The historic market town of Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley has quite a story behind it, having once tried to claim independence from its diocese in the 13th Century. Nowadays, life in the town is somewhat less turbulent, attracting visitors who can enjoy Tudor architecture in the town and valley walks beyond.

It was Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the Prince of Wales in 1276, who tried to detach Llanrwst from the diocese of Llanelwy, even seeking the help of the Pope to do so. His attempts failed but the town’s spirit of rebellion remains, with the motto on its coat of arms reading: “Cymru, Lloegr a Llanrwst” (Wales, England and Llanrwst).

Since those early days, the town has grown around its booming wool trade, with the price of wool throughout Britain being decided upon in Llywelyn for a long time. A museum of local interest can be found in the Llanrwst Almshouses that were built in 1610 to house twelve poor men of the parish. The museum’s gardens offer superb views of St Grwst Church.

Other sights in Llanrwst include the narrow three-arch stone bridge, named Pont Fawr, built in 1636. The bridge connects the town with Gwdir – a manor house built in 1492.

The town of Llanrwst and its surrounding countryside of lazy rivers and rolling hills can be explored for days on end and cottages in the area are available all year round.