Gorse Hill’s unique location means that a range of historical, cultural, outdoor and general leisure pursuits is available on our doorstep. Some of the many local attractions include:

The Town of Conwy

Situated in the Conwy Valley, Conwy is world famous for its historical and architectural heritage. Alongside its ancient festivals and fairs, musical recitals, galleries and historical attractions there is an array of shops, restaurants and hotels. This blend of contemporary and historical makes Conwy an extremely popular place to visit. The town is a bustling centre of activity: visit and allow yourself to be beguiled by its charm.

The Castle

The first glimpse of Conwy will reveal the majestic lines of the Castle. The walls retain three of the original gateways and make an ideal spot to view the
quay and attractive harbour beneath. Some of the wall can be walked upon and it provides a view of what has been called a masterpiece of military
engineering.

The Marina

Conwy Marina boasts 600 berths and the recently completed Deganwy Marina has generated a further 200 berths.

Conwy Farmers’ Market is held on the last ednesday of every month at the reserve. Local fresh produce is on sale, from locally reared Welsh meat to dairy produce, jams and honeys, cakes or even local plants and wool.

The Narrow Gauge Railway

The Conwy Valley line runs alongside the Conwy River and continues along the banks of the Lledr. The journey starts in nearby Llandudno and weaves through breathtaking scenery, before finally emerging in the industrial landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog, home to North Wales’s slate quarries and former slate capital of the world. It is one of the most beautiful railway routes anywhere
in the UK.

The Great Outdoors

Bird watching at the Conwy Nature Reserve
The RSBP reserve lies amidst coastal lagoons and grassland alongside the Conwy estuary with spectacular views of Snowdonia. Waders and wildfowl are the main interest but a range of fascinating birds can be seen all year round. Water-sports available locally include canoeing and sailing. Horse-riding and rambling are also popular locally and there is a range of options available to you to discover the North Wales countryside.

Bodnant Gardens
Nearby Bodnant is one of the world’s most spectacular gardens and is situated above the River Conwy, with stunning views across Snowdonia.

The Conwy Golf Course enjoys an excellent location near the Conwy Mountain overlooking the estuary towards Llandudno's Great Orme and the Isle of Anglesey visible to the west. The course is only 5 minutes from Gorse Hill.

Culture and History in and Around Conwy

The Royal Cambrian Academy brings Welsh Art to Conwy and holds 9 exhibitions a year. The Gallery is located in the centre of Conwy just off the High Street.

The North Wales Theatre in nearby Llandudno hosts a range of performances from concerts, plays and pantomimes, to opera and international classical concert series.

National Trust centres include Aberconwy House (believed to be the oldest town house in Wales dating from the 14th-century) and Conwy Suspension Bridge.

Surrounding Areas

Snowdonia National Park is the second largest in England and Wales after the Lake District and covers more than 800 miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside anywhere in the UK. You will be able to experience the haunting beauty and grandeur of mountains, hidden valleys, cascading rivers, glacial lakes and deep forests. Betws-y-Coed is the principal village in Snowdonia. Some popular sites in Betws-y-coed include the Conwy Falls, Fairy Glen, Swallow Falls. Activities include walking, painting, mountain biking, photography, fishing, diving, climbing, and orienteering.

The Isle of Anglesey, gateway to the beautiful and vibrant city of Dublin, with Beaumaris Castle and host of other local attractions, is only a 20 minute drive from Gorse Hill.

Portmeirion, the world-famous Italianate village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, is less than an hour’s drive from Gorse Hill.

Other nearby attractions include Caernarfon Castle, the dry ski slopes in Llandudno and the Rhyl Sea-Life Centre.