Betws Y Coed, Conwy

Flower Delivery to Conwy by Clare Florist

Conwy is best described as a town that is home to a foreboding castle and a very scenic quay that is set against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop. With such a lovely and visually arresting view, there is no question as to why the medieval walled town of Conwy makes for a great getaway destination. Whether you want to go explore the mountains or set foot on a sightseeing adventure, Conwy has an answer for every type of need.

Being only a 75-minute drive from the Manchester International Airport , Conwy is very easy to get to by train or car. Plus, the town has a wide range of holiday accommodation that would fit all kinds of budgets and needs.

Whether you're interested in seeing lots of flowers in Conwy or exploring the best preserved castles, you wouldn't be disappointed with a visit to this market town.

History

Although Conwy did not exist as a town until the 13th century, land was granted to Cistercian monks in 1172 to build an abbey. This abbey was completed in 1186 and was called Aberconwy.

In 1277, Edward I invated North Wales because Llewelyn ap Gruffydd refused acknowledge him as his overlord. When Llewelyn submitted to the king, two English castles were constructed at Rhuddlan and Aberystwyth.

However, the Welsh rebelled again five years later in 1282. Edward had to return and in turn, built more castles at Flint, Hope, Chirk and Denbigh. The Welsh were pushed back over the river Conwy and Edward had a castle built in the area in 1283. In addition, he had the Caernarfon Castle built as well.

Conwy was under siege from December 1294 until February 1295, but it did not fall thanks to its immense walls.

Parks and Open Spaces

Bodnant Garden – This is a National Trust Property that is located close to Tal-y-Cafn. It is sutuated above the river Conwy and it also overlooks the Conwy valley towards the Carneddau range of mountains.

Bodnant Garden totals 32 hectares and it surrounds Bodnant House, which was first built in 1792. It is only the garden that was presented to the National Trust in 1949. The house was where the late Lord Aberconway used to live. Now, it is being managed – along with the garden – by members of his family.

The variety of gardens is definitely an attraction. They include formal gardens that are bounded by clipped box hedges, ornamental ponds and pools and formal herbaceous borders. Not only that, there is also an enclosed laburnum arch and several rose gardens.

Bodnant is also famous for it breeding program featuring lots of Conwy flowers such as rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolia, camellia, clematis and hydrangea.

Conwy Water Gardens – This is set within the Snowdonia National Park. If you love wildlife and nature, this is a good place to be. It has fishing lakes, otters, capybaras, lots of ducks and other wildlife.

Conwy Water Gardens also has a Nature Walk which includes lots of ponds, woods and waterfalls. It's a great place to take the children too as there is a children's play area as well as a Reptile House that features different kinds of creatures.

Areas of Interest

Conwy Castle – This is a massive medieval fortification that was built by Edward I when he conquered Wales. The castle is considered by UNESCO to be one of the “finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe.” The castle is also listed as a World Heritage Site.

Britain's Smallest House – This is also known as the Quay House. The house has a floor area of only 3.05 by 1.8 metres. The height is at 3.1 metres. It was inhabited until 1900 by a 6'3” tall man called Robert Jones who had to move out because it was deemed unfit for human habitation by the council.

Plas Mawr – This is en Elizabethan house that was built by the Wynn family and is open to the public.

Whether you come to Conwy for the serene beauty or the activities, you will surely be spoilt for choice with what the town has to offer. If you're coming here for a romantic date, make sure to send flowers to Conwy to your special someone then take them out to the many gorgeous locations in this medieval walled town.

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