I am so proud of you young man and your wife for giving your children experiences and education that they never have gotten by staying here in the states. 👏🏽
He’s a great guy and what a lovely family! For us it’s great to see what an American family thinks of our country. I would like to hear what his wife and kids think, bet they miss their friends and family 😢 but hey the experience will be amazing for them. UK is the fairest place we have ever lived after moving around in the military and safest. We are a mixed family and always feel more vulnerable in the States unfortunately. Britain is very safe for all races away from the big cities.
In the year you have been here Mac you have seen more of the UK than most Brits see in their whole lives Keep it up , great content of my fabulous Country . If you get board as you know the rest of Europe is not far away and plenty more castles to see there too 😎😎😎
@David Futers why do people like you have to use inaccurate statements, which are not backed up by any stats to make your point to the detriment of this country and its people. If you are anywhere for a short period of time you are going maximise it on what is a relatively small island. Mac also has a You tube channel (most people don’t) and there is need to make interesting content or is that beyond your comprehension?
The uneven stairs were intentional in most castles, as well as the amount of stairs and the overall layout of the larger castles. It was meant to be a maze, with many rooms and stairs, which made it hard to fight inside with a large group of people. The uneven stairs made it hard to quickly climb stairs, which made it easier to defend the castle if it was breached. If you're ever in France, I highly recommend going to Guédelon Castle. It's a archaeology project where they're building a castle with techniques from the age of castles, to see how accurate the current knowledge is. Fascinating and very educational. There's a great British archaeology show which shows how people lived in those times, filmed at Guédelon. Here's the link: watch?v=SURsW7BpCNc Another amazing show is Time Team, which does digs around the UK (and some abroad) to discover new sites or re-examine old ones. In the specials they even dig up the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, looking for the castle which contained the famous Round Table.
Just imagine these medieval structures when they were new and unencumbered by all the modern infrastructure. The contrast between the man-made castle and the natural surrounding countryside would be quite pronounced. Love the education and experiences you are providing for your kids. They will have some amazing childhood memories to look back upon, in the years ahead. 😎👍
Hey Mack. I looked it up. Conway Castle took just 4 years to build. When you consider the scale of the place and the fact that it would have been built by hand, with absolutely no mechanical equipment ( it was 1248 or something), well, it's a staggering achievement. Hope you had a blast...
I have just got back from Conway. I've been going since I was a boy and I'm now 63. We both had good weather. Nice town with lots of nice places to eat. Great for you to see it with your family.
I went to university in Bangor and would pass Conwy Castle on the train when ever I travel to and from. Glad you got to see it. North Wales is beautiful part of the world with loads of history. Thank you for the video. 😃
You are doing a sterling job (and joy) in introducing your family to real-life education; something never obtainable from books or videos alone. I visited Conwy as a child, alongside my school roomie during school holidays (he is Welsh), and decades later took my kids there, and aim to visit the UK (inc Conwy) with some of my 15 grandsons, one day! My favourite castle, though, is Caernarfon, both the biggest midieval castle in Europe and the site of the investiture of Princes of Wales. Beaumaris Castle, on Ynys Môn, is the most architecturally perfect castle, in terms of defence theory, however.
Another awesome post buddy! You’ve seen more of o’l Blighty then we have! I’m ashamed! Well wakes! We’ve been but only to rag the roads! We’re into motorcycles…👍
Sir,it's an absolute joy to see you and your family enjoying and engaging in our History and actively wanting to learn about it,I live just inside the English side of the border with Wales and so have more than our fair share of castles.Conway is for sure one of the finest examples of British castles,but I hope one day to see a video of The Family exploring Shropshire.
Great video. I'm not sure if anyone ever told you but the reason those spiral staircases are steep and always go up clockwise is so it was easier to defend. The people going up the stairs have their sword arm (right arm) against the centre and cannot swing it freely going up. The people defending, can lean around the centre stone and have their sword arms free to attack anyone coming up the staircase. So they are designed to make it difficult for attackers. In fact, most of the designs of castles had defence in mind. If attackers breach the outwall they are then trapped in an area where defenders can fire from above on all four sides while the attackers are trying to beach the inner walls. The towers stick out so they allow firing from three sides if people are attacking the walls. They have narrow entrances through passages that often allow the pour boiling oil and many other such traps for attackers. This means small numbers can often defend again huge armies and this is why they would lay siege and try and starve people out.
So glad you guys have made your home here and can experience the beauty that The British Isles have to offer. We love Wales, especially Conwy which is about an hour and forty five mins approx from where we live on the outer eastern fringe of Manchester. If you guys love fish and chips then I recommend eating in one of the "chippy's" along the street filmed at 9.07. Very tasty. 😀🐟👍
Lovely video. If you've got time in Wales please visit the stunning brecon beacons and castell carreg cennen. It has a hidden cave underneath it and an incredible history!
I went to Conwy Castle 2 years ago, it was amazing. Although I did a walking trail that went up into Snowdonia national park then went all the way back to Conwy. I also visited Lindisfarne the day after, where 1200 years ago the Vikings raided and killed the monks. they let us in for free because it was near closing time.
One of my Grandmothers was born just around the corner from the castle on Mill Street and would tell stories of climbing around the castle walls to look out over the countryside. Her father also worked in St. Lawrence’s church, which is another breathtaking building to see and of course Ludlow Castle was traditionally the home of The Prince of Wales and where Henry VIII’s older brother Arthur lived and died, with his heart being buried in St Lawrence’s. Such a beautiful and interesting town.
It took a stone mason 3 hours to cut and shape each and every square stones used in the walls . Just think how many long it would take to cut transport and build . The walls are from 6 feet to more then 18 feet thick . Concrete was not use , mortar was used instead . Mortar would give slightly under shock such as from a stone from a catapult .
I swear I commented on this one already yesterday?! Maybe I missed the enter key 😂. I was saying about how cool you would find Berwick Upon Tweed's unique in the UK Town fortifications in the Trace Itallienne style. Great to see you have more history fun.
Another thing that's interesting is the English pronounce Conwy wrong. It's Conwee not way, there's no a in it. But like I said the English shove that a in there.
I’ll be there in Weds. Go every year. Love Wales. Remember to go to Parisellas - yummy 😋 Love your outlook on life. Welcome to the U.K. and thank you for showing your children so much of their new homeland x
The new Norman Kings would not go twenty miles into Wales without building a castle. The Welsh are justifiably proud that their ancestors were clearly very dangerous people.
If you are down South, Leeds Castle in Kent is a great day out and driving distance from Canterbury which is a very historic town with an incredible cathedral. It is easy to stick a couple of days on before or after a cross channel ferry from Dover to France, and who can resist a ferry.
Come to Chester. We have lots of Roman stuff. Walls, amphitheater, hypercausts, beautiful cathedral and lots of great places to eat. Also just along from Conway is lovely Llandudno with Bronze Age mines and a beautiful seafront and pier. Enjoy
The spiral stairs in towers were built in a way so people going up would find it harder to use a sword and attack the defenders coming down because most people are right handed . The defenders coming down could use their sword easier and more effectively ... try it next time you walk up one 😉. Also , every few steps they built a step higher than the last called a "Trip Stair" so attackers coming up would literally trip as they ran up .
Framlingham Castle in Suffolk is pretty nice as is the whole of Suffolk. You gotta visit Norfolk and Suffolk. Loads of saxon and medieval church's.Plus its very sunny here!
We've got a holiday place not far from there . The fact that the accounts still exist is fascinating. Beaumaris castle on Anglesey is a case in point. People thinks that's its a ruin but in fact it was never finished. Edward just ran out of money.
If you ever get a chance, see Carreg Cennen castle in the Brecon beacons. The castle's great, but the view is amazing on a summer day, up on a high promontory on top of a cliff. It's on the border of the old kingdom of deheubarth, and you can really tell, even the landforms and geology are different from one old kingdom to the other.
Wales is outstanding, I went to Caswell Bay last year and saw bioluminescent plankton, mind was totally blown . I thought I'd have to do to the far East to see that. Wales has everything the people are amazing 👏. I wonder if any of your delightful children will make the UK their home 🏡 🤔.
Your commentaries are so informed and engaging, charming and when you choose so amusing and funny ! And ins piring. Thank you so, so much to treating us to this like all of travels. I'll resulting you ! And directing all my fellow British friends to watch
Deganwy Castle across the River is also quite interesting as well. Great views of Conwy Castle. There is also Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Flint, Caernarfon, Harlech, Criccieth, Beaumaris, Ruthin,Ewlo, Castell Dinas Bran, Dolbadarn, Dolwyddelan, Caergwrle, Mold, Prestatyn, Dyserth. All relatively close to Conwy. Caerhun Roman Fort is a couple of miles south of Conwy. There also lots of interesting hillfort in Northern Wales as well. Six in the Bryniau Clwyd alone.
One of the prettiest castles in the UK generally, most of England's (at least in my part) were blown up in the civil war. Can't tell you how many times I'd be told that we're visiting a castle as a kid and it's a pile of stones 😂
If you ever come to Pembrokeshire there are loads of Castles and beautiful beaches. Pembroke Castle is well worth a visit. We Welsh were a disorderly bunch.
The very first British Standard was stair dimensions. In Victorian U.K. many people were killed or maimed falling down stairs. Research found the unevenly spaced treads caused falls and they were then regulated to have a high degree of uniformity. Apparently you can detect different tread heights as little as 10mm and falls occur when the treads are unexpectedly larger when descending. Interestingly you noted that on your tour.
Castles had uneven stairs on purpose. The home garrison would know each staircase extremely well and move about very quickly but an attack force would tend to trip and fall slowing them dramatically. Castles were killing machines and defence was multi layered.
How much did I enjoy your visit to Conwy? I so agree with you that the castle is stunning , not just because of its size but because of its beautiful location and its situation overlooking the town and the harbour. It has views across the estuary and all around approaches. There is a juxtaposition because right there on the harbour below (that you were filming) is the smallest house in Britain that used to belong to a fisherman. There’s only room for one visitor at a time. The town is an all round historic breathtaking experience and it’s also proud that it helped in building the Mulberry Harbour that allowed a WW2 D Day invasion of Europe to take place. We were lucky enough to live in Conwy on and off and I remember a few years ago that the local newspaper published an article that Japanese tourists had voted the town their No 1 British attraction. It’s certainly one of my favourite places.
Lovely day out and a great castle. As others have said, highly recommend Caernarfon Castle which lies deep into North Wales where the town of Caernarfon roots are firmly Celtic rather than Anglo Saxon. Caernarfon has a charm and the castle is majestic with a fascinating history. The drive to Caernarfon is stunning too. Caernarfon can also be a weekend trip with a hike up Mount Snowdon or you can even get a train up the highest mountain outside of Scotland in the UK. For me, Caernarfon Castle is up there with the best and for me the best one in North Wales.
I recommend Arundel castle in West Sussex, my favourite castle (maybe because I live near it!). The local town is really nice and I recommend the Black Rabbit pub nearby, my favourite pub in the county (try the local beer!)
You should come back to Scotland, now that it’s opening up again, as you know we have lots of castles too. I’m not sure what part of the UK you’re in but if you get a chance to see Bamburgh Castle over on the NE coast you should. I’m really looking forward to your kids accents changing to British, that’s going to be fun!
I think he should spend more time in Wales. It's so overlooked but that means it's quieter. Scotland has millions of tourists and Scottish people too so can be overwhelming...
Lancashire castle is a great visit. It’s from the 12th century centred in famous witch trials and was partially turned into a prison so the upkeep is fantastic. Still has the old dungeons mixed with modern prisons it’s a great little day out
This is the first of your videos I've seen, and I like your approach. I'm a Brit, living in the UK, but I have lived elsewhere as my parents were exiles from the bad old days in South Africa (long story), so I really appreciate and value views of people "From the outside, looking in". Anyway, I have a heartfelt recommendation for you. The most beautiful castle I've ever seen...by a country mile, HAS to be Eilean Donan Castle on the road to the Isles in Scotland. It's pretty out there in terms of the journey, but the journey (by car) is spectacular , taking you along the shores of Britain's biggest lake (by some reckonings), Loch Lomond, and through the sad history and amazing mountain scenery of Glen Coe. Look it up.... My bet is you'll recognise it instantly.
@@MacandBlair You recognise it ? Used in the movie "Highlander"... and probably other movies too, as it is rather iconic. If you ever head up that way, bear in mind that having traveled the World fairly extensively I would say that the most beautiful place I've ever been is the Isle of Skye. It's stunning. This is in part a matter of geology, but to prevent a lengthy note, I'll let you find what you want to. The people there...different culture even to mainland Scotland... I LOVE them. So warm, inclusive and welcoming. It's the kind of place where you could so easily believe that the "fair folk" are watching your every step... and many locals believe exactly that. Clean, pristine environment. Like a Roger Dean painting (which is down to that geology again).
This is brilliant thank you s much for making this video! I have some old cine film from 1980 of my visit to that castle with my parents...i recognised it right away from your thumbnail..I enjoyed this very much ! 👍👍🏰🏰🏰
Fantastic video and so pleased that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks a lot for sharing! I feel obliged to mention that there is a subtle difference in spelling and pronunciation to be aware of (I think). I believe it's Conwy rather than Conway....and pronounced "Con-wee" instead of "Con-way". Maybe a genuine Welsh person could confirm. I am a Scouser, so live just across the border and am not a true expert. Happy castling!!
Conwy in Welsh, Conway in English but that spelling is very rarely seen these days. When I was a kid in the 70s we used to holiday in Rhyl, and I remember the road signs always said "Conway" and "Conwy" together even though they are so similar. Couldn't say when they dropped "Conway" but I would say it would be in the 1990s. Where I live now in Scotland, a similar situation exists. My local town of Mallaig is "Malaig" in Gaelic. Some road signs use the English version in white, others use the Gaelic version in yellow (thats how road signs are done up here). But never "Mallaig" and "Malaig" together.
@@HighlandMike325 Conwy these days. "Conway" was dropped on signs in the 1970s. Conwy is pronounced differently to "Conway" anyway. It should be pronounced "KonWee".
Kenilworth. I'd recommend it. Built for Elizabeth I by Robert Dudley to impress her so she'd marry him. We know how that turned out but the castle is still fantastic.
I bet you get the famous saying ''are we there yet'' from the kids whilst driving around the UK country side. Just found your channel and currently binge watching all your videos. Ps have you managed to get into any British sports I.E football rugby cricket??
try warwick castle well worth a visit lots to do there as well. if you do decide to visit it i can recommend lots of other cool stuff in the midlands area.
Have you watched The Last Kingdom on Netflix- loads of castles. It’s all about how England came about and conflict between Saxons and Vikings. A drama so probably not 100% accurate but a great series
@@MacandBlair You should - the first castle mentioned is Bamburgh castle on the Northumbrian coast. The present castle was used extensively in the Harry Potter film franchise, as was Durham cathedral. My favourite Welsh castle has to be Caernarfon close to Snowdonia.
Welsh King's like Rhodri Fawr had a great deal of success against the Vikings. The vikings dudnt permenently settle and had a smaller ompact than in England Apart from leaving the English names for Abertawe and Pen Y Gogarth of course! ( Swansea and The Great Orme) Welsh King's built castle like Ewlo and Cricieth/ Dolbadarn/ Castell Dinas Bran. The History of Wales is quite interesting.
And the welsh Highland railway station is right by the castle, who wouldn't want a steam train ride through the national park the little trains are beautiful as well
You missed a great chippy in Conwy!! Also, Carnarvon Castle is definitely prettier than Conwy Castle. It's about 10 miles or so, down the road. Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales at Carnarvon!! Keep up the good work, still loving your content.
Not sure if your aware of or if anybody has commentated as to why the spiral staircases in castles have a clockwise spiral that has a right hand twist going up and obviously left hand going down,the reason is most people are right handed, so any invader would have difficulty attacking a defender who would of had the advantage being right handed, Hope this makes sense!
If your into castles you should check out Mow Cop Castle, It's on the Cheshire and Staffordshire boarder and over looks the Cheshire plains, You can't rally walk around it as it is falling to bits and they stopped people being able to go inside a good while ago, mainly because local heroin addicts were leaving needles inside, however there is some really nice walks close by, on is the cloud in in Timbersbrook about 5-10 mins from Congleton, at the top you can see the Cheshire plains, and also the skyscrapers in Manchester on a clear day!
I am so proud of you young man and your wife for giving your children experiences and education that they never have gotten by staying here in the states. 👏🏽
Yeah there is some top quality parenting going on there. It is impossible to dislike this family.
He’s a great guy and what a lovely family! For us it’s great to see what an American family thinks of our country. I would like to hear what his wife and kids think, bet they miss their friends and family 😢 but hey the experience will be amazing for them. UK is the fairest place we have ever lived after moving around in the military and safest. We are a mixed family and always feel more vulnerable in the States unfortunately. Britain is very safe for all races away from the big cities.
When it takes an American to make me appreciate the UK...
Thanks for the content 👍
In the year you have been here Mac you have seen more of the UK than most Brits see in their whole lives
Keep it up , great content of my fabulous Country . If you get board as you know the rest of Europe is not far away and plenty more castles to see there too 😎😎😎
@David Futers why do people like you have to use inaccurate statements, which are not backed up by any stats to make your point to the detriment of this country and its people. If you are anywhere for a short period of time you are going maximise it on what is a relatively small island. Mac also has a You tube channel (most people don’t) and there is need to make interesting content or is that beyond your comprehension?
Your daughter seems to have the making of a very competent video narrator...clear and concise...she's good!
The uneven stairs were intentional in most castles, as well as the amount of stairs and the overall layout of the larger castles. It was meant to be a maze, with many rooms and stairs, which made it hard to fight inside with a large group of people. The uneven stairs made it hard to quickly climb stairs, which made it easier to defend the castle if it was breached.
If you're ever in France, I highly recommend going to Guédelon Castle. It's a archaeology project where they're building a castle with techniques from the age of castles, to see how accurate the current knowledge is. Fascinating and very educational. There's a great British archaeology show which shows how people lived in those times, filmed at Guédelon. Here's the link: watch?v=SURsW7BpCNc
Another amazing show is Time Team, which does digs around the UK (and some abroad) to discover new sites or re-examine old ones. In the specials they even dig up the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, looking for the castle which contained the famous Round Table.
Just imagine these medieval structures when they were new and unencumbered by all the modern infrastructure. The contrast between the man-made castle and the natural surrounding countryside would be quite pronounced. Love the education and experiences you are providing for your kids. They will have some amazing childhood memories to look back upon, in the years ahead. 😎👍
Hey Mack. I looked it up. Conway Castle took just 4 years to build. When you consider the scale of the place and the fact that it would have been built by hand, with absolutely no mechanical equipment ( it was 1248 or something), well, it's a staggering achievement. Hope you had a blast...
And those castles are what it took to subdue us. We must have been a real handful.
One of my very favourite places ever, lots of family memories. My son still talks about crabbing in the harbour. Thanks for sharing.
For a photogenic castle in Wales, you really have to go and visit Harlech. Personally I reckon it's the best in the UK!
I am not familiar... I will look it up. Thanks.
@@MacandBlair It's not that family friendly, though - steep steps & very high battlement walks! Caernarfon Castle is much easier to access............
I have just got back from Conway. I've been going since I was a boy and I'm now 63. We both had good weather. Nice town with lots of nice places to eat. Great for you to see it with your family.
I went to university in Bangor and would pass Conwy Castle on the train when ever I travel to and from. Glad you got to see it. North Wales is beautiful part of the world with loads of history. Thank you for the video. 😃
You are doing a sterling job (and joy) in introducing your family to real-life education; something never obtainable from books or videos alone. I visited Conwy as a child, alongside my school roomie during school holidays (he is Welsh), and decades later took my kids there, and aim to visit the UK (inc Conwy) with some of my 15 grandsons, one day! My favourite castle, though, is Caernarfon, both the biggest midieval castle in Europe and the site of the investiture of Princes of Wales. Beaumaris Castle, on Ynys Môn, is the most architecturally perfect castle, in terms of defence theory, however.
Another awesome post buddy! You’ve seen more of o’l Blighty then we have! I’m ashamed! Well wakes! We’ve been but only to rag the roads! We’re into motorcycles…👍
Glad you came back to Wales. Looks like you enjoyed your day.
We really did. 🙂
Sir,it's an absolute joy to see you and your family enjoying and engaging in our History and actively wanting to learn about it,I live just inside the English side of the border with Wales and so have more than our fair share of castles.Conway is for sure one of the finest examples of British castles,but I hope one day to see a video of The Family exploring Shropshire.
Great video. I'm not sure if anyone ever told you but the reason those spiral staircases are steep and always go up clockwise is so it was easier to defend. The people going up the stairs have their sword arm (right arm) against the centre and cannot swing it freely going up. The people defending, can lean around the centre stone and have their sword arms free to attack anyone coming up the staircase. So they are designed to make it difficult for attackers.
In fact, most of the designs of castles had defence in mind. If attackers breach the outwall they are then trapped in an area where defenders can fire from above on all four sides while the attackers are trying to beach the inner walls. The towers stick out so they allow firing from three sides if people are attacking the walls. They have narrow entrances through passages that often allow the pour boiling oil and many other such traps for attackers. This means small numbers can often defend again huge armies and this is why they would lay siege and try and starve people out.
I agree Conway is stunning, there is a fabulous butchers that does amazing roast sardines and cakes. The mussels are fantastic too.
Memory for the kids 🫡🇬🇧🇺🇸
Welcome to wales my friend 🏴🏴🏴🏴
The railway station is next to the castle and, at first sight, it seems that the station is part of the castle!
So glad you guys have made your home here and can experience the beauty that The British Isles have to offer.
We love Wales, especially Conwy which is about an hour and forty five mins approx from where we live on the outer eastern fringe of Manchester.
If you guys love fish and chips then I recommend eating in one of the "chippy's" along the street filmed at 9.07. Very tasty. 😀🐟👍
My favourite castle of all the castles in North Wales. I used to play on the walls during my school lunch break.
I love Conwy, lost count of the amount of times I have been and I never tire of it. 🙂
Lovely video. If you've got time in Wales please visit the stunning brecon beacons and castell carreg cennen. It has a hidden cave underneath it and an incredible history!
One of my favourite castles. Such great memories. Amazing town, and people. Thank you for this 👍🏻🇨🇦
I went to Conwy Castle 2 years ago, it was amazing. Although I did a walking trail that went up into Snowdonia national park then went all the way back to Conwy. I also visited Lindisfarne the day after, where 1200 years ago the Vikings raided and killed the monks. they let us in for free because it was near closing time.
Don't now where you live but if you are ever in Shropshire go and visit the small town of Ludlow great place with it's own impressive Medieval castle.
One of my Grandmothers was born just around the corner from the castle on Mill Street and would tell stories of climbing around the castle walls to look out over the countryside. Her father also worked in St. Lawrence’s church, which is another breathtaking building to see and of course Ludlow Castle was traditionally the home of The Prince of Wales and where Henry VIII’s older brother Arthur lived and died, with his heart being buried in St Lawrence’s.
Such a beautiful and interesting town.
It took a stone mason 3 hours to cut and shape each and every square stones used in the walls . Just think how many long it would take to cut transport and build . The walls are from 6 feet to more then 18 feet thick . Concrete was not use , mortar was used instead . Mortar would give slightly under shock such as from a stone from a catapult .
Love your channel .Wales is a wondrous country .The Brits are hardy folk ,or used to be ,weather we take in our stride .❤
I swear I commented on this one already yesterday?! Maybe I missed the enter key 😂. I was saying about how cool you would find Berwick Upon Tweed's unique in the UK Town fortifications in the Trace Itallienne style. Great to see you have more history fun.
Another thing that's interesting is the English pronounce Conwy wrong. It's Conwee not way, there's no a in it. But like I said the English shove that a in there.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Thank you for treating us ! And I will be QUOTING you and directing my friends to your Blogs is what I wanted to say.
Visit Windsor castle where the queen lives. You can tour inside it too ❤️
I’ll be there in Weds. Go every year. Love Wales.
Remember to go to Parisellas - yummy 😋
Love your outlook on life. Welcome to the U.K. and thank you for showing your children so much of their new homeland x
Thank you for your video. I live in Shropshire and have never visited Conway. You prompted me to jump on a train and visit. Thank you.
🙂👍🏾
The new Norman Kings would not go twenty miles into Wales without building a castle. The Welsh are justifiably proud that their ancestors were clearly very dangerous people.
If you are down South, Leeds Castle in Kent is a great day out and driving distance from Canterbury which is a very historic town with an incredible cathedral. It is easy to stick a couple of days on before or after a cross channel ferry from Dover to France, and who can resist a ferry.
Come to Chester. We have lots of Roman stuff. Walls, amphitheater, hypercausts, beautiful cathedral and lots of great places to eat. Also just along from Conway is lovely Llandudno with Bronze Age mines and a beautiful seafront and pier. Enjoy
The spiral stairs in towers were built in a way so people going up would find it harder to use a sword and attack the defenders coming down because most people are right handed . The defenders coming down could use their sword easier and more effectively ... try it next time you walk up one 😉. Also , every few steps they built a step higher than the last called a "Trip Stair" so attackers coming up would literally trip as they ran up .
Framlingham Castle in Suffolk is pretty nice as is the whole of Suffolk. You gotta visit Norfolk and Suffolk. Loads of saxon and medieval church's.Plus its very sunny here!
Nice one Mac and family, what child needs tech when you’ve got castles..lovely vid..👍
Next time in Wales visit Anglesey especially Beaumaris and the Victorian Prison terrific
We've got a holiday place not far from there . The fact that the accounts still exist is fascinating. Beaumaris castle on Anglesey is a case in point. People thinks that's its a ruin but in fact it was never finished. Edward just ran out of money.
Love that place, went many times as a kid on family holidays. There are many in Wales
If you ever get a chance, see Carreg Cennen castle in the Brecon beacons. The castle's great, but the view is amazing on a summer day, up on a high promontory on top of a cliff. It's on the border of the old kingdom of deheubarth, and you can really tell, even the landforms and geology are different from one old kingdom to the other.
Thanks for the recommendation 👍🏾
There are some incredible castles across Wales, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Harlech, Raglan, Pembroke, Bodelwyddan to name but a few
Wales is outstanding, I went to Caswell Bay last year and saw bioluminescent plankton, mind was totally blown . I thought I'd have to do to the far East to see that. Wales has everything the people are amazing 👏.
I wonder if any of your delightful children will make the UK their home 🏡 🤔.
Some great shots of the castle 👍🏼
Warwick Castle is massive too.
I live 10 mins from Conwy, such a lovely town
Your commentaries are so informed and engaging, charming and when you choose so amusing and funny ! And ins piring. Thank you so, so much to treating us to this like all of travels. I'll resulting you ! And directing all my fellow British friends to watch
Haddon Hall: medieval, Hardwick Hall: Elizabethan: both in Derbyshire as is Chatsworth too.
Great Vlog! It looks amazing. 👌
great footage and presentation, very enjoyable
If you haven't already, please visit Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England. I think you will like it!
Deganwy Castle across the River is also quite interesting as well. Great views of Conwy Castle. There is also Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Flint, Caernarfon, Harlech, Criccieth, Beaumaris, Ruthin,Ewlo, Castell Dinas Bran, Dolbadarn, Dolwyddelan, Caergwrle, Mold, Prestatyn, Dyserth. All relatively close to Conwy. Caerhun Roman Fort is a couple of miles south of Conwy. There also lots of interesting hillfort in Northern Wales as well. Six in the Bryniau Clwyd alone.
One of the prettiest castles in the UK generally, most of England's (at least in my part) were blown up in the civil war. Can't tell you how many times I'd be told that we're visiting a castle as a kid and it's a pile of stones 😂
If you enjoy places like that you should consider joining English Heritage or the National Trust. Great days out.
If you ever come to Pembrokeshire there are loads of Castles and beautiful beaches. Pembroke Castle is well worth a visit. We Welsh were a disorderly bunch.
The very first British Standard was stair dimensions. In Victorian U.K. many people were killed or maimed falling down stairs. Research found the unevenly spaced treads caused falls and they were then regulated to have a high degree of uniformity. Apparently you can detect different tread heights as little as 10mm and falls occur when the treads are unexpectedly larger when descending.
Interestingly you noted that on your tour.
Also uneven wear over time changes them. As my now uneven victorian tenement stairs will attest.
Castles had uneven stairs on purpose. The home garrison would know each staircase extremely well and move about very quickly but an attack force would tend to trip and fall slowing them dramatically. Castles were killing machines and defence was multi layered.
Been there, it is a good one, have you been to Dunster Castle?
Paradise.
How much did I enjoy your visit to Conwy? I so agree with you that the castle is stunning , not just because of its size but because of its beautiful location and its situation overlooking the town and the harbour. It has views across the estuary and all around approaches. There is a juxtaposition because right there on the harbour below (that you were filming) is the smallest house in Britain that used to belong to a fisherman. There’s only room for one visitor at a time. The town is an all round historic breathtaking experience and it’s also proud that it helped in building the Mulberry Harbour that allowed a WW2 D Day invasion of Europe to take place. We were lucky enough to live in Conwy on and off and I remember a few years ago that the local newspaper published an article that Japanese tourists had voted the town their No 1 British attraction. It’s certainly one of my favourite places.
😀👍🏾😁
Great video, and right there with you on the 'knees' item 🙂
Lovely day out and a great castle.
As others have said, highly recommend Caernarfon Castle which lies deep into North Wales where the town of Caernarfon roots are firmly Celtic rather than Anglo Saxon. Caernarfon has a charm and the castle is majestic with a fascinating history. The drive to Caernarfon is stunning too.
Caernarfon can also be a weekend trip with a hike up Mount Snowdon or you can even get a train up the highest mountain outside of Scotland in the UK.
For me, Caernarfon Castle is up there with the best and for me the best one in North Wales.
I recommend Arundel castle in West Sussex, my favourite castle (maybe because I live near it!). The local town is really nice and I recommend the Black Rabbit pub nearby, my favourite pub in the county (try the local beer!)
A wonderful visit to a wonderful castle 💕💕💕
You should come back to Scotland, now that it’s opening up again, as you know we have lots of castles too. I’m not sure what part of the UK you’re in but if you get a chance to see Bamburgh Castle over on the NE coast you should. I’m really looking forward to your kids accents changing to British, that’s going to be fun!
I think he should spend more time in Wales. It's so overlooked but that means it's quieter. Scotland has millions of tourists and Scottish people too so can be overwhelming...
Lancashire castle is a great visit. It’s from the 12th century centred in famous witch trials and was partially turned into a prison so the upkeep is fantastic. Still has the old dungeons mixed with modern prisons it’s a great little day out
Hey man. If you are planning a stop in chester on the way back, I'd love to show you around. All the best on your trip .
You should also Quarry bank mill at Style in Cheshire, just behind Manchester Airport.
This is the first of your videos I've seen, and I like your approach. I'm a Brit, living in the UK, but I have lived elsewhere as my parents were exiles from the bad old days in South Africa (long story), so I really appreciate and value views of people "From the outside, looking in".
Anyway, I have a heartfelt recommendation for you.
The most beautiful castle I've ever seen...by a country mile, HAS to be Eilean Donan Castle on the road to the Isles in Scotland. It's pretty out there in terms of the journey, but the journey (by car) is spectacular , taking you along the shores of Britain's biggest lake (by some reckonings), Loch Lomond, and through the sad history and amazing mountain scenery of Glen Coe.
Look it up.... My bet is you'll recognise it instantly.
I just looked it up... and it is beautiful! I will add to my travel list. Thanks.
@@MacandBlair You recognise it ?
Used in the movie "Highlander"... and probably other movies too, as it is rather iconic.
If you ever head up that way, bear in mind that having traveled the World fairly extensively I would say that the most beautiful place I've ever been is the Isle of Skye. It's stunning. This is in part a matter of geology, but to prevent a lengthy note, I'll let you find what you want to. The people there...different culture even to mainland Scotland... I LOVE them. So warm, inclusive and welcoming.
It's the kind of place where you could so easily believe that the "fair folk" are watching your every step... and many locals believe exactly that.
Clean, pristine environment. Like a Roger Dean painting (which is down to that geology again).
go to castle-town island mann u will love it
Conway is one of my favourite places to visit. Glad you enjoyed it 😀
This is brilliant thank you s much for making this video! I have some old cine film from 1980 of my visit to that castle with my parents...i recognised it right away from your thumbnail..I enjoyed this very much ! 👍👍🏰🏰🏰
Glad you enjoyed it!👍
I been their very beautifull
Gorgeous scenery 👍
Yes!
Fantastic video and so pleased that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks a lot for sharing! I feel obliged to mention that there is a subtle difference in spelling and pronunciation to be aware of (I think). I believe it's Conwy rather than Conway....and pronounced "Con-wee" instead of "Con-way". Maybe a genuine Welsh person could confirm. I am a Scouser, so live just across the border and am not a true expert. Happy castling!!
Conwy in Welsh, Conway in English but that spelling is very rarely seen these days. When I was a kid in the 70s we used to holiday in Rhyl, and I remember the road signs always said "Conway" and "Conwy" together even though they are so similar. Couldn't say when they dropped "Conway" but I would say it would be in the 1990s. Where I live now in Scotland, a similar situation exists. My local town of Mallaig is "Malaig" in Gaelic. Some road signs use the English version in white, others use the Gaelic version in yellow (thats how road signs are done up here). But never "Mallaig" and "Malaig" together.
@@HighlandMike325 Conwy these days.
"Conway" was dropped on signs in the 1970s. Conwy is pronounced differently to "Conway" anyway. It should be pronounced "KonWee".
You should go an d check out York if you get the chance, couldn't see it in your videos, so I recommend it a visit. Great videos
If you guys haven't made it to York yet, hit me up and I'll show you round
If you ever get a chance to visit Caernarfon castle. My home town it’s just as magnificent pity it was built to subjugate my people
You should go to caernarfon Castle its amazing
Kenilworth. I'd recommend it. Built for Elizabeth I by Robert Dudley to impress her so she'd marry him. We know how that turned out but the castle is still fantastic.
You should try Chatsworth house in Derbyshire.
I bet you get the famous saying
''are we there yet'' from the kids whilst driving around the UK country side. Just found your channel and currently binge watching all your videos.
Ps have you managed to get into any British sports I.E football rugby cricket??
Did you find the smallest house in Great Britain down on the quayside? An interesting contrast to the castle!
Castles are great and I can't speak for all of Wales as I have only been to North Wales, but North Wales is a beautiful.
try warwick castle well worth a visit lots to do there as well.
if you do decide to visit it i can recommend lots of other cool stuff in the midlands area.
Have you watched The Last Kingdom on Netflix- loads of castles. It’s all about how England came about and conflict between Saxons and Vikings. A drama so probably not 100% accurate but a great series
I will look it up. Thanks
@@MacandBlair You should - the first castle mentioned is Bamburgh castle on the Northumbrian coast. The present castle was used extensively in the Harry Potter film franchise, as was Durham cathedral. My favourite Welsh castle has to be Caernarfon close to Snowdonia.
Welsh King's like Rhodri Fawr had a great deal of success against the Vikings. The vikings dudnt permenently settle and had a smaller ompact than in England Apart from leaving the English names for Abertawe and Pen Y Gogarth of course! ( Swansea and The Great Orme)
Welsh King's built castle like Ewlo and Cricieth/ Dolbadarn/ Castell Dinas Bran. The History of Wales is quite interesting.
You should pop over to Caernarfon to see the castle there it’s about an hour longer along the coast from Conwy
It is on our list.
And the welsh Highland railway station is right by the castle, who wouldn't want a steam train ride through the national park the little trains are beautiful as well
Caernarfon from Conwy is only 20mins or so away from each other
Definitely Harlech aswell that's my favourite, visited there as a kid! 👍
My grandmother was born 1894 inside the walls of Conwy castle and anyone born inside are called Jackdaw’s
You missed a great chippy in Conwy!! Also, Carnarvon Castle is definitely prettier than Conwy Castle. It's about 10 miles or so, down the road. Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales at Carnarvon!!
Keep up the good work, still loving your content.
great vlog i am actually from North Wales and i am actually going to Conway for a weekend with my partner tomorrow
I hope you have a great time!
@@MacandBlair thank you
Not sure if your aware of or if anybody has commentated as to why the spiral staircases in castles have a clockwise spiral that has a right hand twist going up and obviously left hand going down,the reason is most people are right handed, so any invader would have difficulty attacking a defender who would of had the advantage being right handed, Hope this makes sense!
I’ll check, but have you been to Corfe Castle? Personal favourite - in Dorset
you must go to the Cotswolds more and follow Magenta Otter Travels who travels the UK as an American, she has some great travel videos you will love ❤
nice
You should visit some stately homes.
If your into castles you should check out Mow Cop Castle, It's on the Cheshire and Staffordshire boarder and over looks the Cheshire plains, You can't rally walk around it as it is falling to bits and they stopped people being able to go inside a good while ago, mainly because local heroin addicts were leaving needles inside, however there is some really nice walks close by, on is the cloud in in Timbersbrook about 5-10 mins from Congleton, at the top you can see the Cheshire plains, and also the skyscrapers in Manchester on a clear day!
Mow Cop is a folly (aka fake) castle, not sure why you would go out of your way to see it, when there are plenty of real ones to see.
You sell this so well!
You missed the "a" out of "Conway" !