Conwy is a small but perfectly formed town in North Wales. It’s home to an ancient castle, stunning scenery, the smallest house in Britain, and much more. It’s free to visit the medieval walled town and have a wander, and there are also some free attractions to visit.
There’s something for everyone in this pretty coastal town. Outdoor adventurers will love hiking to the summit of Conwy Mountain and discovering the hill fort there. If you like to potter, you can explore the marina and quay. Children will love the activities at the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve. A visit to Conwy is a great way to spend a day.
Although Conwy is a relatively small town, there is a lot to do there, and so it is well worth a visit during your stay in North Wales. There are also plenty of free attractions, so you can still have a great time, even if you’re on a budget.
Yes, no matter what kind of thing you like to do, there is something for you in Conwy. Here are some of the best free things to do in Conwy.
Yes, you can walk along the top of the town walls in Conwy for free.
Conwy and Llandudno are completely different and are both worth a visit if you have time during your stay. Llandudno is a Victorian seaside resort with a pier, a mini-mountain called the Great Orme, and historic castles.
Some of the free things to do in Llandudno include:
Conwy has a main shopping area which is situated inside the town walls. Here, you’ll find High Street and Castle Street, which have a range of interesting independent shops, including places selling traditional Welsh crafts and contemporary art galleries.
There are also plenty of places to get a bite to eat. Choose from local delis where you can try Welsh dishes like bara brith, high-end restaurants, and cosy coffee shops.
There are many paths up to the summit of Conwy Mountain, so you can choose the best one for your ability. The top of the mountain is 800 feet (244 metres) above sea level. Enjoy spectacular views over Conwy Castle, the town, and the coastline from the summit and discover the Iron Age hill fort.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Ravens and choughs both call Conwy Mountain home.
Conwy Marina and Quay is a lovely spot for an afternoon wander. Sit and relax while taking in the views over the harbour and coastline, explore the RNLI lifeboat station, or see if you can fit into the Smallest House in Britain.
Although there is a charge to go inside the Smallest House in Britain, it is a small one of just £1.50 for adults or £1 for children. Or, you can just have your picture taken outside.
The RSPB Nature Reserve at Conwy provides a great day out for the whole family. It’s a haven for wetland wildlife, and you can spot an abundance of flora and fauna, including:
There’s a family trail map available to download from their website, and they often host fun activities for kids.
The Conwy town walls are three quarters of a mile long and surround the town. There are 21 towers and three original gateways, and the walls are some of the finest and most complete in Europe.
You can also visit Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although there is a charge for this.
This large sandy bay is perfect for sandy-toe strolls and letting off steam. There’s plenty of space for kids to play ball games, run around, and build sandcastles. Adults can paddle and enjoy the waves lapping at their feet.
If you haven’t seen enough birds at the RSPB Nature Reserve, there are more to see here. Crossbill, hawfinches, and black grouses can all be spotted, and the beach is popular with twitchers year round.
Conwy is around 28 miles from YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass. The best way to get there is to drive, which takes about 45 minutes. There are several pay and display car parks in Conwy, including:
Just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Conwy, this modern youth hostel is on a hill just outside the historic walls, and enjoys panoramic views of Conwy’s medieval castle, the mountains, and the valley all in sight.
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Wheelchair accessible
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The oldest dated town house in Wales. The furnished rooms reflect daily life from different periods in its history. Visit the National Trust website
Conwy is full of history and exploring the town's narrow lanes, castle walls and valley by bike is a great alternative to just walking! YHA Conwy also has plenty of cycling facilities to keep you and...
One of the most impressive castles in Wales, overlooking the Conwy estuary. Don't miss a walk along the town walls. Visit the website
The Smallest House in Great Britain can be found nestled amongst a terrace of houses on Conwy's quayside. You really can't miss the smallest house and you'd be crazy not to pop in for a look on your...
An enjoyable walk through picturesque Conwy passing the marina, estuary, nature reserve, town walls and castle.
Saturday 26th September 2026 Distance: 6.3 miles (10 km) Duration: 4 – 5 hours Led by: Simon Ainley, YHA, with BMC volunteer guides Discovery and connection Starting and finishing at YHA Conwy, this...
A popular walk over Conwy Mountain, along the Estuary and through the town. Expect to see wild ponies, stunning panoramic views and historic buildings. Look out for evidence of Neolithic hut circles...
A long route with stunning panoramic views, popular peaks and remote areas requiring good navigation. Look out for stone circles near Cefn Coch and other antiquities near the summit of Mynydd y Dref.
Exactly what your mountain bike was designed for, ascending and descending Conwy Mountain with views over Conwy Bay - an exhilarating way to explore the area. For something more gentle, try Gwydyr...
1.1 miles Visit the aquarium, reptile house and otters, fish on the lake, explore the woodlands and tuck in at the Dutch pancake house. Visit the website
There's 80 acres of magnificent gardens to explore, with lovely Italianate terraces, formal lawns and magical wooded valley. From here there are stunning views across to northern Snowdonia. Don't miss...
Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve is delightful all year. There are events to suit everyone from keen birdwatchers to beginners or young families. Visit the website
Penmaenmawr Museum tells the story of the town of Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. Find out more about the 6,000-year history of the area, starting in the Neolithic and Bronze ages.
Hire a jet ski in Colwyn Bay or take to the water at Llandudno sailing club. Conwy estuary is great for sea kayaking and sea canoeing. Learn how to kite surf nearby or even charter a boat!
Popular with confident mountain bikers from all over the world, there's excellent mountain biking in the area, especially on the Marin Trail - but this is only suitable for serious mountain bikers as...
Beaumaris is a seaside town on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. It’s a gorgeous historic town with a mixture of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian influences and plenty to see and do.