Conwy Marina Berth Holders Association

Introduction – Things to do around Conwy

Conwy Marina is situated on an estuary near to the historic town of Conwy and a visitor to the Marina can take part in a range of different types of activities. Protected from prevailing winds by Conwy Mountain and Snowdonia, the area has a local climate enjoying higher levels of sunshine than Bangor, just ten miles to the west.

Within walking distance – Conwy town itself with a renovated quayside, its 13^th castle – a World Heritage Site and Bodlondeb butterfly gardens.  For walkers, the North Wales Coastal footpath passes through Conwy Marina and is a signed footpath between Rhyl to the east and Bangor.  The footpath rises up to Conwy Mountain and follows a ridge for 10 miles before descending to Bangor.  From the footpath detours can be taken to ascend the peaks of the Carneddau range.

By taking advantage of the Conwy River launch, visitors can easily travel to Llandudno, visiting its shops and extensive beach or take a walk around or over the Great Orme.  From here, the Isle of Man is often visible in fine weather. Families with young children may enjoy the small mountain ski resort or the swimming pool.  The North Wales Theatre, Llandudno hosts many different events, including dance and opera.  An active sailing club (Llandudno Sailing Club on the Promenade) hosts local and national dinghy regattas.

Cycle hire for road, mountain and family cycling gives access to the hills of Snowdonia or travel along tracks to neighbouring coastal towns. Cycling is a good way of visiting several conservation areas managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The adventurous can cycle into the hills and return by the Conwy Valley train from Betws-y-Coed/Llanwrst to Llandudno Junction.

Conwy is well served by public transport – buses depart from near the Marina to Conwy, for destinations of Llandudno, Bangor and Caernarfon.  The mainline station of Llandudno Junction (three miles) has direct train connections to Holyhead (for Irish Sea Crossings), London and Manchester.

Decking Area at Deganwy Marina

This area opened on 9th July 2010.  We have inspected it and think that it’s brilliant and will make a great venue for a BBQ.  It has a capacity of over 100 if you include both sections. The marina have installed BBQ equipment.

Conwy marina berth holders are invited to use it whenever they wish.

Conwy Marina Berth Holders Association Events

CMBHA has run a very successful programme of social events throughout the year, both ashore and afloat. For 2010/11, the full programme is still in the planning stage so please revisit this page for further details.

Cruise in Company – Porth Wen Area / BBQ 31st July – 1st August 2010

Possible Passage Plan

Saturday 31/07/10 – HW Conwy 14:47

Slip Conwy 13:30 pushing the last of the flood , heading up the newly marked channel towards the NE end of Puffin Island.

Then it’s on towards Pt Lynas and just 4 nm to our anchorage for the night at Porth Wen,  ETA 18:00 (for sailing boats).

Evening BBQ on shore by the old brick works.  This was in operation between 1850 to 1914 and used silica ore, mined by hand from open cast pits on the headland. It’s a favourite of mine, and very interesting.

Sun 01/08/10 – HW Conwy 15:25

After an early breakfast aboard, its back  to shore and a 30 minute walk along the coastal path to Llanbedrig.

There we can visit the famous Church,  said to be the place where, in 445AD, St Patrick brought Christianity to Wales having been shipwrecked on Patricks Island or ‘Middle Mouse’ as we now know it.   If time permits, its also worth a look at ‘The Ichthus Stone’ which dates from the 10th century, and Patricks cave which boasts a fresh water well.

‘The Church was also a location of the film ‘Half Light’ starring Demi Moore!   Finally, its ‘up anchor’ around midday for our 23nm cruise back to Conwy, ETA 16:30.

There are several options for the the weekend, all weather dependant.  If you are interested in joining the cruise in company please call Eric Crowther on 07973 342083 or email ericcrowther@supanet.com.”

Other Events

Also – look in these links below for useful information on events and attractions

Good Food

Always an important topic – so if you have grown tired of eating those mackeral you have just caught in the bay – you could try one of the following places to eat.  All opinions expressed are just that – opinions – but do let us know if you have found a great place or even if you have had a bad meal in any of the following.

Castle Hotel

The Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Conwy on Main Street, enjoy outstanding cuisine from the kitchens of award winning chef Graham Tinsley served in the delightful and tasteful surroundings of this historic hotel.  Try the fish chowder, a meal in itself, or enjoy a range of wholesome locally sourced dishes from the imaginative menu.  Booking recommended at weekends.

High Street, Conwy, LL32 8BD.  (t) 01492 582 800

Amelies

An almost hidden gem not to be missed, located upstairs almost opposite the Castle on High Street, offering a variety of beautifully presented home made fare in relaxed rustic surroundings.  Always welcoming and friendly, this delightful café restaurant is definitely one to keep on your list of eating options in Conwy.

10 High Street, Conwy, LL32 8BD.  (t) 01492 583 142

The Mulberry

The Mulberry ‘Gastro Pub’ is superbly located overlooking Conwy Marina. This favourite watering hole for berth holders and locals alike offers an impressive and diverse menu, from sandwiches and light bites to more substantial mains and desserts.  Sunday carvery is a must, but you may have to queue if you’re not early due to its popularity.  They even do a breakfast Monday to Saturday. Discounts offered to members of CMBHA.

Situated on the marina, Ellis Way, Conwy, LL32 8GU.  (t) 01492 583 350

The Castle View

The short trip over to Deganwy is worth taking to sample the delights of former licensee of the year Lance Scally’s well trained catering team at the Castle View.  Great value with a varied menu and generous portions that ensure that you never leave hungry, served in a friendly and comfortable ambience. Another one that you must try.

Pentwyn Hill, Deganwy, Conwy, LL31 9TH.  (t) 01492 583 777

Quay Hotel and Spa

The Quay Hotel and Spa sits in the Deganwy Quays Marina complex, with unparalleled views of the full panorama from Conwy Castle to Conwy Sound, the areas only Five Star hotel boasts cuisine to match its status.  Enjoy sandwiches or a light bite on the terrace for lunch or while watching the sun set over the estuary, or sample the delights of a varied menu in their sumptuous restaurant.

Deganwy Quay, Deganwy, Conwy, LL31 9DJ.  (t) 01492 564 100

Alfredo

For those with a passion for Italian cuisine, Alfredo is a great choice.  Located in Lancaster Square, at the top of Conwy High Street, this traditional family run Italian restaurant provides all the choices you would expect from an Italian eatery and provides great value for money.  Reward your crew with filling and wholesome fare without breaking the bank.

Lancaster Square, Conwy, LL32 8DA.  (t) 01492 592 381

General

A comprehensive list of various events on many dates can be found in the Visit Llandudno site – this will give you events in or near Conwy – despite the title of the site!

The Wales Directory provides a list of events and their dates that covers all of North Wales.  Click on the left hand side of their website to select the month that you want.

Word of Mouth is a business directory that also lists many events and attractions in Conwy and North Wales area.

A similar site is Where Can We Go?, which tries to answer the question by listing events and places of interest within 10 miles of Conwy.

The About Britain site also lists a few events and attractions, and also provides links to local towns and villages, and a list of some hotels and self catering cottages.

A Town Guide to Conwy gives you a brief history, plus things to see, and how to get to Conwy.

OK – there is not much on this Welcome to Conwy site, but the photos are great!

Families

For those with young families have a look at Young Conwy 1. For those with slightly older children try Young Conwy 2.

Music and Culture

A comprehesive list of culture in and around Conwy is found on the NewsWales site.

Local and regional music cultural and music events can be found on the Brit Events website.

The local BBC site provides a guide to a wide variety of events and places to go.

Venue Cymru supports festivals, extravaganzas, concerts, fairs, sporting occasions and special displays.

For those wanting something perhaps slightly more sedate, try the local libraries.

An off-beat look at ‘culture’ in Conwy and Llandudno can be found at the Knowhere Guide. It may not list much – but what it does list is certainly different. The links on the right-hand side of their website are – depending on your tastes – worth exploring.

The Countryside and the Environment

Walking North Wales, as the name suggests, gives youdetails on a wide variety of graded walks; plus other information relevant to the walker.

Conwy Countryside Services often has activities such as rambling, biodiversity or understanding the environment.

Part of the BBC website focusses on Out and About in Conwy.