Welcome to Conwy

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Escape the ordinary A unique and captivating resort in North Wales, in an area of outstanding beauty, between the rugged mountains and golden coastline, with stunning views.

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With a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences, from a range of hot tub accommodation, comfortable and well-equipped caravans, spacious and stylish lodges, well-maintained pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes, or tents, to holiday cottages.

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FIRST LOOK The historic Pont Fawr bridge, Llanrwst

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Contents Welcome................................ 11 This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.

Great days out ������������������� 12 Conwy offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Don’t miss ��������������������������� 30 Our top things to do when visiting this picturesque region.

Shopping ������������������������������ 32 Shopaholics will love Conwy for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.

©(PREVIOUS) MAKASANA PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

“ Conwy Castle was part of King Edward’s iron ring around Snowdonia” Don’t Miss, P30

L Conwy Castle. See p31.

I Artisan markets. See p32.

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 7

PEERS Llandudno

Victoria Shopping Centre Mostyn Street, Llandudno LL30 2NG Tel: 01492 871187 info@peersthejeweller.co.uk ww www.peersthejeweller.co.uk

Visit our store to see the most beautiful collection of fine diamond jewellery in North Wales.

8 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

Contents Eating out............................ 36

Conwy is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.

Weekender ������������������������� 42 Only here for the weekend?

Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.

Culture Club ���������������������� 44 Culture vultures assemble!

This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.

After dark ��������������������������� 49 The night-time economy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and music venues.

Time to explore ���������������� 52 Although Conwy has more than enough to keep

“ Why not try a relaxing trip up the headland via the Great Orme Tramway?”

Weekender, P42 L Dylan’s, Llandudno. See p36.

I Great Orme Tramway. See p42.

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 9

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There's a cafe, gift shop, crazy golf, bouncy castle and adventure playground on site. Admission tickets are valid for seven days from the day of purchase.

Anglesey Sea Zoo is based on the shores of the beautiful Menai Strait in an area of outstanding natural beauty with wonderful views of the Snowdonia Mountain Range.

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Tickets valid for 7 days* angleseyseazoo.co.uk

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LEARN, DISCOVER AND EXPLORE BRITAIN’S MARINE LIFE 10 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year

Welcome, visitor!

©PETER/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Welcome to Conwy, and may we congratulate you on your choice of destination. Conwy is a beautiful North Wales holiday destination that is jam-packed from mountain top to sea floor with the most exciting things to see and do, from beautiful towns and villages to historic attractions and kid-friendly activities.

The county of Conwy is also a wonderful place for hitting the shops, whether you want to browse big-name brands or delightful, independent boutiques. You can get a taste for fine dining at the end of a hard day’s shopping at some of the best restaurants in North Wales.

Our highlights include The Jackdaw in Conwy town and Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias.

Culture vultures won’t be disappointed in Conwy either – after all, poets, musicians, novelists and comedians have all spent time in the area, and have in some small way been

influenced by their stay here. You’ll find a full year-round programme of concerts, films and performances at Llandudno’s live entertainment hub, Venue Cymru. Elsewhere, Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay is not only the oldest working theatre in Wales, it’s also the oldest working cinema.

When night falls, you can spend your time in traditional pubs with open fires and wooden beams where lively local chat comes as standard. Or if you’re into live music, exotic cocktails or late-night clubbing, you’ll also find the vibe to suit you in Conwy.

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you can always be assured of finding something exciting to do, tasty to eat or interesting to explore. So whatever you do during your visit to the county, please enjoy – and come back soon! ■

Colwyn Bay lies on the north coast, overlooking the Irish Sea.

Conwy offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy

Great days out

Squeezed between mountains and the sea, the stunning county of Conwy is packed full of attractions to suit travellers of all tastes and ages. This North Wales gem has it all – historic landmarks, elegant coastal towns, adrenaline-fuelled adventure centres and a host of walking and biking trails from gentle to more challenging. The hardest part will be narrowing down all those fantastic options into a single to-do list.

It’s no secret that North Wales is blessed with natural beauty; but it’s also an adventure playground for extreme sports! Go abseiling, caving, zip-lining or snowboarding and let the Conwy countryside take your breath away in more ways than one.

12 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

Adrenaline junkies should get down to Zip World Fforest

Adrenaline junkies should get themselves to Betws-y-Coed, a pretty little town in the foothills of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) where you can take part in all sorts of fastpaced fun. Here you’ll find Zip World Fforest, home to an adrenaline-fuelled collection of heart-pumping experiences and extreme sport activities.

Highlights include the Fforest Coaster, a speedy toboggan run where riders fly through the forest at speeds around 25 mph; Treetop Nets, an adventure playground full of bouncy walkways; and Skyride, a giant swing that propels brave riders 80 feet into the air, rewarding their courage with a spectacular view of the Conwy valley.

©ZIPWORLD

Zip World Fforest, Betws-y-Coed

©JONNI PRICE/RSPB CONWY

Rather get your kicks underground? Head to Go Below, where you can zip-line through caves and abseil your way down to the deepest point in the UK. The Sunday Times described it as “the scariest assault course in the UK”.

Down by the coast, Llandudno Snowsports Centre offers skiers and snowboarders of all skill sets the chance to glide down the artificial slopes to their heart’s content. Or, for something equally exhilarating, there’s always the centre’s 750m Cresta Toboggan run.

Pull on your hiking boots and get stuck into Conwy’s picture-perfect natural landscape.

The best place to start is Conwy Mountain, a rugged section of the North Wales landscape reached via the Sychnant Pass. Choose from a variety of trails and sweat your way to the summit, where you’ll be treated to amazing views over the Menai Strait.

Various seabirds, including choughs (a rare member of the crow family, pronounced ‘chuff ’), are known to fly by this area, but for some proper wildlife spotting, head to the RSPB Conwy nature reserve. Famous spectacles to look out for include the natural phenomena of the starling murmuration in the winter and the reserve’s grazing Carneddau ponies. It’s a wonderful place to bring the kids too, for a guided walk, or for special family events throughout the year.

Tranquillity can be yours at Bodlondeb Woods Local Nature Reserve, on the other side of the Conwy Estuary. Good footpath links and stunning views out towards the sea make for an ideal morning stroll. During your outdoor adventure, you’ll likely see lots of beautiful wildlife too – from small woodland squirrels to elegantly speckled butterflies.

Back in Betws-y-Coed is Beics Betws, where you can hire mountain bikes, electric bikes, touring and gravel bikes, trailers and other outdoor equipment. They offer self-guided and guided tours on the local mountain bike trails of the Gwydir Forest.

Whether you’ve toddlers or teenagers in tow, Conwy’s full of fantastic attractions to keep them happy! Mini history buffs, explorers and beach bums will be in their element in a county that’s packed to the rafters with fascinating heritage, wildlife and natural beauty.

Your heritage journey begins in the ancient town of Conwy. Surrounded by 13th-century walls and crowned with an imposing castle, this is a town that brims with medieval magnificence. Wander the narrow streets and you’ll come across dozens of beautiful buildings that are begging to be explored.

Built under the conquering rule of Edward I, Conwy Castle is an absolute must-see, l

Don’t miss the famous starling murmuration at the RSPB Conwy nature reserve

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 13

14 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

The Quay To Your Wellness

The Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy, Conwy LL31 9DJ For best available rates discover more at www.quayhotel.co.uk or call us today on 01492 564 100 Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 15

Escape the ordinary A unique and captivating resort in North Wales, in an area of outstanding beauty, between the rugged mountains and golden coastline, with stunning views.

Escape the ordinary...

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Marian Resort and Spa offers an exceptional culinary experience with its on-site restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Marian Resort & Spa, Dyserth, Prestatyn LL18 6DX

01745 703330

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Open March - October 7 days a week 10am - 6pm Special discounts for families and groups

“Beautiful view and fabulous tram ride to the top of the hill. Worth every penny. Fantastic family trip”

Delighting visitors since 1902, the Tramway is a unique attraction for all ages. Climb aboard one of our beautifully restored tram cars and ascend through the winding roads of the Great Orme to the summit.

Enjoy the stunning views of North Wales and beyond.

“Fantastic few hours, great views from the summit, 360 degree views, good old fashioned tram”

Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, LL30 2NB 01492 577 877 tramwayenquiries@conwy.gov.uk www.greatormetramway.co.uk

18 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

thanks to fascinating battlements, eight glorious towers and a set of beautifully preserved rooms to explore. Kids will have plenty of fun running between different sections of the castle, ticking off a special card as they go. While entry to the castle isn’t free, exploring the town’s outer wall is.

On Lower Gate Street, The Smallest House in Great Britain, also known as the Quay House, measures just 10ft by 6ft. The bright red facade means visitors won’t miss it, and they can pop inside for a small fee. In stark contrast, Plas Mawr, on the High Street, is a grand 16th-century townhouse that shows off the luxury living of its era.

Built two centuries earlier, nearby Aberconwy House on Castle Street is the only surviving merchant’s house of its time. Inside is a fascinating insight into life some 600 years ago.

In nearby Llandudno, Pen y Dinas Hillfort impresses with the ancient remains of 60 roundhouses, as well as the legendary Rocking Stone, where the accused would once stand to be judged. If the stone didn’t rock, they were judged guilty, and thrown to their deaths over the cliffs.

Llandudno Museum & Gallery gives visitors a thorough insight into the town’s rich history. It includes exhibitions on its Roman

MOSTYN in Llandudno is a stunning temple to the contemporary visual arts and one of the finest attractions in Wales

and medieval past, a display about the town’s rise as a seaside resort and information on its perhaps lesser-known ties to the world wars.

Culture vultures can get their claws into one of the county’s many museums and galleries. Art lovers should head to MOSTYN in Llandudno, a stunning temple to the contemporary visual arts and one of the finest attractions in Wales. Inside are six gallery spaces exhibiting artists and makers from Wales and beyond, and admission is free.

Back in Conwy, the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art hosts several annual exhibitions, which include painting, print l

©MOSTYN

Art lovers should be sure to head to MOSTYN in Llandudno

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 19

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Unique First Class Experience on Every Train

Please visit our website for timetable & bookings Photos Courtesy Andrew Simmonds & VoR

STUNNING SCENERY FROM THE COAST TO THE CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS

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Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 21

AR AGOR DRWY’R FLWYDDYN

OPEN ALL YEAR

llynbrenig.com Cerrigydrudion LL21 9TT

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Taste the history of chocolate as you explore eleven themed rooms taking you from the Mayans to the First World War. From an Aztec temple to World War One, you will cover thousands of years of history; eating chocolate samples as you go. The building is also home to our growing chocolate manufacturing business.

Llandudno Chocolate Experience, John Street Cocoa Works, John St, Llandudno LL30 2AB 01492 339507 22 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

For a true family day out, Tir Prince is not to be missed, there’s something for everybody to enjoy!

TIR PRINCE RACE TRACK Tir Prince Raceway is home to the United Kingdom’s leading harness racing track, hosting multiple top class racing events from June to September. With a licensed bar and bookmakers, why not come down and watch the horses yourself?

TIR PRINCE MARKET Tir Prince Market is one of the largest outdoor market and car boots in Wales and the North West. We are open every Saturday from 15th February up to the end of September, every Sunday from 2nd March until the end of September, Wednesdays and Fridays during half-term holidays and every Bank Holiday Monday.

MARKET CENTRAL CAFÉ Tir Prince Market is equipped with its very own Market Central Café and licensed outdoor bar. Market Central has recently been fully refurbished, with all new furniture and a brandnew menu to try too! On market days the café opens at 6am, seating up to 160 people and serving a breakfast, paninis, salads, and more!

FUNFAIR AND AMUSEMENTS Tir Prince Funland is an attraction not to be missed! Now under new management since 2022, make sure to watch this space for new rides and attractions coming to the fairground in 2025.

Tir Prince Raceway, Towyn Road, Towyn LL22 9NW

01745 345 123

Tir Prince | Tir Prince Harness Racing

WWW.TIRPRINCE.CO.UK Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 23

Thrilling whitewater adventures in North Wales

T. 01678 521083 E. info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk W. www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk NWWC•Frongoch•Bala•LL23 7NU

Experience the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways in 2025…

North Wales is full of magnificent scenery – and we believe it is best enjoyed from a comfortable seat aboard one of our historic steam trains!

Picture yourself sat in one of our comfortable carriages, gazing out at the majestic mountains, glistening lakes, and spectacular coastlines, on board one of our comfortable carriages, being hauled by one of our historic heritage steam engines.

24 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

In 2025, we are offering a choice of 9 journey options so you can decide which experience suits you best, with departures from Porthmadog, Caernarfon or Blaenau Ffestiniog..!

Here are our contact details: Call 01766 516024 to book your tickets Or visit our website: www.festrail.co.uk

and sculpture. Alternatively, there’s the Potters’ Gallery on the High Street.

Once the kids have had their beachside fun at Rhos-on-Sea take them to an evening at the Harlequin Puppet Theatre. It’s said to be the only purpose-built puppet theatre of its kind and has been running for more than 60 years.

A range of marionette shows run throughout the year and it’s easy on the wallet too, with prices starting at £6.50.

This part of the world is known for its gorgeous beaches. From walking along wild, windswept bays, to living it up in lively seaside towns you’ll find a beach day to suit you.

Llandudno provides so much familyfriendly fun you’ll find it hard to tear the kids away. Famously known as the Queen of Welsh seaside resorts, any trip here should start with a day at the beach. The main strip along the promenade, leading towards the Great Orme is simply known as Llandudno Beach.

It’s here you’ll find all the traditional seaside fun, including ice cream parlours, donkey rides, the town pier and plenty of golden sand for building castles. Punch and Judy shows take place on the promenade between Easter and September at weekends and school holidays, weather permitting.

They’re free but donations are welcome.

A fantastic way for kids to explore

Llandudno, known as the Queen of seaside resorts, provides so much familyfriendly fun you’ll find it hard to tear the kids away

Llandudno is on one of the Alice Town Trails. The area has a famous connection to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, which is celebrated with a series of monuments scattered throughout the town. Pick up a guide from the Tourist Information Centre on Mostyn Street before heading out.

If you’re in need of a little indulgence and pampering, head for the luxury Marian Resort & Spa. A unique and captivating destination, where guests can enjoy wellness, entertainment, food and drink, and fitness, all in a stunning environment.

Surrounded by mountain scenery, the l

©THE POTTERS’ GALLERY

The Potters’ Gallery, Conwy

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 25

TOURS Our distillery is nestled in the beautiful landscape of Abergwyngregyn. Join us for a journey of creation through our working distillery and we will show you how we make our Welsh single malt whisky and gins. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and this includes a tasting session of our portfolio of spirits.

CAFÉ

Our bar is stocked with our range of Welsh spirits for you to indulge. The café offers indoor dining with an outdoor seating area. We have a locally sourced menu that you’re sure to enjoy, featuring some of the best produce Wales has to offer.

GIN LAB

Enjoy our unique gin lab experience, learning how to identify flavours and develop a recipe of your own, using our selection of botanicals. Become a distiller and operate a gin still, crafting your very own 70cl bottle of gin to take home.

OUR VISITOR CENTRE OUR VISITOR CENTRE

VISIT THE FIRST WHISKY DISTILLERY IN NORTH WALES FOR OVER A 100 YEARS VISIT THE FIRST WHISKY DISTILLERY IN NORTH WALES FOR OVER A

OUR VISITOR CENTRE

Whether you’re going for a hike up to the falls or dropping in for a tour, a gin lab experience or 100 YEARS visiting our café, we have something for everyone. The gift shop is open every day for you to Whether you’re going for a hike up to the falls or dropping in for a tour, a gin lab experience or browse Aber Falls locally sourced goods, and of course our award-winning THEmerchandise, FIRST INThe NORTH WALES FOR OVER A you to visi�ngVISIT our café, we haveWHISKY somethingDISTILLERY for everyone. gi� shop is open every day for portfolio100 of spirits. browse AberYEARS Falls merchandise, locally sourced goods, and of course our award-winning por�olio of spirits.

Whether you’re going for a hike up to the falls dropping in for a tour, gin lab experience or ABER FALLS DISTILLERY LIMITED Forormore information orabooking enquiries visi�ng our café, we have something for everyone. The gi� shop is open every day for you to STATION ROAD please call 01248 209224 or to shop online, ABER FALLS DISTILLERY LIMITED locally sourced Forgoods, moreand informa�on oraward-winning booking enquiries browse Aber Falls merchandise, of course our ABERGWYNGREGYN please visit aberfallsdistillery.com por�olio STATION ROADof spirits. please call 01248 209224 or to shop online, GWYNEDD ABERGWYNGREGYN please visit aberfallsdis�llery.com ABER FALLS DISTILLERY LIMITED For more informa�on or booking enquiries LL33 0LB GWYNEDD STATION ROAD

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Exit the A55 at Junction 13, Abergwyngregyn A55atatJunc�on Junc�on 13, ExitExit thethe A55 13,Abergwyngregyn Abergwyngregyn

Welcome to a home of family & heritage Bodrhyddan Hall is a Grade 1-listed building and has been the home of Lord Langford and his family for over 500 years.

Set in several acres of stunning formal gardens and reclaimed woodland, the house is one of the few remaining familyowned stately homes in Wales.

Bodrhyddan is largely of 17th century design with notable Victorian additions and contains an extensive historical collection. Notable examples include arms and armour, a variety of fine art and portraits, and a 3,000 year old Egyptian mummy and Sarcophagus.

OPENING TIMES: OPEN TUES & THURS 1PM-5PM JUNE-SEPTEMBER

GET IN TOUCH: BODRHYDDAN HALL, CLWYD LL18 5SB 01745 590155

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INFO@BODRHYDDAN.CO.UK

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28 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

©M K RIMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Spa is just a stone’s throw from miles of sandy beaches, rugged mountains and lush, wooded hills, sitting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the pretty village of Dyserth, just below the slopes of Moel Hiraddug.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Llandudno’s The Great Orme. The town’s famous coastal landmark is a huge chunk of limestone, jutting straight out of the sea to a height of 679ft. If little legs can’t handle the walk up to the summit, hop on the Great Orme Tramway, which takes passengers on a beautiful journey on a cable-hauled carriage. Or take the kids for a mile-long ride on Llandudno Cable Cars, for a fantastic thrill and an even better view.

Along the A470 near Tal-y-cafn is Bodnant Garden, a magnificent collection of gardens worthy of a wander any time of the year. Visit in late May and you can walk through the stunning Laburnum Arch when it’s in full golden bloom.

Animal lovers are in for a treat in Conwy.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay is a fabulous way to get up close with exotic animals from all over the world, including monkeys, seals, tropical birds and penguins.

A free minibus service to the zoo runs from Colwyn Bay railway station between Easter and the end of September.

Also in Colwyn Bay is Eirias Park and

You may encounter this character at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay

Get up close with exotic animals from all over the world, including monkeys, seals, tropical birds & penguins

Waterpark – a lovely park and leisure facility set within 50 acres of designated parkland.

Outdoor facilities include adventure activities, an athletics track and floodlit synthetic pitches for hockey and football. Inside is a 25-metre swimming pool and various waterslides so the kids can make a splash.

From full-on adventure sports to gentle walks in the hills, it’s easy to enjoy the great outdoors in Conwy. With bags of history, great museums and galleries, there’s everything you need for a cultured break, too, whether you’re here solo, as a couple or with the kids. ■ Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 29

DON’T MISS Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque county

Adrenaline-fuelled fun I

Conwy county is home to some of Wales’ most exhilarating experiences.

In Zip World Fforest in Llanrwst, adrenaline junkies can zoom through the trees on a toboggan. In Llandudno, the ski and snowboard centre lets extreme sport fans hit the slopes all-yearround, while Coed Y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau, is home to a series of mountain bike trails.

2

World-famous gardens

Bodnant Garden is widely regarded as one of Wales’ finest gardens attracting many visitors every year.

The impressive 80-acre outdoor space is famous for its grand Italian-style terraces, breathtaking wild flower meadows and immaculately-kept lawns.

Visit in late May and you can walk through the stunning Laburnum Arch when it’s in full golden bloom.

3

Breathtaking scenery

Driving into Conwy, it’s easy to forget that the scenery is the Snowdonian foothills of Wales and not the epic terrain of the Blue Ridges in America. Beyond the mountain tops, the gorgeous North Welsh coast around Conwy and Llandudno offers glimpses of the Menai Strait and the eastern part of Anglesey.

4

Charming architecture

Conwy’s winding narrow streets are lined with ancient listed buildings like Plas Mawr and Aberconwy House. Then there’s the suspension bridge into Llandudno – a beautiful gateway into the town.

Llandudno’s Victorian heritage is displayed on the promenade, lined with pearl and canary-coloured beach inns that lead the eye over the sea and out towards the pier.

©ZIPWORLD

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5

Conquer the castles

The story of Wales can be told through its epic strongholds. There’s Dolwyddelan Castle near the town its named after, which stands atop a hill overlooking the valley.

Gwydir Castle at Llanrwst looks more like a country house hotel, but represents the power of wealth and influence nonetheless. Then of course there is the grand Conwy Castle, which is part of Edward’s iron ring around Snowdonia.

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Britain’s smallest house

©SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

This blink-and-you-missit landmark is probably painted red for a reason – if it weren’t, you could spend hours searching for it. The miniature property is just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was once home, believe it or not, to a fisherman more than six feet

tall. Pop in and learn all about the history of the property, while soaking up the unique atmosphere inside.

7

Ride up the Great Orme I One beautiful limestone headland; two fun ways to climb it. First, the Great Orme Tramway – a scenic way to reach the Orme’s summit via a cable-pulled Victorian carriage. The second is on a Llandudno Cable Car, which lifts passengers hundreds of feet in the air and provides a jawdropping panoramic view of the seaside and mountains..

8

Try the Alice Town Trails One of the most magical creations in Llandudno is this homage to the town’s link to the famous Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland. Dozens of bronze-case rabbit footprints lead a trail past

some wonderful Alice in Wonderland sculptures, which make for lovely photos. The trail starts outside the Tourist Information Centre on Mostyn Street.

9

Visit Tu Hwnt i’r Bont

While not in Conwy town itself, a trip must be made to Tu Hwnt i’r Bont and one of the area’s most beautiful buildings. Now an idyllic Welsh tea room, a canopy of leaves coats the front of this lush

15th-century farmhouse.

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get in touch with nature

In The Gwydyr Forest, trails lead walkers through fairytale woodland, past rushing waters and bluebell meadows. On the Great Orme in Llandudno, there’s a chance to spot choughs, the silver-studded butterfly and the famous Kashmir goats.

Birdwatchers can head to the RSPB Conwy reserve, while exotic animals are on show at Colwyn Bay’s Welsh Mountain Zoo. ■

SHOPPING Shopaholics will love Conwy for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents

Conwy county is a wonderful place for hitting the shops, whether you want to browse bigname brands or independent boutiques. You can definitely find shopping malls and arcades full of high-street stores, but a treasure hunt for one-of-a-kind, locally-made items is far more rewarding. Plus, you’ll be helping to keep Conwy’s unique, independent shopping scene alive.

Conwy’s winding medieval streets are the perfect backdrop for some retail therapy, especially if it’s original distinctive and quirky items you’re after. At the last count, more 32 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

Artisan Markets are held in beautiful locations

than 90 per cent of Conwy’s shops operated independently.

Stroll down the picturesque High Street and you’ll find an ensemble of gift shops, arts and crafts merchants and other independent boutiques – as well as a café or two to stop for refreshment!

Hankering after unique craftware? Conwy Art and Soap Bar is a lovely little speciality shop full of handmade items, including paintings, jewellery and home decor. Luther and Co, meanwhile, is stocked with both vintage and modern items ranging from

©THE ARTISAN MARKET COMPANY

homeware to clothing. If you’re in the market for some leather babouche slippers or recycled silk kimonos, this is the place to be!

Bookworms should pop into Hinton’s of Conwy, a cute little bookshop with a teal facade. The helpful staff are full of recommendations, and it has a well-stocked children’s section. Want to eat and drink while you browse? Stop in at L’s Coffee & Books on the High Street.

Yesteryears Toy Shop offers a nostalgic selection of toys, the kind that grandparents love to recommend to their smartphonewielding grandchildren. Tin toys, mechanicals and puppets line the shelves like a display in a museum. If you love browsing for a precious bargain, try your luck at 20th Century Modern Antiques & Collectables on the High Street.

Artisan markets If market shopping is your thing, this region boasts some of the country’s finest. The Artisan Market Company runs markets from March to December, held in some of North Wales’ most beautiful destinations.

Bring the family (dogs are welcome), and shop for quality handmade crafts and gifts in wonderful settings. Check the Artisan Market Company website for dates and locations.

The area around the High Street is awash with great pubs, but if you would rather take something home, head to Vinomondo. It stocks wines, spirits and beers from around the world, and you’d be hard-pressed to not walk out with a bottle (or two).

Rose Hill Street is another must-visit shopping area, especially for gift and accessory shops. Accents specialises in decorative homeware that would make a fab present for a loved one, or a sneaky gift for yourself!

Planning to explore the stunning Conwy countryside? Castle Street has two great outdoor shops which sell both clothes and equipment. By the Sea is aimed at thrillseekers who love hitting the waves, while Mountain Warehouse – just across the road – has a selection of hiking gear that’s ideal if you’re planning a trip to nearby Mount Snowdon.

If you’re more interested in filling your stomach than your shopping bag, there are plenty of foodie shops to oblige. Mustvisit locations include Edwards of Conwy, a renowned butcher shop on the High Street, and Baravelli’s, an artisan chocolatier and sweet-tooth Mecca on Bangor Road.

When you’re ready for a break from sightseeing, there’s fantastic retail therapy

to be had in Llandudno, whatever your shopping preference.

Mostyn Street is a great place to begin your shopping adventure. It’s lined, in part, by Victorian canopies, helping busy shoppers stay dry. Alongside big-name brands are lots of unfamiliar ones just waiting to be discovered, including Peers the Jeweller and The Gift Company.

Digby Antiques is the place to go for antique furniture, homewares and paintings.

For something a little more cultured, head to MOSTYN on Vaughan Street. This centre for contemporary arts has a shop full of arty gifts and craft souvenirs. It stocks jewellery, ceramics, textiles, books and glassware.

Clares of Llandudno department store dates back to the 1920s and is still brimming with old-fashioned atmosphere. Its longevity is testament to the quality goods it stocks, including brands such as Barbour and Gant.

If the weather takes a turn for the worst, head to Mostyn Street’s wonderful arcade, the Victoria Shopping Centre. The undercover, l

Shop for quality handmade crafts and gifts or try delicious hot street food and a cocktail or two at a market held by The Artisan Market Company

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 33

34 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

folk who own shops throughout the village stay open late for Christmas shopping. If you’re looking for an alternative gift with a local Welsh touch, you’ll definitely find it here.

It’s also one of the best places in North Wales to buy outdoor equipment and clothing for walking, climbing and biking. Cotswold Outdoor stocks everything from walking boots to tents for those preparing to conquer the Snowdonia landscape. It has two shops on Holyhead Road 400 yards apart.

Otherwise, there’s Trespass on Holyhead Road, which has a similarly large range of outdoor clothing and camping gear. It’s known to have sales all year round, so keep an eye out for some bargains if you visit.

Prefer to go independent? Joe Brown in nearby Capel Curig has been selling mountaineering and climbing equipment since 1966 and can give great advice if you’re on a first-time expedition.

If you’re bringing a four-legged companion on your intrepid adventure, specialist dog outfitters Canine and Co in the Royal Oak Stables have got all the goodies you need. They offer functional and fun accessories for your outdoorsy canine companions. Dog clothes, coats and jumpers will help keep them warm while they’re outside – and the selection of other costumes will help them stay cute when

Clares of Llandudno is a local institution

©TONY FANNING/ULSTER STORES

single-level complex houses shops including Boots, The Body Shop, Waterstones and Klass, a stylish ladies fashion chain. After a hard morning or afternoon’s retail therapy, there’s a tea room for a welcome cuppa and slice of cake.

Planning on popping the question? The fast-expanding Clogau chain has a site in the town, showcasing a range of jewellery including engagement and bridal rings. If nothing but a big shopping mall will do, sprawling Parc Llandudno has a range of high-street fashion names such as Next and New Look.

You don’t need to be in a major town to shop your heart out. Around Conwy county you’ll find fabulous stores and boutiques, including destination outlets, food halls and pop-up markets.

Betws-y-Coed is a beautiful alpine village surrounded by mountain landscapes and silhouettes of trees – something Bob Ross would have been proud to paint. It has the feel of a ski resort, but instead of chalets there are quaint country inns, and in place of shops with skis for hire, there is camping and walking gear.

Walkers flock here in their droves but Betws-y-Coed is also a full-blown shopping destination. In fact, in December, the good

they’re back home and resting.

Bodnant Garden Centre in Tal-y-cafn is just a few miles south of Conwy and Llandudno and a few miles north of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), but it’s much more than just a place to buy unusual plants.

Bodnant Craft Centre showcases work from Welsh designers and crafters, with everything from pottery, textiles and wood through to soft furnishings, glassware and even hand-made drums for sale. There’s also an art gallery on the first floor displaying paintings by the best artists from across North Wales.

If you want to fill your bags with gourmet treats, a trip to Bodnant Welsh Food – a farm shop and restaurant – wouldn’t go amiss. It touts itself as being at the centre of Wales’ excellent food and drink scene – and for good reason too. It showcases the finest Welsh food and drink sourced from the surrounding Bodnant Estate and other quality suppliers.

Skilled bakers create a mix of artisan breads using traditional Welsh recipes, including its star bake, bara brith, which comes served with lashings of the on-site dairy’s handmade butter. The butcher sources meat from neighbouring farms to produce a range of delicious meat products, like pork and pear burgers and leek and garlic sausages. For wine, beer and liquor connoisseurs, Bodnant’s cellars are home to a diverse selection of reds, whites, rosés, beers, ciders and whiskies.

There are few better places to bag a bargain than a local market, so keep an eye on ancient Llanrwst. This handsome and historic market town scores highly in the beauty stakes thanks to three postcard-worthy 16th and 17thcentury arched bridges, but it’s also home to a stonkingly good market. Every Tuesday, vendors set up stalls in the town square to sell the finest local Welsh produce, including delicious baked items, preserves, fruits and vegetables. If you’re searching for a quirky trinket you’ll do well here – there’s jewellery, knitwear and homewares on offer too.

For more foodie finds, visit Blas ar Fwyd, on Heol Yr Orsaf Station Road. This deli, wine shop and café celebrates quality Welsh food and drink, with lots of the produce coming direct from suppliers. Its cheeses are particularly special, produced from goats, sheep and cows grazing freely across the Welsh hills.

Trefriw Woollen Mills is a fascinating woollen mill, craft centre and shop. Run by the same family since 1859, it turns out glorious Welsh tapestries, rugs and bedspreads as well as fabric cushions, bags, hats and purses.

Come during one of their regular weaving demonstrations (ring ahead for further

information) to get the full experience.

This charming little seaside town of Rhoson-Sea is a nice stop-off from Llandudno if you’re travelling to Colwyn Bay. As well as all the usual beachside fun, it has a host of independent shops selling antiques and vintage clothes.

For a shopping experience with plenty of character, you can’t do much better than the Lost Sheep Company in Colwyn Bay. This heritage craft company works with local shepherds and makes all kinds of quirky products from their wool. Chrissy, the owner, is an expert in all things woolly so she’ll be more than happy to give advice or teach visitors a new skill.

When you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, some outdoor gear to tackle Snowdonia or some foodie treats to take back home, Conwy will do you proud. From picture-perfect towns to countryside markets to seaside shopping arcades, you’ll find that hunting down bargains and quirky gems is a breeze. ■

Clares department store dates back to the 1920s and is still brimming with old-fashioned atmosphere

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EATING OUT Conwy is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite

Visit Conwy and you’ll soon see why Wales’ food scene is thriving. This culinary county offers a tempting selection of traditional delicacies such as laverbread, cockles and bara brith as well as a diverse modern food scene. Think festivals, pop-up street food vendors and fine dining restaurants. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here in Conwy. From eating fresh fish and chips right on the beach to dressing

up for an atmospheric fine dining feast, Conwy puts the magic into dining out by the sea.

Eating fish and chips is a quintessential seaside holiday experience.

Grab some cod or haddock from Chish’n’Fips on Victoria Street and have a feast down on the beach. Or head over to Llandudno Junction, where Enochs Fish & Chips on Conwy Road has both a sit down and take-away option.

36 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

Coastal views don’t come much better than those at the Quay Hotel & Spa in Llandudno, and the food inside the restaurant easily lives up to its gorgeous location. The décor is straight out of the Hamptons but the food is fabulous, fresh and Welsh.

Settle down in the Ebb & Flow Restaurant where you can tuck into fresh seafood and local lamb while taking in spectacular views of the Conwy Estuary and Conwy Castle.

©DYLAN’S RESTAURANT

The first-floor dining room at Dylan’s in Llandudno offers spectacular views across the bay

For a more chilled experience, the hotel’s Cove Bar has a terrace for dining al fresco, weather permitting, on the banks of the Conwy River and Estuary.

Still hankering after seafood?

Walk right off the seafront and into the opulent Osborne House Hotel on North Parade, where you can eat brasserie classics by candlelight, surrounded by Grecian-style pillars and gilt-framed mirrors.

Or try the Seahorse Restaurant and Bistro on Church Walks, run by keen fisherman and stellar seafood chef Don Hadwin, known to his friends as ‘The Codfather’. Try top-class local produce in dishes including seafood spaghetti and mussels with white wine and cream.

A growing North Wales-based chain is Dylan’s, and its third venue saw the team purchase the iconic old Victorian hotel on Llandudno promenade. The first-floor dining room offers spectacular views across the bay. Come for the seafood chowder and steaming bowls of moules mariniére.

Tremendous food, wines and beers with an offbeat twist await at the Mulberry pub in Conwy Marina.

Think gourmet burgers, seasonal salads and stone-baked pizzas. Sit out on the terrace on sunny days to soak up the stunning views.

For a good old chippy tea, try the Fisherman’s Chip Shop on Castle Street (a winner of the Good Chippy Award 2020) or the Archway restaurant on Bangor Road. Both use local catch and serve fresh, piping-hot food.

Not afraid of a long waiting list? Get your name down for Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias which has retained its Bib Gourmand by Michelin for a third year running and was awarded AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales Award in 201920. The open-plan dining area at Bryn Williams is as cutting edge as it is traditional, and guests can enjoy the theatre of the open kitchen.

It opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a nicely balanced menu that serves both seafood and meat.

First-time diners should go straight for the daily-catch fish fingers.

Don’t be put off by the institutional

exterior. Walk inside gastropub Pen-y-Bryn and you’ll be greeted by glorious period décor, including open fireplaces and a delightful bookcase.

Behind the restaurant is a terrace with views of the sea and Great Orme. It’s the perfect setting for some hearty pub grub.

North Wales has everything from fine dining restaurants to simple gastropubs and fabulous food festivals. Venturing out for a bite to eat around Conwy county is definitely worth the journey.

It’s not just the town’s medieval marvels that keep the tourists pouring in. This beguiling town is a top gastronomic destination too, whether you want to dine out in style or pick up some gourmet goodies.

Signatures, which is located inside the Aberconwy Resort & Spa, is an award-winning restaurant run by executive chef Jimmy Williams and his wife Louise. It serves fivestar British food and has a theatrestyle kitchen so diners can watch the chefs at work.

Contemporary Welsh dining served in minimalist surroundings is the USP of The Jackdaw, which opened in 2021 under the helm of local boy Nick Rudge, who has worked at some of the best dining rooms in the UK, including under Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck in Bray. He uses the best of local ingredients at his High Street restaurant to create delicious dishes such as Welsh beef sirloin with bara brith, brown butter poached cod and barbecued Llyn scallops.

For atmospheric dining in 19thcentury style, head to the Castle Hotel. This former coaching inn is decked out with dark wood panels, beams and ornate furnishings and has an outstanding menu that makes it a must-visit. Casual eaters can enjoy gastropub-style food in the bar, while fine diners should head for the restaurant, or there’s always the option of an elegant afternoon tea. Local produce is the star of the show and includes Conwy-caught mussels, Welsh cheese croquettes and steak sourced from Poynton’s of Llandudno.

Traditional home-cooked food made from local ingredients is

on offer at the Erskine Arms, a traditional Georgian coaching inn nestled within the medieval walls of the town and close to the castle.

Visitors are greeted with chunky old furniture, rugs and, on colder days, roaring fires.

An elegant first-floor dining room in a Grade 2-listed townhouse is the setting for Upstairs at Anna’s, on Castle Street. Come for a full Welsh breakfast or a hearty lunch – think Conwy wild mussels or fish and chips with Prosecco batter. If it’s the sweet stuff you’re after, they do an excellent afternoon tea.

Nestled between the River Conwy and the foothills of Snowdonia in stunning Tyn-y-groes village is the Groes Inn. Dating back to 1573, it claims to be the first licensed house in Wales, and the food is as good as the warm welcome suggests. The hearty menu is an ode to meat lovers, featuring classic dishes such as pot roast lamb shank and fillet steak.

Looking for imaginative fine dining in atmospheric surroundings? You’ll find it at Bodysgallen Hall. The Dining Room, with a menu created by Head Chef Abdalla El Shershaby, has been awarded three AA Rosettes and overlooks stunning gardens. Fans of traditional afternoon tea are also onto a winner. It’s served daily and according to The Times is one of the best in the UK. You’ll find tempting restaurants, cafés and bakeries dotted around Llandudno’s centre – many on Mostyn Street, Upper Mostyn Street and Lloyd Street. Just off Mostyn Street is Cottage Loaf, a pub that’s at once charming, lively and homely.

Expect traditional pub fare like steak and Conwy ale pie and sausage and mash, as well as a few worldly dishes such as katsu curry and salt and pepper squid. All are best accompanied by a pint of local brew, of course.

Just a short walk from the seafront is Ham Bone Food Hall & Brasserie, a deli and café on Lloyd Street West. The food is big, bold and unashamedly gutsy. Beachgoers can fill up here with a big breakfast or stop by for one of its fresh sandwiches, epic burgers or a l

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 37

promotion

Stange & Co: the heart of Welsh pubs What makes Welsh pubs so great? Is it the beer? The food? The surroundings?

Or is it the team of friendly faces? Keeping true to their origins? Character and charm of the building?

Colourful sun terraces?

It’s without doubt all of the above. We all know that our favourite pub is the one that captures all of the above and whether it’s our first or our fiftieth visit makes us feel at home and part of the family.

It’s your favourite cosy corner, favourite stool at the bar, favourite pint of beer, or those comfy chairs by the fire, or the mouth-watering sticky toffee pudding that you just can’t resist every time you go.

Whatever it is, it’s why we go back time and time again.

And Conwy has no shortage of fantastic pubs offering all of this. Within a short drive you can visit four of Conwy’s standout examples.

Under the ownership of local born and bred Welshman Bill Rowlands, ‘Stange & Co.’ have created four fantastic watering holes and eateries in the area standing out as destinations for dining helping to put Conwy on the map: The Cottage Loaf The Cottage Loaf in Llandudno, has everything you would expect from a Welsh country pub; open fires, wooden beams, old

38 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

heavy furniture, colourful gardens, great cask ales and hearty homemade food served by a friendly face. Oddly enough though, you’ll find it hidden down a back street in the centre of Llandudno adding to the pub’s charm and quirkiness.

The Snowdon The Snowdon in Llandudno, one of the oldest pubs in the town dating back to the early 1800s. The pub sits slightly above the town on the end of a charming Victorian terrace and is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors for many a year. It offers a cracking selection of local ales, craft beers, world wines along with a small but quality

food offering. Its warm and cosy feel creates a friendly yet buzzy surrounding hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the high street.

The Erskine Arms The Erskine Arms in Conwy, a traditional Georgian coaching inn nestled within the medieval walls and only a stone’s throw from the famous Conwy Castle. The slightly austere exterior hides a warm and relaxed interior, with chunky old furniture, rugs and open fires offering a laid-back and friendly atmosphere to enjoy some fresh local food, great local ales, a glass or two of good quality wine and for those from further

afield, quality cosy ensuite accommodation.

the pub a feeling of the old Queen’s from yester year.

The Queen’s Head The Queen’s Head is something of a hidden gem nestled in the charming village of Glanwydden. Since being fully refurbished in 2019 it maintains its traditional characteristics of a quintessential village pub but offers a modern setting to dine or drink. The pub offers low beamed ceilings, lots of wood, crackling log fires in the winter, profusions of colour in the gardens in summer and the warmest of welcomes at all times of the year. The oldest part of the pub, “the snug” remains virtually untouched giving

The menus in each of them are carefully created with all things local and seasonal in mind. With a mix of British classics on there you will also find some more interesting modern dishes with an international influence.

The talented team of chefs love all things fresh and are always trying out new dishes, so the menu changes regularly. Here are just a few of the dishes from across the pubs to entice your taste buds for more...

celeriac fondant and honey roast carrot, finished with smoked pancetta and baby onion stout jus.

—S moked bacon wrapped baked cod, parsley crushed new potatoes, braised fennel, café de Paris buttered mussels.

Stange & Co Llandudno, Conwy, Glanwydden Telephone: 0151 353 2750 Email: info@stangeandco.co.uk www.stangeandco.co.uk

—R ed lentil and root vegetable cottage pie with a lemon, thyme and rosemary crust served with green beans, glazed roasted carrot, broccoli and balsamic glazed onion gravy.

— Braised beef brisket with a horseradish pomme purée, sticky red cabbage,

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homemade scone.

Room for dessert? At the seaside, it couldn’t be anything but ice cream. Try the tempting offerings at Forte’s Ice Cream Parlour on Mostyn Broadway or the wonderfully named Dollop! Ice Cream Parlour, which serves generous scoops of a wide range of flavours from traditional to more exotic choices. They even does ice cream for dogs!

Edwards of Conwy is a household name in Wales, with its products available in supermarkets across the country. In fact, in 2020 Good Housekeeping magazine deemed the Welsh beef quarter pounders as “the best burgers for your summer BBQ”.

The shop on the High Street has a deli serving fresh sandwiches and baps as well as generously filled pies.

In search of a sugar rush? Head to Isaac Simeon Artisan Patisserie for some mind-blowing pastries, tarts and cakes. Head pastry chef Isaac learned his trade in Colombia before mastering it in Barcelona – all to the benefit of this Parisian-style patisserie on Bangor Road. The selection includes lemon meringue tart, indulgent cupcakes and many delicious macarons – all so beautifully made that it’s almost (but not quite) difficult to eat them.

If you’d rather get your foodie goodies at a festival, the 700-yearold Conwy Honey Fair is the town’s oldest event, taking place on 13 September each year. Llangollen Food Festival, meanwhile, hosts a plethora of producers every autumn.

If you want to take your tastebuds on a journey around the world, you’ll find plenty to suit in Conwy county, from spicy Indian curries to tasty Spanish tapas. For a flavour-packed end to a busy day of sightseeing, settle down for an Italian meal at Alfredo’s, where you can fill up on pasta, pizza and other Italian favourites to your heart’s content.

Locals really rate this restaurant, so make sure you book ahead.

Tasty bite-sized dishes and topnotch wines are on the menu at the Midland Tapas and Wine Bar on Castle Street. The award-winning restaurant gives diners a taste of classic southern European dishes made with seasonal, local produce

Good food, wines and beers await at the Mulberry pub in Conwy Marina

wherever possible, including a healthy selection of vegetarian and vegan options. It has a sister restaurant in Beaumaris, Anglesey.

Jalsa Tandoori Restaurant is much loved in this medieval town.

It’s often buzzing with locals and visitors even on weeknights. As you’d expect, the menu is full of classic curries to suit all tastes – hot and spicy or creamy and mild. Note that it doesn’t serve alcohol, though you’re welcome to bring your own.

You can’t visit a seaside town without having an ice cream. And Parisella’s is of the award-winning variety. Head down to their ice cream parlour on High Street or their kiosk at Conway Quay to choose from an impressive selection of flavours including amaretto and black cherry, and Ferrero Rocher. Even better, they only use locally sourced Welsh milk and double cream.

Vegetarians will find a happy home at Candles restaurant on Llandudno’s Lloyd Street. It’s the only restaurant in town to offer a four-course vegetarian set menu. Non-veggies can find a tempting fusion of British, French and Italian cuisine in laid-back, elegant surrounds. It does get busy, especially at weekends, so if you plan to go, book ahead.

Next Door Restaurant is the newest kid on the block, and its menus celebrate the best of North Wales produce. You can tuck into the likes of roasted pheasant or braised lamb fillet, or go for a seafood platter

including local oysters, lobster and crab. Bread is baked in-house daily and they even make all their own condiments!

Hip pizza joint Johnny Dough’s was set up by Llandudno native Morgan Austin, who came up with the idea while working as a geologist for a Canadian mining company in Ethiopia. He started selling freshly made pizzas from a converted van before teaming up with Jon Hughes, owner of the Great Orme Brewery, and opening up a restaurant in Llandudno. Their speciality is pizzas with a local twist, using ingredients such as Great Orme goat’s cheese and mussels.

Traditional French farmhouse cooking entices you into Paysanne Restaurant, set alongside the River Conway in Deganwy. This longstanding favourite is intimate and unpretentious, but the food packs a serious punch. Tuck into classic dishes made from local ingredients, such as pork with prunes and Armagnac and roasted guinea fowl. You can wash it all down with a glass or two from an extensive list of superb French wines.

From shellfish pulled straight from the sea, to juicy Welsh beef and lamb, to ice cream made from local milk, you’ll find it all in Conwy!

Best of all, you can sample this exceptional local produce at a range of venues from laid-back beachfront cafés to award-winning dining rooms in refined country house surroundings. ■

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WEEKENDER

Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Conwy

DAY ONE

Start the day with a trip to the town’s most famous landmark, Conwy Castle. Before heading in, grab a bite to eat and a tea or coffee at L’s Coffee and Bookshop on the High Street. Then its off to explore the castle’s wards, rooms and towers.

For lunch, there are dozens of brilliant options nearby and it’s hard to really go wrong with any of them.

Nearby Upstairs at Anna’s on Castle Street serves a delicious lunch or traditional afternoon tea.

While in town, spend the afternoon doing a spot of shopping, and explore all the nooks and crannies of Conwy’s historic streets to unearth some real hidden gems. The High Street is full of independent boutiques like bookshop Hinton’s of Conwy and the nostalgic toy shop Yesteryears.

Make time to stop at the 16thcentury Plas Mawr too, a beautiful listed building.

After a hard day’s retail therapy, head to the Quayside for a walk along the river, outside the town wall. Here visitors will find a charming pub, The Liverpool Arms.

For dinner, it’s definitely worth making the trip out of the town and towards Conwy Morfa Beach for food at Signatures Restaurant in Aberconwy Resort & Spa, one of the area’s best restaurants.

What better way to end your adrenaline-fuelled trip than a trip to Conwy Brewery and enjoy a wide range of ales, lagers, wines and spirits? Visitors even experience how some of the best beers in Wales are made and the brewery offers a design-your-own beer day so you can get fully involved in the production process.

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DAY TWO Head down the A470 for the 20-minute drive to Bodnant Garden. The beautiful gardens are a perfect place for a morning stroll.

Visitors attending in early summer will see the garden in all of its glory, and when the stunning Laburnum Arch – a dazzling 55-metre canopy of golden flowers – is in full bloom.

©CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

There’s a choice of places here to stop and eat. The garden’s Pavillion Tearoom serves a lovely breakfast or there’s a takeaway option at the Dell kiosk too. Then the nearby Bodnant Welsh Food Centre is full of lots of local treats, perfect for lunch on the go.

For the afternoon, it’s back into Llandudno for a trip to the Great Orme. For those feeling adventurous, there’s the dry slopes of Llandudno Snowsports Centre.

Enjoy panoramic views of the coast from the top of Great Orme

For something more relaxed, a trip up the headland via the Great Orme Tramway is the answer. Once at the top, visitors get a stunning panoramic view of the coast.

No trip to the seaside would be complete though without some fish and chips by the beach. So enjoy a stroll along the Victorian seafront and watch the sun go down with a chippy tea. Chish’n’Fips on Victoria Street or Fish Tram Chips on Old Road are tidy choices. ■

The Great Orme Tramway is a relaxed way to scale the summit

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Culture vultures assemble! this county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals

Culture Club

For centuries artists have been visiting the beautiful county of Conwy and seeking inspiration from the lush green countryside, the windswept coastline, the historic towns and villages, and the proud people. Poets, musicians, novelists and comedians have all spent their time in the area, and in some small way been influenced by their stay here.

Several English literary legends have stayed at Conwy’s Castle Hotel, including Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first English dictionary, the author Charlotte

Brontë and the great romantic poet William Wordsworth.

Local rumour has it that Wordsworth’s poem Nay Master We Are Seven was inspired by a local gravestone, which is engraved with seven crosses and the words ‘We are seven’. The poem relates a conversation with a young girl, who insists on counting her dead brother and sister among her siblings even though they’re already dead. Wordsworth himself, however, wrote that the poem was inspired by a conversation he had with a girl near Goodrich Castle

44 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

in Herefordshire.

When Charlotte Brontë stayed at the Castle Hotel on her honeymoon in June 1854, she arrived on the sort of day many travellers would be familiar with, and wrote a letter to a friend saying: “Dear Ellen, I scribble one hasty line just to say that after a pleasant enough journey we have got safely to Conway; the evening is wet and wild, though the day was fair chiefly, with some gleams of sunshine. However, we are sheltered in a comfortable inn”.

Conwy may have been a popular stopover for literary visitors, but in

©PAUL SAMPSON/THEATR COLWYN

Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay is the oldest working theatre in Wales. Opposite page: Llandudno pier

In its heyday, Llandudno was famous for its concerts performed in the Pier Pavilion

a turn on the stage. Eventually, variety shows fell victim to the rise of television and the growing popularity of cheap foreign holidays, and in 1984 the Pavilion Theatre shut its doors for the last time.

You’ll find a full year-round programme of concerts, films and performances at Llandudno’s live entertainment hub, Venue Cymru.

International rock and pop acts, operas, hit musicals and serious plays all make an appearance, as do live dance performances and even sports games.

If you’d rather get hands-on there are regular workshops for the whole family to enjoy, from model making to drama to cartoon creation.

Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay is not only the oldest working theatre in Wales, it’s also the oldest working cinema. The building dates back to the 1880s, and it screened its first films back in January 1909.

Nowadays the cinema shows everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films, foreign language movies and art house cinema. l

©CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

the 19th century, it was its up-andcoming neighbour to the east that was the artistic haven.

In its Victorian heyday, Llandudno was famous for its seaside promenade concerts performed in the Pier Pavilion theatre, which was built in 1886.

Its first musical director was the famous French conductor and composer Jules Riviere, who had previously gained a reputation for his promenade concerts at Covent Garden.

Every summer from 1886 to 1936, famous conductors including Malcolm Sargent and Sir Adrian Boult took their turn with the baton at promenade concerts in Llandudno Pier Pavilion, only to be replaced by variety shows when tastes started changing in the late 1930s.

The list of comedians and singers performing at Llandudno Pier Pavilion over the decades reads like a celebrity who’s who: George Formby, Arthur Askey, Petula Clark, Russ Conway, Bill Maynard, the Beverley Sisters, Cliff Richard, Jimmy Edwards and Cyril Fletcher all took

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 45

The late Monty Python actor, writer and film director Terry Jones was a patron of Theatr Colwyn. He was born in Colwyn Bay, although the family moved to Surrey when he was four years old.

Conwy’s gorgeous landscapes have popped up in the work of famous artists over the years. Turner painted Conwy Castle several times, and you can see one of his efforts at the Whitworth art gallery in Manchester. His contemporary JC Ibbetson also chose Conwy Castle as the subject for one of his paintings, which hangs in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In the late 19th century, members of the Betws-y-Coed artists’ colony had a dream: to promote the work of artists in Wales. The results? The Royal Cambrian Academy (RCA), was established in Conwy in 1881.

Nowadays the RCA puts on several exhibitions each year, including its popular Annual Open Exhibition, for which members of the public

Members of the Betws-y-Coed artists’ colony had a dream: to promote the work of artists in Wales

46 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

can submit work. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

For a further culture fix, Conwy Culture Centre gives you the low down on the county’s history through unique objects, beautiful works of art and family-friendly interactive interpretation. The centre is also home to a library and a sensory garden, with dementiafriendly and accessible paths and seating, as well as a Physic Garden, where you can listen to local voices tell their stories as you explore the medicinal plants.

Independent galleries and workshops are the lifeblood of Conwy and there are several in town, kept alive by the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers and smallbusiness owners. Right in the middle of High Street is The Potters’ Gallery/Oriel y Crochenwyr, an independent space dedicated to contemporary ceramics which range from decorative items through to one-off sculptural creations. You’re

©CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Betws-y-Coed, home of The Royal Cambrian Academy

MOSTYN in Llandudno is Wales’ foremost gallery of contemporary art

©MOSTYN

welcome to come and talk with the volunteers who help to run this cooperative to share in their passion for ceramics and art. Check online for the latest run of exhibitions from local artists on show.

Arts hideaway On nearby Castle Street sits a perfect little arts hideaway that you can escape to with the kids and let off some creative steam. Tan y Ddraig Ceramic Café is a family-run shop combining pottery with cake and tea. For a relatively small fee, you’ll be introduced to the pottery process – from painting to glazing – by a ceramic instructor. In just a few hours you’ll have your very own masterpiece to take away!

Architecture buffs should head to Conwy Castle, considered by UNESCO to be “one of the finest examples of late 13th and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe”. Plas Mawr and Aberconwy House are equally fine examples of medieval and Tudor

domestic architecture.

For the best in cutting-edge visual arts, get yourself down to MOSTYN in Llandudno, Wales’ foremost gallery of contemporary art. The gallery exhibits the best in international contemporary art and craft, showing artists and makers from Wales and beyond.

Located just a minute from Llandudno station, MOSTYN features an impressive Edwardian terracotta façade, original turn-ofthe-century galleries and stunning modern spaces and award-winning architectural design. With friendly staff, activities for all ages, a shop full of beautiful things to give as a gift or treasure for yourself, and a bright and airy café, there’s something for everyone at MOSTYN. Down on the West Shore in Llandudno is a statue of the White Rabbit, the character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. A plaque claims that Carroll was inspired to write the famous story after walks with Alice Liddell in

Llandudno but this is probably not true. Alice Liddell did spend holidays with her family in Llandudno, but Carroll told Alice and her sisters the stories that would inspire his book while on a boat trip on the River Isis near Oxford.

Over the river in Llandudno, there are a couple of other smaller museums that offer visitors a fascinating insight into the area’s cultural history, including the Llandudno Museum & Gallery and the Home Front Experience. The latter concentrates on what civilian life was like in Britain during World War II and is a must-visit for history buffs.

Conwy county positively buzzes with creativity, thanks to a thriving community of artists, musicians and makers, as well as venues attracting big-name guests from across the globe. Visit local galleries, museums and music venues to get a taste of what’s on offer, or come to one of the country’s vibrant summer festivals. ■

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 47

THE BANK OF CONWY PREMIER CRAFT BEER BAR

The Bank of Conwy is one of North Wales’ must visit locations, offering a warm welcome to all. Specialising in an extensive range of ever changing craft beers with something for all tastes.

The Bank of Conwy prides itself on being a unique venue, created in a grade 2 listed former bank keeping many of the original features, yet offering a contemporary atmosphere.

If beer is not your thing or you fancy a change, we have one of Conwy’s largest spirit selections as well as a good alcohol free selection of beers and soft drinks. We also welcome you for a coffee or tea and a slice of home-made cake.

Our team is on hand to talk about popular selections and tastes. As a premier destination for live music, we provide entertainment 3 times a week, including Open Mic/Jamming sessions to live performances from both local and national musicians.

‘The Bank’ as it is referred to locally also offers home-cooked food served seven days a week; from a cooked breakfast every morning, to our afternoon menu of light bites and pub

favourites chosen specifically to be enjoyed with a drink.

For those of you who like us want to have your four legged friend with you whilst out and about, ‘The Bank’ is a fully dog friendly environment. Offering your little pal a bowl of water and sausages for ensuring a well behaved owner. In fact, we are so dog friendly they often get a drink before you do!

What you will not find at ‘The Bank’, is any TV’s. We believe in a more social environment, where you can play cards, dominos or even a game of darts. The concept is to provide people with a venue that is not only unique in what we serve but also about spending time socialising and enjoying quality time together.

THE BANK OF CONWY

1 LANCASTER SQUARE • CONWY • LL32 8HT INFO@THEBANKOFCONWY.CO.UK • 01492 573 741

W W W.T H E B A N KO F C O N W Y.WA L ES

48 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

The night-time economy in Conwy is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues

After dark

Holidays in Conwy serve up lashings of heritage and outdoorsy fun, and they’re no slouch in the nightlife department either. Traditional old streets mean traditional old pubs, and there are plenty of cosy examples where open fires, wooden beams and lively local chat come as standard! Whether you’re into live music, exotic cocktails or late-night clubbing, you’ll find the vibe to suit you in Conwy.

Llandudno is home to several bars, a theatre and Conwy’s only clubs. If you’re looking for a bigcity feel, your best bet is around Mostyn Street. Or for a quieter drink, Someplace Else is a popular choice on Mostyn Avenue. A cafe by day and wine bar by evening, it has a French bistro feel with a rustic wooden fence enclosing six tables outside with

heaters to keep you warm.

Want to stay up even later? Club 147 is a pool and snooker club by day and a nightclub by night, with a 4am licence on Friday and Saturday.

Broadway Boulevard, formerly the Grand Theatre, is open until 3am on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

It’s fine if dancing’s not your thing. Spend a long evening chatting with friends at the sophisticated Snooze Wine Bar on Church Walks, where you can pair top-notch wines with a spot of tapas or a stone-baked pizza from the seasonal menu. This is an elegant venue, so you’ll need to dress smartly to fit in.

For a break from the bar and club scene, head to Venue Cymru, a theatre and conference centre dating back to 1894. With the help of a contemporary addition, the

1,500-capacity venue pulls in the crowds for musical performances, theatrical productions, stand-up comedy and even global snooker tournaments. It attracts some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Fancy scoffing a huge box of popcorn and watching the latest cinema release? Get down to Cineworld at nearby Llandudno Junction for a chilled night in front of the big screen.

There’s historic charm in spades at Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay. Head here to watch theatre productions, independent film and the latest Hollywood releases in splendid Art Deco surroundings. It’s said to be one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK, and one of the oldest working theatres in Wales. l

©RAYMOND ORTON/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Below: Llandudno is home to several bars, a theatre and Conwy’s only clubs

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 49

The Erskine Arms hides a homely interior including big furniture and roaring fireplaces

entertainment are regular features, with bands and solo musicians frequently on the pub’s bill. On Fridays and Saturdays, it opens late, until 12am.

Hankering after an old school pub? The Albion Ale House – just ‘The Albion’ to most – is further up the road on Upper Gate Street.

There’s no jukebox or TV here, just a cosy bar with an open fire – the perfect retreat on chilly nights.

Llandudno’s pub scene is lively, varied and fun. On Old Road, near the Great Orme, the Kings Head throngs with an exuberant crowd, especially on warm summer nights when the large outdoor terrace doubles up as an entertainment area for special events such as the Conwy Real Ale Trail.

Looking for a welcoming, dogfriendly pub, with a great selection of booze? The Penrhyn Arms fits the bill and then some. Choose from real ales, craft beers, ciders and spirits, then grab a seat in front of the log fire in winter or out in the tropicalstyle beer garden in summer.

A safe choice for a pint and friendly atmosphere is The Carlton on Mostyn Street. It has a limited set of choices on tap but offers excellent value, and it serves up burgers and wings alongside traditional pub classics. Just down the street, the Fat Cat Café Bar serves up classic pub grub and a wide selection of beer and wines, though it’s the kind of place where you start an evening, rather than end it.

50 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

In the mood for a classic Welsh country pub? The Cottage Loaf on Market Street has got all the right ingredients. Affectionately known as the Loaf, this traditional boozer is a favourite with families as well as couples looking for a quiet night out.

The family-friendly vibes continue at The Albert, which serves up classic pub grub and ales by the cask, with plenty of charm on the side. Fancy yourself as a future mastermind? They’re known to put on a cracking pub quiz, too. If your idea of a perfect pub involves a microbrewery, industrial decor and a range of craft beers and ciders, comb your moustache and get down to Llandudno’s favourite hipster haunt – TAPPS on Madoc Street.

Come on “Cheesy Tuesday” and you’ll be treated to free snacks from their giant cheeseboard.

If you find yourself in the charming seaside town of Rhoson-Sea, pop into Number 25 on Penrhyn Avenue. It has a bar downstairs and a bistro upstairs and is a friendly and welcoming place whether you’re dining solo or travelling with friends and family.

When you’ve finished a busy day of sightseeing, or walking in the hills, there’s plenty to entertain you in Conwy. Have dinner and a show, sample real ale and craft beer in a friendly local pub, or dance into the small hours at one of Llandudno’s clubs. Whatever you choose, you certainly won’t be bored! ■

©SHAWNSTOCK.ADOBE.COM

From the narrow winding medieval streets of Conwy to Llandudno’s Victorian promenade, this is an area that takes its pub scene very seriously.

Conwy’s historic centre isn’t just about museums and monuments.

You’re never more than a fiveminute walk away from a pub, inn or tavern serving a local brew by the tap – making this perfect pub crawl territory. Make your way from the seafront to Upper Gate Street for the perfect starter route!

Lower Gate Street is home to one of the town’s most popular pubs, the Liverpool Arms. Next door to the ‘Smallest House in Britain’, it claims to be one of Conwy’s oldest traditional pubs but throws in the odd quiz night or live entertainment to keep things up to date. Its biggest selling point is a large beer garden that stretches out across the quay.

With the right weather and drink in hand, you might never want to leave.

If you do, just around the corner on Castle Street is The Blue Bell, which has award-winning green credentials and a cool quirky interior. The original live music venue in town, it’s the place to enjoy delicious hotdogs, burgers and nachos, including fantastic vegan alternatives. Canine friends are welcome to sit near the real open fire or relax in the pretty beer garden, which is enclosed by the historic town walls.

On Rose Hill Street, you’ll find The Bridge Inn, right in the shadows of Conwy Castle. Pull up a chair to sample excellent local craft beers, or a slice of delicious pizza. The inn is home to a branch of local artisan pizza restaurant, Johnny Doughs.

A short hop away is the traditional coaching inn, the Erskine Arms. Its ivory facade hides a homely interior including big furniture and roaring fireplaces. This isn’t the place to come for a big night out, but if you’re after a quiet drink and a lovely meal, it’s a great bet.

For the coolest spot in Conwy, make for The Bank of Conwy in Lancaster Square. This hipster hangout serves premium real ales, craft beer and a huge array of cocktails. Music and live

Bed and breakfast, bar, restaurant The Gladstone boasts a six room boutique-style bed and breakfast situated above a bar and restaurant. Located on the northern coast of Wales, The Gladstone offers amazing panoramic views. No matter what you are after, The Gladstone is great whether you wish for a quiet getaway, to seek adventure, look to hit the tourist destinations, hike on the trails, walk in nature or just simply relax.

WELCOME This charming and historic building is set on the north coast of Wales offering a great view of the Irish Sea and Puffin Island to the north while surrounded by mountains on the east, south and west. While situated nicely at the edge of one village and beside another, The Gladstone provides a quiet, out-of-the-way location to relax without being too far from tourist hotspots such as Mount Snowdon, Conwy Castle, Bodnant Gardens, Llandudno and many other locations visitors may want to visit.

With the A55 just two minutes away from the building, The Gladstone is nicely placed for those wishing to tour the Northern coast of Wales; providing a comfortable base of operations for those wishing to tour and explore.

While sitting out of the way of busy towns and cities, The Gladstone still offers plenty of reasons to stay and enjoy the local hospitalities.

With a beach within walking distance, mountains and hiking trails on all sides, even your four-legged friends get to enjoy this dogloving location, where they will be pampered by both the staff and the locals if you welcome them to do so.

For those that prefer the quiet scene and don’t wish to tour around, The Gladstone offers a pool table in the bar area, homecooked food in the restaurant six days a week, a Sunday carvery, Saturday night live music, Sunday bingo and/or quiz night, a local jazz practice group gathers the first Tuesday of every month; and every Monday evening we have a ‘surprisingly quiet’ folk club.

THE GLADSTONE DISCOUNT SCHEME:

Tel. 01492 623 231 | www.thegladstone.wales Ysguborwen Rd, Dwygyfylchi, Penmaenmawr LL34 6PS, UK

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 51

Although Conwy has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure

©HELEN HOTSON/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Time to explore While there is a seemingly endless amount of fantastic things to do within Conwy, Llandudno and the surrounding county, the two towns are a great base for exploring places further afield. Named one of the best regions on earth by Lonely Planet, North Wales is the most obvious place to start.

The north-westerly island of Anglesey is one of Wales’ most beautiful locations, and those visiting North Wales for the first time should definitely consider a trip here. One of its most famous landmarks is South Stack, a remote island just off Holy Island.

A lighthouse is perched on the tip and reached via a winding 400step path. Also on the island is a village that holds the record for having the longest place name in Britain – deep breath now – Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwy rndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. The train station displays a sign with the lengthy name on, and is popular place for tourists to grab a photo.

Just over the Menai Suspension Bridge from Anglesey is Bangor – the oldest city in Wales, and also one of its smallest. Nearby Caernarfon is a quaint little harbour town that, like Conwy, is the home of an impressive castle, built by Edward I, with a surrounding town wall. Slightly further south, to the west of Snowdonia, is the bizarre yet beautiful seaside village of Portmeirion. On a trip here, visitors should walk into Central Piazza and see the pastel-coloured buildings designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and go for a drink at the stunning waterfront pub, Hotel Portmeirion for its sea views.

To the east of the county in Flintshire is Holywell. It is home

to one of Wales’ hidden gems, St Winefride’s Well, an ancient holy place with supposed holy waters where visitors have been coming on pilgrimages for hundreds of years. Just outside Holywell is another historic site – the remains of Basingwerk Abbey, which makes for a peaceful place to come for an afternoon stroll.

Around half an hour from here is Wrexham, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The 126-foot-long behemoth of engineering stands proudly among the surrounding hillsides and attracts around 500,000 visitors every year.

Heading south west from Conwy county in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) are some more thrilling locations for those looking for an exciting adventure. Coed Y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau, is home to a series of mountain bike trails of varying difficulties. It’s a great way to explore the forests of the area from a slightly different perspective.

Around 30 minutes north of here is Blaenau Ffestiniog, where thrill seekers will find Bounce Below, an underground trampoline park set in the Llechwedd slate caverns. For some tranquillity, a trip through Eryri (Snowdonia) will unearth some of the most peaceful beauty spots on the planet – including the remote Llyn Padarn, in Caernarfon.

Over the border in England, the big cities of Liverpool and Manchester are only a couple of hours away by car, courtesy of the A55 Expressway, where visitors can indulge in the sport, culture, history and cosmopolitan life both places are world famous for. ■

52 | Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery

Anglesey is one of Wales’ most beautiful locations

Welcome to Conwy. Sponsored by Aber Falls Distillery | 53

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