When spring arrives in North Wales, Conwy Valley is a magical place to be. From wildflower meadows to the world-famous Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden and bluebell-carpeted woodlands, this UNESCO World Heritage area blooms into a botanical paradise. If you’re looking at visiting North Wales and looking beyond Snowdonia, here’s why we think Conwy Valley needs to be top of your list this spring.
The Instagrammable Spring Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Gardens in Wales
Few places in Conwy announce spring so vibrantly as Bodnant Gardens and its famous laburnum arch, which blooms for a few weeks each year. This 55-meter tunnel of golden flowers typically peaks from late May to early June, when its vibrant yellow canopy becomes the center of many an Instagram post. Entry to the gardens is free to National Trust members, but early booking is essential during the laburnum season.
Why Visit Conwy Valley in Spring
From March to late May, hikers favor the peaceful Snowdonia trails, free of summer crowds. Spectacular waterfalls are at their peak as warmer temperatures melt any snow on the higher slopes. Spring brings easier parking, less crowded historic sites, and the opportunity to secure a cozy table in the locally acclaimed restaurants.
Ideal Weather for Outdoor Activities
Enjoy the 50-foot cascading Conwy Falls set within an ancient woodland, accessible via well-maintained paths, or add the slightly further afield Aber Falls to your list, located just 2 miles from the village of Abergwyngregyn. The main footpath sits alongside Bronze Age settlements, and there is a plunge pool at the base of these 140-meter majestic falls (although summer may be the preferred season for swimming!).
The area around Conwy Valley and the Snowdonia National Park attracts those who not only love the challenging hiking and biking trails but also the outdoors, preferring gentle walks alongside the Conwy River or through purple-orchid-filled woodlands, as well as Conwy Castle and the coastal paths near Conwy Harbour.
Adrenaline activities come in the form of the UK’s first (and longest) alpine coaster at Zip World Fforest, with an exhilarating 25 mph ride through the North Wales woodlands. Zip World Velocity in Bethesda is equally impressive, with its natural backdrop and said to be the fastest zip line in the world, reaching speeds up to 100+ mph!
Wildlife Watching
Spring heralds new life and lambing season across the working farms of North Wales. The Conwy estuary attracts migrating birds like the Lapwing and Sedge Warbler, and birdsong fills the air around RSPB Conwy, where wardens offer guided walks among the blooming wildflowers, also home to dragonflies and tens of butterfly species.
North Wales Flowers and Gardens
Aside from the National Trust Bodnant Gardens and laburnum arch spring spectacle, visitors and photographers know to head to Betws-y-Coed. Cottage gardens spring into life with bulbs peaking through the ground, and the ancient woodlands at Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls create iconic Welsh woodland scenes carpeted in vibrant bluebells.
Spring Food and Drink Experiences
Expect locally sourced menus in unique settings during your visits to Conwy. A few of our favorites and the ones to book up quickly are The Groes Inn, reputed to be the oldest licensed inn in Wales. Located just minutes from Conwy Castle, it offers seasonal menus and mouth-watering pub food. If you want to experience early spring lamb the Welsh way, be sure to order the traditional Welsh stew known as Cawl. Another must-try is the local Conwy mussels, hand-harvested from the pristine Conwy estuary.
Local breweries worth a visit include Conwy Brewery, which offers weekend tours. These tours give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process behind their renowned handcrafted, high-quality traditional beers, as well as the chance to taste a few in their on-site pub, the Mash tap room.
Planning Your Conwy Valley Stay
Great transport links easily reach Conwy Valley. So, whether you’re flying in, Manchester and Liverpool Airports are within 90 minutes’ drive, and the direct train from London Euston to Llandudno is a leisurely, scenic 3-hour journey. Conwy Valley offers abundant natural surroundings and a chance to unwind and reset in the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for an annual base, then check out co-owning a share of Conwy Valley Residences. These beautifully crafted timber-built houses are constructed from Western Red Cedar Wood by an award-winning team of architectural and certified Passive House designers.
