Llanrwst

In a nutshell. Handsome, historic town, ‘capital’ of the verdant Vale of Conwy.

Click here to discover the history and culture of Llanrwst with this free audio-visual tour.

Llanrwst’s three-arched bridge across the Conwy, thought to be the work of famed 16/17th-century architect Inigo Jones, is the first thing to catch the eye. It leads across the clear-flowing waters to Tu Hwnt i’r Bont, a beautifully restored 15th-century house now owned by the National Trust. History is thick on the ground wherever you look.

The most prized of many treasures in Gwydir Chapel, St Grwst’s Church, is a weighty stone coffin said to have been that of Llywelyn the Great, the revered 13th-century Prince of Gwynedd.

Another chapel – Gwydir Uchaf – in woods close to the town is noted for its striking ceiling paintings.

The word ‘Gwydir’ crops up a lot locally. A visit to Gwydir Castle, once home of the all-powerful Wynn family, is an authentic and atmospheric experience. This grand Tudor manor, a rarity in Wales, was built on an historic site of great antiquity.

Then there’s the Gwydir Forest, a woodland latticed with scenic waymarked trails like the Lady Mary Walk, which introduces you to local history and characters like Dafydd ap Siencyn, the forest’s own ‘Robin Hood’. Go onward and upward and eventually you’ll come to two lovely, little-visited lakes, Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant.

Back in town, you’ll find an attractive range of independent shops selling everything from books to artisan and specialist foods.

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