Biwmares, , , Dinbych , Caernarfon, Conwy, Denbigh

www.walledtowns.co.uk

Lle i aros, Beth i’w wneud a’i weld Where to stay, What to see and do Contents

4-9 Walled Towns of North 10-11 Beaumaris 12-13 Caernarfon 14-15 Conwy 16-17 Denbigh 18-19 Getting to the Walled Towns 20-21 Maps 22-23 24 Events & Places to Stay

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy contained in this guide, the Walled Towns partnership cannot accept responsibility in respect of any error or omission that may have occurred.

2 Beaumaris

Castell Caernarfon

Canllaw i drefi caerog hynafol Biwmares, Caernarfon, Conwy a Dinbych.

Conwy Castle

A guide to the ancient walled towns of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Denbigh.

Denbigh Castle

3 CROESO I’N TREFI CAEROG ychmygwch. Deffro mewn tref gogledd Cymru, gyda’i diwylliant unigryw, gaerog lle roedd lleng filwyr traddodiadau, bwyd a’i baner! DRhufeinig yn gwylio’r wawr yn torri bron i 2000 o flynyddoedd yn ôl… Mae gan gestyll a threfi caerog Gogledd Cymru gysylltiadau brenhinol. Rhoddwyd y Dychmygwch. Cysgu mewn tref gaerog lle teitl Tywysog Cymru i fab hynaf y frenhines. roedd Llychlynwyr milain o’r ochr draw i Fôr Digwyddodd yr arwisgiad diwethaf yng y Gogledd yn cysgodi rhag y gwyntoedd Nghastell Caernarfon – un o’n Trefi Caerog. cryfion 1200 mlynedd yn ôl... Mae Biwmares, Caernarfon, Conwy a Dychmygwch. Gwylio’r haul yn machlud Dinbych i gyd yn drefi caerog yng Nghymru, mewn trefi caerog lle roedd arglwyddi er bod Biwmares wedi’i leoli ar Ynys Môn rhyfel Normanaidd wedi dychwelyd 1000 o oddi ar arfordir Gogledd Cymru, sydd wedi’i flynyddoedd yn ôl ar ôl meddiannu tiroedd gysylltu â’r tir mawr gan bontydd ffyrdd newydd... a rheilffordd ar draws y Fenai. Gallwch groesi i’r Iwerddon ar fferi mewn llai na 100 Dychmygwch. Cychwyn y diwrnod mewn munud o’r fan hon! trefi caerog lle roedd byddinoedd Cromwell a lluoedd Brenhinol yn herio’i gilydd wrth Adeiladwyd pob un o’r pedwar castell oedd iddynt ymladd am reolaeth y Wladwriaeth... unwaith yn goruchafu dros y trefi gan Edward I, i atgyfnerthu’r tiroedd roedd y Dychmygwch ddim mwy. Yn hytrach, goresgynwyr Normanaidd wedi’u trechu. profwch y realiti drwy ail-fyw hanes Prydain yn nhrefi caerog Gogledd Cymru. Mae pob un heblaw castell Dinbych – tref Er iddynt gael eu hadeiladu’n wreiddiol farchnad fendigedig yng nghanol cefn gwlad fel amddiffynfeydd ac i ymosod, mae trefi Cymru – wedi’u lleoli ar yr arfordir oherwydd caerog Gogledd Cymru bellach yn diogelu ystyrid bod danfon nwyddau ar y môr yn llai etifeddiaeth gyfoethog o drysorau gwych o’r peryglus na theithio dros diroedd y gelyn. gorffennol, ac yn agor eu drysau i ymwelwyr o bob cwr o’r byd. Heddiw, mae’r pedwar castell yn croesawu ymwelwyr o bell ac agos, ac yn eu hysbrydoli Mae pob tref gaerog mor wahanol i’w i ddod yn ôl dro ar ôl tro! chymydog. Mae ein casgliad hudol o bedair tref gaerog a welir yn y canllaw hwn yn drysorau godidog yn nhirlun prydferth

4 WELCOME TO OUR WALLED TOWNS magine. Waking up in a walled town The and walled towns where rugged Roman Legionaries have Royal connections. The monarch’s Iwatched the dawn rise nearly eldest son is granted the title of Prince 2000 years ago... of Wales. The last investiture took place at - one of our Walled Imagine. Sleeping in a walled town where Towns. vicious Viking raiders from across the North Sea sheltered from the bitter winds of winter Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon and Denbigh 1200 years ago... are all walled towns in Wales although Beaumaris is located on the island of Ynys Imagine. Watching the sun set in walled Môn or just off the coast of North towns where Norman war lords returned Wales linked to the mainland by rail and over 1000 years ago after invading new road bridges across the . From lands... here you can be in in less than 100 Imagine. Starting the day in walled towns minutes by ferry! where Cromwell’s troops and Royalist forces All four have castles that once dominated clashed 400 years ago as they fought for the town, all built by Edward I to consolidate control of the State... the lands acquired by the Norman invaders. Imagine no more. Touch the reality instead by reliving the history of Britain in the All except Denbigh - a delightful market walled towns of North Wales. Once built for town surrounded by wonderful Welsh defence and as spring-boards for attack, the countryside - are located on the coast walled towns of North Wales now protect because supply by sea was considered less a rich legacy of great treasures from times hazardous than a journey overland across past and welcome an invasion of visitors hostile territory. from across the world. Today, all welcome visitors from near and far and inspire them to return time and time Each walled town is so different from its again! neighbour. Our magical circle of four walled towns featured in this guide span across beautiful North Wales, its distinctive culture, traditions, cuisine and flag!

5 Sight-seeing around Beaumaris and Caernarfon

THE WONDER OF WALES

eaumaris lies in a spectacular There are innumerable attractions including setting, with Puffin Island and the Melin Llynnon, the only working windmill Bmouth of the Menai Strait on one in Wales, South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey side and Thomas Telford’s Suspension Bridge Sea Zoo, Pili Palas Butterfly Centre, Plas on the other. Opposite, the panoramic Newydd by the Menai Strait, and at mountain range of is etched Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych across the skyline. -wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the longest place name in Britain normally It is the ideal base for exploring the Isle of shortened to Llanfair P.G. It means St. Mary’s Anglesey. The island is known as “Mon Church in the hollow of the White Hazel Mam Cymru” (Anglesey, Mother of Wales) near a rapid whirlpool and the church of because it is renowned as the ancient St. Tysilio near the Red Cave! grain-growing region – the breadbasket for Wales.

Llanddwyn 6 Situated in the county of in North Most railways carried slate originally from West Wales, Caernarfon is the ideal location quarry to port. A rail journey along the to tour and explore the majestic mountains Cambrian Coast between and of Snowdonia and the breathtaking coastal Machynlleth is one of the most memorable splendour of the Llyn Peninsula. There are you’ll ever make. At you’ll also so many attractions just outside the walled find Electric Mountain, the gateway town that it’s difficult to know where to to the Power Station hidden start your voyage of discovery. in a mountain cavern, the Welsh Slate Museum, and . There are Take a ride on steam railways departing castles galore in Gwynedd too including from Caernarfon, , Blaenau fortifications at , and (close to Llechwedd Slate Caverns), Penrhyn. Equally fascinating is the ravishing , , Bala, or Llanberis where the Italianate village of overlooking carries you to Cardigan Bay, and enchanting the summit of Wales’ highest mountain. off the Llyn Peninsula - a place of pilgrimage since the early days of Christianity.

Snowdonia Mountain Railway Plas Newydd 7 Out and About around Conwy and Denbigh

CASTLES, COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE

ollowing from the heart of the Orme, which is accessible by cable-car, Snowdonia National Park, the River footpath or Victorian tramway and offers FConwy winds its way through a lush, spectacular panoramic views. The green valley on its journey to the sea. is also a Country Park with a fascinating 4000 year old copper-mine. The river also gives its name to the County of Conwy where picturesque country towns is also home to the Alice in and villages nestle alongside elegant seaside Wonderland Trail. The author of the classic resorts, and the mountains of Snowdonia children’s fantasy tales, Lewis Carroll was provide a breathtaking backdrop to the born at Daresbury in Cheshire and spent golden, sandy beaches of the North Wales holidays in the town. coast. The Victorian resort of Llandudno is set within a sweeping bay between the headlands of the Little Orme and Great

Dolwyddelan Castle 8 Alongside the coast is delightful Nearby is the town of Rhuddlan with Rhos-on- Sea. Near the shore stands its castle, dominated by a massive the tiny 6th century chapel of St. Trillo. twin-towered gatehouse and the new city St Asaph with one of the smallest Along the Conwy Valley you’ll find the ancient cathedrals in Britain. fabulous , the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, the woollen mill at Close by is the National Portrait Gallery , the Tudor courtyard house of at Castle. In the heart of the at historic and county is the pretty market-town of Ruthin. the ‘alpine’ resort of Betws-y-Coed with Here you can enjoy medieval banquets with its enchanting Swallow Falls. To the west traditional entertainment at the Ruthin stands Castle guarding a Castle Hotel. Equally captivating are Ruthin mountain pass through the . Gaol, a penal institution from 1654 until 1916 and the Ruthin Craft Centre. From its lofty hilltop, Denbigh Castle watches over the town below and the picturesque Vale of . Denbigh is the county town of , characterised by rich pasturelands, wild moorland, gently undulating hills and tree-lined valleys, and bright and breezy coastal resorts like and Prestatyn.

9 Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales: Bastion on the Beautiful Marsh

BEAUMARIS eaumaris - the name evokes Adjacent to the Green is the majestic Castle. thoughts of beautiful buildings, Work began on in 1295 Ba tapestry of rich history, timeless under the order of King Edward I but was eloquence, and of enchanting streets packed never completely finished. Amazingly, with character, colour and unique charm. despite this fact, the castle is widely But the origin of the name has a far simpler considered one of the finest examples in the explanation; it quite simply derives from world of a ‘motte and bailey’ fortification. In the Norman French for ‘beautiful marsh’ – pure architectural terms, Beaumaris Castle is which is beau marais. The original marsh, considered to be the most technically perfect reclaimed from the sea in the Victorian era, in Britain, and is a World Heritage Site. now forms The Green from where visitors can savour the views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia.

B 5 0 1 9 A L L T G O C H Castell F A W R Castle D W E X H 9 Y A M R S T 0 F R E E T Canolfan Hamdden 1 Y

H 5 Ysgol S Leisure Centre B E Gynradd A F G F M TE O N R Y D C R A BR H T I M N S U G I E R R I O G S C W

A H T

D N E M R E S O A E E D O T C S H Y F R Y P R S L T E E Ena’s E E E E T T R E H L E A T R I S T L N Lloyds S L E W E NE N LA Y AR E M L S E T RO S A C M I L NE L LA L N A R Y N E B

A I R E M C A 5 4 5 C H A B A C H O G T L L A ilometre

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Beaumaris Castle 10 Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales: Bastion on the Beautiful Marsh

In the shadows of Beaumaris Castle, is the Building, was designed by Joseph Hansom old Courthouse, built in 1614, it is the oldest (designer of the famous Hansom Cab), and court in use in Wales. From here the guilty the future Queen Victoria stayed there in were taken to Beaumaris Gaol (circa 1860) 1832. The Parish Church of St Mary and – a grim building with an old treadwheel St Nicholas dates from the 14th Century and scaffold, high up on the outside of the and contains the stone coffin of Siwan north-east wall, from where the condemned (Joan), daughter of King John of England faced the public for their final moments. and wife of .

Historic buildings are found throughout the There is so much to see and do at town, interspersed with Victorian terraces. Beaumaris. After admiring the buildings, The oldest building is the “Tudor Rose”, a visitors can enjoy the views of the mainland half-timbered house Circa 1400. Nearby, Ye from the Green, stroll along the newly Olde Buill’s Head Inn, (circa 1480, and rebuilt refurbished Beaumaris or take a in 1617), boasts the world’s largest single- boat trip to Puffin Island, Anglesey’s hinged door. It was a coaching inn where most easterly point. young Charles Dickens stayed in 1859. The Bulkeley Arms Hotel, a Grade 1 Listed

Sailing near Beaumaris Menai Straits Suspension Bridge www.visitanglesey.com 11 Caernarfon, County of Gwynedd, Wales: Stronghold on the Seiont

CAERNARFON he historic and Royal Walled In 1969 Prince Charles was invested here Town of Caernarfon is dominated as the in a magnificent Tby its 13th century castle which ceremony that was televised worldwide. was built by Edward I. Situated on the His Royal Highness is a regular visitor to banks of the Menai Strait it enjoys the area and recently enjoyed a trip on commanding views of the sea and the newly re-opened Welsh Highland mountains and is visited by many Railway. Appropriately the engine thousands of people every year. The hauling the special train was called Prince Castle has served as a royal palace from and was decorated with the Prince of 1284 and is now designated a World Wales’ Feathers. There are many more Heritage Site, along with its original excellent attractions in the area including town walls. the Hwylfan, which is a fun centre for children, indoor go karting, Doc Fictoria and a must-see military museum for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers housed in the Castle.

VICTORIA DOCK MARITIME MUSEUM

MENAI STRAIT ADE EN

PROM

HIGH ST. EASTGATE RD.

ART GALLERY

CASTLE SQUARE CASTLE

RIVER SEIONT AND HARBOUR

Caenarfon Castle 12 Caernarfon, County of Gwynedd, Wales: Stronghold on the Seiont

The Segontium Roman Fort was built in Its location is central to all the attractions AD78 and occupied for nearly 400 years. It and activities within the Snowdonia National was built to contain the war-like Welsh tribes Park, Llyn Peninsula and the Cambrian after the defeat of the Druids on Anglesey. Coastline. No wonder Caernarfon is the The Castle likewise was one of a chain built jewel in the crown of North Wales. in North Wales to contain the still fierce Welsh in their fight for independence. Come to Caernarfon and experience the real Welsh culture and delve into For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the the heritage of this unspoilt land. area has an excellent choice for walkers, climbers, anglers, cyclists, campers and nature lovers. Caernarfon itself has a wide choice of quality hotels and B&Bs, self- catering, campsites, cafes and restaurants. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the choice available.

Welsh Highland Railway Snowdonia Summit www.visitsnowdonia.info 13 Conwy, County of Conwy, Wales: Castle on the Estuary CONWY onwy is Britain’s most amazing I in just four years during the mid 13th 13th century walled town and century, Conwy is part of a ring of castles Ccastle. A centre of historic and and fortified towns designed to impose cultural interest, it’s also the perfect base his rule in North Wales. A tour of Conwy for exploration, adventure and activity: Castle and a walk around the town walls on the river, out to sea, up the glorious are absolutely unmissable. beautiful Conwy Valley, in the mountains of North Wales. Within the walls is a town of immense charm, with its fascinating jumble Conwy’s castle and town walls are a of medieval streets, shops, pubs and World Heritage Site, ranked alongside outstanding restaurants. There is also a Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and the small weekly market and two annual fairs Tower of . - the Seed Fair, in March and the Honey Fair in September. The reason is plain to see: one of the most magnificent medieval castles ever Conwy has a wealth of attractions dating built, towering over one of the world’s back through the ages. St Mary’s Church most complete medieval walled towns. stands on the site of a Cistercian Abbey All in all an extraordinary state of established in 1185 by Llywelyn ab preservation. Built by English King Edward Iorwerth whose statue stands in Lancaster

AFON CONWY RIVER TOWN WALLS (ENTRANCE EXIT) BERRY ST

C T ASTLE ROYAL CAMBRIAN EE ACADEMY STR OF ART S T HIGH RE E T ST. MARY’S CHURCH

CASTLE

Conwy Castle 14 Conwy, County of Conwy, Wales: Castle on the Estuary

Square. Dating back to the 14th century, Conwy was once one of the most important is a rare example of a pearl fisheries in the country. Visit the Conwy timbered stone built merchant’s dwelling. Mussel Centre to discover more about the Its rooms depict different eras of the fascinating musseling industry, which still house’s past. continues today.

Right in the centre is a gem of even greater The lower banks of the are also splendour: (The ), home to the RSPB Bird Sanctuary which can claimed by many to be the finest surviving be reached by the cycle track that also runs Elizabethan town house in Britain. Built along the banks of the river. between 1576 and 1585 and beautifully restored, with its lime-washed walls, Art lovers are in for a real treat too, as oak panelling and ornately decorated Conwy is home to the Royal Cambrian plasterwork, Plas Mawr is vividly brought Academy with a constantly changing to life by an excellent audio tour of the exhibition programme of members’ work. house. It is open to the public from April Some of the finest art in Wales is on display to October. right here. And there’s much, much more to enjoy, including a yachting marina, first History apart, Conwy’s setting is spectacular, class golf course, Telford’s Suspension Bridge framed by the foothills of Snowdonia and offering spectacular views of the harbour gazing across the Conwy Estuary. The quay and of course the Smallest House in Great and old harbour are home to a small fishing Britain. Take a boat trip too and enjoy the fleet. According to legend, the Romans were spectacular views from the estuary of Puffin drawn to the area by its pearls. Island, Anglesey and the Great Orme.

Smallest House in Great Britain Plas Mawr www.conwy.gov.uk 15 Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales: The Little Citadel

DENBIGH he name Denbigh (or Dinbych They provide a splendid walk over a kilometer in Welsh) means little fortress. long, with a particularly fine stretch including T the Countess Tower and The Goblin Tower. Denbigh Castle is one of the largest and Access is via keys obtainable on deposit from strongest castles in North East Wales, with the Library, or the castle custodian. seven towers defending its walls and a great Situated in the heart of the North Wales gatehouse guarding the entrance. Dating Borderlands, Denbigh was at the centre of from 1282 the castle’s commanding hilltop a medieval battle-zone fought over by the position gives magnificent views over the English and Welsh for many centuries. In the town and the beautiful Vale of Clwyd. Castle 17th century , Denbigh was and town are set within the Clwydian Range, a Royalist garrison that yielded to Cromwell’s which is a national Area of Outstanding superior forces. Natural Beauty. The Town Walls, dating from the late 13th Century, are integrated with those of the castle and are a fine well- preserved example of medieval building.

T. . S H LE RK ST EN VA PA LL LIBRARY AN ST. MUSEUM B

UL HI ST. GH L D LA OA R N D E L IE F H IT SM

E TOWER N

A HILL L LEICESTER’S

E CHURCH

V

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Denbigh Castle 16 Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales: The Little Citadel

The main part of the town now lies outside He became a freelance journalist and once the walls, and is a fascinating place to explore interviewed the legendary frontiersman and with its medieval pattern of back streets, and gunfighter, Bill Hickok (aka Wild Bill). He small specialist shops. A visit is recommended also took part in many expeditions to Africa, to the converted County Hall, housing the where he once searched for the famous lost Library with plenty of information on the explorer, David Livingstone - greeting him town’s history. with the immortal phrase: “Dr Livingstone, I presume?” He entered Parliament in 1895, Denbigh’s most famous son is Sir Henry was knighted in 1899 and died in 1904. Morton Stanley, the great traveller, writer As a touring base for North Wales and the and adventurer. His life story is a tale of rags North West, Denbigh is a superb choice. to riches. He was born in 1841 into poverty A host of places are all within easy reach and emigrated as a cabin boy to the United of this hospitable and welcoming community States, where he later fought on both sides including Snowdonia and the North Wales during the American Civil War. coast.

Denbigh Town Denbigh Castle www.borderlands.co.uk 17 Trains and boats and planes, coaches and cars and cycle lanes

GETTING TO THE WALLED TOWNS e’ve been welcoming Beaumaris: travellers for 2000 years so www.visitanglesey.co.uk Wreaching our walled towns Tel: 01248 713177 could not be easier. Caernarfon: www.visitsnowdonia.info By air Tel: 01286 679535 By air fly from Cardiff to Anglesey Conwy: Our nearest international airports are: www.conwy.gov.uk/publictransport Manchester International Tel: 0161 489 3000 Denbigh: www.manairport.co.uk www.discoverdenbighshire.co.uk/ Tel: 01745 344515, 01745 355068 Liverpool John Lennon www.denbighshire.gov.uk Tel: 08707 508484 Tel: 01824 706968 www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com The Explore Wales Pass is just what it says By bus/coach - one ticket that gives you unlimited access There are National Express coach services to all of Wales’s mainline train services and from both airports to Caernarfon and almost every bus service. Conwy. Bangor is the nearest stop for Beaumaris. There are local bus services T: 0845 6061 660, www.arrivatrainswales. between Bangor and Beaumaris. Rhyl is the co.uk/ExploreWalesPass North Wales Rover nearest stop for Denbigh. There are local bus is a discount bus travel card entitling you services between Rhyl and Denbigh. to travel all day on bus services in the Gwynedd, Conwy (on services starting National Express and ending in Gwynedd) and Anglesey Tel: 08705 80 80 80 time-tables. http://www.arrivatrainswales. www.gobycoach.com co.uk/ExploreWales/NorthWalesRover/

Local bus service information across The Snowdonia Sherpa runs in and around Britain is available from the following the busiest part of the National Park: contacts: www.traveline.org.uk www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk. Tel: 0870 608 2 608

18 Trains and boats and planes, coaches and cars and cycle lanes

Busybus offers unforgettable tours across Scenic Journeys: Cheshire and North Wales for groups and The will take you from individuals. Click onto www. busybus.co.uk Llandudno into the heart of the Snowdonia or call (0)8708 741800. National Park, into West Wales and beyond. www.conwyvalleyrailway.co.uk By rail The Cambrian Coaster along Cardigan Bay to There are rail services between Manchester , Harlech and Pwllheli is one of the Airport and via Crewe. You can travel most beautiful rail routes in Britain. by rail from Liverpool to Chester. (A bus links www.the trainline.com Tel: 08457 484950 the airport to Liverpool city centre), then on to the North Wales coast and Anglesey. By road The area is connected to the national There are rail services from Chester to Conwy motorway network via the M56 east of and across Anglesey to alighting Chester, which connects to the M53 and at Bangor station for local bus services to A55 expressway leading to Denbigh via the Caernarfon, Rhyl for local bus services to A525, Conwy, Beaumaris via the A545 and Denbigh and Llanfair PG station for local bus Caernarfon via the A487. services to Beaumaris. Scenic drives: the A5 passes through Merseyrail (Liverpool-Chester) the Vale of Llangollen and the Snowdonia Tel: 0151 702 2071 National Park, the A470 from Conwy along www.merseyrail.org the Vale of Conwy is a recommended scenic route to Betws-y- Coed with its National Rail Enquiries picturesque Swallow Falls Tel: 08457 484950 www.traffic-wales.com www.nationalrail.co.uk www.thetrainline.com By cycle There are some spectacular cycling routes The Freedom of Wales Flexi Pass gives you right across the area. The National Cycle freedom to enjoy unlimited access to all Network has masses of information mainline train services and almost every Tel: 0845 113 0065 bus services, as well as discounted entry www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk to many of Wales’ biggest attractions. Tel: 0870 9000 777 By ferry www.walesflexipass.com Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate fast, frequent services from Holyhead (Anglesey) to Ireland (ports of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire)

Irish Ferries: Tel 08705 171717 www.irishferries.com

Stena Line: Tel: 08705 707070 www.stenaline.com

19 LANCASHIRE Four Welsh walled towns locating Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon & Denbigh

M62 where to M6 Bolton Bury Formby Skelmersdale M61 Wigan GREATER IRISH SEA M58 M60 MANCHESTER M60 M57 Manchester Wallasey MERSEYSIDE M60 FIND US Birkenhead Liverpool Stockport Llandudno Colwyn M53 M6 Manchester Bay Aiport Holyhead Beaumaris Rhyl A548 Liverpool Runcorn ANGLESEY Aiport Llangefni A55 M56 Macclesfield A55 Bangor LlanfairPG Conwy A54 A55 Denbigh Mold A470 CONWY A5 A543 RUTHIN M6 Betws– Crewe Caernarfon y–Coed A41 CHESHIRE Caernarfon ALES Newcastle A4085 W H Wrexham under Lyme Bay T A5 R DENBIGH Stoke O Whitchurch on Trent A487 A5 A483 N GWYNEDD Llangollen Portmadoc Snowdonia Bala A495 Uttoxeter M6 National Oswestry A494 A470 Park A49 STAFFORD A53 A41 Air Travel - Manchester International Airport (MIA) duration of Stafford flights from MIA : New York 7.5 hours, Chicago 8.5 hours, Hong Kong 13 hours, Dublin 45 minutes, London 45 minutes, Madrid A495 Shrewsbury Cannock 2.5 hours, Paris 1 hour, Rome 2.5 hours, Berlin 1 hour 55 minutes, A458 Amsterdam 65 minutes. Welshpool A458 Cardigan A493 Bay A470 SHROPSHIRE M54 Walsall Machynlleth M6 POWYS Wolverhampton Bridgnorth WEST Distance A49 Beaumaris Caernarfon Conwy Denbigh A487 Newtown in miles (km) MIDLANDS A489 Beaumaris 12(19) 22(36) 46(74) A44 Birmingham

Aberystwyth M5 Caernarfon 12(19) 23(37) 47(76) A483 Kidderminster Conwy 22(36) 23(37) 24(39) Bromsgrove

Denbigh 46(74) 47(76) 24(39) CARDIGANSHIRE Llandrindod HEREFORD &WORCESTER Wells Leominster M5

20 LANCASHIRE Four Welsh walled towns locating Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon & Denbigh

M62 M6 Bolton Bury

Formby Skelmersdale M61 Wigan GREATER IRISH SEA M58 M60 MANCHESTER M60 M57 Manchester Wallasey MERSEYSIDE M60 Birkenhead Liverpool Stockport Llandudno Colwyn Warrington M53 M6 Manchester Bay Aiport Holyhead Beaumaris Rhyl A548 Liverpool Runcorn ANGLESEY Aiport Llangefni A55 M56 Macclesfield A55 Bangor LlanfairPG Conwy A54 A55 Denbigh Mold A470 CONWY A5 A543 RUTHIN M6 Betws– Crewe Caernarfon y–Coed A41 CHESHIRE Caernarfon ALES Newcastle A4085 W H Wrexham under Lyme Bay T A5 R DENBIGH Stoke O Whitchurch on Trent A487 A5 A483 N GWYNEDD Llangollen Portmadoc Snowdonia Bala A495 Uttoxeter M6 National Oswestry A494 A470 Park A49 STAFFORD A53 A41 Dolgellau Stafford

A495 Shrewsbury Cannock A458 Welshpool A458 Cardigan A493 Bay A470 SHROPSHIRE M54 Walsall Machynlleth M6 POWYS Wolverhampton Bridgnorth WEST A487 Newtown A49 MIDLANDS A489 A44 Birmingham

Aberystwyth M5 A483 Kidderminster Bromsgrove

CARDIGANSHIRE Llandrindod HEREFORD &WORCESTER Wells Leominster M5

21 22 23 Parades and processions, tournaments traditions and regattas - fun galore! WALLED TOWNS: FESTIVALS & EVENTS

ll our walled towns stage a host of festivals and events throughout the year including parades, processions and shows to celebrate their cultural heritage, Awhich visitors are invited to enjoy. You can find out precise dates and more by clicking onto www.eventsnorthwales.co.uk or look on our individual Town Council websites for details or you can contact the Tourist Information Centres featured on the back cover.

Where to stay

Our North Wales Walled Towns are renowned worldwide for the warmth of their welcome and their infinite hospitality. The walled towns enjoy an international reputation for the quality of their accommodation ranging from deluxe hotels, and traditional farmhouses to cosy b&b’s and budget self-catering. Accommodation is bookable direct with the hotel of your choice or via the Tourist Information Centres listed on the back cover of this guide. All the accommodation we feature has been inspected, categorised, graded and price banded. So whatever your preference, there is sure to be something to match your taste and budget. To see where you would like to stay, please visit the following link; www.breaksnorthwales.co.uk Walled TownsEvents

North Wales is a hive of activity throughout the year, playing host to events of all kinds. Our spectacular scenery, magnificent gardens and great range of fascinating tours and guided walks mean that there is plenty to explore for those who like the great outdoors. Whatever time you plan on visiting us, there is sure to be something happening for you to enjoy and get involved with. For more information on events in the region, please visit the following link; www.eventsnorthwales.co.uk

24 Where to stay, What to see and do WALLED TOWNS FURTHER INFORMATION You can get more information about the individual walled towns featured in this guide from the Tourist Information Centres listed below

LLANFAIRPWLL DENBIGH TIP Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll TIC Denbigh Library Station Site, Llanfairpwll Hall Square, Denbigh Anglesey LL61 5UJ LL16 3NU Tel: 01248 713177 Tel: 01745 816313 www.visitanglesey.co.uk www.visitdenbigh.co.uk

BEAUMARIS TIP RUTHIN Town Hall, Beaumaris Tourist Information Point Ruthin Craft Centre, Park Road CHAMBER OF TRADE Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1BB www.visitbeaumaris.co.uk Tel: 01824 703992 www.beaumaris.org.uk www.borderlands.co.uk

CAERNARFON VISIT WALES Oriel Pendeitsh, Castle Street QED Centre, Main Avenue, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1SE Trefforest Industrial Estate, Tel: 01286 672232 Trefforest, Pontypridd, www.visitsnowdonia.info Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF37 5YR. Tel: 0845 010 3300 (English) CONWY 0845 010 4400 (Welsh) Muriau Buildings, www.visitwales.com Rosehill Street,Conwy, LL32 8LD Tel: 01492 577566 FOUR TOWNS WEBSITE [email protected] www.beaumaris.org.uk/towncouncil.html www.visitconwy.org.uk www.caernarfontowncouncil.gov.uk www.conwytowncouncil.gov.uk CHAMBER OF TRADE www.denbightowncouncil.gov.uk www.conwytownevents.co.uk www.conwypirates.co.uk BRITAIN AND LONDON VISITOR CENTRE 1 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4xT [email protected]. www.visitbritain.com

The Walled Towns Friendship Circle (WTFC) is the international association for the sustainable development of walled towns, walled cities and fortified historic towns. Membership of the WTFC currently includes over 130 historic walled towns, walled cities and fortified towns in Europe and beyond. For more information, click onto www.walledtowns.com

www.walledtowns.co.uk