The handsome and characterful market town of Llanrwst in Conwy County Borough in Wales is known as the capital of the Vale of Conwy, the valley that lies between mountainous Snowdonia and the upland moors of Hiraethog.
In this scenic location, the town of Llanrwst sits on the eastern bank of the River Conwy that flows down from the uplands of Snowdonia. A picturesque triple arch bridge that crosses the river here is thought to be more than four hundred years old and is the work of famous architect Inigo Jones, the first significant architect in England and Wales in the early modern period and founder of the English Classical tradition of architecture.
The famous origins of the bridge give a hint to Llanrwst’s former glory, which at one time was the eighth largest town in all of Wales and outranked Cardiff in population. The number of residents here took a steep nose dive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Having overcome many historic catastrophes, from 15th-century fires to the more recent major flooding event, Llanrwst demonstrates remarkable resilience.
The Welsh-speaking town, in the foothills of beautiful Snowdonia, is not just a romantically picturesque retreat, it is also quite the haven for culture with a relaxed, bohemian arty feel, making it a wonderful place to visit or indeed to live.
What Things Can You Do Around Llanrwst?
There are plenty of things you can do around Llanrwst and we’ve listed out some of the most popular activities below.
Visit Award-Winning Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tea Rooms
Top of the ‘To-do’ list is to take a stroll across that ancient bridge over the River Conwy to the even older, magically foliage-cloaked Tu Hwnt i’r Bont (translates as ‘beyond the bridge’).
This enchanting building dates all the way back to 1480 and has had many reincarnations. First designed to be a beautiful home, it later became Llanrwst’s Courthouse, a building that surely inspired apprehension, in the days of capital punishment. Falling out of use and into dilapidation, it was renovated and let fall into disrepair a number of times, restored by the local community, it was eventually acquired by the National Trust and for over half a century right up to the present day it remains the best place to get scones – in the beautiful and award-winning family-run traditional Welsh tea room.
The tea rooms accommodate 50 people indoors with outdoor seating in the lovely tea garden allowing for a further thirty patrons. You can also shop here to take home some of the rich cinnamon-flavoured Bara Brath, and traditional Welsh ‘speckled bread’ amongst other local produce.
St Grwst Church
Gwydir Chapel at St Grwst Church is another must-see. The nave of St Grwst Church dates back to the 15th century, constructed shortly after the burning of the town of Llanrwst, while the church tower, south porch and north aisle are all early 19th century additions. The artisan renaissance style Gwydir Chapel was added in the early 1600s by John Wynn and retains many unique features like its low-pitched camber-beam roof, ornate rood screen traceries illustrating pigs eating acorns and sumptuously decorated with vines and oak leaves.
The famed 13th Century Prince of Gwynedd, Llywelyn the Great, is said to be entombed here in a great stone coffin.
Gwydir Uchaf Chapel
If you enjoy exploring St Grwst Church you might also like to check out this little chapel located nearby in a woodland setting half a mile South West of Llanrwst just off the B5106. It was built in the latter quarter of the 17th century as a private chapel by Sir Richard Wynn.
Don’t be fooled by this little church’s plain exterior. Stepping into the cool interior you are in for quite a surprise. In a spectacular blend of Renaissance and Gothic, the chapel is adorned with ornamental carved figures but it is the ceiling that is most admired. As your gaze drifts heavenly you will encounter a splendid painted scene of angels and cherubs.
The chapel is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and admission is free but you will need to schedule an appointment in advance by contacting the Key keeper.
Gwydir Castle
As Tudor manors go, Gwydir Castle is one of the finest examples in Wales and is quite the rarity. In its day it was one of the most significant cultural and political powerhouses in Wales. Once home to the powerful Wynn family, whose ancestry is inextricably interwoven into the history of Llanrwst, the house and gardens had fallen into complete disrepair by the 1990s.
Happily, Gwydir Castle has now been restored to its former glory. Restoration continues onsite right up to the present day. The castle welcomes visitors from 11 am to 4 pm every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April 1st onwards. An adult ticket costs £7.50. On certain dates, they are closed for private events so make sure to check the website before you visit.
Gwydyr Forest
Llandrwst’s answer to Robin Hood’s Sherwood forest, Gwydyr forest has many waymarked trails and the Lady Mary Walk gives an insight into the interesting tale of Dafydd ap Siencyn, Llanrwst’s own local legendary hero/outlaw.
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking the Llyn Parc Walk will bring you along a forest road and steep footpath that will take you high above the Conwy Valley, offering a spectacular vista of the town of Llanrwst, the valley and lakes. You will encounter some interesting artwork along the forest en route.
There is also a range of mountain biking trails in Gwydyr forest for those who prefer exploring on two wheels.
Llanrwst Restaurants
After a full day of exploring in the fresh Welsh air, you are bound to have built up a healthy appetite. If you’re really hungry and looking for great fast food with fish n chips, hearty pies and many other options you need to go no further than Tir a Mor on Denbigh Street in Llanrwst town. For more traditional options check out Tu Hwnt I’r Bont on Trefriw road for great Welsh Rarebit, they also offer up vegetarian options and cater to dietary requirements.