Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle): Access Review.

Castell Conwy is an iconic 13th century fortress on the North Wales coast. Wrapping the town of Conwy in it's protective walls, the Cadw run site is an exceptional place to visit. You will find the most complete set of medieval royal apartments, views across to Eryri and if you're lucky, the ghosts of monks that are said to wander the ruins leaving the smell of incense lingering behind them.

🎟️ Booking.

 For all Cadw sites, disabled people and their carers are free! Tickets can be booked online to guarantee a time slot or be bought on the day if you wish to have a little more flexibility. Proof of disability isn't needed, however, we would always recommend taking some if you have it available just in case it is required. Booking online is simple to do with the website being very user friendly. It's also worth noting that Cadw also offer £1 tickets for those on Universal Credit.

ℹ️ Accessibility Information Availability.

Cadw offers accessibility information on it's website, but can seem a bit vague. The information can be found under the facilities heading in the visitor information section on the locations landing page. Here is a link to the full access guide. The guide includes a map of the site (see mobility - although it doesn't include benches, toilets, water refill stations etc) and information about the facilities on site, car parking and the accessibility of areas of the castle itself.

🚗 Parking.

The castle hasn't got a dedicated car park, however, the Vicarage Gardens car park is right next door. Blue badge holders (when parked in a disabled bay and displaying their blue badges) are exempt from parking charges. If all disabled bays are occupied, the standard charges apply at £2.50 for an hour and £7.50 for four hours. There are 10 disabled bays and they can be found directly outside the visitor centre for the castle.

🩼 Mobility.

The castle dates from the 13th century and whilst it is in remarkable condition, it is in ruins and so due to age and condition the castle is not wheelchair accessible. However, if you are able to use other mobility aids and manage some stairs, the lower level of the castle may be accessible for you. Bob uses a rollator and a walking stick. On this day (thanks to a weeks worth of resting in advance!) he opted to use his walking stick, some help from us and rest a lot, avoiding the towers entirely. There is a steep slope (for approximately 50m) up from the visitor centre into the castle. There are then a series of steps to enter the castle. The pictures below offer a more detailed look at this part of the castle (images taken from google maps).

Once inside the castle, depending on your needs, it may be possible to enjoy a walk through the castle. There are several sets of stairs to navigate, each with approximately 5 steps.

⚠️ The steps are well worn and so are uneven and sloping. There are handrails on most stairs.

Beyond this there are eight towers to climb if your mobility allows and upper and lower levels coming off the Outer Ward containing the Great Hall, the chapel and the kitchen.

Below is a copy of the access map on Cadw's website to help illustrate the photos above.

🎧 Sensory.

The castle is exposed to the elements so those with sensory needs may wish to bare this in mind. The interior parts of the castle, particularly the towers, are dark and damp and may feel quite claustrophobic. On the upper levels you can expect lots of Jackdaws. There are no sensory packs available.

🚽 Toilets.

There are toilets on the lower levels of the visitors centre. There is an accessible toilet next to the main entrance by the car park. There are no changing places facilities at the castle. The nearest confirmed changing places toilets can be found Llandudno Railway Station on Augusta Street which is a 12 minute drive away.

☕️ Food and Drink.

The castle has no onsite cafe, however there are water refill stations (although the website doesn't state whereabouts). You can purchase bottled drinks and snacks such as fudge in the gift shop inside the visitors centre. There are plenty of food and drink outlets throughout Conwy including a particularly good bakery and pizza restaurant.

🪑 Rest Opportunities.

You can find benches throughout the castle to rest on, and there are a few spaces to sit inside, although these may not be accessible to everyone. The other benches are open to the elements.

🦻 Hearing.

There are portable induction loops available.

📖 Visual Guides.

There are no large print guides or audio guides available.

🐕‍🦺 Assistance Dogs.

Assistance dogs are welcome and there are dog bowls available.

Our verdict.

Castell Conwy is a fantastic place to explore, offering some incredible views towards Eryri and over the North Wales coast. The access information is welcome but is a bit vague. Knowing there are refill stations and benches is great, but not if you don't know where to find them. Considering Cadw sites are free for disabled visitors, it is certainly value for money for those who are able to manage, even if you move no further than the Outer Ward. We will of course be back, we have been visiting Conwy since the kids were little (and I have been visiting since I was!) but we understand that Bob may reduce how much he does each time we do.

💀💀💀