Conwy Suspension Bridge
Walk across Thomas Telford's iconic 19th-century suspension bridge for stunning views of Conwy Castle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Conwy Suspension Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across Thomas Telford's iconic 19th-century suspension bridge for stunning views of Conwy Castle.
"A brilliant piece of engineering, its cables were amazingly anchored to a tower of the castle without appearing to cause any damage."
🚶♀️ Free to Cross
Enjoy a walk across this historic bridge for free, offering stunning views.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture iconic shots of Conwy Castle from the bridge; it's a photographer's dream.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thomas Telford's Engineering Marvel
Conwy Suspension Bridge
Walk across this iconic 19th-century suspension bridge, a masterpiece of industrial revolution engineering.
Castle Views
From the bridge
Enjoy breathtaking, close-up views of the magnificent Conwy Castle and its medieval walls.
Tollkeeper's House
End of the bridge
Admire the charming, castle-like tollkeeper's house, a unique architectural feature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Free to Cross
Enjoy a walk across this historic bridge for free, offering stunning views.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture iconic shots of Conwy Castle from the bridge; it's a photographer's dream. 
🚗 Town Parking
Utilize town car parks as National Trust parking is not available for the bridge.
🌉 Engineering Wonder
Appreciate the groundbreaking 19th-century engineering and its integration with the castle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Free to Cross
Enjoy a walk across this historic bridge for free, offering stunning views.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture iconic shots of Conwy Castle from the bridge; it's a photographer's dream.
🚗 Town Parking
Utilize town car parks as National Trust parking is not available for the bridge.
🌉 Engineering Wonder
Appreciate the groundbreaking 19th-century engineering and its integration with the castle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Conwy Suspension Bridge as a free, historically significant attraction offering stunning views of Conwy Castle. Its impressive 19th-century engineering is a major draw, though some note that the tollkeeper's house is closed and other bridges can obstruct some views. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile and picturesque stop.
"A great free place to visit with great views of the Castle and estuary. I loved looking at how the bridge was constructed.
Everything is well looked after by the National trust.
There is a nice little garden at the end to look at with flowers and veg too."
Simon (Simps)
"I didn't get time to visit the castle, but I got a really good close-up view of it from Thomas Telford's elegant suspension bridge. Approaching from the harbour, I had to cross a very busy main road before entering through a little gate to follow the short path to the bridge. But the bridge itself, pedestrianised and almost deserted, was a surprisingly peaceful stroll to the tollkeeper's house and back. Before it was built, the only way that people and their livestock could get across the estuary was to make a difficult and perilous ferry crossing, so when it opened in 1826, Telford's bridge must have been seen as a godsend! A truly brilliant piece of engineering, its cables were amazingly anchored to a tower of the castle without appearing to cause any damage to the medieval structure at all. It's a pity that the views on both sides are restricted by the other two bridges (the Victorian Tubular Railway Bridge and the more recent road bridge) being so close. And the tollkeeper's house, resembling a mini castle with its turrets and crenellations, is sadly closed to the public. Even so, the bridge itself is well worth a close look, and it's free to walk across."
Valerie Hinchliffe
"Definitely worth a visit. Plenty of parking in the various town carparks (not National Trust). The setting is lovely with views across the estuary and Quay, and of course the Castle (not National Trust) and town walls. The structure is interesting and it is free to walk across."
Alison Nichols
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located in Conwy, North Wales. If arriving by car, park in one of the town's public car parks. From the harbour area, you'll need to cross a busy main road to reach the pedestrian entrance of the bridge.
Conwy town is well-served by public transport, including train and bus services. From the station, it's a short walk to the bridge.
No, the bridge is now pedestrian-only. It was closed to vehicular traffic in 1958.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking across the Conwy Suspension Bridge is completely free.
As a pedestrian walkway, the bridge is generally accessible at all times, though specific access might be subject to daylight hours or local events. It's best to check with the National Trust for any specific advisories.
The tollkeeper's house is unfortunately closed to the public and not open for visits.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the bridge and Conwy Castle. Weekdays are generally less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
From the bridge itself, you get excellent views of the castle. For a wider perspective, consider viewpoints across the estuary or from the town walls.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the National Trust.
🎫 🏛️ History & Engineering
The bridge was designed by the renowned Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford and opened in 1826. +1
It's one of the earliest iron suspension bridges and a groundbreaking example of Industrial Revolution engineering. Its cables are anchored to the towers of Conwy Castle.
The bridge was built in the early 19th century and will be 200 years old in 2026.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that parking is in town car parks, and there's a short walk, potentially across a busy road, to reach the bridge. The bridge itself is safe for walking, but keep a close eye on younger children. The nearby Smallest House in Great Britain is also a fun, quick stop for families.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light, especially during the 'golden hour.' Weekdays will offer fewer crowds, allowing for cleaner shots without people obstructing the view. Consider different vantage points, including from the castle walls or across the estuary, to capture the bridge in its full context.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Learn about its construction, its role in replacing the old ferry system, and how it ingeniously integrated with Conwy Castle. The National Trust maintains the site, ensuring its historical integrity is preserved for future generations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Thomas Telford's Visionary Design
As one of the first iron suspension bridges in Britain, it represented a significant leap forward in civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution. The bridge was originally built to carry carriages and pedestrians, replacing a perilous ferry crossing of the River Conwy. Its elegant design and robust construction made it a vital link for transport and trade in the region.
Today, maintained by the National Trust, the bridge serves as a pedestrian-only walkway, allowing visitors to experience its historical significance and appreciate the intricate details of its construction. While the tollkeeper's house is no longer open, the bridge itself remains a captivating piece of history and a popular spot for visitors.
Experiencing the Bridge and Its Surroundings
+1At the end of the bridge, you'll find the charming tollkeeper's house, designed to resemble a miniature castle with its own turrets and crenellations. Although it's no longer open to the public, its unique architecture adds to the bridge's character. The National Trust also maintains a small garden area near the bridge, offering a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
While the bridge offers fantastic views, it's worth noting that the sightlines are somewhat impacted by the presence of two other bridges – the Victorian Tubular Railway Bridge and a more modern road bridge – situated very close by. Despite this, the suspension bridge remains the most elegant and photogenic of the three, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Conwy.
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