Conwy Town Walls — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Most Complete Medieval Walls in Wales
Conwy's town walls are among the most remarkable survivals of medieval military architecture in Britain. Built at the same time as Conwy Castle between 1283 and 1287, the walls enclose the entire medieval town in a circuit of approximately 1.3 kilometres. Twenty-one towers punctuate the walls at regular intervals, and three of the original gateways — Upper Gate, Lower Gate and Mill Gate — survive in recognisable form. That the walls remain so complete after more than 700 years is remarkable; most medieval town walls in Britain were demolished as towns grew and their defensive function became irrelevant, but Conwy's were maintained and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the castle.
The walls were designed not just as a defensive structure but as a complete urban enclosure. Edward I's plan for Conwy was a fortified English borough that would serve as an administrative centre for his newly conquered territory. The walls defined the extent of the town, controlling who could trade and settle within, and their maintenance was the responsibility of the burgesses who benefited from the protection they offered.
Walking the Wall Walk
The most rewarding way to experience the walls is to walk the wall walk — the path along the top of the walls — for as much of the circuit as is accessible. Not every section is open to the public at all times, but a substantial portion can be walked, offering elevated views over the rooftops of the town, the castle, the estuary and the surrounding hills. The wall walk is steep in places and involves narrow passages and uneven stonework, so sensible footwear is recommended.
Starting from the castle end, the walls run westward along the northern side of the town above Berry Street, climbing steadily as the ground rises. The towers are open at intervals and each offers a slightly different perspective on the town below. The Upper Gate on the western side marks the point where the main road from Sychnant Pass once entered the town, and the view from here takes in the Carneddau foothills that rise immediately behind the town. The southern stretch of the walls runs along the hillside above the town, with the castle dramatically visible across the rooftops.
History of the Walls
The walls were built as an integral part of Edward I's plan for Conwy, conceived and constructed simultaneously with the castle. Master James of St George, who designed the castle, is also credited with the overall layout of the walls, though the actual construction was managed by a team of master masons working to his plans. The workforce was drawn from across England and Wales, and at the peak of construction in 1285 over 1,500 workers were employed on the site.
The walls survived various sieges and attacks during the medieval period, most notably during Owain Glyndwr's rebellion in the early 15th century, when Welsh forces briefly captured the town and castle in 1401. The garrison that retook the castle found the walls sufficiently intact to continue using them as the primary defence of the town. Later centuries saw the walls gradually lose their military importance as cannon rendered them obsolete, but their role as a symbol of civic identity kept them maintained when other towns allowed their walls to decay.
Visiting Today
Access to the walls is managed by Cadw, and sections can be accessed from various points around the town. The most popular entry points are near the castle, at Berry Street, and from the car park at the western end of the town. Cadw often includes the walls as part of a combined ticket with the castle, which represents the best value if you plan to visit both. The walls are particularly atmospheric in early morning or evening when the light catches the stonework at an angle and the tourist crowds have thinned.
Current access note: Some sections of the wall walk are currently closed while Cadw carries out essential safety work. Reopening is hoped for Easter 2027. Before visiting, check the Cadw website for current access information to avoid disappointment.
The full circuit of the walls makes for a satisfying half-day exploration when combined with visits to the castle, Plas Mawr and Aberconwy House. If you are planning a longer visit to the town, the weekend itinerary shows how to combine all the main attractions without feeling rushed.
Day trips