Things to do in Conwy in Autumn with Visit Conwy

Last month myself and Stevie were kindly invited on a press trip with Visit Conwy*, in North Wales, to explore in all it's glory during the autumn season. Built in the 13th century, naturally Conwy has a stunning, rich and somewhat dark history, which made for the perfect cosy or spooky getaway. From ghost hunting to conquering ancient castles, and riding rollercoasters in the woods, here's some unmissable spots to enjoy in Conwy in autumn...

Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle)

It was built in just under four years by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George and is truly a sight to behold. I highly recommend exploring the grounds and seeing where its spiral staircases take you. Whether you're a fan of dark tourism and visiting haunted locations, or just want to take in the scenery, it makes for a beautiful spot. 

Located just a short walk from our hotel, Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) was absolutely one of my top activities of the whole trip. It takes around an hour or so to fully explore this stunning 13th century castle which was constructed on the site of a former Cistercian monastery. Its medieval fortresses tower over the Conwy adding to the gorgeous scenery, with Snowdonia as its backdrop.

Is Conwy Castle Haunted? 

With the castle dating back to the 1200s and having been used as a prison by King Henry VIII, its safe to say there has been plenty of horrors take place at Conwy Castle throughout history. Naturally, with horrors comes auras and ghost stories. 

Over the years, some staff and visitors to the castle have claimed to have seen the ghost of a hooded monk; mourning the loss of the abbey. It is said that the monk makes himself known with a strong smell of incense, which trails after him.

Other ghost stories from Conwy Castle are believed to be from former inmates, figures spotted in the windows of the castle after dark. In 2016, a team of paranormal investigators claimed they recorded the voice of a little girl spirit saying "don’t tell them". Would you be brave enough to visit at night?

Located: Conwy Castle, Rose Hill St, Conwy LL32 8AY

Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd (Conwy Falls) and Ffos Anoddun (Fairy Glen)

If you're looking to stretch your legs during your time in Conwy, ramblers and tourists alike will love this out-and-back trail near Betws-y-Coed. Considered a fairly easy route for most, this popular trek for birding, hiking and runners around Conwy Falls and Fairy Glen takes an average of 1h 27 min to complete. 

When you see it for yourself in Autumn with the gorgeous red and orange leaves, you'll understand why Conwy Falls Forest Park was named Countryfile magazine’s landscape of the year in 2017. It is said that this densely wooded valley is populated with spirits and fairies, adding another touch of magic to the landscape. 

Before entering inside the 9.5 acres of ancient, native forest, we stopped off at the Conwy Falls Café, designed in the 1930s by renowned designer, Clough Williams-Ellis, of Portmeirion fame. If you're planning a long walk, this is an excellent stop off for lunch - they serve a selection of jacket potatoes, fries and warm toasted sandwiches - and it's a good place to charge up your phone. 

Location: A5, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0PN, £2 is payable via a turnstile entry.

The Smallest House in the United Kingdom

Believe it or not, the last occupant of this house was 6ft3. Facing the Conwy Bay shoreline, this house is officially the smallest in the UK - also known as Quay House. 

Understandably, it's now an uninhabited residence, but it still makes for an excellent tourist spot with great historic significance; not to mention a place in the Guinness World Records. As a one up, one down cottage built in the 16th century, measuring just 72 inches across, 122 inches high and 120 inches deep, the house has officially condemned too small for human habitation, but that doesn't mean you can't step inside and take a look yourself. 

If you're wondering if any haunted happenings have ever taken place inside the smallest house in the UK, the current owner Margaret Williams is a relative of it's final occupant, Roberts Jones (the 6ft3 fisherman), and has said to have experienced the strings of her apron being untied and pulled while standing in the doorway. She also claims to have been greeted by an overwhelmingly strong scent of salt water and fish when opening up the house for visitors in the morning. 

Another fun little fact is that Margaret's great-great grandfather bought the smallest house for just £20 in 1891. During your visit, try and see if you can find where the loo might have been. 

Location: 10 Lower Gate St, Conwy LL32 8BE - £2 entry for adults, £1 for children. 

ZipWorld Fforest Coaster 

Another favourite of mine during our visit to Conwy was the fforest coaster at ZipWorld. As the UK’s only alpine coaster, I just had to try it for myself. The Fforest Coaster is a toboggan style roller coaster on the edge of Snowdonia, located particularly close to the ground which allows you to reach up to 25 mph. 

Not just an adventure for thrill-seekers, aged 3 and over, you'll enjoy three rides (lasting around 6 minutes each) which see you race through the trees and moss on a one kilometre track. You can, of course, control your speed with the brakes, meaning you can go as fast (or as slow) as you like. 

Image credit: The Travel Magazine

Autumn is the perfect time to visit as the climb takes you through the red and orange foliage, with the sun peaking through the trees. Being in the UK, you should of course plan for a bit of rain - and should the worst happen, canopies are fixed to the sledges, keeping you dry in all conditions, with the forest environment also making the coaster particularly well sheltered from wind. 

If you follow me on Instagram (@popcornandglitter), you may have seen the video of my go on the coaster, but if you want a proper souvenir, they also have on-board cameras to capture the footage. The noises that left my body during this weren't voluntary, and I don't think I was quite prepared for what 25mph really feels like on a tobaggan but it was truly a fantastic experience and one I'd absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Conwy, or the surrounding areas. 

Location: ZipWorld Betws-y-Coed, A470, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HX

Ages 9+ are £25 each (plus booking fee) and £35 for two sharing. For children, ages 3 - 8 can ride with a parent or older child on the front of the sledge. 

The Castle Hotel, Conwy 

During our visit, we were lucky enough to stay at the iconic The Castle Hotel, located conveniently on High Street in the heart of Conwy. The historic hotel is over 500 years old and was once a coaching inn where many famous guests have been hosted over the years; including William Wordsworth and Queen Elisabeth of Romania to name but a few. 

Image credit: Booking.com

The hotel is famous for other reasons as well as it is considered one of the most haunted buildings in all of the United Kingdom. The most prominent of haunted happenings said to have occurred there is that following a young maid who died. She had wanted her body to be returned to her home town should she die, but the maid's request was denied and sadly her parents were unable to pay for a funeral. Instead, she was buried in the neighbouring graveyard. Following her unexpected passing, guests and staff reported bizarre goings-on and unexplained happenings; with waiters being tripped and jugs smashing. Eventually the hotel's owner at the time decided to have the girl’s body exhumed and returned for reburial. 

The last recorded paranormal incident was in 1985, so don't let this put you off from staying at the hotel if you're not a fan of the supernatural. And, even if you're not fortunate enough to stay overnight, it's a great stop off for a meal, or just a drink in one of the cosy bars.  

For our first evening at the hotel we enjoyed a lovely three course meal, including locally sourced scallops and Welsh lamb in their beautiful dining room. The menu offers a wide selection of seasonal traditional pub classics, alongside some Welsh favourites. 

Located: Castle Hotel, High Street, Conwy LL32 8DB  

Plas Mawr (Great Hall)

A great family indoor activity for any time of year, the Plas Mawr (Great Hall) is a beautiful historic home described as ‘the finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse anywhere in Britain'. Visitors can explore the house, see artefacts up close and get a taste of life in the 16th century. 

This townhouse would have been considered quite the luxury home at the time of its construction, and it was built for just £200 between 1576 and 1585. Over the years it has served as a courthouse, a school, and an art gallery but now it serves as a preserved historical site with rooms recreated as they might have once looked. As you tour the house, you'll notice the owner’s initials – RW – are peppered throughout the building. It took four years to retore the Victorian gardens and light-filled  rooms to their former glory.

 

Visitors are welcome to explore each room and there’s lots here planned over Halloween, and it’s easy to see why. It has featured on TV's Most Haunted and is allegedly haunted by the ghost of the first owner, Robert Wynne, his second wife, Dorothy, and the disgraced doctor who failed to save her,  before disappearing never to be found. 

Located: (Opposite Dylan's) Plas Mawr, High St, Conwy LL32 8DE

Conwy Ghost Tour and Walking Tours 

If you're visiting Conwy during Autumn, a ghost walking tour is a must. We joined James from Conwy Guided Tours for an hour, exploring the cobbled streets of Conwy and learning all about its haunted history. From mermaids, and local stories, to spirits seeking revenge, it was a fascinating way to see Conwy and James was so insightful. Would highly recommend it as a unique way to learn all about Conwy.

If you're looking to visit Conwy, North Wales anytime soon I really hope you find this little guided tour helpful. It's such a beautiful small town, so rich in history with so much to explore and see. Visiting Conwy in Autumn really made for such stunning scenery and it was the perfect anniversary getaway. A huge thanks to Visit Conwy the opportunity. 

Until next time fellow travellers, 

*This post is part of a collaboration with a press trip provided by Visit Conwy. As always all views are my own and not enforced by the brand or tourist board.