Camera Obscura

Victorian ingenuity meets modern fascination at this proper old-school camera obscura perched above Conwy. The device - essentially a giant camera that projects live images of the surrounding landscape onto a viewing table - offers a mesmerising glimpse of the town and coastline through 19th-century eyes. You'll watch miniature people walking about the streets below, boats bobbing in the harbour, and cars crawling along like toys.

History buffs and families with curious kids will get the most from this unusual attraction. The novelty factor keeps children engaged for a good half hour, though younger ones might struggle to grasp exactly what they're seeing. Adults often find themselves more captivated than expected by the simple magic of it all.

The view itself is lovely - you can spot Conwy Castle from here and get your bearings over the town. It's a quick stop rather than an afternoon out, perfect for breaking up a day exploring Conwy before heading back to your base. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Hafan y Gogarth or Tan Y Bryn, it makes for an easy detour when visiting the castle. The novelty alone makes it worth twenty minutes of your time, especially on a clear day when the projected images are at their sharpest.