Conwy Suspension Bridge

Conwy Suspension Bridge is one of the world's earliest road suspension bridges, and it stands right beside the walls of medieval Conwy in North Wales. Designed by Thomas Telford, it is Grade I listed, cared for by the National Trust and open today only to people on foot.

What is Conwy Suspension Bridge?

The bridge crosses the River Conwy next to Conwy Castle. It was built between 1822 and 1826 for a cost of £51,000 and carried the London to Holyhead road, later the A55, towards Bangor. Before it opened, travellers had to cross the estuary by ferry at the same spot. Today it is a short, atmospheric footpath rather than a traffic route.

Who designed it and why does it look like a castle gate?

Thomas Telford planned the crossing as a close relative of his Menai Bridge, which lies not far away. The big difference is in the towers. Here they are castellated, shaped to blend with the mighty fortress next door instead of competing with it. William Provis worked on site as engineer. The original iron chains are still in place and are thought to come from the Shropshire forge of William Hazledine, Telford's main ironwork supplier.

How has the bridge changed over time?

The first timber deck was later replaced with an iron one. In 1903 the bridge was reinforced with wire cables added above the original chains. When a new road bridge was built alongside it, demolition of the old crossing was considered, but a public outcry saved it. Since 1958 it has belonged to the National Trust and has been closed to vehicles.

In 1989, repainting work removed 21 layers of old paint and revealed heavy corrosion in the chains, with some links having lost most of their original thickness. The repair programme that followed also covered the toll house, which Telford designed for the opening in 1826. The restoration project received a European Heritage Award in 1995.

What can you see and do here?

• Walk across the deck for views over the Conwy estuary and the castle walls.
• Look closely at the castellated towers and the chains, which are original to the 1820s structure.
• Visit the small toll house at the bridge, which is part of the National Trust site.
• Combine the visit with a stroll around the old town, as the bridge sits at its edge.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive across Conwy Suspension Bridge? No. Since 1958 it has been closed to vehicles, and you can cross only on foot.

Who looks after the bridge? The National Trust has had it in its care since 1958.

When was the bridge built? Construction ran from 1822 to 1826, and Thomas Telford was the designer.

Where is it? In the town of Conwy, in Conwy county borough, North Wales, beside the castle on the River Conwy.

Is the bridge protected? Yes, it has Grade I listed status, the highest level of protection for historic buildings in the UK.

Conwy Suspension Bridge is a compact but memorable piece of early engineering. Together with the castle and the town walls, it makes Conwy one of the most rewarding short stops in North Wales.