Summer is now here which means many of Britain’s beaches will be bustling with tourists, but there are still many charming seaside towns to escape to for a holiday if you know where to look.
Conwy is a picturesque market town in northern Wales that sits on the Conwy Estuary, where the River Conwy meets the Irish Sea.
This unique location has given Conway a scenic waterfront as well as being surrounded by golden sandy beaches, woodlands and craggy mountains as it is also right next to Snowdonia National Park.
However, Conwy is best known for its majestic medieval castle which sits on a rocky hill and looks out onto the water where many colourful fishing boats can often be seen as well.
Conwy is worth a visit as it has recently been named the “best-hidden gem coastal town” by Break Free Holidays due to its natural beauty, castle and Quay, which is the historic waterfront of the town.
Break Free Holidays said: “Conwy’s Unesco-listed castle dominates the walled town. But a recent regeneration project at Conwy Quay has brought new life to the waterfront.
“To appreciate Conwy’s superb natural location, take a stroll along the quayside towards the marina, hugging the headland with views of gently bobbing fishing boats and birdlife from the nearby RSPB reserve fluttering playfully overhead.”
The Quay holds the harbour and it is also lined with many historic buildings such as white-bricked merchant homes that date back centuries, and also famous for holding the smallest house in Britain, a tiny red-painted house that stands out as it is only six feet wide.
There are also several cafes, pubs and restaurants at the Quay due to the beautiful view of the caste so it is the perfect place to grab a place to eat and sightsee at the same time.
Conwy Castle is the most popular attraction of the town and it is no wonder why as it has been named one of the ‘most beautiful castles in Europe” according to CN Traveler.
They wrote: “The Welsh town of Conwy is defined by its 21-tower medieval fortress, which features a gorgeous castle surrounded by fortified walls stretching three-quarters of a mile. “
This striking medieval fortress was built during King Edward I in the 13th century where its walls surround the town, so you can see this architectural marvel no matter where you are in Conwy.
Conwy is the perfect place to visit for any history lover as its rich history can be seen in the town’s cobblestone streets, and beautiful centuries-old buildings such as the Plas Mawr, a 16th-century townhouse considered the best preserved Elizabethan home in the UK.
However, Conwy is also a great place for anyone wanting a beach holiday as it has several beaches across its coastline, the nearest being Conwy Morfa, a beautiful but secluded beach that goes on for miles and offers extraordinary views of the castle.
There is also Conwy Bay Beach south of the town which is much more popular as it has recently undergone a multi-million-pound renovation to restore the promenade.
Anyone visiting Conwy should consider travelling to this extraordinary little town at the beginning of July to take part in the Conwy River Festival, also known as Quay Day.
There will be boat races and other watersports on the water, live music performances, food stalls selling local cuisine and even a spectacular firework display in the evening making it the perfect place to take a summer trip.