Positioned on a rock over-looking the sea with eight linebacker towers, this castle has an interesting story. Jackie and I took it in on a windy morning before heading out into Snowdonia National Park.
Finished in just four years, it had a water gate that allowed safe entry for English boats in a land of hostile Welsh subjects.
For Rick Steve’s money, it is his favorite of the many castles in North Wales – it’s compact, fun to explore, and has the best views. We had it almost to ourselves this blustery morning. Here is a video that I shot with some highlights:
The exhibits in the castle are a bit paltry, so it was fun just exploring the place and climbing around.
Entering the main courtyard, heading the far end (past the 91-foot deep, spring-fed well) leads you to the Middle Gate and the main courtyard.
Of the four perfectly round towers, you can climb to the very top of three of them – each one with stunning 360-degree views over the entire area. In the base of one of the towers (Chapel), there is a scale model of the town as it might have looked around the year 1312.
There is a nice wall walk around much of the castle as well. In one door, you’ll find a small chapel (with reconstructed stained-glass windows) and – up another flight of stairs – the king’s “watching chamber” – for observing chapel services by himself… complete with a private toilet. 🙂 Wish I had gotten a picture of this, but it was a bit dark and gloomy.
We really enjoyed our morning in Conwy Castle. Perhaps it was because it was only us and one other couple. Perhaps it was because I didn’t make Jackie climb to the top of the towers in the wind. If you listen to the video, you’ll hear how hard it was blowing… but it was grand all the same.
