Plas Mawr
Hidden behind an unassuming gateway on Conwy’s High Street lies Plas Mawr, one of the most remarkable historic houses in Britain. Built between 1576 and 1585 for Robert Wynn, a wealthy Welsh gentleman and diplomat, the house is widely regarded as the finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse in the United Kingdom. More than four centuries later, it remains astonishingly intact, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step directly into the world of Tudor Wales. The name Plas Mawr means “Great Hall” in Welsh, and the building certainly lives up to its title. Wynn drew inspiration from the grand houses and royal courts he encountered during his travels across Europe, creating a residence that showcased both his wealth and social status. Inside, visitors can explore seventeen carefully restored rooms arranged around elegant courtyards. The greatest highlight is the extraordinary ornamental plasterwork that decorates ceilings, fireplaces and walls throughout the house. Rich with heraldic symbols, family crests, mythological figures and intricate patterns, it is considered among the best-preserved Elizabethan plasterwork in Britain. The Great Hall, Great Chamber and private withdrawing rooms reveal how wealthy families entertained guests during the Tudor period, while the kitchen, brewhouse and servants’ quarters provide fascinating insights into daily domestic life.
Conwy Wales
Plas Mawr is an exceptionally preserved 16th-century Elizabethan townhouse located in the heart of historic Conwy. Built between 1576 and 1585 for the wealthy merchant Robert Wynn, the house stands as one of the finest surviving examples of its architecture anywhere in Britain. Visitors stepping through its doors can explore meticulously restored rooms featuring original ornate plasterwork, vibrant period colors, period furnishings, and grand fireplaces, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lavish lifestyle and domestic social history of the Tudor elite. The townhouse is located at 22 High Street, Conwy, LL32 8DE, Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom. It sits right along the main cobbled high street inside the town's historic walled center. Because of its setting within Conwy, visiting Plas Mawr places you just steps away from several iconic historic sites. A short stroll down the street brings you to the towering battlements of Conwy Castle, built by Edward I, as well as the remarkably intact Conwy Town Walls that circle the historic center. Down by the harbour, you will find Aberconwy House, a rare 14th-century merchant residence, and the famous Smallest House in Great Britain. Just across the river stand the ruins of Deganwy Castle, while a short drive along the coast leads to Gwrych Castle near Abergele and the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno.
Castle