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House museum · Conwy, País de Gales
Plas Mawr
The best-preserved Elizabethan town house in Great Britain, built between 1576 and 1585 by a Welsh merchant in Conwy, with colourful plastered ceilings and restored decoration. Owned by Cadw.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plas Mawr
Plas Mawr, the 'Great Hall' in Welsh, is a town house built between 1576 and 1585 by Robert Wynn, a Welsh merchant and courtier who served the English royal family. It stands on Conwy’s High Street inside the walls and is considered the best-preserved Elizabethan town house in Great Britain.
The house has three storeys around courtyards, with a watch tower and leaded windows. The highlight is the moulded and painted plaster ceilings and cornices in vivid colours, restored to their historic appearance, with coats of arms, animal figures, flowers and symbols. The rooms have been furnished and arranged to show the life of a wealthy family of the period: the kitchen, the pantry, the hall, the bedrooms and the study.
An exhibition deals with health and hygiene in the Elizabethan era, with remedies and practices of the time. The visit is made with an audio guide and shows how wealthy Welsh people adopted the customs of the English court in the 16th century.
Plas Mawr is owned by Cadw and usually opens from spring to autumn, with reduced hours or closed in winter; check the website.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the open season, from spring to autumn, at any time. It's a good option for a rainy day.
How to get there
It’s on the High Street in the centre of Conwy, about a 5-minute walk from the castle and Conwy station.
Tip
Combine with Conwy Castle, which often has a combined ticket through Cadw. Note the colourful plaster ceilings in each room.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plas Mawr
What is Plas Mawr?
An Elizabethan town house dating from 1576–1585, the best-preserved of its kind in Great Britain, in central Conwy.
Is Plas Mawr open all year?
It usually opens from spring to autumn. Check Cadw's website.
Can it be combined with the castle?
Yes, they're a 5-minute walk apart, and there is usually a combined ticket.