north wales tourist attractions map

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Wales

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 30, 2022

North Wales, one of Britain's oldest and most established tourist regions, offers an abundance of excellent holiday attractions within a relatively small area. Road signs proclaiming "Croeso i Gymru" (Welcome to Wales) greet visitors as they enter the country and bear witness to the warm, inviting hospitality of the Welsh.

The elegant little town of Llandudno is one of Britain's oldest and most popular seaside resort towns, and the North Wales coast roads offer a tremendous variety of scenery. Add to this its numerous large open stretches of sandy beaches and lively resorts, scenic rugged cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and countless secluded bays, and it's not difficult to understand why North Wales is among the most popular places to visit in the UK .

Perhaps the best-known attraction here is spectacular Snowdonia National Park . Here, Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon, stands 1,085 meters tall and has for centuries attracted climbers and walkers, while the Lleyn Peninsula and the Clwydian Range are also designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The area also boasts many historical sites and charming little towns, deep ravines, and picturesque valleys, which turn any outing into a voyage of discovery.

Learn about fun things to do in this beautiful corner of the UK with our list of the top tourist attractions in North Wales.

1. Snowdonia National Park

2. caernarfon castle, 3. conwy castle, 4. llandudno, 5. portmeirion, 6. the isle of anglesey, 7. pontcysyllte aqueduct & the llangollen canal, 8. porthmadog & ffestiniog & welsh highland railways, 9. the national slate museum, 10. beaumaris castle, 11. harlech castle, 12. bodnant garden, 13. llechwedd slate caverns, 14. penrhyn castle, 15. erdigg hall, wrexham, map of tourist attractions in north wales.

Snowdonia National Park covers a great deal of North Wales, extending inland from the coast between Penmaenmawr and Caernarfon by way of Bethesda, all the way to Bala Lake and Llanfairfechan. Visitor access to the most beautiful part of this area, including the summit of Snowdon itself, is made easier by the wonderful Snowdon Mountain Railway, which starts in Llanberis and is considered one of the world's top railway journeys.

This beautiful park is one of the best places to visit in Britain for hiking and climbing adventures, and offers plenty of extremely rugged and scenic mountain vistas along the way. But there's more to explore in Snowdonia than just stunning mountain scenery. The park also boasts many lovely sandy beaches and dunes, countless picture-perfect Welsh valleys, as well as over 50 lakes and smaller pools of water.

Fans of British history are attracted, too. Here, you'll find evidence of a rich cultural heritage that includes everything from Roman ruins, prehistoric circles, ancient stonewalls, and traditional Welsh farms.

Address: Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales

Official site: www.snowdonia.gov.wales/home

Caernarfon Castle was begun by Edward I in 1283 as a seat for his eldest son, Edward of Caernarfon, the first Prince of Wales. The structure took almost 37 years to complete, and the power and might of the English throne is symbolized by the great stone eagles on the Eagle Tower and the layout of the castle's walls and towers.

With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive building is one of the most impressive and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. As you'll learn during one of the castle's highly-recommended tours, it occupies the site of an earlier Norman castle that once stood here protecting the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait.

The castle has had an eventful history and has withstood many sieges. More recently, it was the scene of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969, an event marked by a special exhibition. While you're here, be sure to explore the magnificent Queen's Tower, home of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum .

If you are traveling with kids be sure to spend time at the newest addition to this top attraction: Legends of the Sky . This fun 3D experience allows you to take control of a "virtual dragon" and swoop, dive, and even breathe fire over the castle. Afterwards, be sure to visit the on-site gift shop.

Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales

Official site: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle

Conwy Castle, located only a short distance from Manchester, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture that took an estimated 2,000 workers to build between 1283 and 1289. And it was completed just in time, as in 1290 Edward I was besieged behind its 3.6- to 4.5-meter-thick walls and eight towers by the Welsh.

While the 38-meter-long Great Hall is now roofless, one of the eight original arches that supported it has been rebuilt and demonstrates the original magnificence of the structure. It's now considered one of Wales' most picturesque fortresses, and is in fact one of the best preserved 13th-century fortresses in Europe. Along with fine examples of medieval royal chambers, Conwy Castle features an excellent exhibition on the history of Edward I and his numerous Welsh castles.

Afterwards, be sure to explore the old town itself. Conwy's other highlights include its well-preserved 13th-century town walls, which offer superb views of the surrounding area, and Aberconwy House. This 14th-century merchant's house was one of the first buildings to be built within the town walls. Also worth seeing are the superbly preserved Elizabethan home, Plas Mawr , and what is reputedly the Smallest House in Great Britain.

Address: Rose Hill Street, Conwy, Wales

Official site: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/conwy-castle

Lovely Llandudno is one of the most popular seaside resorts in all of Wales, in part due to its two sandy beaches (one on either side of the town) and picture-perfect promenade. With the advent of tourism in the last century, this Victorian town became a gathering place for the new middle class, who came here from the nearby industrial regions of Liverpool and Manchester.

The more easterly of the two beaches, North Shore, is bounded by another headland, Little Orme. One of the most popular things to do here is hopping aboard the Great Orme Tramway . The only cable-hauled tramline in Britain, it has been taking visitors on a lovely journey to the top of the Great Orme, with its superb views over the Irish Channel, since 1902.

Alternative means of getting to the top of Great Orme include hiking along any one of the scenic trails available or aboard the mile-long Llandudno Cable Car.

The town's magnificent late Victorian pier has been mercifully spared the modern fairground influences so typical of many resorts on the south coast and is a popular hangout for anglers (fishing gear is available for rent at the pier entrance). It's also a great place to simply sit and enjoy the sea air, especially if accompanied by a hot drink or snack from one of the food outlets here.

A must-do if traveling with kids is stopping and watching one of the fun "Punch and Judy" puppet shows, performed frequently along the promenade. Mostyn Street, with its superb shopping arcades, is well worth a visit and is home to a wide range of cultural events and entertainments.

Located in Tremadog Bay on a wooded peninsula between Porthmadog and Harlech, Portmeirion is famous the world over for being a replica in miniature of a picturesque Italian village.

Portmeirion was the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1884-1978), who dreamed of recreating an Italian village in Wales and had it built on his own private promontory, together with a mansion (now a hotel) and beautiful Gwylt Gardens .

Also on-site are a number of boutique shops, plus dining options in the tearoom, café, and restaurant. The village was also where the famous Portmeirion pottery line originated. Now made in Stoke-on-Trent in England, these Portmeirion-inspired products adorn tables and shelves the world over.

This unique property is best visited as part of an overnight stay; when the gates close for the evening, guests get the whole place to themselves to explore, from its beautiful gardens, fountains, and church, to the coastal paths of the lower village. The location for numerous films and TV programs, including the cult show The Prisoner , Portmeirion is a must for any sightseeing visit to North Wales.

Address: Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, Wales

Official site: https://portmeirion.wales

The Isle of Anglesey, separated from the mainland by the nearly mile-wide Menai Strait, is spanned by two imposing bridges, the most interesting of which is the Menai Suspension Bridge (1818-26). Along the coast are a series of small seaside resorts that have grown out of fishing villages, the most significant being Holyhead . Head inland, and you'll find five market towns and many tiny villages all linked by numerous narrow roads.

In addition to its mild climate and fresh sea air, Anglesey is blessed with over a hundred miles of exceedingly attractive coastline, its rugged cliffs interrupted at intervals by picturesque sandy bays. Inland, hills provide fertile pasture for vast flocks of sheep.

Highlights include South Stack Lighthouse , built in 1809 and now open to the public. Visitors can take the stairs to the top for great views over the coast and the Irish Sea.

Other popular attractions include Beaumaris Castle (see the full listing below for further details), and Holy Island. This smaller island is linked to Anglesey by bridge and is a popular holiday resort, with two promenades, one of them 2.4 kilometers long. Puffin Island at Penmon Point is especially popular among bird-watchers.

Anglesey is also famous for having the world's longest place name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch. A great way to truly experience the island and its many attractions is by hiking the 200-kilometer Anglesey Coastal Path , part of the much longer Wales Coastal Path.

Official site: www.visitanglesey.co.uk/en/

One of the most recognizable landmarks of the industrialization that took place across Great Britain in the early 19th century, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a spectacular 18-arched stone and cast iron aqueduct built to carry coal barges across the Vale of Llangollen.

Designed by engineer Thomas Telford and finished in 1805 after 10 years of construction, the aptly nicknamed "stream in the sky" has been classified as the world's highest navigable aqueduct, and at 336 yards is the longest such structure in the country. Today, the structure is used only by pleasure craft, canal boats, and pedestrians.

Part of the Llangollen Canal, it is perhaps unsurprisingly one of the most popular stretches of inland waterway thanks to its magnificent scenery, and, of course, the chance to boat across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Now a World Heritage Site, this spectacular edifice is also open to pedestrian traffic and makes for a fun outing.

Pleasant boat rides are available that cross the aqueduct regularly. Better still, go whole hog and rent a canal barge for a few days to explore this magnificent part of Wales at a very leisurely pace, as canal barges have average speeds of approximately eight kilometers per hour.

Address: Station Road, Trevor Basin, Wrexham, Wales

Official site: www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

Located at the mouth of the River Glaslyn are the twin towns of Porthmadog, often referred to simply as Port and Tremadog, tiny industrial centers that attained international importance for the shipping of slate. Today, they have developed into pleasant seaside resorts with a number of great sandy beaches.

From Ynys Tywyn, near the harbor, there are wide views of the surrounding area where the poet Shelley lived for some time, as did Lawrence of Arabia, who was born here. The Coed Tremadog woods, a designated nature reserve, are worth visiting and offer many great walking and hiking trails.

Porthmadog is perhaps best known as the terminus for the oldest narrow-gauge railroad in the world, built in 1836 to transport slate from the mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Today, the wonderful Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer visitors a chance to explore this beautiful area on more than 64 kilometers of narrow-gauge railway.

Address: Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Wales

Official site: www.festrail.co.uk

You'll find the National Slate Museum, a superb museum dedicated to what's been dubbed the most "Welsh of Welsh industries," in Padarn Country Park. This collection of well-preserved 1870s workshops formerly housed the men and machinery of the once busy Dinorwic slate quarry.

These days, the buildings and the still-operating heritage narrow-gauge railway that served the quarry paint a vivid picture of the workings of the slate mine, and the tough conditions for those that toiled here. Highlights include the original machinery used to mine and prepare the slate for export, including a huge working waterwheel, as well as four preserved workers' cottages.

You can, in fact, reach the museum via the Llanberis Lake Railway, which frequently makes the journey to and from Llanberis. Guided tours are available, and a gift shop and café are located on-site.

Location: Llanberis, Caernarfon , Wales

Beaumaris Castle, a magnificent moated edifice with sturdy walls and defensive towers located on the Isle of Anglesey, is well worth including in your list of must-see Welsh fortresses. Begun in 1295, it was the last and largest of the fortresses that Edward I built in Wales (a display in the chapel tower details the story of their construction).

Its exterior walls are some five meters thick, with solid corner towers, and enclose the square inner courtyard. The water-filled moat presented an impressive first-line defense outside the ring of walls.

Address: Castle Street, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales

Official site: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/beaumaris-castle

Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Irish Sea, Harlech Castle is another of the chain of fortresses built by Edward I in the late 13th century to seal his conquest of Wales. The castle endured numerous sieges through the centuries, including during the English Civil War in the 17th century, after which it was left mostly to fall into disrepair.

Despite these years of neglect, the castle is now considered by UNESCO to be one of Europe's best surviving examples of military architecture from the 13th and 14th centuries. Today, the castle - the subject of the unofficial Welsh anthem, Men of Harlech - is a delightful place to explore, with its rich history on display at the visitor center.

For a real treat, book one of the castle's luxury apartments housed in the center, once a former hotel. Be sure to also explore the delightful adjacent village of Harlech, too, along with its long stretch of sandy beach.

Address: Harlech Castle, Harlech, Wales

Official site: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/harlech-castle

Gardeners shouldn't pass up the opportunity to pay a visit to Bodnant Garden, one of the oldest and most visited formal gardens in Wales. Now a National Trust location, Bodnant is situated on a hillside overlooking the Conwy Valley near the small village of Tal-y-Cafn.

In addition to its many fine floral displays, it offers superb views over the surrounding Carneddau peaks. Covering an impressive 80 acres, Bodnant was established in 1874 and retains to this day many facets of the original explorer collections that were deposited here. These include its fine Italianate terraces, a gorge garden, collections of trees and shrubs, plus an attractive waterfall. Newer additions include a winter garden and a very pleasant riverside garden.

The big draw, though, is the garden's magnificent 55-meter-long laburnum arch. Planted in 1880 and flowering each May and June, it continues to draw large crowds who travel here to enjoy its splendid display.

Other notable highlights include its two restaurants, two tearooms, guided walks and talks, along with fun workshops. Those traveling with dogs are welcome to visit with their canine friends on select days.

Address: Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay, Wales

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

Another of North Wales' mining-related attractions and one of the region's most visited tourist attractions, Llechwedd Slate Caverns is located in the quaint town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Often referred to simply as "Llechwedd" this fascinating attraction paints a very vivid picture of the history and importance of slate mining to the region, and focuses around the Llechwedd quarry.

A highlight of a visit is the Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour. This thrilling experience involves taking the country's steepest narrow gauge railway some 152 meters down to some of the property's most spectacular slate caverns. Also fun is the Quarry Explorer, a 4x4 vehicle experience that carries guests on a fascinating tour around the vast mine area.

The inclusion of other notable features, such as mountain biking trails, underground ziplining, and an underground trampoline experience make this one attraction in Wales the kids are definitely going to love.

Address: Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Just because it's one of the newest castles in all of Wales – really a "mock castle" as it was completed in 1837 – doesn't mean beautiful Penrhyn Castle is any less deserving of a visit. This well-preserved National Trust property offers plenty of reasons to linger, from its magnificent grounds to its elegant interiors.

It's a vast structure, built in a Norman fortress style with only its larger lower drawing room windows suggesting it's a relatively recent construction. Interior highlights include a rich décor boasting plenty of elegantly carved wood and stone, detailed plasterwork, plus a large art collection (including a Rembrandt). There's also a notable collection of furniture to match its Norman influences, including a huge bed made entirely of slate for Queen Victoria.

Notable features that make this a fun family day out include a number of delightful gardens; picnic areas (including beautiful views over the Snowdonia mountains); and a playground for kids.

The Penryhn Castle Railway Museum , home to a large collection of artifacts, rolling stock, and engines once employed in the former estate owner's nearby mines, is also worth seeing.

Address: Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle

Erdigg Hall near Wrexham is another charming National Trust property worthy of being added to your North Wales itinerary. Constructed in 1687, it's considered to be one of the best-preserved stately homes in Britain.

A great way to enjoy Erdigg is via a guided tour, which will lead you through the servants' quarters, as well as the rather more opulent living areas occupied by the owners themselves. Along the way, you'll enjoy a wide variety of historic furnishings and artwork, and learn a great deal about life on the estate throughout the centuries.

Exterior highlights include an exquisite walled garden laid out in the 18th century (one of the oldest in the UK), and a number of outbuildings worth visiting, including a blacksmith's shop, a joiners, and the stables.

Of special note, too, is the unique cascade referred to as "Erdigg's cup and saucer." There's also a fine collection of historic cars and bicycles.

Address: Erdigg Hall, Wrexham, Wales

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

More on Wales

Things To Do in North Wales

Seaside getaways in north wales.

If you’re looking for a traditional family seaside retreat- complete with sandcastles, Punch And Judy and fish and chips- look no further! There are beautiful towns up and down the North Wales coast, such as Llandudno, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Barmouth. It’s also worth trying to seek out your own little alcove- get adventurous!

Things to Do in Snowdonia

You can go for walks of all levels of difficulty, you can get around on the Snowdon Mountain railway, you can brave the high wire at Zip World and, for the very active, you can go White Water Rafting and Horse Riding.

Castles, Ruins and Great Homes in North Wales

Wales was long a land of Castles and now is well known for having some of the best preserved of these stunning pieces of history in Europe.

There are sites that are more great homes still standing in their luxury such as Bodelwyddan Castle, Denbigshire. There are those that long ago fell to ruins, and now provide a fantastic historical experience such as Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis. There are also glorious regal castles that have been preserved well, such as Powis Castle in Welshpool, Powys.

Things to Do in Llandudno

In recent years Llandudno has reinvented itself as an artistic and creative hub, with many Art Galleries popping up throughout the town.

Gardens in North Wales

From stunning Italianate work like the Bodnant Garden (pictured) in Conwy to an 18th Century House with an Australasian arberetum (Plas Newydd, Isle of Anglesey), the gardens of North Wales are nothing if not eclectic…

Things to Do on the Isle Of Anglesey

It interior is worth the visit alone though, beautiful countryside fills the island giving the opportunity for wonderful walks but also mountain biking.

The Island is booming at the moment- get over there!

Extreme Sports in North Wales

There’s also the sea to consider! Water sports are big up and down the coast with Colwyn Bay leading the way in Canoeing, Kayaking, Wind Surfing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding. A great activity if you’re looking for something to do with your adventurous kids!

Food And Drink in North Wales

Off the Llyn Peninsula there is fine sea food again, so much so that they have their own Sea Food Festival ! But there’s more than just Sea Food, there’s Honey, there’s beautiful Beer and plenty of traditional Welsh food to be tasted across the region.

Shopping Outlets in North Wales

You might not think that North Wales could compete in terms of shopping excellence, but the truth is that we have a huge number of unique shopping destinations, offering you everything from designer bargains to items handmade by genuine Welshman.

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North Wales

Why we love North Wales

The north of Wales is packed with castles and they provide just some of its stunning backdrop. The rest comes from its coastlines, valleys, hills and towns. From the impressive vistas of Portmeirion, a mini replica of the Italian Riviera, to the island of Anglesey with 125 miles of coastline, to an amble along Wales’ longest pier in the Victorian resort of Llandudno. Whether it’s photographing Britain’s longest place name or its smallest house, paddle-boarding under dark skies or taking on the world’s fastest zipline, the north of Wales gives you a generous slice of it all. Try sleeping on a cliff’s edge, visiting anything from prisons to galleries, feasting on fresh lobster to locally foraged seaweed, or partying the night away, and all in easy reach of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.

Explore Wales’ Italian side

Portmeirion is an architect’s vision of the Italian Riviera brought to life. Seventy acres of woodland surround colourful buildings, a central piazza, shops, cafes and Hotel Portmeirion.

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Dare you brave the world’s fastest zipwire ? Soar 1.5 km speeding over the Penrhyn Quarry lake and take in epic views of Snowdonia at a mere 100mph.

Things to do in North Wales

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Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales

For beautiful beaches and charming seaside villages, look to the Llŷn Peninsula on the North Wales coast.

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Portmeirion

In questo lato felicemente stravagante del Galles, in una penisola privata, troverai una piccola fetta della riviera italiana.

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Conwy Castle, Conwy

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this Medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

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Holyhead Mountain, Anglesey

From the top of Holyhead Mountain, you can see the entire Anglesey coastline – and even as far as Ireland.

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

Since 1809, this tiny white lighthouse has saved thousands of lives. Discover its stories in the museum, and enjoy epic views from the top.

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Bardsey Island

Look out for remarkable wildlife sightings – including puffins, peregrines and a 200-strong grey seal colony.

Rock the Park

With its line up of rock, pop and dance, this music festival in Wrexham is a true crowd-pleaser.

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Aqueduct Canoeing in Llangollen

this is no ordinary watersports trip: the Pontcysyllte is one of the tallest navigable aqueducts in the world.

Bearded Men Adventures

Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles

Known as the ‘Iron Ring’, these mighty Welsh castles date back to the 13th century.

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Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Part festival, part competition, this is a great way to experience Wales’s rich national heritage.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Discover an amazing lagoon with guaranteed surf, plus a skate park, climbing walls, zip lines and more.

Enjoy thrilling high ropes courses, underground trampoline parks and the fastest zip line on the planet.

Mostyn Gallery

This contemporary art gallery has serious cultural clout, representing artists from all over Wales – and beyond.

Llandudno Museum

From a 5,500-year-old skeleton to precious Roman coins, which historic treasures will you discover?

This playful restaurant has been awarded two Michelin Stars for its epic, multi-course tasting menus.

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Portmeirion: The Prisoner

Fans of this cult classic show will love the official The Prisoner shop, amid Portmeirion’s iconic architecture.

Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity

Explore the courtyard where the contestants stayed, the telephone box, the Clink – and even the privy!

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Welsh Highland Railway

All aboard! Travel back in time on steam-powered locomotives, through glorious North Wales countryside.

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Gay Pride Wales

From events and club nights, to film screenings and craft markets, see what’s on during your visit.

Great Orme TramwayYour ticket to invigorating walk

Your ticket to invigorating walks, picnics and birdwatching – all with breathtaking views of the sea.

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FOCUS Wales

Film screenings, gigs, DJ sets and workshops: this three-day festival is packed with entertainment…

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Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

Learn the secrets of Anglesey’s top-quality salt, on a surprising behind-the-scenes adventure.

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Centre for Alternative Technology

Take part in inspirational activities and practical workshops – all with the aim of living more sustainably.

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Dyfi Distillery

Taste award-winning gins made from foraged Welsh botanicals – such as pine tips, apples and bilberries.

Bryn Elltyd Eco Self Catering

Choose an eco-friendly stay – with 100% renewable energy, rainwater harvesting and electric car chargers.

Go Ape Dalby Forest

Unleash your inner adventurer on forest segway tracks, high ropes courses and multiple zip lines.

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Joe Cornish Gallery

Discover the work of award-winning landscape photographer Joe Cornish, as well as other local talents.

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Featured things to do

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Glide over north Wales

Take to the skies and fly over North Wales in a glider. See the ground below shrink and the big skies open before you.

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Paddleboarding in Anglesey

Paddleboard under the dark velvet skies around Anglesey, in one of the few dark skies spots and find your spiritual side.

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Troglodytic Trampolining

Deep inside the belly of some slate caverns is the vast underground chamber at Bounce Below. Three trampolines, one spaced above the other, connected with slides and ladders.

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Conwy Castle

One of Wales’ spectacular medieval fortresses and a World Heritage Site. Explore its towers, iconic spiral staircase and unlock over 700 years of history.

Places to stay in North Wales

Conwy makes for a good base, and is central to the north Wales area. It also offers easy access to Snowdonia. And for such a small place it offers a lot to see, from the castle to the estuary, cottages with slate roofs, long beach walks nearby, town walls and buzzing cafes, and pubs and restaurants .

This island offers everything from a on-cliff camping experience through to stays at country houses with spas or even a chateau.  Take in its lighthouses, to its beaches and coastal paths, or look to food festivals and the chance to cross the Menai Suspension Bridge. Check out Beaumaris for its shops and cafes, pitch up a picnic at Penmon or enjoy a B&B in Benlech Bay.

A dream-worthy place to stay. Running along the fringes of the Creuddyn Penisula, this Victorian seaside destination is bursting with historic tales, outstanding nature and Wales’ longest pier. Check out Great Orme, the area’s mini-mountain and journey 207 metres high to the summit on a ride on Britain’s lengthiest cable car. 

Explore nearby

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

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Snowdonia (Eryri)

Full of adventure from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys - it’s bursting with bombastic scenery.

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World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

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Wales Coast Path

A route to adventure, culture and wildlife hugging the shorelines of Wales.

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Getting to North Wales

The closest international airport to North Wales is  Liverpool John Lennon Airport , around 75 miles (121 km) from spots such as Conwy and Llandudno. Direct train services from London Euston to Holyhead, the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey, take fewer than four hours.

Getting around

Fflecsi  Bus operate across North Wales and can be booked by app.  Dee Valley Picturesque Bus  service is a circular route and runs every Saturday until 30 October, the route links Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions.

The  Snowdon Sherpa  is a unique bus service that travels around the foot of Snowdon, the service is fully accessible.

A scenic and eco-friendly way to travel around North Wales is by train. The  North Wales Coast Railway  hugs the coastline, and stops off at places such as Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor and Holyhead.

The Conwy Valley line runs from Llandudno through Snowdonia to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

A lot of North Wales is calling out to walkers, amblers and hikers . Check out the North Wales section of the Welsh coastal path .

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Wales for top insider tips and travel inspiration.

30 BEST Places to Visit in North Wales & North Wales Attractions!

Categories U.K , Wales

North Wales is such a great part of the UK to visit. I love it because there are so many different places to visit in North Wales and so many activities in North Wales to do!

Whether you want beaches, mountains, villages, towns, waterfalls, zip-lining, water-sports or train journeys, North Wales has it!

And best of all, many of the top things to do in North Wales are close enough so you can see and do quite a lot with just one day in North Wales if that’s all you have.

Plus, with North Wales being so easily accessible from cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, it’s a great place to go to get into nature and see some of the best beautiful scenery we have here in the UK!

In this guide to North Wales, I give you my best and favourite places to go in North Wales and a variety of top tourist attractions in North Wales to help you plan your visit, holiday, or day out!

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Places to Visit in North Wales

North Wales Map

Here is a map of North Wales with all of the North Wales places to visit that I have mentioned below. This will help you work out where to visit in North Wales with the time that you have and where you are staying.

How to get to North Wales

Getting to north wales by car:.

From England, North Wales is most easily accessed from Northern cities such as Manchester and Liverpool (which is one of the reasons I love living in Manchester!).

Birmingham to North Wales is relatively easy too because you can go through Shrewsbury and into North Wales that way.

From South Wales to North Wales , depending on where you travel from and to, you can go along the West Coast of Wales which provides some epic coastal views, through mid-Wales , or you can head into England and take the motorway up to North Wales.

Getting to North Wales By Train and bus:

As I’ll mention below, North Wales has much less public transport options than South Wales or England, because it has far fewer big cities. Bangor is the main city in North Wales and a place you might want to use as a base if using public transport to get around Wales.

Bangor it is well located by Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) and Anglesey where many of the top places to visit in North Wales are, but it is right in the far Northern corner of North Wales!

Looking to take the train to Wales??

For more help on where to visit in Wales by train? Read my 10 best places to visit in Wales by train post!

How to get around North Wales

Driving is definitely the best way to get around North Wales and if you have a car, you’re all good!

If you need to hire a car for your North Wales trip you might want to search for car hire in places like Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham or Cardiff and then drive into Wales since North Wales doesn’t have an airport or any big cities where car hire is usually better.

There are plenty of places to hire a car in Cardiff if you decide to get public transport to Cardiff from where you live if you don’t own a car. Check out car hire from Manchester Airport here and from Liverpool Airport here .

If you don’t drive or you are visiting overseas and don’t want to drive, the public transport in North Wales isn’t the best because many places are much more remote. South Wales is much better for transport in my experience and opinion.

That being said, there is a train line that runs along the North Coast of Wales, along the West Coast and into Snowdonia. And there are many bus stops and stations in North Wales. Both bus and train will take you longer to get around and will be a bit limiting on where to go in North Wales.

If you have to rely on trains in North Wales, check out The Train Line first to see where you can go before planning your trip too much! And check out Arriva Bus for buses in North Wales.

Roads in North Wales

As for the roads in North Wales, we use the North Wales Expressway to get from Chester along the top of North Wales and it is such a good road and gets you across to North West Wales quickly and easily.

There are many A roads in North Wales too which are good and not hard to navigate. As you get into the countryside and mountain areas though there are many country lanes which you often have to take at the end to get to your final destination. These can be tight and a bit tricky but fine if you are cautious and careful.

CAR HIRE IN WALES

If you’re reading this post with future dreams of doing a Wales road trip but don’t have a car, visit Rentalcars to get a quote. They search all of the top rental companies like Budget and Hertz to get you the best price!

Search car rental prices for Wales here!

North Wales Attractions

North Wales is where the action happens, there are so many activities in North Wales to do , especially adrenaline activities and water activities!

North Wales has a bit of something for everyone which you’ll soon see in this list of best places to visit in North Wales.

If you want a trip into nature with lots of long walks and barely any phone signal you can do that!

If you want a trip where you can keep the kids busy , there are lots of things to do in North Wales with kids like this , so you can do that!

If you want a romantic getaway in a nice hotel, you can do this too!

North Wales Itinerary

Maybe you want to spend 1 week in North Wales, stay in 1 places and do lots of North Wales day trips. Or maybe you are visiting for a few days and want to do a Wales road trip visiting many different places to go in North Wales.

Or maybe you have just one day in North Wales and are looking for the best North Wales days out .

This list of North Wales places to visit will help you work out where to visit in North Wales with the time you have and depending on how fast you want to travel,

I also recommend checking out my North Wales itinerary posts below to give you a better idea of how much of North Wales you can see in 1 trip.

1 Week in Wales itinerary – North & South Wales!

2 Day in North Wales Itinerary!

Perfect 3 Day Wales Itinerary!

• More of my Wales posts to help you plan your trip:
• 16 Beautiful Staycations in Wales To Feel Like You’re Abroad
• Best Time To Visit Wales By Weather & Things To Do
• 11 Amazing North Wales Glamping Pods with Hot Tubs!
• TOP 20 T hings To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
• Wales Road Trip Itinerary & Places To Stop On Your Wales Road Trip!

Best Places To Visit in North Wales

Now let’s go into my complete list of the best places to visit in North Wales to help you plan your North Wales trip or holiday!

1. Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

If the weather is on your side, climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) should be on top of the list on your North Wales itinerary! Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) is the highest peak in Wales and although climbing it is hard work, it is do-able for many people and such a great achievement!

There are a few routes to the top, I have done it from Pen Y Pass a few times which I recommend, and if you don’t fancy the walk you can use the Snowdon Mountain Railway train to help you which is especially good if you’re in North Wales with children.

Related Post: Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) From The Pen Y Pass Snowdon Route!

2. Llanberis (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Llanberis is the town most people will pass through on the way to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) and many people park in Llanberis and start the hike up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) from here too.

Therefore if you are looking for things to do near Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Llanberis is a good place to visit.

Llanberis has a huge lake which is popular for watersports and many families come to relax on the grassy bank along the lake which has play areas too.

Tourist attractions in Llanberis include the Llanberis Lake Railway , National Slate Museum and Dolbadarn Castle . Overall it’s a perfect place for families to visit in North Wales.

3. Dinorwig Quarry (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Also in Llanberis is Dinorwig Quarry but I’m adding this as it’s own place to visit in North Wales because it’s a full day out on it’s own.

We had a great afternoon hiking here last year. We parked up in Llanberis main car park and headed straight into the forest between the two lakes here. If you search for Dinorwig Quarry on Google maps, you’ll find it easily.

We were so surprised by what we saw here. There are lots of old mining buildings within the forest, also known as the Anglesey Barracks as workers from Angelesey used to stay here. Dali’s Hole is a lake right at the top of the mountain and forest which you can walk to and then you can head over into the footpaths through the old Quarry.

On google it’s hard to see where to go, but trust me when you are there there are many places for walking here, with amazing views of the Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) Mountains in front.

4. Watkins Path Waterfalls (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Now wild swimming is all the range, one of the super unique and cool places for wild swimming in North Wales and in Snowdonia is the Watkin Path Waterfalls!

The Watkins Path is another route to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) but close-ish to the start of the walk you’ll find lots of pools one after each other than run down the mountain. They’re basically natural infinity pools in North Wales and the best places for swimming in Snowdonia .

5. Cwmorthin Lake (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) is made up of so many lakes and it will be hard to drive past them on your North Wales trip without wanting to stop! One of the good lakes to stop at is Cwmorthin Lake because of its history.

This used to be a slate mine so when you visit the lake you can see the former Cwmorthin Slate Mine, there is also Cwmorthin Waterfall down the river from the lake so it makes a great place to stop for a walk in nature.

If you fancy some wild swimming in North Wales , this place is for you too!

6. Betsw-y-Coed (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

If you’re travelling around North Wales by train , tourist villages in Snowdonia like Betws-y-Coed are great places to visit because of the central train station they have and from here, although you are not completely remote in North Wales, you can still do walks up to viewpoints, lakes and probably find a waterfall.

Betws-y-Coed has lots of facilities compared to other smaller villages so it’s a great place to stop on a Wales Road Trip too!

You can walk up to Cyrau Viewpoint , walk across the beautiful Pont-y-Pair bridge , visit Conwy Valley Railway Museum and take a bus further into the depths of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) if you wish.

7. Zip-Line at Zip World (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

One of the top places to visit in Wales for a lot of fun is Zip World in North Wales.

Zip World have 4 locations in North Wales 3 of which are in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park).

The activities in each of them change from a roller coaster through the forest, sky rides, velocity ziplines and so much more, so pick which ones sound most appealing to you and book in because this will give your Wales road trip a huge adrenaline hit!

We recently went on Aero Explorer at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry which was a great family activity in North Wales!

8. Slate Cavern Gold and Bouncing at Zip World (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Zip World have revamped their North Wales activities quite a lot recently and now, in their Slate Cavern location in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) you can play underground golf and go on trampolines inside the cavern!

It’s best to book all Zip-World activities in Wales online in advance so you don’t miss out, especially for weekends and school holidays!

9. Adventure Parc Snowdonia (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

Adventure Parc Snowdonia has something for everyone in the family and you don’t have to have children to enjoy it! It’s an adults adventure playground too!

For high-class, adrenaline activities in North Wales like surfing on a man-made surfing pool , rock climbing walls, high ropes, indoor caves, soft play, paddle boarding , zip lines, biking and coasteering, check Adventure Parc Snowdonia out for all of the best water activities in North Wales !

10. Mount Tryfan (Eryri National Park – Snowdonia National Park)

If you are up for an intense hike, be sure to add Mount Tryfan to your list of places to go in North Wales and places for hiking in North Wales.

In fact, it’s not a hike, it’s a scramble to the top! It took me 5 hours and although it was hard and scary at times, it was so rewarding!

My Related Post: A Guide to Climbing Tryfan & Hiking Tryfan for Non-Climbers in North Wales!

11. Portmeirion Tourist Village (Gwynedd)

Aside from Snowdon, I’d say this is the top of the list in tourist attractions in North Wales.

For a slice of Italy in Wales, you can visit Portmeirion . It is a pretty iconic place so you may have seen photos of it before online and it’s definitely one of the most iconic places to visit in North Wales.

It is a tourist village and it does get very busy so don’t go expecting a quaint village, it also costs £12.00 per adult to enter but for a unique experience to see some nice buildings and gardens it’s worth going.

Porthmadog is the closest town to Portmeirion which is quite a popular tourist town, so this place works as one of the great places to visit near Porthmadog .

12. Harlech Beach (Gwynedd)

For one of the best beaches in North Wales with a beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue water head to Harlech Beach ! It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales I have seen and I love that it has the sand dunes behind it.

Whilst you’re in Harlech you can check out the local town and definitely take a visit to Harlech Castle which stands prominently on the hill and another great North Wales attractions.

Harlech is a good place to visit before or after Portmeirion as they are quite close together.

13. Black Rock Sands Beach (Gwynedd)

Black Rock Sands Beach is a really cool and different beach to visit because you can drive onto it !! It’s so amazing and fun, especially if you have always wanted to experience driving on a huge beach !

It costs £5.00 to enter the beach and after that, you have the whole beach to decide where to drive and park up. There is a chance you could get stuck in wet sand but there are people there to help pull you out!

This is another one of the good places to visit near Porthmadog as it isn’t far away at all.

14. Aber Falls (Gwynedd)

Wales is all about waterfalls and one of the most visited waterfalls in North Wales is Aber Falls! It’s a great place to stop as you are leaving Snowdon to go into North England or Conwy or Llandudno because it’s just off the main North Wales Expressway.

Aber Falls is popular because it is fairly easily accessible so it’s good for kids to walk with an impressive waterfall at the end so get this on your list of things to see in North Wales !

15. Abersoch Beach (Llyn Peninsula)

The beaches in North Wales are some of the top places to visit in North Wales all year round.

For a calm and sandy beach , Abersoch is the beach for you. You can head here in all seasons for a sunny day on the beach and a winters walk.

If you have children this is a good beach to add to your places to visit in North Wales with kids as it is family friendly and safe.

16. Ty Coch Inn (Llyn Peninsula)

A Beach Bar might not be what you expect to see in North Wales, but this is why this part of the UK is so great because it offers surprise after surprise.

Ty Coch Inn has been voted in the  top ten beach bars in the world because this typical Welsh pub is located on a beautiful stretch of beach.

It’s definitely one of the unique places to visit in North Wales because there are not many other places you find a pub in such an incredible location.

17. Traeth Porthor (Llyn Peninsula)

Porthor Beach on the far coast of the Llyn Peninsula is known for its whistling sands !

This bay of beautiful sands is one of the fairly secluded beaches in North Wales and is a total gem because of that. When the weather is good and the waves are good and safe, it is perfect for sports like surfing, bodyboarding and kayaking .

The National Trust say that Dolphins and Seals can often be seen too so it’s a great beach for a family day out in Wales in a beautiful location.

18. Pen-Llyn Riding Centre (Llyn Peninsula)

If you want to add some horse riding in North Wales to your list of things to do in North Wales, I went out on a hack with Pen-Llyn Riding Centre last year and it was such a great way to see see this part of the Llyn Peninsula which is called Pwllheli.

19. Beaumaris (Anglesey Island)

Anglesey is an island off of the North-West coast of Wales connected by a bridge in Bangor, and if there is one place you should visit in Anglesey it’s Beaumaris.

Beaumaris is a charming seaside town with a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architect ure and lots of them are painted in bright colours!

For tourist attractions in Anglesey, you can visit Beaumaris Castle , take a Puffin Island boat trip , walk along the seafront and get some fish and chips from one of the many shops!

20. Newborough Beach (Anglesey Island)

This is one of my favourite beaches in North Wales! To get there you drive through Newborough National Nature Reserve, followed by a quick walk over sand dunes before getting to a long stretch of white sand !

The Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this beach. It’s perfect for water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding and you can do a great walk to the end of the peninsula to see the lighthouses.

21. Holyhead (Anglesey Island)

Holyhead is the harbour port where you get the boat over to Ireland . It is the biggest town on Anglesey Island and a great place to base yourself on this Wales road trip if you want to see a lot of Angelsey.

It has a bustling town with nearby beaches and activities like cycling, golf, a lighthouse walk and a Maritime Museum!

22. South Stack Lighthouse (Anglesey Island)

This is one of my husbands top places to visit in North Wales. He just loves seeing South Stack Lighthouse perched right on the last edge of the West Coast of Wales so remotely and it’s amazing that it was built in 1809 .

We also love the drive to South Stack Lighthouse , it’s so scenic and totally worth the extra time it takes you get here as it’s a one of the best places to see in Anglesey .

Once here, you can visit inside the lighthouse with a ticket , there are walking paths along the coast and you can check out Elin’s Tower.

23. Parys Mountain (Anglesey Island)

This is a really unique place to go North Wales and in Anglesey! It’s an historic copper mining site and because of this the ground and rocks are striking colours of gold and copper!

It’s a great place to go walking on Anglesey Island!

24. Conway City (Conwy)

Conway is a walled market town and worth visiting a few reasons. The main reason being Conwy Castle . There are many Castles in North Wales but this one is hugely impressive and if you only visit one castle in Wales it should be this one!

Conway is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain and still has it’s town walls intact so it’s a great place to visit for history in North Wales if you don’t fancy a beach day or the weather is not on your side for exploring the wild outdoors.

25. LLandudno (Conwy)

Llandudno is an old British seaside resort but it is still thriving today and is clean and tidy to visit.

I love the old victorian buildings that line the huge promenade and beach. Llandudno pier is easily the top of the list of Llandudno tourist attractions is a good place for some typical seaside fun!

It is a resort town so there are lots of activities near Llandudno like a ski slope and one of the popular things to do in Llandudno is to drive up to and around the Great Orme rock that stands out beside the town. Be sure to look for seals in the ocean below too!

For one of the great places to visit near Llandudno you can go to Conwy city or one of the many nearby beaches like Colwyn Bay Beach.

We have some paddle boards and recently took them out onto the sea from Llandudno beach. We found it easy to park right by the beach and get to the water carrying the boards. The water was a bit choppy for us but if it was a nice still day, this is a great paddle boarding spot in North Wales .

26. Gwrych Castle (Conwy)

Another one of the top Castles to visit in North Wales is Gwrych Castle. This is a beautiful castle to visit anyway, however it has now become even more popular due to it being where “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” was filmed for two consecutive years.

You need to purchase tickets to enter Gwrych Castle and if you want to know what it’s like to stay overnight in a castle, you can book to stay in one of their lodges !

27. Rhyl (Denbighshire)

From what I have seen and heard, Rhyl isn’t one of the prettiest places in North Wales and is quite commercial, it’s a bit like the Barry Island of South Wales. Some people will enjoy it, others won’t.

However, for North Wales with children, you will find some attractions in Rhyl to keep children busy like the beach, water parks, Aquarium and there’s also a zip world in Rhyl for some adrenaline activities in North Wales!

28. Llangollen (Denbighshire)

Llangollen has become one of my favourite places in North Wales recently . It’s really well located on the border or England and Wales making it really easy to get to from Manchester.

We went first to see Dinas Bran Castle (more on that below) and then popped into the town for some food.

After seeing the River Dee rushing through Llangollen we decided to plan a white water rafting day out with friends in Llangollen and it was great fun! We booked it through White Water Active who I recommend.

Not only does Llangollen offer lots of nice cafes and amazing water activities in North Wales but it as aqueduct which is so unique to see!

A canal runs along the aqueduct high above the trees and you can walk along it, take a canal boat trip or kayak along it with one of the companies in town. Click here for visitor info.

Make sure you include Llangollen on your places to visit in North Wales, especially for a day trip coming from England as it’s so easy to get to !

29. Castell Dinas Bran (Denbighshire)

Perched high above Llangollen is Castell Dinas Bran and you can’t miss it as you drive into the town.

Luckily, there is a windy country lane you can drive up away from the town with places to park at the top, this means you don’t have to walk as far and as high to reach the castle.

The castle is completely in ruins and therefore free to enter . The ruins are from a 13th century castle built on an earlier Iron Age hill fort.

We loved walking up here recently and taking in the spectacular views.

Its one of the good places to visit in North Wales with children but do be warned that it’s a steep walk to the top!

30. Wrexham

Wrexham doesn’t compare to the beautiful beaches and the prettiest villages in North Wales but if you are visiting Wales for a few days, a stop in a city offering culture might be good for you and it’s definitely a good place to consider if you’re travelling with children and looking for things to do in North Wales when it rains!

There are a number of things to do in Wrexham like visiting Churches, Castles, Parks, Country Parks and Museums like Xplore Science which is a great place to take children!

FAQ about places in North Wales

What is the best time to visit north wales.

The summer is always going to be the best time to visit Wales in general for good weather, however I have visited North Wales on some beautiful spring and autumn days too.

In terms of crowds and cars, if you can go to North Wales mid-week it will be less busy that weekends.

Here is my full post on the best time to visit Wales and why !

Is North Wales worth visiting?

Absolutely! If you have ever doubted that the UK isn’t spectacular then you haven’t been to North Wales! I love that you can see so much natural beauty in Wales and it’s all fairly accessible and easy to get to with limited time.

What is the most beautiful part of North Wales?

I’d have to say Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park). Seeing the rolling mountains, all the lakes and pretty villages makes it easily one of the top most beautiful places in the UK!

Is North or South Wales better?

Both are stunning! I do love South Wales, particularly because of Pembrokeshire which is filled with beaches, but North Wales has incredible beaches too! To be honest, I think the best side is the side that is easiest to get to for you. Although North Wales is much more natural and less built up than South Wales so it does win in this sense!

I hope this list of places to visit in North Wales and North Wales tourist attractions has helped you plan your trip!

• For more of my Wales posts see:
• 30 TOP Places To Visit in South Wales & South Wales Attractions!
• How To Spend 3 Days in Wales! Perfect 3 Day Wales Itinerary!
• 16 Beautiful Staycations in Wales To Feel Like You’re Abroad!
• TOP 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
• 16 Beaches Near Cardiff To Visit. All 1 Hour From Cardiff!
• How To Climb Snowdon From The Pen Y Pass Snowdon Route!

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The 14 best things to do in North Wales

From adrenaline-filled adventures to absolute tranquillity on the beach, these are the best things to do in North Wales

It doesn’t get any more Welsh than North Wales. Don’t believe us? Hit the road and explore the villages, and come back to apologise afterwards. North Wales is an absolute treasure trove of magic, from the glittering coastline to the top of the country via incredible libraries, fascinating history and a Mediterranean village . No, that isn’t a typo. Wales doesn’t do typos. The best things to do in North Wales cover lots of ground, from extreme sports to quaint fishing villages and more. Natural beauty, buckets of character and poetry around every corner. It doesn’t get any more Welsh than North Wales.

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in North Wales

1.  Climb to the very top of Wales

Where is it?  Yr Wyddfa, Snowdonia National Park

What is it?  Only the highest mountain in all of Wales

Why go?  The beating heart of Snowdonia National Park, Yr Wyddfa thrusts 1,085 metres into the sky, making it the highest peak in Wales and the third highest in the UK. Conquering the peak sits somewhere between a doddle and a real challenge, although underestimate this hike at your peril. It takes anywhere between five to seven hours to climb, although the less adventurous can always take the scenic one-hour train ride to the top of Wales.

2.  Transport yourself to a quaint Mediterranean village

Where is it?  Portmeirion, Gwynedd

What is it?  A tourist village constructed in the style of sleepy Italy.

Why go?  Sir Clough Williams-Ellis should be plenty proud of his work. Built between 1925 and 1973, Portmeirion is the brainchild of the Welsh architect, a man who wanted to show that a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it, and this gorgeous collection of architecture and atmosphere is proof that he was correct. The end result can be construed as a sort of Welsh Disney minus the kitsch, a quaint village that exists for those who come to visit and those alone: a homage to the serenity of Mediterranean fishing villages found just a couple of miles from Porthmadog in North Wales.

3.  Marvel at an iconic piece of civil engineering

Where is it?  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen

What is it?  An 18-arch aqueduct that deservedly joined the Unesco World Heritage list in 2009

Why go?  Another piece of magic from the mind of Thomas Telford, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is much easier to admire than it is to pronounce (pont-kuh-sithl-tuh, or thereabouts). Opened in 1805, this 18-arch beauty is the highest navigable aqueduct in the world, a gorgeous piece of architecture that allows the Llangollen Canal to safely navigate the River Dee below. A footpath leads along one side of the canal for those after a bird’s eye view of the surrounding scenery, although the aqueduct itself is arguably best enjoyed from afar.

4.  Sink a pint before walking the pier

Where is it?  Bangor, Gwynedd

What is it?  The second-longest pier in Wales handily placed next to one of the finest pubs in North Wales.

Why go?  It might not be quite as long or idyllic as Llandudno’s pier, but Bangor’s walkway is well worth a ramble, especially as the sun edges closer to the horizon. Officially known as Garth Pier, the promenade has seen its fair share of problems over the years but is fighting back, with public support and goodwill aplenty. The Tap and Spile Pub is perfectly placed at the entrance to the pier and is as genuine as old pubs get, with a great beer list, better pub grub and no shortage of pub-centric activities.

5.  Explore a gorgeously isolated peninsula

Where is it?  The Llŷn Peninsula

What is it?  An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that attracts walkers, hikers and all the rest

Why go?  Of the five AONB in Wales, something about the Llŷn Peninsula draws deeper breaths than the rest. Maybe it is the serenity, the tranquillity, the unbroken peace of the place, a part of Wales that is every bit as unspoilt as the description suggests. Criccieth is the ideal base for exploring the peninsula, a rugged land best enjoyed on foot and at a leisurely pace. In great contrast, nearby Abersoch has developed a vibrant reputation for wakeboarding and other water-based adventures.

6.  Pay the toll at Conwy Suspension Bridge

Where is it?  Conwy, Clwyd

What is it?  A stunning suspension bridge connecting Conwy Castle to all who enter

Why go?  Conwy Suspension Bridge was constructed by Thomas Telford in the early dawns of the nineteenth century, and its picturesque compatibility with Conwy Castle is no coincidence. The bridge (one of the first road suspension bridges in the world, no less) was designed with its neighbouring fortress in mind, making for a combined aesthetic that is as sumptuous as North Wales gets. The bridge is now open only to pedestrians, and walking across it before exploring charming Conwy is a must.

7.  Learn to say ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch’

Where is it?  Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Anglesey

What is it?  The longest town name in the UK and a popular train station photograph

Why go?  There isn’t much to do in this famous Anglesey village outside of taking a photo of the sign at the train station, but that doesn’t stop Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch from being one of the most popular niche tourism destinations in Wales. For the record, the name translates as ‘St Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio of the red cave’, if you were wondering.

8.  Get lost in a book at the UK’s finest residential library

Where is it?  Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, Flintshire

What is it?  A national memorial to former prime minister William Gladstone and a gorgeous residential library, all in one

Why go?  Gladstone’s Library is more than just a library, although it is very much a place where literature takes charge. There are more than 250,000 books here, so there’s no shortage of words to get lost in, but this beautiful Grade I-listed building is also a memorial to four-time PM William Gladstone, the man who founded it way back in 1894. There is also an on-site restaurant and plenty of comfortable rooms for when the heady mixture of history and fiction becomes too much.

9.  Support the oldest football team in Wales

Where is it?  Wrexham, Clwyd

What is it?  The third-oldest football club in the world and the oldest in the country, with celebrity owners.

Why go?  Interesting times lie ahead for long-neglected Wrexham. Once the largest town in Wales and an industrial powerhouse, Wrexham has long been a town in need of some good news, but nobody would have guessed that it would come in the guise of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The two comedians took over the oldest football club in Wales in early 2021, proving once again that anything is possible in the wacky world of professional football. Head to the Racecourse Ground for a match before stopping for lunch at the gorgeous Grade II-listed Lemon Tree hotel and restaurant.

10.  Sample world-beating salt

Where is it?  Halen Môn, Brynsiencyn, Anglesey

What is it?  An independent company producing salt that has been enjoyed by Barack Obama, among others

Why go?  Salt is integral to the story of humanity, and the story is just one of the reasons why Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt is an absolute must-visit in North Wales. Established in 1997, the family company has since won awards and provided salt for presidents and sporting events alike, but there is a down-to-earth quality to its tours and products that is enduringly charming. Head to the on-site shop and pick up some culinary gold before trying out one of the many recipes posted on Halen Môn’s website.

11.  Learn about faithful Gelert in a gorgeous village

Where is it?  Beddgelert, Gwynedd

What is it?  A beautiful village of fewer than 500 people that is home to one of the nation’s most beloved folk tales

Why go?  Beddgelert is well worth a visit in its own right: it’s a toy-town village of stone buildings and verdant scenery at the confluence of the Glaslyn and Colwyn rivers. According to legend, the village is named after the folktale of the faithful hound Gelert, Llywelyn the Great’s protective dog, who met a most unfortunate end. Beddgelert literally means ‘Gelert’s Grave’, although there are differing opinions on the accuracy of the town’s name. Even so, Beddgelert is packed with darling cafés and makes a great starting point for climbing nearby Moel Hebog, another peak in the Snowdon mountain chain.

12.  Follow the White Rabbit in Llandudno

Where is it?  Llandudno, Clywyd

What is it?  An Alice in Wonderland-themed way to discover a royal Victorian resort

Why go?  Llandudno was where Alice Liddel spent her summer holidays, and there is plenty of speculation that family friend Charles Dodgson was inspired enough to write a book about it all. Of course, Charles Dodgson is better known as Lewis Carroll, and the book in question has become one of the most popular on the planet. The legitimacy of the connection is continually up for debate, but that didn’t stop the town from making the most of it, devising a White Rabbit trail that traverses the many sights in the centre of Llandudno.

13.  Get the adrenaline pumping in the underworld

Where is it?  Blaenau Ffestiniog

What is it?  Extreme, subterranean bouncy-castling.

Why go?  Bounce Below has set up shop with a Goonies-style kidulting adventure in a vast cavern in Blaenau Ffestiniog. As you step inside, colourful lighting illuminates the towering slate walls. Then, you’ll bounce across web-like nets and slide down six different levels -–the tallest of which is comparable to two double-deckers. Good luck if you’ve got an aversion to heights. 

14.  Conquer the Ring of Iron

Where is it?  Various locations on the north coast and Anglesey

What is it?  A collection of Edwardian castles that represent the beginning of English rule over Wales

Why go?  The Welsh relationship with its famous castles is notoriously complex, but that doesn't change the aesthetic majesty of these twelfth-century fortresses. Built by King Edward I to solidify his conquest of Wales, the castles in Conwy, Harlech, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and the rest are among the most visited and photographed structures in the nation. The fortifications also act as a handy itinerary for exploring the best that North Wales has to offer.

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North Wales Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 2, 2023

Our North Wales Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful area of Wales. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to North Wales!

Plan your visit to North Wales

North Wales is an ideal holiday location with a range of attractions including mountains, coast and countryside.

You can enjoy surfing, hiking, golfing and visiting castles. In North Wales, you will find a wide variety of places to stay from caravan parks to luxury hotels.

This region is particularly good for anyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors – North Wales has some of the most spectacular walkways and abundant natural beauty – visitors come back time and again to explore the area’s rolling hills, hidden valleys, popular seaside resorts and secluded beaches.

Whether you’re planning a short visit or staying longer, this travel guide will help you get the most out of your trip!

What you will find in this North Wales Travel Guide

Map of North Wales

When is the best time of year to visit north wales, what is the best way to explore north wales, 🚆 by train, 🚗 by car (road trip option), snowdonia national park, train trips, places to visit in north wales, accommodation in north wales, north wales travel guide – best tours and day trips, enjoy your visit to north wales, north wales travel guide – faq’s.

Summer is a great time to visit North Wales as the weather is typically mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, including mountain biking, rock climbing and horse riding.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday, then autumn can be a great time to visit as the leaves change colour and the region is not as busy.

Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of ways to explore North Wales, depending on what you want to do. If you’re interested in hiking and trekking, then the mountains offer some of the best trails in the country.

The coastline is also great for walks, as well as surfing and swimming. You can also hire a bike to explore the region’s many cycle paths

For those who want to explore the area’s history and culture, there are plenty of castles and other historical sites to visit. Car hire is a great way to see as much of North Wales as possible.

🚗 There is a multitude of car rental companies to choose from in the UK. We recommend comparing prices and deals on Discover Cars  before making your booking.

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What is the best way to travel to North Wales from London?

By train – The train journey to North Wales takes around 4 hours. From London Euston Station to Llandudno it will require two changes of trains (at Crewe and Chester)

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

It’s around a 5-hour drive from London to Llandudno in North Wales.

National Express offers direct services to North Wales from London, Manchester and other major cities.

Attractions and things to do in North Wales

Snowdonia National Park (an area of outstanding natural beauty) is dominated by Snowdon’s highest peak, towering 1085 metres above sea level. There are plenty of trails to hike and you can also take advantage of the excellent mountain biking facilities.

For those who like water activities, there are a number of lakes for fishing or kayaking. Plas y Brenin, the National Adventure Centre, is also located in Snowdonia and offers a range of activities including archery, climbing and orienteering.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Wales. The imposing castle along the North Wales coast was built by Edward I in the late 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beaumaris Castle is another interesting castle located in North Wales and today the site is mostly open to the public and includes a visitor centre, tours and historical re-enactments during the summer months.

Conwy Castle was built in 1283 by Edward I and much of it can still be seen today, including its iconic gateway. You can also take part in historical re-enactments during the summer months.

Harlech Castle is another of Edward I’s Welsh castles and it is located near the town of Harlech in Gwynedd. The castle is open to visitors and has a museum featuring artefacts and armour from its history and also offers scenic views over the Snowdonia mountains.

North Wales is home to some of the country’s most beautiful train routes. The Ffestiniog Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that runs for 41 miles from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. The route is known for its winding tunnels and spectacular mountain scenery.

The Welsh Highland Railway is another heritage railway in North Wales, running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. The route offers some of the most scenic views in the country and is also popular with cyclists.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

➡️ Location and accommodation guide for North Wales

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to North Wales . You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around Wales and the rest of the UK in these travel guides:

• Top 10 places to visit in Wales
• Best castle hotels in Wales
• Guide to Welsh castles
• Cardiff Travel Guide

Find more inspiration for your travels in my Wales Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

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South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

Things to do in Anglesey

A warm welcome and a busy time are guaranteed for visitors to Anglesey. For a small island it packs in a heck of a lot. With so many options for brilliant Anglesey days out, we've chosen ten favourites to get you started. 

What’s on in Anglesey?

There's normally a packed calendar of events taking place on Anglesey. There are food festivals, agricultural shows, children's events, music performances and fairs - particularly in spring and summer months. To keep up to date with the latest developments for what's on in Anglesey check the Visit Anglesey Facebook page .

Ancient monuments, scenic walks and hidden beaches are all on offer in Anglesey, North Wales

Ten things to do in Anglesey

According to Celtic folklore, the Roman invaders of 60 AD were scared witless by Anglesey’s fearless Celtic druids. We’re glad to report that visitors are welcomed more warmly these days!

The Menai Suspension Bridge

It’s unlikely you'll miss this Anglesey highlight, the Menai Suspension Bridge. You're highly likely to drive across it.

Built by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, it’s the first modern suspension bridge in the world and it connects the mainland to Menai Town - one of the five towns in Anglesey. Prior to its construction, cattle farmers would somehow have to persuade their herd to swim across the Menai Strait to market. Discover more about the bridge's history at the  Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust's museum.

Menai Suspension Bridge, Anglesey, North Wales

Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path

There are countless places worth visiting along the 140 mile/225km Anglesey Coast Path . It goes right round the island. The Friends of the Isle of Anglesey Coast Path website has handy maps and detailed descriptions of the path's 12 sections .

As well as skirting the spectacular coastline, the path passes through farmland, coastal heath, dunes and small pockets of woodland. Highlights include South Stack lighthouse, the sea arches at Bwa Gwyn and the wild flowers and birdlife at Aberffraw dunes.

Walking the Wales Coast Path at Aberffraw, Anglesey, North Wales

Llanddwyn Island

This romantic outcrop extending from the mainland is one of the most picturesque locations in Wales.

The ruined church was once home to Saint Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers from the 5th century A.D. When her true love Maelon was turned to ice, Dwynwen had the good sense to move to Llanddwyn Island - and probably didn’t regret it for a minute. Llanddwyn beach is a cosy cove of pristine sand and it's backed by a forest that's home to rare red squirrels. So, forget St Valentine! Here in Wales we celebrate all things to do with love on St Dwynwen's Day  on 25 January.

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey, North Wales

The Copper Kingdom

There are surprises around every corner in Anglesey, with one being The Copper Kingdom in Amlwch. It was once the largest copper mine in the world.

The unique landscape of Parys Mountain has to be seen to be believed - a swathe of peaks and troughs in every shade of yellow, brown and orange imaginable. In the 18th century, people came from all over the UK to dig for copper, prompting what came to be know as the Welsh Copper Rush. The visitor centre tells the stories of those that worked here in often dangerous conditions.

The Copper Kingdom, Anglesey

South Stack Lighthouse

South Stack , the Anglesey lighthouse, perches on its own tiny island off the far west coast of the island.

Just getting there is a real adventure (and probably not a good idea if you suffer from vertigo). It's reached via 400 steps in the cliffside and a bridge high above the roaring waves. Visitors can tour the engine room and then climb the narrow stairs right to the top for epic views out to sea.

The birdwatching all around here is spectacular; you’ll soon be playing the time-honoured game of spot-the-puffin. If you're really lucky, you might even see one of the rare breeding pairs of choughs among the colonies of guillemots and razorbills clinging to the cliffs.

Read more about visiting lighthouses in Wales .

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey, North Wales

Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Situated on the shore of the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd House and Gardens was once the home of the Marquess of Anglesey and dates back to the 18th century.

Now managed by the National Trust, it's a feast of ornate Neo-classical rooms, many with intricate wallpaper and fabrics. And it's packed with unusual furnishings. Perhaps the most remarkable exhibit is a vast mural painted by artist Rex Whistler who was a regular visitor to the house in the early 20th century. Outside there are gardens with panoramic views across the Menai Strait towards the mountains of Snowdonia - and also an Australian arboretum. The house is undergoing extensive renovation so check the National Trust website for details.

Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Anglesey, North Wales

The Dingle Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for kingfishers, woodpeckers and moorhens, this is the place.

The Dingle Nature Reserve is an ancient 25-acre wooded valley. It's a tranquil hideaway carpeted with bluebells in spring and home to all manner of wildlife. Footbridges, walkways and benches have been installed to make it easier to enjoy the Cefni river as it chortles its way through the trees. Keep an eye out for the sculptures by local artists including a dragonfly and giant seed pods.

Halen Môn sea salt 

Anglesey is also the home to the innovative food production business of the Welsh pure sea salt Halen Môn which is enjoyed around the world by chefs and food lovers. Their sea salt can be found in many delicatessens nationwide, and you can purchase some of the unique sea salt flavours at the on-site shop including some local produce and artisan gifts.

Halen Môn Visitor Centre

Wild Seaweed Baths by Halen Môn

All visitors can also take a behind the scenes tour of the Salt Cote or embrace the outdoor wild seaweed bath experience .

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It's hard to choose a favourite, but Lligwy Beach is one of the nicest - a wide sheltered bay on the North East coast. The shore here shelves really gently and the water is shallow. There's plenty of golden sand too, so it's ideal for families with kids. Off-shore you might spot seals and dolphins and the consistent breezes mean it's also popular with wind and kite-surfers.

Anglesey beaches has other great beaches, including  Benllech , Porth Dafarch and Llanddwyn .

Benllech Beach

Porth Dafarch Beach

Llanddwyn Beach

Find out more about the lovely beaches in North Wales .

The beaches at Benllech and Llanddwyn, Anglesey

Beaumaris Castle

Wales is home to literally hundreds of castles, but this is without question one of the best - a massive fortress of almost perfect symmetry.

Beaumaris Castle is the last great castle built, but never completed, under Edward I in the 13th century. At the time it was at the cutting edge of castle design. Lack of money and trouble keeping the quarrelsome Scots under control meant the south gatehouse and six great towers never reached their intended heights. Don’t for a moment let that put you off visiting though - there are plenty of spooky corridors and narrow spiral staircases just waiting to be explored.

Search for the perfect place to stay, more attractions and activities in Anglesey .

Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, North Wales

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Discover all the visitor information you’ll need to have a truly memorable time in North Wales.

Pop into one of our tourist information centres and discover everything you’ll need to know about North Wales . From walking routes to local facilities, you’ll be able to get the most out of your visit to North Wales with our knowledgeable staff.

Find your way around North Wales with our helpful getting around sections. If you’re traveling down from other parts of the UK or further afield, check out our getting here section. 

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THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in North Wales

Best north wales hidden gem attractions.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Portmeirion Village

2. GreenWood

3. South Stack Lighthouse

4. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

5. Chirk Castle

6. Plas Mawr

7. Swallow Falls

8. Great Orme Copper Mine

10. Aber Falls

11. Beaumaris Gaol

12. Manorafon Farm Park

13. Home Front Museum

14. Harlech Beach

15. Cader Idris

16. South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve

17. Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

18. Castell Dinas Bran

19. Newborough Warren & Ynys Llanddwyn

20. Foel Farm Park

21. Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens

22. Tacla Taid - Anglesey Transport and Agriculture Museum and Cafe

23. Llanddwyn Beach

24. Gwrych Castle

25. Dyserth Waterfall

26. Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve

27. Fairy Glen

28. Wepre Park

29. Holyhead Maritime Museum

30. Penmon Point

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