I'm thinking of adding Conway Wales to a UK trip I'm planning for Dec 2023. I am primarily interested in visiting the castles in the area and seeing the town. Is this a good time to go?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7293 posts
Can’t speak to the weather in December, but Conwy, Caernarfon, and Beaumaris castles are definitely worth visiting. They are close to each other. Other castles in the area I’m aware of include Criccieth and Harlech. They are not as interesting as the first three, but we enjoyed them. Finally there is Dolbadarn Castle. It is really just a ruin.
Posted by
OP
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Thank you. I have been reading about these towns and castles and I am very interested in going there.
Posted by
2625 posts
No, it is not a good time to go as daylight is only from about 7.50am to 4.30pm and the weather can be miserable - wet & cold. You also have the risk of snow although that is far less than say on the eastern seaboard of the USA.
May & June are good times to visit as the daylight hours are long and the vegetation is a lush green. Bodnant gardens near Conwy also look wonderful at that time of year.
See this video on Bodnant:>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wk7DGtRARc
Posted by
OP
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Yes, I was thinking December would not be a good time, and the area would not be seen at its best. I just needed some confirmation.
Thank you..
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2404 posts
December can be a strange month weather wise. It can be cold, dull, dreary without much sun. Alternatively you could get days of clear weather with bright blue skies and sunshine... As pointed out day length is short but there will be fewer other visitors around.
If you are already in the UK and have the time to add Conwy then go for it. The comments about Conwy in December will apply to everywhere else in the UK.... Just make sure you have plenty of layers and windproof/waterproof jacket. The wind chill factor can be vicious!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34321 posts
while those castles are open in December, except around Christmas and New Year, they do all come with a warning.
Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
With the sometimes awful December weather and slippery stones underfoot that warning should be taken seriously. Make sure you have phone with data and your socials up to date....
Posted by
OP
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I’ve been to Europe in the winter a few times, and lived for a year in France, so know weather will be cold and damp. I’m planning to go to a couple of big cities around Christmas, but was thinking of a possible side trip to Wales, but thought it might not be a good time to do it. Good to hear from people who agree.