Conwy Castle - Explore a Magnificent Medieval Fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Wales

Conwy Castle is one of Wales' most impressive medieval fortresses, situated in the historic walled town of Conwy on the north coast of Wales. Overlooking the River Conwy and its estuary, this magnificent castle is famous for its imposing towers, remarkably preserved defensive walls and spectacular views towards the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).

Built between 1283 and 1287 for King Edward I of England, the castle formed part of a network of fortifications constructed during his conquest of Wales. Designed by the renowned medieval architect Master James of St George, Conwy Castle is now recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the castle's impressive eight towers, medieval chambers, great hall and royal apartments. The surviving architecture provides a fascinating insight into life within a royal fortress during the Middle Ages.

One of the highlights is walking along the castle's elevated battlements, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Conwy town, the harbour, the River Conwy and the surrounding mountains. The castle's remarkably complete defensive structures make it a particularly memorable destination for photography.

The castle is closely connected to Conwy's medieval town walls, which surround much of the historic centre. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Plas Mawr, a beautifully preserved Elizabethan townhouse, and the picturesque Conwy Quay.

Conwy Castle is managed by Cadw and is a paid attraction. For the period from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027, standard admission is ?12.90 for adults, ?11.60 for seniors aged 65 and over, and ?9.00 for children aged 5-17 and eligible students. Children under five and Cadw members receive free admission. Joint tickets for Conwy Castle and Plas Mawr are also available.

The castle is open throughout the year, with seasonal opening hours. From March to June and September to October, opening hours are 9.30am to 5pm. During July and August, the castle opens from 9.30am to 6pm, while winter opening hours from November to February are 10am to 4pm.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The castle is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January, and occasional closures may occur during extreme weather conditions.

Visitor facilities include toilets, baby-changing facilities, a gift shop and an accessible toilet. A short-stay pay-and-display car park is located beside the visitor centre, with additional public parking available around Conwy.

Access to the castle involves a steep approach with steps, while the towers and wall walks contain narrow spiral staircases and uneven historic surfaces. Visitors with reduced mobility can explore some ground-level areas, but access to upper sections is limited.

Dogs are restricted to assistance dogs only from March to October. From November to February, other dogs are welcome on short leads in the ground-floor areas of the castle.

With its magnificent medieval architecture, fascinating royal history and spectacular views, Conwy Castle is an outstanding attraction for families, history enthusiasts and visitors exploring North Wales.

Find directions easily using Google Maps.