RURAL HOTSPOT
THE WALLED TOWN ON THE NORTH COAST OF WALES IS STEEPED IN HISTORY
Visit the walled town of Conwy on Wales’ north coast
The castle dominates the town; (left) enter Plas Mawr and step back in time
The imposing castle and walls, built in the 1280s by Edward I, still define this town. The name ‘Conwy’ derives from the old Welsh words ‘cyn’ (chief) and ‘gwy’ (water) after the mussel-rich tidal inlet that flows from the Irish Sea through its undulating valley towards Snowdonia.
Always a popular tourist destination, thanks to its crabbingfriendly quay, sailing-fraternity waters and deep sense of Welsh history, Conwy and the surrounding Conwy Valley now attracts out-oftowners looking to set up home – many of them commuting to Birmingham and Manchester and even London (Llandudno Junction to Euston is two hours 48 minutes by train). Holyhead is just a two-hour ferry crossing to Dublin.
IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW In the heart of the town within the castle walls, you’ll find cheek-by-jowl terraces – tiny but full of character, with prices starting at £120,000. Go west along the coast to Conwy Marina, home to new developments and stunning views of the yachts, the Vardre and Conwy Mountain; prices from £190,000. Detached country pads with land abound; higher in price but you get a lot for your money at £350,000 plus. BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS Smack bang in the High Street, you’ll get a welcoming ‘Bore da’ (‘Good morning’ in Welsh) at award-winning Edwards of Conwy, known for its master butchers, an award-winning bakery and deli, and a qualified chef – all under one roof. It’s no surprise that Welsh lamb is one of its most popular buys. The annual Conwy Feast, planned for 23-25 Oct 2020, is a food festival with local cheese, meats and honey.
COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE Step into Plas Mawr (or Great Hall), one of the finest Elizabethan houses in the UK. Then cross the road to the emporium of local lad Drew Pritchard of TV’S Salvage Hunter fame, where you’ll discover stylish country house furniture and quirky decorative buys. SCHOOLS Conwy youngsters from nursery up to Year 6 are served by Ysgol Porth-y-felin, named after the impressive mill gate entrance.
GET AROUND The A55 takes you from the M6 to Conwy and on to Bangor and Holyhead. Or head up the A470 from Blaenau Ffestiniog (slate mining country) through the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Conwy Valley railway starts in nearby Llandudno, a 27-mile journey through the Conwy valley to your final stop at Blaenau Ffestiniog. IN THE AREA The National Trust’s Bodnant Garden is renowned for its 80 acres of national collections. You can buy pieces by some of the finest artists working in Wales, including Gerald Dewsbury and David Grosvenor, at Oriel Ffin y Parc country house and gallery, Llanrwst.