Seven reasons why autumn is a great time to visit Conwy County
With the leaves turning golden and a festive buzz in the air, autumn is one of our favourite seasons. Here are a few reasons why.
1. Autumn’s cooler temperatures are perfect for cycling
Cycling is an invigorating way to explore. From coastal to cross-country, North Wales has plenty of enticing routes. The one that’s got the bike brigade really excited is Traws Eryri, a new trans-Snowdonia trail. Bring your own hardtail mountain bike, or hire one locally, and let the adventure begin.
2. On coast and country walks, there are seals, fungi and birds to spot
Spring brings fresh growth, summer brings flowers, but autumn brings something just as wonderful to Conwy County: ripe fruit and fungi. As you stroll through the woods and open countryside, you’ll see berries in the hedgerows and toadstools peeping though the leaves. Songbirds are trilling after their late summer lull, and at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, seasonal migrants such as wigeons and teals start to arrive. Stride along the Conwy section of the Wales Coast Path, and you may be lucky enough to see a seal pup. Grey seals breed in North Wales every year.
3. The season’s best shows come to Llandudno and Colwyn Bay
October heralds the welcome return of Welsh National Opera to Venue Cymru in Llandudno. In 2023, they’re presenting three rousing productions: the sultry, flamenco-inspired Ainadamar; Play Opera Live, a fun show for kids; and their sumptuous staging of Verdi’s La Traviata. Autumn is always a busy time of year for Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay, too, with a great range of entertainment, including blockbuster movies and family-friendly live shows.
4. Conwy’s spookiest attractions come alive for Halloween
As Halloween draws closer, ghouls and ghosts start appearing in Conwy’s historic buildings. It’s all part of the fun. To join in, tackle The Mad Monk’s Chamber of Doom Escape Room at Conwy Castle, follow the Spooky Halloween trail at Plas Mawr, explore a creepy castle on an Escape Alive ghost tour or set off on a real-life Gwrych Castle Ghost Hunt. To really test your nerve, try dodging the terrifying zombie clowns on the rides at Zip World Betws-y-Coed’s Ffear Fforest – if you dare.
5. If it’s chilly, you can warm up on yummy comfort food and drink
Ready to relax after a lovely long walk? It’s hard to beat a cosy gastropub with a roaring fire. Many of the best restaurants and pubs in Conwy offer game, mushrooms and autumn veggies at this time of year. In Llandudno, you can toast the season with something truly warming at Penderyn Distillery. Famous for its award-winning single malt Welsh whisky, Penderyn offers short tours and in-depth masterclasses, focused on the art and science of production.
6. You can watch fireworks on the beach
While many parts of the UK celebrate Bonfire Night on 5 November, in Llandudno there’s a twist. The famous Llandudno Fireworks Display takes place on North Shore Beach, which means that the date is determined by the tides. In 2023, weather permitting, it will be on Sunday 29 October. Expect to ooh and aah at every whoosh and bang.
7. Even though summer’s over, there are still loads of great places to stay
Conwy County is truly an all-season destination, with plenty of hotels, guest-houses, B&Bs and self-catering properties staying open throughout the year. If you fancy a cultural break with some museums, galleries and shopping thrown in, a townhouse hotel could be just the thing. But if snuggling up in the countryside is more your style, you’ll love Conwy’s cosy country cottages, where you can kick off your boots and feel at home.
The Official Tourism Website for Destination Conwy
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