Page 159 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 14: Through Snowdonia National Park 157

Above left Inside the impressive outer ward in
r Conwy ª Leave Conwy on A547 over the World Heritage status Conwy Castle Above
Conwy; LL32 8AY bridge and take A546 left to Llandudno. centre The Knights Shop, selling suits of
At the mouth of an estuary spanned Head for the seafront and promenade. armour opposite Conwy Castle Above right
by Telford’s 1826 suspension bridge, Small fishing station on pretty Conwy Estuary
Conwy is best known for its castle t Llandudno
(open daily). It was built by Master James Conwy; LL30 2RP EAT AND DRINK
of St George in four years (1283–87) Wales’ largest seaside resort, Llandudno
using local stone. The castle and the lies in a wide bay sheltered by two BETWS-Y-COED
medieval town walls have World limestone headlands, the Ormes. Most Ty Gwyn Hotel moderate
Heritage status and are Britain’s finest of the town was out in 1849 with This former coaching inn offers a range
example of a bastide or fortified town, grand buildings, a promenade – the of restaurant and bar meals.
with 21 towers, three double gateways Parade – and the longest pier in Wales. Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0SG; 01690 710
383; www.tygwynhotel.co.uk
and a 1,280-m (4,200-ft) long wall. The Great Orme is a 207-m (679-ft)
There are other interesting historic high promontory reached by road, AROUND TREFRIW
buildings in the town. Aberconwy cable car (Apr–Oct: open daily) and a WOOLLEN MILLS
House (Mar–Oct: open daily; Nov & Dec: funicular tramway (Apr–Oct: open daily) Chandlers Brasserie moderate
open Sat & Sun) is a 14th-century mer- with spectacular views from the top. Located on the B5106, this restaurant
serves imaginative Welsh dishes and
chant’s house with period displays. Explore the Great Orme Mines (Mar– has a good selection of cocktails.
Plas Mawr (Apr–Sep: open daily) is one Oct: open daily; www.greatormemines.info), Trefriw, LL27 0JH; 01492 642 458; www.
of the finest surviving Elizabethan the world’s largest Bronze-Age copper www.chandlersbrasserie.co.uk; closed
town houses (1558–1603); admire its mine, through tunnels dug over 3,500 Mon & Tue
symmetry, the crow-stepped gables years ago. The Great Orme is a good CONWY
and pedimented windows. The Potters place for walking following the signed The Mulberry moderate
Gallery (www.thepottersgallery.co.uk) nature trails, and winter sports fans will This pub on the Marina serves a range
further down the High Street has a enjoy skiing or tobogganing at the of dishes and traditional ales.
great collection of local ceramics. And Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre Ellis Way, Marina; LL32 8GU; 01492 583
350; www.robinsonsbrewery.com
finally, on Conwy Quay, squeeze into (open daily; www.jnlllandudno.co.uk).
the Smallest House in Britain (Apr–Oct: Among the town’s other attractions Watsons Bistro moderate
Enjoy contemporary Welsh fare at this
open daily) – it is 2.75 m (9 ft) high and is the outstanding contemporary art bistro tucked under the old town walls.
1.5 m (5 ft) wide and was last owned gallery Oriel Mostyn (01492 879 201; 26 Chapel Street, LL32 8BP; 01492 596
by a 2-m (over 6-ft) tall fisherman! www.mostyn.org) in Vaughan Street. 326; www.watsonsbistroconwy.co.uk
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Exploring Snowdonia learn about the island’s maritime history.
Several stops along the route make From Caernarfon 7, see the castle Then tour the beautiful home of the
ideal bases from which to explore before heading for Llanberis, and a train Marquess of Anglesey, Plas Newydd q.
the area’s spectacular scenery, ride up Mt Snowdon 6. Then travel Follow the drive’s instructions.
historic sites and visitor attractions. through a mountain with the Electric
Mountain Centre. Finally, drive to pretty Family Fun
A Photographers’ Treat Beddgelert 5 for the stunning scenery. Explore the beach, take the tram up the
Starting from historic Machynlleth 1, Great Orme to see the copper mines at
visit beautiful Tal-y-Llyn and enjoy Take the A4086 and A498; but return to Llandudno t, then head to Conwy r
boating or fishing on the lake. Carry on Caernarfon via the A4085. to tour the castle and have lunch. Drive
to Brithdir 2, to see the church and into the heart of Snowdonia to Betws-
head to Llynnau Cregennan for a walk Anglesey Adventure y-Coed w, for a walk to Swallow Falls
in the shadow of Cadair Idris 3. Staying at Beaumaris 8, see the castle or thrilling tree-top adventure.
and enjoy a morning cruise around
Follow the drive’s instructions. Puffin Island. Head to Moelfre 9, and Take the A470 and A55.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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