On Christmas Eve in Conwy we meet for carols in Lancaster Square . It seems like the whole of Conwy turns up to sing. Then Father Christmas appears at Conwy Castle to deliver his special Christmas message to the children. A spectacular musical firework display lights up the night sky. And then we’re all ready for Christmas!
The Albion Ale House sometimes break out their snow machine as we walk home. Which is always great fun.
Maybe we will have real snow for Christmas, to make the town even prettier?
The Half Marathon Route
The Conwy Half Marathon runners set off from Conwy quay, pass the 700 year old medieval castle and cross over the bridge. They run through Deganwy and into Llandudno enjoying fantastic coastal views over to Anglesey on the way.
Now comes the hard but the best part. The runners begin their ascent up the Great Orme – a truly breath taking experience !
Since 2018 Batala Bangor , a local samba reggae band, have drummed up a storm as the runners head towards the Orme .
The runners ascend to the summit ,taking in the most amazing panoramic views, and watched by the now world famous Kashmiri Goats who live and graze on the hillside. Except when we were in full lockdown and they came down and took over the town. They made front page headlines and worldwide news channels with their antics!
This section finishes on the other side of the Orme at the beautiful West Shore Beach where the runners then join the circuit back to Conwy quay.
Feedback from Runners
Guests who stay with us to do the marathon all report that it’s well worth it for the views. Several guests return year after year to stay with us and run the Conwy Half Marathon.
It is also a very popular event with local runners and charity fundraisers.
Conwy was voted in the top five most scenic Half Marathons in the UK by the readers of Runners World.
Book Now for 16th November 2025 and reserve a room with us when you do
Check out the Run Wales website for up to date information on all the North Wales and Snowdonia runs they organise. We’re happy to take provisional bookings for any event you plan to attend . Just drop us an e mail or use this contact form reservations@castlebankhotel.co.uk
Conwy Pirate Weekend is a regular event and it’s popular with both adults and children. It attracts pirates from far and wide and the town is full of interesting characters! Pirate groups who have visited before include Liverpool Pirate Brethren with their ship, the Vilma, and Port Sunlight Sea Dogs
What Happens ?
A pirate ship sails into the harbour and there’s loud cannon fire and fighting as they try to storm the quay. The Royal Navy do their best to withold them . But a few years ago the pirates managed to kidnap the Mayor of the town!
On Conwy quay you will find a smugglers market and the Hearts of Oak camp. During the day there are barrel rolling competitions, slave auctions and lots of entertainment. Entertainers, musicians and dancers fill the quay with life and colour and there is plenty of food and drink available .
There have been Best Dressed Pirate Competitions for all age groups and treasure hunts , crabbing competitions and storytelling for the little pirates.
Around the town the shops and cafes dress up their windows, and join in the fun by dressing up. Pirate flags decorate the main streets and you will find a trading post for all things pirate-y at the toyshop.
The weekend often starts with a pirate party in a local pub on Friday night. On Saturday there is a pirate parade or torchlit lantern procession from the quay.This is followed by music and dancing on the quay and in local pubs.
When is the next Conwy Pirate Weekend?
It takes place on the 10th and 11th May 2025. Check the Conwy Pirates facebook group for lots of information
We already have some pirates booked in ! l reservations@castlebankhotel.co.uk
Are there other activities?
When Is the Parade?
All being well and weather behaving (!) we shall see this popular event return again in early December 2025 – date to be confirmed , but normally a Saturday.
Why not Book a Two Night Shopping Break ?
Make a festive weekend of it and combine your visit with shopping in Conwy’s amazing array of independent shops, sight seeing and fine dining. Contact us using our enquiry form or e mail us on reservations@castlebankhotel.co.uk
Conwy Fairs
Conwy street fairs have been run by the Conwy Beekeepers Association since 1990, in accordance with a Royal Charter dating back over 700 years.
In Spring the Conwy Seed Fair takes place, normally on or around the 27th March.The High St and square are filled with stalls selling seeds, herb, plants, shrubs and more . Local craftspeople and Conwy retailers also join in the event making it a real day out .
In Autumn on the 13th of September (or 14th if the 13th is a Sunday) the Honey Fair takes place. Here you can find out more about beekeeping and sample and buy varieties of honey from Conwy Valley and beyond. The fair also features local assocations such as the Pensychnant Conservation Centre and the RSPB ,arts and crafts stalls and more.
Find more details on the fairs and Conwy Beekeeping on Conwy Beekeepers Association facebook page.





