The market town of Conwy is filled with history, with the 13th century castle that sits at its centre being just one of the many historic landmarks which attract visitors from across the UK. 

However, Conwy is solely about the past. There are plenty of other great attractions in the town which is striving to remain at the forefront of the holiday industry. We’ve taken on the task of putting together a list of what we consider to be the best things to do in Conwy which takes into account the many different kinds of attraction that the town has to offer. 

1. Conwy Castle

Clearly, the 13th century castle around which the town is based has to be at number 1. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales, the castle is steeped in history having been used as a safe haven by King Richard II in 1399 and later played a significant role in the English Civil War when it remained in control of those loyal to the royal family for 4 years before finally being conquered by the parliamentarians in 1646. 

The parliamentarian’s deconstructed much of the castle following this in an attempt to ensure that it would never again be used against them. Nevertheless, the castle remains a sight to behold and is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO who have described the castle as being one of the finest remaining examples of late 13th century military architecture in Europe. 

It is well worth paying the castle a visit during your trip to the town, with the views afforded from the top of the Chapel tower being enough to take your breath away. 

2. The Smallest House in Britain

A trip to Conwy wouldn’t be complete without a visit to what is considered to be the smallest house in Britain.

Situated on the Conwy Quay, the house was built in the 16th century and remained in use as a residential property until 1900. Measuring just 72 inches across, 122 inches high and 120 inches deep, the house has now officially been given the title of Britain’s smallest house by the Guinness Book of Records. Rather amusingly, its final resident, a fisherman named Robert Jones, was himself over 6ft in height!

Tourists are able to enter the property and see how it was kept at the time of Robert Jones’ residence. One word of warning is that you shouldn’t expect the tour of the property to take up too much of your day, as it is quite small. 

3. Conwy Quay

One of the reasons that fisherman Robert Jones will have chosen this property is for its location right on the front of the Conwy Quay. This remains a fishing hotspot, with countless boats harboured here. You can sample some of their produce for yourself by paying a visit to the Conwy Mussel Company store which is situated right next to the lifeboat station.

If muscles isn’t quite your cup of tea, then you may prefer to sample one of the delicious Parisella’s ice creams which are available from a separate ice cream kiosk close to the Liverpool Arms pub. 

Irrespective of your food preference, the Conwy Quay is a great place to sit and admire the stunning panoramic views of the estuary and castle which are afforded from this location with there being plenty of seating available for you to make the most of this right on the seafront. 

4. Plas Mawr

Back onto another historic Conwy attraction now with Plas Mawr; an Elizabethan town house dating all the way back to the 16th century. It has been classed as “the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era” by the historian Rick Turner and it still maintains many of the architectural features that were in evidence when the house was constructed almost 500 years ago.

Plas Mawr translates as “Great Hall” and it was built under the instructions of wealthy local landowner Robert Wynn in the late 1570s. Wynn’s legacy is very much enshrined in the building which still displays a number of “R.W.” inscriptions in the plasterwork. 

The property really does provide you with a fascinating insight into the lives of the wealthy during the Elizabethan period and is well worth a visit on your next trip to Conwy.

5. Conwy Marina

Slightly outside of the main town close to Conwy Morfa beach is the vibrant 450 berth Conwy Marina. This is a great destination for those who like to people watch, with the outdoor seating available at the Mulberry Pub and Restaurant being the ideal place to sit back and see how the other half live.

However, it isn’t all about wealthy boat owners, as there are plenty of water based activities that you can take advantage of here too. Powerboat and Jet Ski training are just two of the thrilling activities you can partake in. 

We would also highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the aforementioned Mulberry Pub and Restaurant which serves high quality real ales and a sensational selection of comfort foods that the whole family will enjoy.