Conwy Castle, Medieval fortress in Conwy, Wales.
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortress in Conwy, North Wales, built on a rocky outcrop above the river. Eight round towers surround two courtyards separated by an inner wall, forming a rectangular compound that follows the shape of the ridge.
King Edward I had the fortress built between 1283 and 1287 by master mason James of Saint George as part of his conquest of Wales. The structure was completed within a few years and later served as a refuge during the Welsh uprising in the early 15th century.
The fortress takes its name from the Welsh word for the estuary and still shows traces of royal power through its great hall and chambers with fireplaces and decorative details. Visitors can walk through the residential quarters and see how the layout was designed to accommodate a medieval ruler and his household.
Visitors can climb staircases inside the towers to reach different levels and explore the inner chambers and wall walks. The upper areas offer views over the river and bay, though sturdy footwear is recommended because of the uneven steps.
The structure was completed in just four years, which was unusually fast for a fortress of this size and required a large workforce. Some of the original plaster coating on the walls survives today and shows how the fortress once appeared.
Location: Conwy
Location: Conwy County Borough
Inception: 1283
Founders: Edward I of England
Architects: James of Saint George
Elevation above the sea: 23 m
Height: 30 m
Fee: Yes
Made from material: limestone
Operator: Cadw
Part of: Conwy Castle and Town Walls
Address: Rose Hill St, Conwy LL32 8AY, UK
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-17:00
Phone: +443000252239
Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/conwy-castle
GPS coordinates: 53.28000,-3.82556
Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:43
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Conwy Railway Bridge
121 m
Conwy Suspension Bridge
128 m
The Guildhall
98 m
NatWest Bank
148 m
Conwy Castle and Town Walls
36 m
Pont Pensarn
82 m
Meddiant
136 m
Crane in former railway yard E of Conwy station
91 m
Knights Gone By
98 m
Isgraig (Christopher Gash Dental Surgery)
119 m
Fron Deg
130 m
The Quay
111 m
Railway bridge over Llanrwst Road, including attached embankment wall to E
79 m
The Bridge public house
128 m
St John's English Methodist Church
159 m
Toll House At Conwy Suspension Bridge
83 m
Hodesdon
125 m
Harbour Master's Office
105 m
Pillar box outside NatWest Bank
154 m
Telephone call box outside NatWest Bank
154 m
Retaining wall of Afon Gyffin to E of Pont Pensarn
44 m
Bodreinallt Surgery
114 m
Conwy Mussel Museum
107 m
Mytilus Edulis
113 m
Sculpture, Work of art
41 m
Work of art
47 m
Work of art
29 m
Anchor
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