An historic town in North Wales is among the top 72 best places to live in the UK, according to a 2024 list drawn up by The Sunday Times. The walled town of Conwy was in a seven-strong shortlist of Welsh towns and villages rated “fantastic” places to live.
Judges assessed factors such as schools, transport, culture, access to green spaces and the health of the high street. Broadband speeds were also considered, along with the affordability of houses.
Conwy often features on these kind of lists and its inclusion in this one comes as no great surprise given its picturesque setting. But what sets the town apart is its thriving artisan food scene, quirky festivals and its (mostly) excellent transport links. House prices have dipped in the last year too, adding to its allure for potential buyers.
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It wasn’t named the best in Wales – that accolade went to the market town of Abergavenny on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Monmouthshire. Others included Cardigan in Ceredigion, Mumbles in Swansea, Narberth in Pembrokeshire and the village of Presteigne, Powys. Also getting a look-in was the entire county of the Vale of Glamorgan. Ruthin in Denbighshire, last year’s Welsh winner, didn’t get a mention this time.
The UK title went to the Scottish winner, the seaside resort of North Berwick, East Lothian. Located 20 miles from Edinburgh, since the 19th century it’s been a fashionable holiday resort thanks to its two sandy bays and golf courses.
But the Sunday Times judges clearly had a soft spot for Conwy, which was also shortlisted in 2022. They wrote: “Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot.
“Those lucky enough to live in the town can pick up groceries and grab a coffee in impeccably historic surroundings, while enjoying the reassurance of regular trains and a fast road.” The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up
Everyone knows about Conwy Castle, Edward I’s magnificent stronghold, and its near neighbour, Thomas Telford’s Gothic-style 1800s bridge. As one of Europe’s finest medieval towns, Conwy’s ancient walls and 21 towers stretch for three-quarters of a mile, offering sweeping views over the town and out to sea.
On the quay, the Smallest House in Great Britain continues to attract visitors from around the world. And in Plas Mawr, the town also has one of the country’s best examples of an Elizabethan house.
Then there’s Grade II-listed Bodlondeb Hall with its 60 acres of public parkland, woods, cricket ground and tennis courts, all in the shadow of the town walls. It’s an enviable town centre facility. But Bodlondeb Hall, for so long Conwy Council’s HQ, looks set to be sold and, despite reassurances, there are concerns over future public access to its surrounding land.
Conwy town is a rare example of a place that’s managed to retain its identity. More than 90% of its shops are independents and a short stroll along the town’s paved High Street reveals a huge variety of retail and dining offers.
Vinomondo has a range of local wines, craft beers and spirits, and across the road is Edwards of Conwy, a traditional butcher and deli renowned for its pies and lamb rolls. Another favourite is Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour, which does a fine line in crepes and waffles. The Gwledd Conwy Feast food festival may have gone but its spirit lives on.
The quayside is home to Conwy Mussels, which still hand-rake mussels from the estuary, the traditional method employed for hundreds of years. You’ll need to be quick – the annual mussels season finishes at the end of April.
On the High Street alone, there’s also a bookshop, jewellers and, among several eateries, a Dylan’s restaurant. Towards one end is a pottery gallery and, if contemporary Welsh art is your thing, the Royal Cambrian Academy is just around the corner.
For youngsters, there’s the Yesteryears toy emporium, and at the Knight Shop opposite the castle, you can choose from various shields, helmets and 40 types of sword. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
It’s not just the Sunday Times that was impressed. In December, the Guardian put Conwy among the UK’s best places for a Christmas getaway, citing its annual Winterfest parade as one reason why. Led by a jester, and followed by armoured knights carrying blazing torches, the parade includes sword fighters, fire performers, drummers and singers. Roast chestnuts help bystanders keep the winter chill at bay.
The Guardian wrote: “Conwy rivals Chester and York for the title of Britain’s best-preserved medieval town, and it is magical at Christmas. Visitors can walk the town walls for the best views of the streets, backdropped by Conwy Castle and in the shadow of Eryri (Snowdonia).”
In medieval times, the town is reputed to have 13 annual festivals. One still around is September’s Conwy Honey Fair, a 700-year-old Royal Charter Fair at which local beekeepers – despite recent thefts – still sell over a tonne of honey by lunchtime. Another annual event is Conwy Seed Fair, also in the town centre, which this year takes place on Tuesday, March 26.
If Conwy sounds like your sort of place, property prices are now a little more affordable. According to Rightmove, sold prices fell 7% in the past year and are now back to 2021 levels, averaging £290,532. Flats and semis were cheaper, while detached properties levelled at £367,292.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
