From Conwy to Llandudno
Conwy
The second stage of our excursion will take us to what many people consider to be the finest example of a walled medieval town in Britain: Conwy. The castle with its imposing ramparts was built together with Caernarfon castle, by King Edward I between 1283 and 1287. The two formed part of a series of large fortifications along the Welsh coast, which were intended to secure English dominance over the Welsh population.
It is believed that the Romans were attracted to this area in search of pearls and mussels (a type of shell fish). In fact this industry continues today, and there is a Mussel Centre on the town's quay, not far from the smallest house in Great Britain (look out for a little red door and a lady standing outside wearing traditional Welsh costume).
The Bridges
The town has two famous bridges; the Suspension bridge and the Railway bridge. The Suspension bridge dates back to 1822 and was designed by the famous road builder Thomas Telford, whereas the Railway bridge was designed and built by the equally famous Robert Stephenson in in 1849.
In October each year this small picturesque town comes alive as Conwy hosts its own
Food and Music festival. In fact this is the largest festival of its kind in Wales, and showcases the best in regional food, drink, art and music.
Llandudno
Our final destination today is the bustling seaside resort of Llandudno. The town's name derives from the name of a famous Welsh saint; Saint Tudno, who founded a small church here in the 7th century. The church is situated on the Great Orme, the massive rock overlooking the sea. Saint Tudno was undoubtedly the patron saint of the local fishermen who once fished in these hostile waters.
Llandudno is a typical Victorian Seaside resort, with large palatial hotels overlooking a wide sea front promenade, and a famous peer. The town is fortunate enough to have two beaches. The western beach is considered the most sheltered with its fine sand and drifting dunes.
One of the town's most famous visitors was the writer and mathematician Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland. Look out for the curious statue of a white rabbit on West Promenade not far from the house where Carroll spent many summers.
The town lies at the foot of the Great Orme's Head, which towers over it like an extinct volcano. You can visit the Orme by cabin lift from Happy Valley. There is also a tramway from Victoria Station in Church Walks. If you are feeling energetic, you can even go by foot. The views at the top are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see Anglesey, Snowdonia and sometimes even the Isle of Man and the Cumbrian mountains. This area is also steeped in history. Man first arrived here in pre- historic times more than 4000 years ago to mine copper, which they used for tools and weapons and probably exported as well. Numerous caves have been found with the remains of many extinct animals besides humans.
We hope this excursion to North Wales will give you an insight into the history, culture and geography of a fascinating part of the British Isles.
Town maps will be online soon.....
