So much history in ruins (Conwy Castle)

Member Name: blissman70

Product:	Conwy Castle
Date:	30/04/09 (241 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: beautiful views, Stunning architecture and historical learning

Disadvantages: not for those in wheelchairs

Wales is a beautiful place to visit, with some spectacular scenery and some stunning ruins to see. One of them being Conwy castle.


** LITTLE BIT OF A HISTORY LESSON...

Conwy castle is situated in North Wales, over looking the Conwy river.
It is a 'Linear' type castle which was built in 1283 during King Edward I second campaign in North Wales, the final stone being laid in 1289.
It took around 1500 workers, involving stonecutters and general labourer at a cost then of around £15,000 (just over £160 million in today's money), although some of this cost was actually used on the towns defences and not just the castle.
It was purposely built on solid rock for extra defence and to guard the entrance to the Conwy Estuary.
A few years after completion Edward I was besieged for several months in the castle during the rebellion of Madog ap Llywelyn, (Prince Madoc), although the castle was never captured

In the 14th century Edward (the black Prince) ordered alterations to the castle.
In 1403 a small band of Welsh forces managed to over power the castle guards and capture the castle.
During the war of the roses in the mid 1400s Conwy was captured by the Earl of Pembroke, William Herbert, under the orders of Edward the fourth.
Then by the 17th century the Castle had become more or less derelict and had fallen into disrepair, that is until the start of the English Civil war when it was used as a garrison for the English, although capture briefly in 1646, and was then abandoned.
In the 1660s it was then stripped of it's remaining timbers and metals on the orders Edward Conway and was left to decay as time went on.

* Not only is there a castle but there is also a three quarter of a mile wall surrounding the entire kingdom of Conwy which stand tall with its 22 towers


** HISTORY LESSON OVER... NOW FOR THE PRESENT...

* It is now owned by CADW although the ruins are controlled by the crown.

** GETTING THERE..

* By Car: along the A547, from the A55, or along the B5106 from the south.
* By Rail: To Conwy station, which is a stones through from the Castle.
* Also, there are several bus and Couch services running throughout the day.

** PARKING...

There is plenty of parking in the surrounding pay and display car parks, the closest one being at the foot of the castle itself, near the entrance.
There is also a larger car park, which does house a small refreshment café with outside seating area, along the left of the castle wall, driving under a small section of the castle walks. To get to the castle from here simply follow the signs, which will direct you through a colourfully painted tunnel directly to the castle walls, from there you can either walk up the steps or take the slope.
There are also scattered parking areas around the village itself, although the road are one way only.

** TOILET FACILITIES...

Although there are no actual toilets in the Castle ruins themselves there are several public toilets scattered around Conwy itself.


** THE CASTLE ITSELF...

It is divided into two sections, the outer ward and the inner ward, both wards being separated by a thick wall and deep ditch.
Each ward was then overlooked by four 20 metre high towers which had several floor, the inner ward, which housed the Royalty, had extra defences in the shape of turrets and a drawbridge, in the event of the outer ward being penetrated.

The original way into the Castle way via a ramp with steps, then across a drawbridge and through a gateway into the fortification, which was protected by a portcullis, which could be lowered in case of attack.
This led into the outer ward, which housed the main living quarters for the guards, and the Castle staff.
The inner ward house the Royal apartments and the Great Hall, where the feast and parties were held to greet the visitors.


** WHEN IS IT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC..?

In season, (April - October) 9am until 5pm 7 days a week.
Off season (November - March 9:30pm until 4pm Monday to Saturday.
Sunday - 11am - 4pm
Closed 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January.

** ENTRANCE COST...

Adults £4.60. Concession £4.10
Family ticket £13.30 (two adults and up to three children)

* There is also the option of a guided tour around the castle, which runs two or three times per day in season, this can be organised at the Barbican form a little hut and cost £1.50 per person for a minimum of 2 people per tour.


** ACCESSIBILITY...

Although getting to the castle is easy for everyone, the actual castle tour is not really for people in wheel chairs or walking difficulties, it is not advisable for those with prams either, as the ground inside the ruins are uneven underfoot.
From the car park entrance you go through the little souvenir shop, (every place has one), and, once paid, head off into the Castle itself.
The slope up to the Castle may be easily accessed, but once you are inside the ruins the ground is uneven. The towers themselves are especially difficult to navigate as they are dark, narrow and steep, sometimes a struggle, especially when people are approaching in the opposite direction.


** IN CONCLUSION...

What a monstrous monument Conwy castle is with its magnificent structure and incredible historical architecture.

As you approach, especially driving along the A547, crossing the bridge over the Conwy Estuary, you will instantly see the castle looming upon you through the wind-screen of your car, becoming an incredible sight as you pass by the massive stone walls.
Once you head through the Barbican and into the castle grounds itself you will be in awe at the stunning, yet eerie sight which beholds you, the ruins of what was once a spectacular fortress almost taking your breath away in an instance.

The walk around the castle can be either long or short, depending on how fast you walk and how many time you stop to read the many information plaques which are scattered around the ruins, but the views from the many points of the castle are well worth the walk.
The most stunning views are from the towers which stand proudly in the corners of the castle, the climb to the top is without doubt very tricky indeed, maybe even dangerous if you're not careful, with the stone steps being narrow and quite steep, leaving you breathless when you reach the top, feeling happy to ponder over the beautiful sight over this beautiful part of Wales.
It may be a steep climb but the results are well worth the effort, but do be careful descending the steps as this can be just as awkward, but there is a rope handrail which I do advise that you use.

When I visited the Castle I took my two young kids in there, (one of 6 and the other 10) and we spent quite a bit of time in there, having a little picnic at the far end, overlooking the Estuary, although the seagull did tend to mass around the wall around us, seeming to watch ever bite we took.
My kids initially enjoyed the castle, exploring the many nooks and crannies as they walked around, almost amazed by the structure as I explained what everything was, such as the grand fireplaces in the Main Hall and the royal quarters, how the prisoners were held in the prison tower and where the food for the meals were made, (I may have sounded intelligent but they soon realised that I was reading out of the information book I had purchased for £3.50 form the shop as we entered).

Although after we had walked around the site, climbing the towers and discovering the almost labyrinth of uncovered passageways and derelict rooms, my little cherubs became a little restless, in fact they even started to give the seagull pet names, so I decided that maybe we should head off into Conwy and away from the Castle itself. But this was after spending a good hour wondering the beautiful ruins of Conwy Castle, so the entrance fee is not so bad after all.

In all, a good place to visit having some stunning architecture and a fantastic look into the past.

Summary: An Englishmans home is no longer Conwy Castle