Conwy Marina is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and makes a fine base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

Conwy castle was the third of Edward 1st's great castles. Built in 1283 on a rocky site at the mouth of the River Conwy and against a background of wooded hills, it is an impressive fortress, with massive battlemented walls and eight commanding drum towers. It is also one of the best preserved of all Britain's medieval castles.

At Conwy Visitor's Centre in Rosehill Street, a 20 minute film "in search of Conwy" takes you through the town's 800 year history. An exhibition also creates scenes from the past.

Conwy is a fascinating walled town of quaint narrow streets. Among the few ancient houses that still survive are Aberconwy, owned by the National Trust, a 14th century house used for exhibitions showing the history of the town, and Plas Mawr, one of the finest remaining examples of an Elizabethan country house.

On a smaller scale the town boasts Britain's smallest house, a Victorian fisherman's cottage. Measuring 6' in width and standing 10' high; its two rooms are linked by a vertical staircase.

The River Conwy is spanned by three bridges, the most impressive being Telford's suspension bridge built in 1826. This was superseded by the road bridge of 1958 and Robert Stephenson's splendid railway bridge from 1846.

The river also offers some interesting activities. The water bus Queen Victoria sails 7 days a week from Easter to late October (see notices on the quay or ring 01492 592284 for further details).

River trips offer spectacular views of the Conwy Valley, whilst from the estuary, Puffin Island, Anglesey and the Great Orme can be seen.
You can take an authentic Canadian canoe to explore the area from a completely new angle, for further details ring 01492 596457.

Further afield, visitors will undoubtedly enjoy the outstanding panoramic sea views over the town of Llandudno from the Great Orme. This well known landmark has been developed as a tourist attraction in recent years and now boasts many places of interest which are particularly suitable for families with young children. These include such leisure facilities as cable cars, a dry ski slope with bar and restaurant, trams and a historic copper mine.

As a prominent seaside resort, Llandudno itself offers a wide variety of leisure activities including a 12 lane bowling alley complete with excellent bar and restaurant.

The miniature village of Portmerion is situated on the secluded Llyn Peninsula. The brainchild of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this model village became famous following the television series, 'The Prisoner' broadcast during the 1960's.

The village comprises an unusual mix of eighteenth century style cottages and Italianate buildings set around a central piazza. The village is open all year round, with reduced admission offers between the winter months November to March.

Finally, situated above the River Conwy are the Bodnant Gardens. With their breathtaking views across the valley towards the Snowdon Range, Bodnant Gardens are reputed to be amongst the finest in the World. Refreshment facilities are available in the Pavilion near the car park.

For the full list of useful numbers download the latest handbook.

• Coastguard (Holyhead)

  01407 767950
• Customs & Excise (Holyhead)

  01407 760626
• Doctors

  01492 592424
• Express Coach

  08717 818179
• Harbour Master

  01492 596253
• Police

  101
• Tourist Information

  01492 577577