Things to do in Conwy
Conwy is probably one of the best places to base yourself for a holiday in North Wales. It lies in such a great location with everything on its doorstep, mountains, seaside, history, culture - there is something for everyone!
(Dates to be confirmed in 2010)
Below is a suggestion of things to do in the local vicinity:
- The Smallest House in Great Britain; listed in the Guinness book of records! Located on the quay
- The Mussel Museum; Conwy was once one of the most important pearl fisheries in the UK. Fascinating insight; located on the quay
- Boat trips; take a trip around the bay; located on the quay
- Conwy Castle & Walls; built by Edward 1 between 1283 and 1289. This is definitely worth a visit - it is truly spectacular! www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
- Telford's Suspension Bridge & Toll House; Take in the amazing estuary views from here www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Aberconwy House; Conwy's only surviving 14th century merchant's house www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- Plas Mawr; a fine example of an Elizabethan townhouse; www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
- The Royal Cambrian Academy Art Gallery; Wonderful collection of Welsh art, and its FREE! www.rcaconwy.org
Conwy Golf Club; home of Ryder Cup events; www.conwygolfclub.com- CineWorld; 9 screen multiplex cinema; www.cineworld.co.uk
- RSPB Reserve; shop, visitor centre, nature trails, tearoom, regular events; www.rspb.org.uk
- Bodlondeb Park; woodland trails & play area
- Football & Cricket Pitch & 4 FREE Tennis courts here
- Walks; there are many breathtaking trails around conwy.
- Conwy School of Yachting, on the new Mullberry Marina offer RYA courses.
If you are a complete novice or accomplished yachtsman, they have a course to suit you. Day/Week long courses. Pre-booking essential as they do get booked quickly.
Check out www.conwy-yachting.com or call 01492 572999
Spa Days
- The prestigious 5* Quay Hotel, located over the bridge in Deganwy offer fantastic Spa days if you are in need of a little pampering! - www.quayhotel.com or call 01492564100.
- Bodysgallen Spa, in nearby Llandudno recently voted one of the top 10 in the UK! - www.bodysgallen.com or call 01492 584466
Local Food Shopping
- Edwards of Conwy, award winning butcher - you can pre-order food direct and get it delivered to the Cottage - www.edwardsofconwy.co.uk
- Scrumptious Produce, We have good links with this fantastic local company, who deliver fresh, local produce to your door. They will deliver free of charge (minimum spend £10) on a Friday to Curlew Cottage. We have a good working relationship with them; we will personally receive your order between 10am and 2pm on the day of your arrival, any perishables will be unpacked and put into the fridge - that beats Tesco's! Take a look at their website, your mouth will be watering at the thought of all that lovely Welsh produce! - www.scrumptiousproduce.co.uk
- Also there is a 24 hour Tesco just over the Bridge - why not pre-order and get your provisions delivered for your arrival? - www.tesco.com
Festivals & Events
(Dates to be confirmed in 2010)
Conwy is a busy tourist spot all year round. The following festivals and events are held annually, so if you have missed one that takes your fancy, why not make a note of the date and book for next year?
- 01/03/10 St David's Day - come and celebrate Welsh heritage. Museums and Castles mark this date by hosting special events, many offer free entry.
- 09/03/2010 to 13/03/2010 - Welsh National Opera comes to Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
Tosca & Carmen are amongst the events - www.venuecymru.co.uk - 26/03/10 Conwy Seed Fair - www.conwybeekeepers.org
This 700 year fair was chartered by Edward 1st. - 01/05/10 to 03/05/2010 - Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza & Transport Festival
Steam engines, vintage cars, street entertainment. Great day out for all! - 26/06/10 to 27/06/2010 - The BASC Wales Country Fair / Game Fair at Bodelwyddan Castle -
www.bodelwyddan-castle.co.uk - 01/07/10 to 04/07/10 - The 22nd North Wales Blue Grass Music Festival - www.northwalesbluegrass.co.uk
Music festival - hosts an international line up. - 18/07/10 to 24/07/10 - Conwy Classical Music Festival.
- 06/08/10 and 08/08/10 - Rock the River - www.rocktheriver.co.uk - music and live entertainment.
- Date TBC (August 2010) - Conwy River Festival - www.conwyriverfestival.org
A unique 8 day festival of sailing & on-shore activities, now in its 18th year. - 14/09/10 - Conwy Honey Fair - www.conwybeekeepers.org
700 year old fair, held on the same day each year. - Date TBC (Late October 2010, weekend event) - Gwledd Conwy Feast - www.gwleddconwyfeast.co.uk
Wales' biggest food festival. This event has really put Conwy firmly on the map! - 06/11/2010 - North Wales Choral Festival - An opportunity to experience the very best of Welsh Choirs - www.northwaleschoralfestival.co.uk
- Also, do not miss the regular events provided by the RSPB & The Royal Cambrian Academy Art Gallery. RSPB offer weekly events; family fun adventure, sketching & photography workshops. Please visit www.rspb.org.uk/events
Some of the events listed may need tickets pre-booking. To avoid disapointment we advise that you pre-book where available.
For details of events in venues throughout North Wales please visit www.eventsnorthwales.co.uk
Further a field
If you can tear yourself away from Conwy, the surrounding area also has much to offer.
There really is so much to see and do that you'll want to come back time and time again!
- Llandudno; beautiful Victorian seaside, promenade, shops, beach & donkey ride's, wonderful pier.
- The Great Orme, Llandudno; ski slope & tobogan run, Victorian tram, cable car; www.llandudnoskislope.co.uk
www.cablecargreatorme.org.uk
www.greatormetramway.co.uk - Snowdon railway; visit the new Snowdon visitor centre 'Hafod Eryri' - new for 2009. www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
- Bodnant Gardens; situated above the river Conwy; widely accepted as one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK; www.bodnantgarden.co.uk
- Portmeirion; world famous italiante village - less than an hour away; www.portmeirion-village.com
- Greenwood Forest Park; situated in a wooded valley - an adventure park with a difference! Great family days out whatever the weather; green dragon roller coaster, archery, mini tractors, toddlers village; www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk
- Llandudno Swimming Pool; new complex offering traditional swimming & family fun sessions; tel 01492 78838
- Llandudno Leisure Centre; squash & badminton courts, fitness suite, climbing wall; tel 01492 583592
- Venue Cymru; why not see a top class show during your stay? www.venuecymru.co.uk
To avoid disapointment we advise you to pre-book, as events and shows do get booked up.