Under Two Hours From Liverpool Is A Charming Medieval Town With A Scenic Castle, Local Eateries, And River Views

A woefully underrated travel destination is Wales, which occupies the coastline to the west of England. From rugged hinterlands for countryside hikes to ancient towns for sightseeing, Wales offers all kinds of adventure. History fiends in search of a new historic destination to explore should look towards the north coast, where a walled town called Conwy sits between gentle slopes. Layered with many centuries of history and surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Conwy is sure to be an exciting getaway.

The town's shining star is no doubt Conwy Castle, which claims bragging rights as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle's massive crenelated turrets have dominated Conwy's skyline ever since it was built back in the 1280s, and it is still considered a fine example of medieval architecture all these centuries later. In fact, for anyone driving west into Conwy from England, a glimpse of Conwy Castle from the road into town is what welcomes visitors. Backed by ridges of forested slopes, the castle view is particularly impressive, and a wayside lets drivers stop to soak it all in.

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic vistas, Conwy offers the unique delights of both a riverfront and a seafront. Snaking along the town's eastern edge is the River Conwy, which empties into the Irish Sea to the north. Watch the boats bobbing in the riverside harbor at Conwy Quay, or head up to Conwy Morfa Beach for a stroll along vast sand dunes looking out over the sea. At the day's end, seafood shacks and rustic pubs beckon visitors to stop by for a tasty meal. Travelers from Liverpool can either drive or hop on a train to Conwy in less than two hours, while anyone coming from London is just over three hours away by train.

Anyone interested in the history of the British Isles should explore Conwy Castle. A previous visitor even called it a "fantastic, atmospheric ruin." Back in the 13th century, the crusader King Edward I successfully invaded northern Wales, and later built Conwy Castle to thwart any further rebellions. This looming threat lasted for a few hundred years until the dawn of the 15th century, when the legendary Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndŵr orchestrated an ambush to capture Conwy Castle, though it was eventually returned to the English monarchy.

Today, travelers can step into Conwy Castle's ghostly shell for a journey back in time. "Walking around the old castle gives you a real feel of medieval Wales," says a previous visitor. Climb up onto the castle's ramparts, where a looping walkway means you can take a leisurely walk around the castle's perimeter. Peek over the edge of the battlements for glimpses of the River Conwy flowing between the surrounding wooded hills. From the ramparts, ascend to the top of the castle's many turrets, where you can bask in the panoramas of boats dotted across the river below, framed by the silhouette of forested slopes in the distance.

For more spectacular scenery of the River Conwy, head down to the quay, just a short walk from the castle. Benches dotted along the paved promenade offer a scenic spot to relax amidst views of boats floating against a backdrop of rolling hills across the water. From the quay, visitors can take the Marine Walk, a paved path skirting beneath shady trees along the river's edge. Next, find more excitement less than two hours away in Eryri National Park, an adventure haven with ocean views and more medieval castles.

After exploring the castle and wandering around the riverfront, find something to eat at Conwy's local watering holes. Grab a classic fish and chip lunch at the Fisherman's Chip Shop, a family-run establishment with a pastel facade. Step into the rustic interior, where diners can tuck into sustainable chip shop classics. "The chips were so crunchy, and everything was so fresh," says a previous customer in a Google Maps review.

Just around the corner is Conwy's High Street, where foodies can embark on a culinary journey at The Jackdaw, an upscale eatery featured in the Michelin Guide. The head chef behind The Jackdaw is Nick Rudge, a Welsh native who has curated a refined tasting menu for lunch and dinner featuring dishes like traditional Welsh rarebit, and cod poached with roe and onions. "The depth and variety of flavors and texture were out of this world," a previous diner shared.

For something sweet, right across the street is L's Coffee & Bookshop, which invites customers in with twinkling lights and stylish decor. Order cinnamon rolls, scones, or perhaps an açaí bowl, paired with fruit smoothies and iced lattes. Previous customers have mentioned the gluten-free options, along with the friendly staff. Within walking distance from these spots is The Castle Hotel, which is highly rated on Google Maps and offers convenient accommodation for travelers planning an overnight stay. Continue your adventures along the Welsh coast with a trip to Portmeirion, an under-the-radar resort village where you can get a slice of Italy. Another great option is Llanddwyn Island, a hidden gem with breathtaking views and impressive sand dunes.