Conwy Castle & Shopping

Despite having been governed from Westminster since 1536, Wales is very much a separate country with its own distinct Celtic identity. It is partly because of the rugged terrain that the Welsh have managed to maintain their separate identity and their ancient language. Your day in North Wales will showcase a bilingual policy where road signs are in both Welsh and English, and you'll be intrigued by the place names made up of native words that describe features of the landscape or ancient buildings. First, travel across Anglesey to the Menai Strait with its wooded banks separating the island from the mainland of North Wales. Make the most of a photo stop at Beaumaris Castle, the eighth and last of the castles built by Edward I to maintain his conquest of North Wales. Today, the castle is the focal point of the elegant little resort town of Beaumaris, with its peaceful streets and graceful yachts moored in the harbor. There are fine coastal views as the main road sweeps along past the resort towns of North Wales towards Conwy, in its setting between the wide estuary and Snowdonia's foothills. Visit Conwy Castle – a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Conwy is one of the most picturesque of Welsh castles, boasting eight beautifully proportioned towers. Explore the castle, walking around the empty ruins, climbing its battlements, and looking down through the floorless towers and roofless rooms. Conwy town is one of the best examples of a medieval walled town in Britain. It is little wonder that Conwy is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you will stop at Llanfairpwll, the local and abbreviated title for the village boasting the longest name in Britain with 58 letters. You'll have time for shopping at the large Pringle Woolen Store, where you can browse and shop for knitwear, sweaters, clothing, Welsh crafts, gifts and souvenirs.