When it comes to holidaying in the UK, it can be hard to pick a holiday destination which won’t break the bank. We’re exploring the best free excursions to do in UK towns and cities, suitable for a wide range of holiday goers, from solo travellers to family outings!
Conwy, a historic town in North Wales, is a haven for those wanting to discover it’s medieval past and explore what’s within the ancient town walls. In this guide, we share five free things to do in Conwy.
Conwy Town Walls
Stretching for three quarters of a mile around the town, with twenty-one towers and three original gateways, Conwy Town Walls are a fantastic free way to view the town. See a variety of sights such as the looming turrets of Castell Conwy, or stare in awe at the great vastness of Snowdonia on the horizon. Follow the paths of the English monarchs as you explore one of the most complete town walls in Europe. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
How do I get there?
The starting point of Conwy Town Walls are a fifteen-minute walk from YHA Conwy or a fifteen-minute bus ride via the number 27 bus.
Location details: 18 Lower Gate St, Conwy LL32 8BE
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Royal Cambrian Academy of Art
Ready to channel your inner artist? Available to visit every Thursday- Sunday, the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art is a great rainy day activity. The exhibitions within the gallery focus on celebrating Welsh artists, displaying a range of contemporary and historical painting, prints, sculpture, photography and craft. The varied exhibition rooms change regularly, so there are always new and exciting displays to view!
For the art connoisseurs out there: did you know famous artists Henry Clarence Whaite and Richard Gay Somerset had artwork displayed in the academy’s collection?
How do I get there?
The vibrant gallery is an easy ten-minute walk from YHA Conwy and all buses through Conwy stop within 200m of the gallery.
Location details: Crown Lane, Conwy, LL32 8AN
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Conwy Morfa Beach
Are you under the impression you need to travel abroad to see rolling beaches and blue seas? Look no further than Conwy Morfa Beach. Sandy dunes compliment the rolling tide as an array of birds fly overhead. This beautiful beach is popular with birdwatchers as there are a variety of bird species able to be spotted: including Crossbill, Hawfinches and Black Grouse.
As if this wasn’t enough, at low tide Conwy Morfa Beach connects with Conwy Bay, meaning more space for sandcastles, beach games and paddling! This lovely location is also ideal for dog owners as there are no restrictions, meaning your pooch can dip his paws in the sea all year round.
How do I get there?
YHA Conwy is the place to stay if you’re wanting to visit the delightful bay, as it is a mere six-minute car journey or twenty-two-minute bus ride from Conwy Railway Station.
Conwy Morfa, Conwy, LL32 8GA
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Tal Y Fan
A route for the avid hikers out there, Ordnance Survey’s route for Tal Y Fan is an 8.9 mile circular route. Classed as the northernmost mountain in Wales, the hike offers beautiful views of Conwy Valley and Northern Carneddau at the 610m summit. The terrain is a mixture of clear paths, ridges and boggy moorland, so ensure you are well equipped to deal with the elements!
How do I get there?
The trail begins from a small parking spot just of Sychnant Pass Road near Conwy.
The detailed OS Maps route is available to view via the OS Maps app.
The starting point to the hike is a short four-minute drive from YHA Conwy, or thirty-minute walk.
Sychnant Pass Road Parking, Sychnant Pass Rd, Conwy LL32 8AZ
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Conwy Culture Centre
Situated next to Castell Conwy’s town walls, the Conwy Culture Centre is the ideal scene to delve into the medieval town’s history. Located in the centre is the county archive, exhibitions, a library, community arts hub and café. Read about years gone by whilst enjoying a delicious hot beverage, take part in an arts and crafts taster session or study the pieces displayed in the temporary exhibitions.
Looking to connect with nature? Conwy Culture Centre also has a sensory garden, filled with a plethora of plants, herbs and vegetables. Accessible paths and seating mean it’s a perfect place for everyone to relax.
How do I get there?
Conwy Culture Centre is a nine-minute walk from YHA Conwy, or a two-minute car ride with parking available for blue badge holders.
Town Ditch Rd, Conwy LL32 8NU
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Stay at YHA Conwy
After spending your day discovering Conwy’s intricate history and variety of attractions, take a load off at YHA Conwy. With a varied choice of accommodation, including shared rooms, private rooms and bell tents, there’s something for everyone! Tick “find a place to eat” off your to-do list and enjoy our unlimited breakfast, the perfect start for a day of adventuring! Even better, kids eat for £1* with a full paying adult.
Make sure your four-legged friend gets a good night’s sleep in our camping and cabins accommodation, ideal for the feeling of being close to nature whilst not missing out on those creature comforts!
Discover more about YHA.
*Kids eat for £1
Offer subject to availability at participating hostels. YHA reserves the right to amend or end this offer at any time. This offer is valid for one kid's meal for £1 for a child under 10 with a purchase of an unlimited breakfast costing £9.95 or an evening meal costing £6 or more.
