Conwy Suspension Bridge
Conwy, Wales
Once part of the main A55 roadway, the Conwy Suspension Bridge was one of the first road suspension bridges in the world. It is now closed to cars, but is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Designed to mimic the look of Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy), its towers and archways were built in a medieval gothic style. From the neighboring castle, you can see stunning views of the bridge.
The basics
Stroll across the Conwy Suspension Bridge during a guided tour of Conwy and learn about the toll keeper who used to keep the bridge open daily as you admire this engineering feat. Two pairs of solid ashlar limestone towers reach 40 feet (12 meters) high to support chains that span 327 feet (100 meters). From the east, you’ll see the bridge with a backdrop of the castle, in addition to views of the harbor. From the center of the bridge, catch sight of the Great Orme headland in Llandudno. Tours are available as day trips from Liverpool, too.
Things to know before you go
The bridge is dog friendly.
Another similar Thomas Telford suspension bridge can be seen at Menai Strait in Wales.
It takes about 15 minutes to cross the Conwy Suspension Bridge.
A sign above the toll house outlines the tolls from the 1890s.
How to get there
The A55—also known as the North Wales Expressway—runs along the northern coast, providing easy access to Conwy. Conwy railway station is a 5-minute walk from the bridge and can be reached by North Wales Coast Railway trains from Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester. Local bus routes stop nearby. The entrance to the Conwy Suspension Bridge is accessible from the castle.
When to get there
The Conwy Suspension Bridge is open daily, 24 hours a day, but the toll keeper’s house is currently not open to the public. Sunset is a popular time to catch spectacular views of the surrounding area. Overall, the best time to visit Conwy is from June through September when the weather is typically nicest.
Conwy Castle (Castell Conwy)
Featuring crenelated towers and high defensive walls, Conwy Castle sits on the River Conwy, with the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance and the harbor and town below. Perhaps the most popular attraction in Conwy, the castle is well preserved, allowing visitors to climb to the top of its towers.
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