Historic Welsh Seaside Town Offers Timeless Beauty, Harbour Views, and Coastal Living

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With medieval castle walls, a bustling harbour, and old-world charm at every turn, Conwy in North Wales is proving to be one of Britain’s most desirable coastal locations. Ranked among The Sunday Times’ top places to live in the United Kingdom, this small town offers a rare mix of striking history, natural beauty, and community spirit, all set against a dramatic seaside backdrop.

Wander along Conwy Quay and you’ll quickly understand the town’s appeal. The harbour is filled with traditional lobster pots, tangled fishing nets, and charming vessels bobbing in the tide. The Liverpool Arms, just steps from the water, is a favourite for a proper pint with a view. The quay even has a board listing mooring fees for anyone dreaming of life afloat. You can also join a cruise aboard the Queen Victoria, a family-run boat offering relaxing trips upriver or out to the estuary, with views across Puffin Island and the Irish Sea.

Tucked alongside the harbour is one of the town’s most photographed landmarks: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Measuring only 72 inches wide and 122 inches tall, this tiny red structure was once home to a six-footer fisherman named Robert Jones. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the property has remained in the same family for more than 130 years and now serves as a quirky attraction for visitors.

Castle Walls

At the heart of Conwy lies its most iconic feature, the towering medieval fortress of Conwy Castle. Built between 1283 and 1287 under the command of King Edward I at a cost of around £15,000 (equivalent to roughly £12 million today), the castle was part of a broader effort to cement English control in Wales. Its eight mighty towers, high curtain walls, and complete town enclosure have stood the test of time and now form part of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

The castle houses the most complete set of medieval royal apartments in Wales and is widely considered one of the best-preserved strongholds in Europe. Condé Nast Traveller described it as “gorgeous” and “impressively preserved”, noting its fairy-tale appeal and dramatic views.

Like many ancient structures, Conwy Castle is said to be haunted. Visitors have reported eerie shadows in the towers and windows, and ghost-hunting groups claim to have recorded strange voices, including a chilling whisper from a young girl saying, “don’t tell them”. The site was once used as a prison during King Henry VIII’s reign, fuelling tales of lingering spirits.

Back on the high street, Dylan’s Restaurant is a highlight for food lovers. Their menu pays tribute to local produce, with seafood taking centre stage, including their famed Menai Strait mussels in white wine and garlic cream. You can enjoy views over St Mary’s Church and the castle from the upper floors.

For a luxurious overnight stay, the Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy offers comfort with style. Over £1 million has been invested in modernising its 77 rooms, many of which overlook the estuary and Conwy Castle. The on-site Marina Spa provides treatments using premium ESPA products, perfect for a relaxing end to your visit.

With its deep-rooted heritage, coastal charm, and warm community feel, Conwy is more than just a pretty seaside town; it’s where the past and present live side by side.