Located under 90 minutes by car from Liverpool and Manchester Airports, Conwy Valley enjoys excellent road and rail links. Its rural charm is made accessible by being on the A55 North Wales Expressway, which connects the region to the M6 motorway. Direct trains from London to Colwyn Bay take around 3 hours 30 minutes, and from Cheshire, Chester to Conwy takes one hour by direct train.
Conwy Valley attracts outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate nature, walking, tranquility, photography, and the great outdoors. From the coast and Llandudno, it descends the picturesque valley alongside the Conwy River to Betws y Coed, known as the Gateway to Snowdonia. Its close proximity to Snowdonia National Park and rich natural beauty make it one of the UK’s premier destinations.
Crowned as the Adventure Capital of Europe, it’s easy to see why Conwy Valley and the North of Wales, in particular, attract so many outdoor activity enthusiasts. From exhilarating 100 mph zip-lining and gorge scrambling in cascading pools to more sedate riverside rambles and valley hikes, there is an activity to suit every tempo.
The River Conwy flows through the valley, featuring ideal kayaking spots. Heading out to the coast, North Wales is home to a spectacular 250-mile coastline and award-winning sandy beaches, with one of the best, the pretty Conwy Morfa Beach, located close to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the impressive Conwy Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
Head to Betws y Coed and explore the magical Fairy Glen gorge—an ancient woodland steeped in folklore where moss-covered rocks surround this gorge in Snowdonia National Park, running along the River Conwy. A brisk walk will lead you to a photographer’s dream and the secluded waterfalls. The more dramatic and equally impressive Fairy Falls waterfalls are near Llanrwst, located an hour away.
Pick up the pace and journey through the emerald-green canopy of trees on the Fforest Coaster, an exciting 1km toboggan-style ride at Zip World. Dial down the adrenaline and wander through the serene Bodnant Garden and pretty market towns, enjoying the historic centers and artisan markets.
After a day’s activities, there’s nothing better than a bowl of Welsh Cawl—or ‘Lobscowls’ as it’s known in North Wales. This hearty lamb and vegetable stew is typically served with bread and Caerphilly cheese to replenish the spent calories and warm the soul! Afternoon cream teas include the scone-like treat of Welsh cakes: flatter in appearance and mouthwateringly flaky, typically served slathered with butter, sugar, or honey.
Keep an eye out for the Conwy Mussels on the local menus. Still harvested by hand, they are typically larger and meatier because they are allowed to grow naturally. With the Irish Sea off the coastline, fresh seafood is abundant, so expect to see anything from cockles to lobster, served fresh from seaside shacks or elevated in exquisite Michelin-starred dishes. North Wales is quite the foodie haven, and local beef and lamb grace the menus alongside tasty vegetarian bites, the Glamorgan Sausage—a delicious blend of cheese and leek wrapped in breadcrumbs. Whether it’s a cozy countryside pub or a market town restaurant, you can savor excellent food crafted from the finest local ingredients when visiting Conwy Valley and the surrounding locations.
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