of the most powerful families in Welsh history.
Top Restaurants
The Erskine Arms [$25-$45] – A traditional Georgian pub and restaurant nestled within Conwy’s medieval walls, popular with locals for classic pub fare using fresh, local ingredients.
The Groes Inn [$25-$45] – Claiming to be one of the oldest inns in Wales, this ivy-clad pub near Conwy offers a charming, wood-beamed atmosphere and hearty, traditional dishes.
Y Sgwar [$25-$40] – Located in the charming village of Tremadog, known for modern Welsh and European cuisine with a focus on local produce in a relaxed setting.
The Cottage Loaf [$20-$35] – A highly-rated traditional pub in Llandudno known for its cosy atmosphere, real ales, and excellent, high-quality pub food.
The Queen’s Head [$25-$45] – A hidden gem in the village of Glanwydden (near Llandudno) with a long-standing reputation for serving quality local food and a strong emphasis on Welsh hospitality.
The Midland Pub & Restaurant [$20-$35] – A classic, unpretentious pub in Llandudno offering simple, well-cooked meals and a great selection of local beers.
Ty Coch Inn [$15-$25] – An iconic pub famously located right on the beach in the remote fishing village of Porthdinllaen, offering traditional pub grub and unparalleled sea views.
The Archway Fish & Chip Shop [$15-$25] – An award-winning, local favorite for classic Welsh fish and chips, offering a genuine taste of the British seaside in Conwy.
The Bull’s Head Inn [$20-$35] – A centuries-old coaching inn in Beaumaris (Anglesey, easily accessible from Conwy) with a popular pub area serving locally sourced food and real ales.
George & Dragon [$20-$35] – A traditional, rustic pub in Conwy town, known for its friendly local atmosphere and quality, straightforward pub meals.
The Mulberry [$25-$45] – Located at Conwy Marina, this spot is popular with locals for its stunning harbour views from the terrace and a menu of well-prepared British classics and seafood.
The Manor [$30-$50] – Set in a beautiful 19th-century manor house near Conwy, this restaurant offers refined British food, including popular Sunday lunches, with local inspiration.
The White House [$20-$35] – A popular bar and restaurant in Rhuallt, known for serving hearty portions of classic pub food in a comfortable setting.
The Jackdaw [$60-$90] – A highly acclaimed restaurant in Conwy town, run by an ex-Fat Duck chef, offering a modern tasting menu that meticulously showcases the best local North Wales produce. Worthy Splurge.
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias [$40-$70] – Located in Colwyn Bay, this Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded bistro, led by a famous Welsh chef, offers a menu of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced food with stunning beachfront views.
Paysanne [$35-$60] – A long-established and highly-regarded French restaurant in Conwy, offering authentic provincial French cuisine using local Welsh ingredients.
Dylan’s Conwy [$30-$50] – A lively, family-friendly restaurant on Conwy’s High Street, part of a local chain famous for locally sourced produce, seafood, and wood-fired pizza with castle views.
Signatures Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located in the Aberconwy Resort and Spa, this multi-award-winning fine dining spot is known for its creative menu and lavish dining experience.
M & J Bistro [$30-$50] – A family-run bistro right by the historic town of Conwy, offering beautifully presented modern British dishes.
The Hidden Chapel [$40-$65] – A unique venue within a converted Welsh Methodist Chapel in Conwy, offering small plates of seasonal, locally sourced produce in an adult-only, sophisticated setting.
Bank Of Conwy [$30-$50] – A vibrant spot transformed from its former life as an HSBC bank, offering modern, creative dishes and cocktails in the charming town of Conwy.
No 25 Bar & Bistro [$25-$45] – A popular local bar and bistro in Rhos-on-Sea, serving a modern menu with seasonal specials.
Lava Hot Stone Kitchen [$30-$50] – Located in Conwy, this restaurant offers a unique, interactive dining experience where you cook your choice of steak or other meats on a hot volcanic stone.
The Seafood Bar and Grill [$40-$70] – Located in The Castle Hotel in Conwy, offering a contemporary setting and a menu that focuses on fresh, local seafood and grill dishes.
Johnny Dough’s at The Bridge [$15-$30] – A wood-fired pizza restaurant in Llandudno, popular with locals for its great atmosphere and view of the pizza oven.
Nikki Ip’s Restaurant Wine Bar & Cafe [$25-$45] – Known for some of the best Chinese food in the area, offering stunning views of the Conwy estuary.
Jalsa Tandoori [$20-$35] – A popular Indian restaurant near Conwy Castle, offering an extensive menu of traditional and modern Indian cuisine.
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant [$25-$45] – A beloved local spot in Conwy known for its authentic Italian cuisine and rustic ambiance.
Hickory’s Smokehouse [$30-$50] – Located in Rhos-on-Sea, this authentic American BBQ restaurant is a hit with families and offers a fun, bluesy atmosphere.
Pen y Bryn Tearooms [$10-$20] – Famous in Conwy for what many consider to be the best Welsh Rarebit, offering a traditional tearoom experience.
Upstairs at Anna’s [$15-$25] – A delicatessen with an excellent cafe upstairs in Conwy, featuring a terrace with views of the town walls and Conwy Castle.
The Galleon Fish & Chips [$15-$25] – A popular and well-regarded fish and chip shop in Conwy offering a wide range of fresh, local seafood for a casual meal.
The Cheese Room [$10-$20] – A specialty cheese shop in Conwy that also offers deli specialties, perfect for a casual lunch or local tasting.
Baravelli’s Chocolates [$10-$20] – A multi-award-winning chocolatier in Conwy, perfect for an indulgent sweet treat or gift.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Bank of Conwy: Located in the heart of Conwy town, this unique spot prides itself on a wide selection of craft beer and fine wine, but also features a proud cocktail list with classics and inventive new numbers.
The Terrace Bar (St George’s Hotel): Situated within a prominent hotel on the seafront in Llandudno, this bar is ideal for raising a glass with a sea view. It offers a great choice of specialty cocktails alongside local and craft spirits.
Osborne House Bar: Found right on Llandudno’s Promenade, this opulent, Victorian-themed bar, part of a boutique hotel, offers a fancy setting perfect for a glass of bubbly or a well-made classic cocktail.
The Magic Bar Live: More than just a bar, this magic-themed theatre and restaurant in Llandudno also has a dedicated bar where you can “grab a drink” and have their bartenders make you the perfect cocktail.
LC Drink & Dine: Located in Llandudno, this spot offers a more modern and sleek alternative to the traditional pub. While known for dining, it has a contemporary bar with a good selection of drinks and a stylish atmosphere.
Nineteen 57 Restaurant & Bar: Found in Tal y Bont, just outside Conwy, this restaurant and bar focuses on creative dishes and a wide selection of drinks, including cocktails, in a modern setting.
The Hidden Chapel Restaurant & Bar: Tucked away on a cobbled street in the historic walled town of Conwy, this unique adult-only venue, housed in a converted Welsh Methodist Chapel, is a sophisticated spot for enjoying fine food and drink, including after-meal cocktails on their magical terrace.
The Mulberry: Overlooking the Conwy Marina, this pub/restaurant offers a vibrant bar area with an extensive drinks menu, including cocktails, along with a wide range of gins and award-winning ales.
The George & Dragon: A great British pub on Castle Street in Conwy, it features a welcoming bar with an explorative selection of cocktails alongside its traditional offerings. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends.
The Toad: Located on the western promenade of Colwyn Bay, this historic pub and restaurant boasts incredible sea views and offers a well-stocked bar with great wines and local ales, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening drink.
Carlton Llandudno: A lively and central pub on Mostyn Street in Llandudno offering a more relaxed, non-traditional cocktail experience with promotional deals like 2-for-1 cocktails.
Club 147: Located on Mostyn Street in Llandudno, this venue is one of the most well-known spots for a lively night out, with resident DJs packing the dancefloor on weekends until late. It also offers VIP packages.
The Irish Bar: Situated in a central location on Mostyn Street in Llandudno, this pub is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, upbeat atmosphere, and regular live music sessions, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
The Albert: A versatile and friendly pub located near the Llandudno train station. It provides a relaxed setting during the day but is popular in the evening, with a lively, traditional interior that’s perfect for a social night out.
The Snowdon: Nestled on a quiet back street in the heart of Llandudno, this traditional pub offers a relaxed atmosphere but is also known for occasional lively nights, including live music.
Barrels Bar (Llandudno): A central Llandudno spot that often features a lively crowd and music, serving as a good stepping stone for a night out or a smaller, less intense club alternative.
The Cottage Loaf: Tucked away off the main street in Llandudno, this traditional pub with its rustic interior and roaring fires is a popular spot with a great atmosphere that often extends into later hours, offering a lively traditional pub experience.
The King’s Head: Believed to be the oldest pub in Llandudno, its traditional setting and central location near the Great Orme make it a buzzing hub where the night often comes alive, great for soaking up local hospitality.
The Blue Bell: A Conwy institution located centrally between the quayside and the castle, this traditional pub is a friendly spot with a strong community feel, offering a warm and lively atmosphere for an evening.
Albion Ale House: Located on Upper Gate St, built into the historic walls of Conwy, this unique, brewery-run pub is primarily focused on real ale but draws a crowd that enjoys a traditional pub environment that remains lively throughout the evening.
The Groes Inn: A charming, traditional coaching inn just outside Conwy. While primarily a gastro-pub, its bar area and outdoor seating are popular for unwinding with a drink in a lively, but traditional, setting.
MASH (Conwy Brewery Taproom): Situated in Llysfaen, a short journey from Conwy/Llandudno, this tap room offers a lively atmosphere, showing sports and, crucially, hosting live music from local artists on Saturdays, making it a great alternative night-out venue.
The Erskine Arms: A traditional Georgian coaching inn right in the heart of Conwy, this spot is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors, with its warm interior and open fires fostering an excellent, lively bar atmosphere in the evenings.
Venue Cymru Bar: Located within the theatre complex on the Llandudno Promenade, this venue hosts major concerts and performances, and its bar becomes a lively place for pre-show, interval, and post-show drinks, especially during big events.
The Station Pub (Colwyn Bay): Although slightly further afield in Colwyn Bay, this pub is noted for hosting evening entertainment such as comedy events, providing a lively atmosphere for those looking for a mix of drinks and entertainment.
Tapps Micropub: Located near the Victoria shopping centre in Llandudno, this small, intimate craft beer and cider bar is known for its excellent selection and cosy, buzzy atmosphere, making it a lively but relaxed spot for pre-club drinks or a full evening.