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Conwy
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Conwy is a town in North Wales, renowned for its medieval Castle and almost complete town walls, with a picturesque harbour overlooking the estuary of the River Conwy. The magnificent Edwardian Castle and town walls are a World Heritage Site and after a Plas Mawr Elizabethan town housevisit to the town you will understand why they have been chosen for this award. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia. Visitors can also walk along the town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street. The circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.
Today Conwy is a bustling town catering for both tourists and the local community. Ancient buildings sit comfortably among more recent properties and there is an abundance of places to visit. Top of the list is the Castle, but there are many more including Plas Mawr, an architectural gem, said to be the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain. Or down towards the quayside you will find Aberconwy House a 14th-century merchant's house believed to be not only the oldest house in Conwy but  the oldest town house in Wales. It has been carefully restored to Aberconwy House, ancient merchant housereflect the daily life of its residents over time. On the quayside you may enter the smallest house in Britain, or visit the Aquarium and Conwy mussel museum. Take a boat trip on the river and see the Great Orme, or sail upriver to see the full beauty of the Conwy Estuary and the Conwy Valley. Conwy also offers the chance to see what is probably the worst designed building in Britain.....the extension to the public library near the quayside. You could not find a more inappropriate place for such an ugly concrete monstrosity.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE TOWN:
In the year 1283 King Edward 1 and his English army had completed the conquest of Snowdonia and terminated the rule of the Welsh princes. The capture of Dolwyddelan Castle gave Edward the control of the Conwy valley and he moved to Conwy in March of 1283. Here the monastery of Aberconwy, the spiritual heart of Gwynedd and the burial place of Conwy CastleLlewelyn the Great, was destroyed and a new home for the monks was built at Maenan some 8 miles away. All that remained was the unfinished abbey church which was to become St. Mary’s Church the parish church of the new town, which it still remains. Edward immediately set about organising the building of the Castle and within 4 short years this " the most magnificent of Edward 1's Castles" would be substantially complete. Conwy Castle has withstood the passage of time and today the views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls. Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.
Conwy has some very fine hotel accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and tea rooms, all offering excellent food and drink with a warm welcome and friendly service.

Other attractions include:

Aberconwy House.
A 14th-century merchant’s house that is the only medieval merchant’s house to have survived the turbulent history of this walled town over nearly six centuries. Furnished rooms and an audio-visual presentation show daily life from different periods in its history.
The Smallest House in Britain.
Built originally as a fisherman’s cottage on the quay front, its last occupant was 6’ 3” but amazingly it measures 9’ 9” high by just 6’ wide!
Lower Gate Plas Mawr or “Great Mansion”.
Plas Mawr was built in 1576 and is possibly the best preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Great Britain. Built by Robert Wynn between 1576 and 1585, it dominates the town with its gatehouse, stepped gables and lookout tower. The interior with its elaborately decorated plaster ceilings and fine wooden screens, reflecting the wealth and influence of the Tudor gentry in Wales, has been almost entirely restored.
Conwy Suspension Bridge and Toll-keeper’s House.
Designed and built by Thomas Telford, the bridge was completed in 1826. It replaced the ferry, which was previously the only means of crossing the river. The house has been restored and furnished as it would have been a century ago.
Conwy Quay
Have a look at the 'Lower Gate' part of the town walls. Take a trip on the explorer cruise around the bay with Conwy Boats
Have a look at the Conwy Mussel Museum on the Quay (Free Entry).

   

Conwy Castle and bridges
   
View of the castle and bridges

North Tower and harbour views 
 
Boats at anchor viewed from the town walls
Conwy Quay
 
Cottages on the Quayside by North Wall
Conwy Accommodation
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Boat trips round the estuary 
 
All aboard for trips around the estuary
Plas Mawr, tudor mansion house
 
Plas Mawr, Elizabethan town House
 
All pictures © Bernard Wellings. Contact > hotelinfo@btconnect.com

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Bryn Holcombe Non Smoking   . Double Rooms £ 50
3 Star Tourist BoardNone Star A ANone Star R A C  Star LL29 7YF, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Wales  

In an ideal position for touring Snowdonia National Park. Close to the World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle. All our nine bedrooms are fully en-suite, non smoking. Price includes Full Breakfast.
Guest Rating
9/10


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