Blogs from Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe

Today was all about the beautiful National Trust Gardens at Bodnant. We had intended to visit there and then go on to Conway. There is a castle there which we have seen before when we’ve stayed at Ruthin with sister Liz and Graham, where there is a frequently used Lancs & Cheshire camping DA holiday site. We never made it to revisit the Conway Castle though as we were so delighted with the Bodnant Gardens we decided very quickly we would stay all day. We did have a slight issue getting there from the campsite and were truly grateful we didn’t have the caravan in tow as the Sat Nav took us on one of its Jollies in an attempt to cut 10 metres off our journey. We realized as soon as the road had a ... read more

The wind was blowing us about a bit as we stood on the corner of one of the towers that line Conways very impressive walls. We had huffed and puffed our way along the walls to this point having struggled to find a way on to the walls. Unlike Chester where there are numerous ways to get onto the medieval/Roman walls here all stairways up seemed few and far between. We had stopped to catch our breath and take in the stunning view of the castle to one side of us and the blue sea and harbour to the other. "Bit like the great Wall of Ston" we said as we reminisced on the first time we caught site of the this wall in Croatia. "Not quite as bad " we joked as we stood and ... read more

Made what Bird estimates to be our second longest drive yesterday (four hours in all including Costco) traveling from Stratford to Conwy in North Wales. Prime sights for us are medieval castles constructed by Edward I to subjugate the Welch, although there are other attractions, including a Roman Fort on the Irish Sea. We did, in fact, visit the "Roman Fort" that was actually little more than a wall that had obviously been over restored. Didn't even take a picture. During one of Edward's trips to the continent along about the 1270's or early 80's he met a master architect in one of the German states and secured his services. This fella had many years of stable employment in Wales. Our first castle to visit is the one he constructed in Conwy. There is an adjacent ... read more

"So what is your favourite garden then ?" I asked . The reply from the driver about the best garden he had ever seen was exactly the same as the one that was going round my head . "Ninfa" Glenn said. "Yes I agree " Our memory of our day in the Italian garden of Ninfa remained long in the memory. The sun had been shining and we had wandered around the beautiful garden . There was none like it . We had never seen one so awe inspiring and we picked the best time of the year to see it . Not too hot , Spring when all the flowers were in full swing. " Villa D'Este was good " I said . "but not as beautiful as Ninfa" "Anything in this country ?" We ... read more

We have left Llandudno and hopefully will return someday, God Willing. Loved the Promenade and people were generally friendly.... read more