Llandudno and Conwy

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From Chester it is easy and cheap to access northern Wales and Snowdonia. I went on a day trip to Llandudno which is a seaside resort that, although it is packed in the summertime, was practically deserted when I was there. It was also a cold, rainy day which may have contributed to it. The north Welsh Coast is very scenic, and I spent an enjoyable few hours climbing up the Great Orm (a hill by the sea) and mingling with the goats and sheep. But while I was at the top it poured down, and I spent a very wet 45 minutes slip-sliding my way back into town. After warming up and having lunch in a cafe I had a little wander around the town and soon learned that besides hiking the Great Orm, there isn't much to do in Llandudno on a cold winter's day.

So in the early afternoon I hopped on the train with the intention of just going back home to Chester and taking a warm bath. After all, I was covered in mud and sheep poo. But from the train I spotted a beautiful castle and so hopped off at the next stop to go see it. I ended up discovering the tiny town of Conwy, which I had never heard of before. It was a gorgeous walled town dominated by the massive castle built by Edward I as part of his effort to control Wales. I wished that I had more time to explore it but unfortunately it was getting dark and I had to catch my train back. But I did enjoy the castle which was incredible. I will have to go back someday...

I wish I remembered more about the castle. If I find the leaflets from it I will add more info. I can say it was like something out of a fairy tale! And when it was originally built it would have been rendered (smoothed over) and painted white. A big white castle! All you need then is a knight in shining armor on a white steed and you really are a princess! Here are the pictures.

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Photos

The Welsh seaside resort of Llandudno
View from the top of the Great Orm

Conwy Castle
View from across the river Conwy

Inside the Castle
View of the courtyard from one of the towers.

Conwy Harbor
View of the harbor from the castle

The Great Hall
Notice the massive stone fireplace on the right! There obviously would have been a wooden floor. An impressive structure even in ruins...

Tower and Town
The view over the town from one of the 4 tall towers of the castle. I climbed all 4 for 4 spectacular views!

Comments

[alya]

was there
and brought home pictures very similar to yours...my llandudno day in addition to poring rain boasted severe hail. I loved it.