Your Ultimate Guide: The 30+ Best Things to Do in the Conwy Valley
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Table of Contents
Updated: December 29, 2025
After four years of hosting guests at Fig Tree and Laurel, one thing has become clear: people are always surprised by how much they can do without spending their holiday in the car. That’s the quiet magic of the Conwy Valley. You’re not choosing between coast, mountains or history – you get all three.
Stand in a medieval fortress in the morning, hike mountain trails by lunchtime, watch the sunset over the coast by evening – all within a 30-minute radius. This landscape is rare in Britain, and it makes an ideal base for a holiday that’s as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Panoramic Views of the Conwy Valley & Eryri from our Holiday Cottages
How to Use This Guide
This is a comprehensive guide to help you plan the best things to do in the Conwy Valley. Here’s how to navigate it:
The Conwy Valley is easily accessible by road. From England, take the M56 and A55 North Wales Expressway, which runs along the coast. Our cottages are approximately:
➤ 1 hour 10 minutes from Chester ➤ 1 hour 30 minutes from Liverpool ➤ 2 hours from Manchester ➤ 2 hours 30 minutes from Birmingham
The A55 brings you to Conwy, then the valley opens up along the A470 heading south towards Betws-y-Coed and deeper into Eryri (Snowdonia). From our cottages, you’re perfectly positioned between the coast and the mountains, with easy access to both.
🚆 By Train
The North Wales Coast line serves Llandudno Junction and Conwy stations, with regular connections to Chester, Crewe and beyond. From London, it’s around 3 hours 30 minutes via Crewe or Chester. The scenic Conwy Valley Railway line runs from Llandudno Junction through the heart of the valley to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Here’s the thing, though. While you can reach Conwy easily by train, exploring the wider valley without a car is challenging. Public transport to villages, forests and mountain areas is limited.
Robert Mann MA Photograph
Do You Need a Car?
Realistically, yes. Conwy town itself is accessible by train and walkable once you’re there, but most of the valley’s attractions require a car to reach efficiently. Forests, lakes, remote castles, mountain walks, villages – if you’re planning to stay for a week and explore properly, a car is essential.
Our holiday cottages are in a rural setting with panoramic valley views but not on public transport routes. You’ll need a car to reach us and to make the most of your stay.
Parking & Navigation
Most attractions have dedicated parking, though pay-and-display is common at popular spots like Conwy and Betws-y-Coed. We provide detailed parking information throughout this guide. Sat Nav and Google Maps work well throughout the valley, though mobile signal can be patchy in the mountains. Download offline maps if you’re planning remote walks.
All travel times included in this guide are approximate and based on car journeys starting from our holiday cottages.
The valley is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different. Here’s what to expect and when to come.
🌸 Spring (March-May)
Wildflowers carpet the hillsides, newborn lambs fill the fields and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. The landscape comes alive with colour and the weather is often surprisingly pleasant – crisp, clear days perfect for walking.
What makes spring special:
Late May to early June brings Bodnant Garden’s famous Laburnum Arch to its peak. Don’t miss it. Easter holidays bring some crowds but nothing like summer. Mountain walks become accessible as snow clears from higher peaks and gardens and nature reserves are at their finest.
Weather can be changeable, so pack layers. Some attractions may have reduced opening hours in early spring.
☀️ Summer (June-August)
This is peak season. You’ll get the warmest weather, the longest days (sunset after 10pm in June) and everything is open. It’s the best time for beaches, outdoor adventures and making the most of daylight hours.
What makes summer special:
Mountain walking and cycling conditions are ideal. Beaches are at their best. All attractions run with extended hours, outdoor events and festivals fill the calendar and if you’re brave enough, the mountain lakes are warm enough for wild swimming.
The trade-off? Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed get very busy, especially weekends and school holidays. Book accommodation and popular attractions well in advance. Arrive early at car parks (before 10am) to avoid frustration. Expect higher prices.
That’s when our indoor pool really proves its worth. Even on the busiest August day, you’ve got your own private swimming space, shared between just nine guests maximum. No fighting for sun loungers, no noisy crowds!
🍂 Autumn (September-October)
Many people consider this the best season, and I definitely agree. Fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colours in the forests and the weather is often still excellent. September especially can be glorious.
What makes autumn special:
The forests around Gwydir turn golden and copper. Conwy mussel season begins in September. It’s much quieter than summer but everything is still open, making it excellent for photography. Accommodation prices drop post-summer.
Days get shorter quickly. By late October, sunset is around 6pm. Some outdoor attractions may reduce hours and weather becomes more unpredictable by November.
The mountains take on a dramatic quality under snow. The pubs get cosier. The valley becomes peaceful. If you want solitude and don’t mind the weather, winter is magical. This is when our cottages’ indoor pool and hot tubs come into their own.
What makes winter special:
Snow-capped mountains provide sweeping views. Castles and historic sites are practically empty. Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere in December. You’ll find the lowest accommodation prices of the year and it’s perfect for a cosy retreat focused on the cottages themselves.
The reality: some attractions have reduced winter hours or close entirely (check in advance). Mountain weather can be severe – many high-level walks are for experienced winter walkers only. Days are short (sunset around 4pm in December). Coastal weather can be wild but dramatic.
November-February: Quiet, cosy, dramatic scenery, some closures
Our Recommendation
If you can be flexible, May, September and early October offer the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds and full accessibility. If you need school holidays, early June or late August into September are better than mid-July to mid-August peak chaos.
But honestly? The valley is worth visiting any time of year. We’ve had spectacular February days with crystal-clear mountain views, and we’ve had July days where low cloud makes everything mysterious and atmospheric.
Pack for all weather, embrace what you get and you’ll have a brilliant time!
Fig Tree and Laurel sit high in the hills with panoramic valley views and countryside tranquillity – but location is what matters most. You can explore Conwy Castle in the morning, return for lunch and a swim, then head to Betws-y-Coed in the afternoon without spending your entire day in the car.
The heated indoor pool (28-29°C, shared between a maximum of nine guests) solves the rainy day problem that ruins most North Wales holidays. Each cottage also has its own private hot tub on the patio – positioned to make the most of those mountain views.
Indoor Swimming Pool
Private Hot Tub
We welcome up to two dogs per cottage. The gardens give them space to stretch their legs between walks, though the driveway isn’t gated, so calm, supervised dogs work best here.
Here’s what that means in practice:
20 minutes to Conwy town walls and castle
15 minutes to Betws-y-Coed
25 minutes to Llandudno and the coast
20 minutes to the Carneddau mountain range
30 minutes to deeper Eryri trails
Unpack once, explore all week and actually have time to relax.
Where History Comes Alive: Key Sites of the Valley
The Conwy Valley is layered with history – from Welsh princes to English conquest, Tudor wealth to Victorian industry. This is where you’ll find some of the most important medieval sites in Britain, all within easy reach of our cottages.
The “Iron Ring” & Medieval Conquest
The most famous sites in the valley are Edward I’s UNESCO World Heritage castles, built to control North Wales after the conquest of 1283. These aren’t just tourist attractions. They’re the physical manifestation of medieval military strategy – a chain of fortresses designed to dominate a conquered nation.
Conwy Castle & Town Walls
Twenty minutes from our cottages, Conwy Castle sits at the mouth of the estuary – eight massive towers and walls that Edward I built in just four years. But here’s what makes it special: you can walk the full 1.3km circuit of the medieval town walls, following the exact defensive perimeter Edward built to protect his English settlers.
It’s one of the finest medieval experiences in Britain. On a clear day, the views from the towers are remarkable – you can see why Edward chose this spot to control the valley.
Use the large car parks outside the walls at Mount Pleasant or Morfa Bach (£5-8 for the day). Don’t try to park inside the walls; you’ll waste 30 minutes circling. Allow 2-3 hours to see both the castle and walk the walls properly. Check the official Conwy Castle website for current opening times and ticket prices.
While Conwy is your local castle, the other fortresses are all within an hour’s drive, and each tells a different part of the conquest story. Caernarfon is Edward’s most imposing statement of royal power (and the site of the 1969 investiture). Harlech sits dramatically perched on a cliff, seemingly impregnable. Beaumaris, on Anglesey, is his final masterpiece – perfectly symmetrical but never finished.
These aren’t just buildings. They’re chapters in the same story, and visiting them in sequence helps you understand the scale of what Edward attempted here.
This is the story of what came before Edward – and what survived his conquest.
St. Mary’s Church, Conwy (The “Lost” Abbey)
Walk down Conwy High Street and you’ll probably pass this church without a second glance. That’s what most people do. They don’t realize they’re walking past Aberconwy Abbey – the royal monastery where Llywelyn the Great was buried in 1240, where the records of the Welsh princes were kept, where the story of medieval Wales was written.
When Edward I decided to build his castle here, the abbey was in the way. He destroyed most of it, but the church itself survived, adapted into the parish church for his new English town. The west wall and tower are original 13th-century Cistercian stonework. Stand inside and you’re standing in Llywelyn’s abbey – what’s left of it.
It’s a five-minute walk from the castle, entry is free (donations welcome), and it takes maybe 15 minutes to see properly. Most people miss it. Don’t.
Conwy High Street
St. Grwst’s Church, Llanrwst (Llywelyn’s Sarcophagus)
The final piece of the abbey story lies in Llanrwst, in the Gwydir Chapel attached to St. Grwst’s Church. This is where you’ll find the stone sarcophagus of Llywelyn the Great – empty now, but rescued from Maenan Abbey during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and brought here by the Wynn family in the 16th century.
It’s a powerful experience to stand in front of the coffin that travelled from Aberconwy to Maenan to Llanrwst, protected because people understood it mattered. The chapel is sometimes locked, but ask and staff will open it. Entry is free, donations appreciated.
Llanrwst is just 15 minutes from our cottages, making it perfect for a morning visit before exploring the rest of the valley.
Dolwyddelan Castle
A short 30-minute drive into the mountains brings you to a true Welsh fortress – a rugged stone keep built by Llywelyn the Great around 1220, long before Edward’s conquest. It’s a dramatic contrast to the English castles: smaller, simpler, perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping mountain views.
This is what Welsh castle-building looked like before the conquest changed everything.
Beyond the Castles: Tudor Life & Victorian Industry
The valley’s heritage isn’t just in its castles. Step forward a few centuries to explore Tudor homes, Victorian factories and other landmarks that bring different eras to life.
Plas Mawr, Conwy (Elizabethan Townhouse)
Step out of the medieval era and into the world of wealthy Tudor merchants. This is Britain’s best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse – not a stately home but a merchant’s residence in the heart of Conwy, lavishly decorated with original plasterwork, hidden symbolism, and elaborate ceilings.
On Conwy High Street, allow 1-2 hours. Check the official Plas Mawr website for current opening times and ticket prices.
Another step back in time – this timber-framed house dates to the 14th century and gives you a sense of everyday medieval life in the town. It’s smaller and simpler than Plas Mawr, showing how ordinary (wealthy) townspeople lived.
National Trust property on Castle Street, Conwy. Allow 30-45 minutes. Check the official Aberconwy House website for current opening times and ticket prices.
Thomas Telford’s Suspension Bridge
A beautiful piece of 19th-century engineering, built in 1826 to improve access to Conwy before the railway arrived. Walk across for the best photo angle of the castle and estuary and see the small exhibition about its construction.
This tiny red fisherman’s cottage on Conwy Quay is officially the smallest house in Britain – just 3.05 metres tall and 1.8 metres wide. The last resident was a 6’3″ fisherman, which tells you everything you need to know.
It’s a 2-minute visit but a brilliant photo stop, especially with kids. On the quayside, next to Conwy harbour. Small entry fee. Open seasonally (usually April-October).
Gwydir Forest Mines & Trefriw Woollen Mills
The valley’s industrial heritage is written into the landscape. In Gwydir Forest, you can walk the Miners’ Trail through the ruins of the lead and zinc mines that powered the valley’s economy. At Trefriw, visit the working woollen mill where traditional Welsh blankets are still woven on Victorian looms powered by a water turbine.
Trefriw Mills is a 20 minute drive (free entry to watch the looms, small car park). Gwydir Forest trails are 15-20 minutes away.
The Dolgarrog Pipes & the 1925 Dam Disaster
For a fascinating piece of modern history, walk the “Dolgarrog Pipes” – huge industrial pipelines that climb the mountainside above Dolgarrog village. The walk tells the story of the catastrophic dam disaster of 1925, when two dams burst and devastated the village below. It’s atmospheric, moving and utterly unique.
History brought us to the Conwy Valley. The mountains, coast and vibrant communities made us stay. With so many things to do in the Conwy Valley, here’s everything you need to discover it for yourself.
👨👩👧👦 For Families & Adventure Seekers
Whether you’re after easy outdoor fun or a full day of excitement, the Conwy Valley has plenty of family-friendly adventures. From forest walks to zip lines, these spots are great for making memories together.
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Twenty minutes from our cottages, the Welsh Mountain Zoo sprawls across a hillside above Colwyn Bay with panoramic coastal views. It’s famous for snow leopards, red pandas, Humboldt penguins and a California sea lion display that has kids shrieking with delight.
The hillside layout means you’ll be walking uphill much of the time, so wear comfortable shoes. Plan for a full day here – there’s easily 4-6 hours of exploring, and the on-site café does decent food if you need a break. Entry is cheaper if you book online in advance and parking is free.
Fifteen minutes from our cottages, this is adrenaline-fuelled family fun at its best. Three major attractions in one forest location: the Fforest Coaster (alpine toboggan run through the trees), Zip Safari (multi-stage zip-line course) and the Treetop Nets (bouncing through suspended nets).
Book online in advance, especially in peak season. Allow 2-4 hours depending on activities. Paid parking on-site.
Sometimes the best afternoons are the simplest ones. Drop a line off the harbour wall, wait for a crab to grab your bait, haul it up for your kids to squeal over, then drop it back. Buy your lines and bait from the shops nearby for a couple of pounds, then settle in for an hour or two of doing absolutely nothing complicated.
When you’re done, grab fish and chips from the quayside and watch the boats come in. It costs almost nothing, it takes as long as you want and the kids will love it!
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Free activity (bait and lines are cheap).
Conwy Quay
Conwy Water Gardens
Fifteen minutes from our cottages, this family-run spot combines aquatic life, Asian short-clawed otters (kids love watching them play), koi ponds and a gentle woodland walk. It’s low-key, manageable and perfect when you need something easier than a full mountain day.
The attached pancake house is hugely popular and does excellent breakfasts and lunches – it’s worth timing your visit around a meal here.
Entry fee applies, but parking is free. Check the official Conwy Water Gardens website for current opening times and prices. Allow 1-2 hours for the gardens, longer if you’re eating.
From world-class gardens to mountain summits with sweeping views, this area offers peaceful escapes into nature. Here are three essential spots to experience the landscape at its finest.
Bodnant Garden (National Trust)
Ten minutes from our cottages sits one of the finest gardens in Britain – 80 acres of world-class planting on terraces overlooking the Conwy Valley. The famous Laburnum Arch blooms in late May to early June and is genuinely remarkable. Beyond that, there are formal terraces, a wild “Dell” with massive conifers and rhododendrons, and a working kitchen garden.
This deserves a full morning or afternoon. Arrive early in peak season. The on-site café is excellent, and the plant sales are tempting if you’ve got garden space at home. The terrain is hilly – wear good shoes.
Plan for 3-4 hours. Entry fee applies (free for NT members). Free parking on-site. Check the official Bodnant Garden website for current opening times and ticket prices.
A beautiful coastal wetland reserve with easy, flat trails suitable for all abilities. The boardwalk paths take you through reedbeds full of warblers and wildfowl and the view back towards Conwy Castle from the lagoons is iconic.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Allow 1-2 hours. Entry is free (donations welcome), parking is free on-site. Brilliant for birdwatchers and photographers.
A short, steep climb rewards you with one of North Wales’s finest panoramas – sweeping views across the Conwy estuary, the castle, Eryri’s peaks and the Great Orme. The summit sits at just 244 metres, making this an accessible walk for most fitness levels, but the rocky terrain and steady ascent make it feel like a proper mountain experience.
Iron Age hill fort remains dot the ridgeline. On clear days, you can see for miles in every direction. Twenty minutes from our cottages. Allow 1-3.5 hours depending on your route. Pay-and-display car parks at the base.
Wear sturdy footwear – the path is rocky and can be slippery when wet. Check the weather forecast – mist can descend quickly and obscure the path. The views are worth timing your visit for good visibility.
If you love sand, sea and fresh coastal air, the Conwy Valley has some lovely spots to explore. From quiet coves to wide open beaches, these destinations are perfect for relaxing or enjoying a family day out.
Deganwy Beach
Twenty minutes from our cottages, Deganwy sits just across the estuary from Conwy. It’s a quieter alternative to Llandudno – a mix of sand and shingle with lovely views back towards Conwy Castle. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon, rock pooling with kids or a sunset walk.
Roadside parking and small car parks nearby. Cafés and public toilets in Deganwy village. The beach is dog-friendly year-round and there’s a pleasant promenade with cafés nearby for when you need coffee and cake.
Deganwy Beach
Llandudno’s Two Beaches
Twenty-five minutes from our cottages. If you want the full Victorian seaside experience, Llandudno offers two distinct beaches. The North Shore is the classic one – a wide, sandy bay with the pier, promenade and all the traditional seaside amenities. It’s lively and family-friendly.
The West Shore, on the other side of the Great Orme, is quieter and more sheltered, with sweeping views across to Anglesey. Both beaches are excellent for families.
Multiple large car parks available (get there early on summer weekends).
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🥾 Walks & Hikes for Every Level
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the Conwy Valley has trails for every level. From riverside paths to hillside routes, these walks let you enjoy the scenery while keeping active.
Easy Walks (Families, All Ages)
Conwy Town Walls Circuit
The full 1.3km walk along the medieval walls. Panoramic views, historically fascinating and surprisingly peaceful even when the town is busy. Not pushchair-friendly (steps and narrow sections), but manageable for most.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. Start from any of the town gates.
Conwy Town Walls
Conwy Estuary Path
A flat, paved path along the estuary from Conwy Marina towards Deganwy. Easy, scenic and perfect for an after-dinner stroll or a gentle dog walk. Turn back whenever you like.
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Llanrwst Riverside Walk
A flat, surfaced path along the River Conwy, starting from Llanrwst town centre. Easy terrain, peaceful views and the bonus of Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tearoom nearby for refreshments. Fifteen minutes from our cottages.
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour (turn back whenever you like).
River Conwy, Llanwrst
Moderate Forest & Lake Walks
Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionydd
Thirty minutes from our cottages, these two beautiful glacial lakes in the Gwydir Forest have circular walking paths around them. Crafnant is more accessible and popular; Geirionydd is quieter. Both offer impressive reflections on calm days, and Geirionydd is fantastic for wild swimming in summer (if you’re feeling brave).
Allow 1-2 hours for a lake circuit. Pay-and-display car parks at both lakes.
Miners’ Trail, Gwydir Forest
A waymarked trail through the remains of the old lead and zinc mining industry. You’ll see spoil heaps, ruined buildings and tunnels cut into the hillside – atmospheric and fascinating if you’re interested in industrial heritage.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Allow 2-3 hours. Some uneven ground.
The village of Rowen sits at the base of the Carneddau range, one of the wildest and least-visited mountain areas in Eryri. Trails from here take you into open, dramatic moorland with huge views.
Fifteen minutes from our cottages to Rowen. Allow 3-6 hours depending on route.
This is proper mountain walking – bring navigation skills, good boots and weather-appropriate gear.
Whether you prefer gentle rides through the valley or challenging mountain trails, there’s something here for every cyclist. These routes showcase the scenery while giving you a great workout on two wheels.
Gwydir Forest Mountain Biking
Fifteen to twenty minutes from our cottages, Gwydir Forest is one of North Wales’s premier mountain biking destinations. Trails range from gentle forest roads to technical singletrack. The Marin Trail is the most famous – a challenging 23km route with climbs, descents and impressive forest scenery.
There are also easier routes suitable for families and intermediate riders. The forest is beautiful, the trails are well-maintained, and you’ll often have sections to yourself.
Multiple car parks with trail access. Bring your own bike or hire from Betws-y-Coed.
Several shops in Betws-y-Coed offer bike hire, from children’s bikes to full-suspension mountain bikes. Twenty minutes from our cottages, this is your closest option for hiring quality bikes if you’re planning a day on the trails or a family cycle along the valley.
Family Cycling
For gentler cycling, the quieter valley roads between villages make for pleasant family rides, though be aware there are no dedicated cycle paths through most of the valley. The area around the lakes (Llyn Crafnant, Llyn Geirionydd) has forest tracks suitable for steady family cycling.
From calm rivers to open waters, the Conwy Valley offers plenty of ways to get out on the water. Whether you enjoy kayaking, sailing or scenic boat trips, these spots are perfect for a fun day afloat.
Rib Ride Anglesey
For an exhilarating coastal experience, Rib Ride offers high-speed boat trips around Anglesey’s dramatic coastline. You’ll see cliffs, caves, wildlife (including puffins in season) and experience the thrill of a powerful RIB cutting through the water.
Forty to fifty minute drive to Anglesey departure points. Book in advance online. Weather-dependent (trips can be cancelled). It’s suitable for older children and adults who don’t mind getting wet and windblown – bring waterproofs.
About an hour’s drive into deeper Eryri, the National White Water Centre at Bala offers kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding and other water sports on Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) and the river. It’s perfect for families wanting a proper water adventure with qualified instruction. They cater to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.
Book activities in advance. Full or half-day sessions available.
National White Water Centre, Bala
Kayaking & Paddleboarding in the Valley
The Conwy estuary and nearby lakes offer opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, though these are typically bring-your-own-equipment activities rather than organized hire.
The estuary can have strong tidal flows – only suitable for experienced paddlers who understand tidal conditions.
North Wales is renowned for its links golf, and the Conwy Valley puts you within easy reach of several excellent courses – from championship layouts to scenic parkland options.
Conwy (Caernarfonshire) Golf Club
Twenty minutes from our cottages sits one of the finest links courses in Wales with impressive views across the estuary to Conwy Castle and Eryri beyond. A challenging championship course that’s been hosting golf since 1890. The setting alone is worth the visit.
Championship links. Visitors welcome (advance booking recommended). Premium green fees. Check the official Conwy Golf Club website for current details.
Conwy Golf Club
Conwy Golf Club
Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club
A more accessible clifftop course with beautiful coastal views. Less demanding than the championship courses but still a quality layout with interesting holes. Good for a relaxed round or improving golfers.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Clifftop parkland. Visitors very welcome. Moderate green fees. Check the official Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club website for current details.
North Wales Golf Club, Llandudno
Another superb links course, set beneath the Great Orme with stunning coastal views. Known for its excellent condition and challenging layout. The West Shore location means it’s quieter than the town centre but equally scenic.
Twenty-five minutes from our cottages. Links course. Visitors welcome. Mid to premium range green fees. Check the official North Wales Golf Club website for current details.
A scenic parkland course in the heart of Eryri with mountain views and the River Llugwy running through it. Nine holes but can be played as 18 with different tees. More laid-back atmosphere, perfect if you want golf with spectacular scenery rather than championship pressure.
Fifteen minutes from our cottages. Parkland (9 holes). Visitors welcome, usually no booking required. Budget-friendly green fees. Check the official Betws-y-Coed Golf Club website for current details.
Royal St David’s, Harlech
Worth the drive for serious golfers. This is a championship links course beneath Harlech Castle, consistently ranked among Britain’s top courses. Challenging, dramatic and steeped in history. The views of castle and mountains are unforgettable.
Sixty-five minute drive. Championship links. Visitors welcome (advance booking essential). Premium green fees. Check the official Royal St David’s website for current details.
Royal St David’s Golf Course, Harlech
Royal St David’s Golf Course, Harlech
Practical Note: Most courses welcome visitors but booking ahead is advisable, especially in summer. Check individual club websites for tee times, current green fees and any dress code requirements. Several offer club and trolley hire if you’re travelling without your own equipment.
Conwy Valley Getaway
Your own hot tub. Views across the valley.
Both cottages have a private hot tub on their own patio. 39°C year-round, looking out toward the Carneddau mountains.
Love discovering local flavours? You’ll find everything from cosy cafés to artisan producers and vineyard tours here. These are some of the best spots to eat, drink and sample a taste of North Wales.
Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
Ten minutes from our cottages sits one of the best farm shops in North Wales. Exceptional butchery, a huge deli counter, local cheeses, Welsh produce and a restaurant serving excellent seasonal food. If you’re self-catering at our cottages, this is where to stock up on quality ingredients.
Large free car park. The Furnace restaurant is excellent for lunch.
Bodnant Welsh Food
Edwards of Conwy Butchers
A legendary butcher on Conwy High Street, famous for their Welsh lamb and beef. If you’re planning a BBQ on our patio, this is where to buy your meat. In Conwy town centre.
Conwy Mussels (Seasonal: September–April)
Conwy is famous for its mussels, harvested from the estuary and considered some of the best in Britain. Find them on seasonal menus or purchase fresh from the quayside when they’re in season.
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
A family-run vineyard with gorgeous valley views, laid-back tours and tastings and some genuinely impressive Welsh wines – best enjoyed on their terrace on a sunny afternoon.
Watch traditional Welsh blankets and tweeds being woven on historic looms powered by a Victorian water turbine. You can buy direct from the mill – the quality is exceptional. There’s also a small café.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Allow 30-60 minutes. Small free car park.
A traditional Welsh market town with independent bakeries, café, and the famous Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tea room (in a 15th-century cottage by the bridge).
Fifteen minutes from our cottages. Perfect for a wander and a coffee.
Pont Fawr, Llanwrst
🚂 For a Slower Pace
Relax and slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Conwy Valley at a gentler pace.
The Conwy Valley Railway Line
One of Britain’s most scenic rail journeys. The single-track line runs from Llandudno Junction through the heart of the valley to Betws-y-Coed and beyond to Blaenau Ffestiniog (the slate-mining town deep in the mountains). On a clear day, the views are extraordinary.
Trains run regularly. Check times on Transport for Wales. Consider an off-peak day return for flexibility. You can hop off at any station, explore and catch a later train back.
Ffestiniog Railway Station
Betws-y-Coed Village
Known as the “Gateway to Snowdonia,” this is a classic mountain village full of outdoor shops, craft galleries, cafés and pubs. It’s touristy, yes, but in a pleasant way. Perfect for a couple of hours browsing and people-watching.
Twenty minutes from our cottages. Multiple pay-and-display car parks. Nearby Swallow Falls is worth the short drive if you’ve never seen it.
When the sun sets, there’s still plenty to enjoy around the Conwy Valley. From cosy pubs and local music to theatre shows and fine dining, these spots are perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
Traditional Welsh Pubs
The valley is dotted with atmospheric pubs – many historic coaching inns with open fires, local ales and live music on weekends. The Groes Inn and The Bee Inn (our local) are two of our favourites for food and atmosphere.
Ask locally about which pubs have live music schedules, as it varies seasonally.
Conwy & Llandudno for Dining
Both towns have good restaurant scenes ranging from traditional pub food to Italian, Indian and contemporary Welsh cuisine. Conwy’s compact town centre makes it easy to wander and choose. Llandudno’s Victorian promenade has a wider selection if you want more options.
North Wales’s premier theatre and entertainment venue hosts touring productions, comedy shows, concerts and musicals throughout the year.
Check their schedule if you fancy a proper night out – it’s only 25 minutes away.
Stargazing
One of the benefits of staying in the valley is the relatively dark skies. On clear nights, especially in winter, the stargazing from our cottages (or anywhere away from town lights) can be spectacular. Bring a blanket, settle into the hot tub and look up.
From our cottages in the Conwy Valley, the best of North Wales is all within easy reach. Coastal towns, mountain passes, castles and islands – each offers a memorable day out without a long drive. Whether you’re after a classic seaside stroll, a mountain adventure or a dose of history, these are our top picks for exploring a little further and still being back in time for supper.
Llandudno
Twenty-five minutes from our cottages, Llandudno is Wales’s largest and most elegant Victorian seaside town – the classic, old-fashioned day out. Stroll the pier, ride the Great Orme Tramway (Britain’s only cable-hauled street tramway), and enjoy the promenade’s sea views. In the evening, Venue Cymru hosts theatre and comedy shows.
Insider Tip: Don’t just go up the Orme, go under it. The Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines are a 4,000-year-old network of tunnels and caverns discovered in 1987. It’s a fascinating and unexpected attraction, and a perfect activity for a rainy or overcast day.
Plenty of pay-and-display parking near the pier and the Great Orme Tramway. Check the official Great Orme Mines website for current opening times and prices.
The Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme
Deeper into Eryri
This is the dramatic mountain scenery everyone imagines when they think of Eryri. The 45-minute drive takes you to iconic spots like the Ogwen Valley (for views of Tryfan) and Pen-y-Pass (the start of the Miners’ Track to Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon). This is serious mountain country, impressive for experienced hikers and photographers.
Insider Tip: You’ll see and hear the park referred to by its official Welsh name, Eryri (pronounced Er-ur-ree). This is the name used by all local authorities and on all new signage. Using “Eryri” is a respectful and accurate way to refer to the park, acknowledging its deep Welsh heritage.
Parking at Pen-y-Pass and in the Ogwen Valley is extremely limited and must be pre-booked online, often weeks in advance. For a stress-free day, use the Park and Ride services from Nant Peris or Betws-y-Coed.
Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is another of Edward I’s “Iron Ring” fortresses, but with a different feel. It’s more imposing and grand than Conwy, designed as a royal palace and the seat of English power. This was the site of the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles. The town itself is lively and proudly Welsh-speaking, with good restaurants and independent shops.
Insider Tip: Your admission ticket doesn’t just get you into the castle; it also includes entry to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed inside the castle’s towers. It’s a fantastic, high-quality museum that’s often missed, but it’s one of the best military collections in the UK.
Fifty minutes from our cottages. Don’t try to park inside the old town. Use the large pay-and-display car parks on the slate quay (e.g. Balaclava Road) just outside the walls for an easy, 2-minute walk to the castle.
Caernarfon Castle
Anglesey
An island of sandy beaches, hidden coves and ancient history. Anglesey feels different – flatter, more open, with a distinct island atmosphere. It’s perfect for a beach day or coastal walking. Key sites include Beaumaris Castle (another “Iron Ring” giant) and the dramatic South Stack Lighthouse.
Insider Tip: Anglesey is one of the last strongholds for red squirrels in the UK. One of the best and most reliable places to spot them is at the Dingle Nature Reserve (Nant y Pandy) in Llangefni – a beautiful, easy woodland walk that many tourists miss.
Forty minutes from our cottages to the bridge, and then explore. Anglesey is surprisingly large. Plan your day around one area. For example, focus on the south (Beaumaris Castle, Menai Bridge, Plas Newydd) or head west to South Stack Lighthouse and the famous beaches near Rhosneigr.
Beaumaris Castle Entrance Gate
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is an Italianate village built by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis – a fantasy Mediterranean town on the coast of North Wales. It’s utterly unique: colourful buildings, subtropical gardens and stunning estuary views. Famous as the set for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner, it’s part architectural curiosity, part botanical garden.
Insider Tip: Your entry ticket includes more than just the famous piazza. Be sure to follow the path through the “Gwyllt” – 70 acres of subtropical woodland gardens on the hillside. The trails lead to hidden follies, a “ghost garden” and quiet coastal viewpoints that most visitors miss.
Sixty minutes from our cottages. The village is built on a steep hillside, so wear comfortable shoes. Book tickets online in advance for a small discount. Check the official Portmeirion website for current opening times and ticket prices.
Portmeirion
Blaenau Ffestiniog & Slate Country
Tucked deep in the mountains lies Blaenau Ffestiniog, the “town that roofed the world.” This is where North Wales’s industrial heritage feels at its most dramatic. Vast, grey mountains of slate surround the town – a stark yet strikingly beautiful landscape, now recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating the region’s slate industry.
Blaenau is a true two-for-one destination: part living museum of the past, part playground for thrill-seekers.
Cwmorthin Quarry & Slate Mine
Zip World
For the History Lovers
The star attraction is Zip World Llechwedd, where you can step deep into North Wales’s slate-mining past on the unforgettable Deep Mine Tour. You’ll descend 500ft underground on Britain’s steepest cable railway to explore the vast, hand-carved caverns of a 19th-century slate mine. It’s a powerful, atmospheric experience – a glimpse into the brutal, back-breaking work faced by miners, some as young as twelve.
For the Adventurers
The same site is also one of Zip World’s flagship locations, combining industrial heritage with heart-pumping fun:
Bounce Below – a vast network of trampolines and slides suspended in a cavern twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Caverns – an underground obstacle course of zip lines, rope bridges and tunnels through the hidden depths of the mine.
Titan – a 1km-long, four-person zip line soaring high over the quarry.
And if you’re chasing even more speed, Velocity at nearby Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (near Bethesda) is the world’s fastest zip line – reaching over 100mph across a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
Insider Tip: For any of the Llechwedd tours (history or adventure), it is cold underground (around 8°C), even on the hottest summer day. You must wear trainers or walking boots, and bring an extra layer and gloves. For a unique, car-free day trip, take the scenic Conwy Valley Railway directly from the valley up to Blaenau Ffestiniog station.
Sixty minutes from our cottages. All Zip World activities must be booked in advance online, often weeks ahead in peak season. Both sites have a large car park and a café.
Welsh weather is unpredictable, but a rainy day doesn’t mean a wasted day. We’ve written a complete guide to making the most of wet weather in North Wales, covering indoor attractions, undercover activities, cosy cafés and experiences that are actually better in the rain.
After hosting for four years, here’s what we’ve learned about making the most of the Conwy Valley:
Timing & Crowds
Conwy town and Betws-y-Coed get very busy on summer weekends and bank holidays. Visit midweek if you can, or arrive early (before 10am). Bodnant Garden is at its absolute best in late May/early June (Laburnum Arch) and in autumn (colour).
Parking
Conwy: Use the large car parks outside the town walls (Mount Pleasant or Morfa Bach). Don’t try to park inside the walls – it’s limited and stressful.
Betws-y-Coed: Multiple pay-and-display car parks. Arrive before 10am in summer or prepare to circle.
Mountain walks: Many Eryri car parks have pay-and-display machines – bring change or use the JustPark app.
Weather
The weather in North Wales is famously changeable. Always pack layers and waterproofs, even if it looks sunny when you leave. The mountains create their own weather – it can be sunny in Conwy and misty in the high peaks.
Dog-Friendly
Most beaches, forests and mountains welcome dogs. Conwy town is dog-friendly (many pubs and cafés allow them). Dogs aren’t allowed in Cadw castles (inside) or National Trust houses, but they’re welcome in NT gardens like Bodnant (restrictions apply, check website).
Shopping & Supplies
There’s a Tesco superstore in Llandudno Junction and a good-sized Co-Op in Llanrwst. For quality food, use Bodnant Food Centre. Llanrwst also has independent shops and bakeries if you prefer to avoid supermarkets.
We’ve spent four years exploring this valley – its history, trails and hidden corners. This guide brings together everything we’ve learned to help you make the most of your visit.
Our holiday cottages give you a comfortable base to explore from. They’re well-equipped and centrally located, so you can reach castles, mountains and coast without spending your holiday in the car. Whether you’re here for the history, the hiking or simply a week with family, you’ll have what you need.
More importantly, you’ll have time to enjoy the holiday itself. Not just racing from one attraction to the next, but actually relaxing between adventures. Swimming in your private pool, sinking into your hot tub, watching the sunset over Eryri with a glass of wine.
That’s what makes this location work. The exploring is brilliant. The returning to your base is equally important.
A week is ideal if you want to explore properly without rushing. You could easily fill two weeks if you’re keen walkers or want to take day trips to Anglesey and Caernarfon. For a shorter break, 3-4 days gives you time to see the main highlights in Conwy and take one mountain or coastal day trip.
Is the Conwy Valley good for families with young children?
Absolutely. There’s a huge range of activities suitable for all ages: Conwy Quay for crabbing, the Water Gardens, Welsh Mountain Zoo, easy forest walks around Llyn Crafnant and beaches within 20 minutes. Our cottages have a heated indoor pool, which is brilliant for families whatever the weather.
Do we need a car?
Yes, realistically. While Conwy town is accessible by train, most of the valley’s attractions are spread out and much easier to reach by car. Public transport exists but is limited, especially to mountain and forest areas.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Each season has its appeal: – Spring: Wildflowers, lambs, Bodnant Garden’s Laburnum Arch (late May/early June) – Summer: Warmest weather, longest days, best for beaches and outdoor activities (but busiest) – Autumn: Fewer crowds, beautiful colours, Conwy mussel season starts – Winter: Dramatic mountain scenery, cosy pubs, very quiet (some attractions have reduced hours)
Are your cottages suitable for dogs?
Yes, we welcome up to two well-behaved dogs per cottage. The surrounding area is fantastic for dog walking, and most outdoor attractions, forests and beaches are dog-friendly.
Can we visit all the historical sites in one day?
You could hit the main ones in Conwy (castle, town walls, St. Mary’s Church) in a morning, then drive to Llanrwst for St. Grwst’s Church in the afternoon. But we’d recommend spreading the history trail across two or three days so you have time to properly explore each site, read the plaques and absorb the stories without rushing. The Iron Ring castles each deserve their own detailed visit. That’s the benefit of staying for a week – you can take your time and really understand the history.
Lake Vyrnwy is a beautiful reservoir with a haunting secret: beneath the water lies the remains of Llanwddyn, a village deliberately drowned by Victorian engineers. This guide tells the powerful story of the community that was sacrificed and gives you a practical plan for visiting this remarkable day-trip destination.
Planning a multi-generational holiday in North Wales is one thing – making it work for everyone once you arrive is another. From accessible castles and scenic steam trains to relaxed “split days” and stress-free mealtimes, this guide shows you how to find the right pace, keep every age group happy and actually enjoy time together – without the exhaustion.
Most visitors to North Wales admire the purple-grey mountains without realising the story beneath them. This landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved by a global industry that roofed the 19th-century world. This guide shows you how to “read the landscape” and explore the story of Welsh slate, from its vast quarries to its deep cultural impact.
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