North Wales, one of the oldest and most well-known tourist destinations in Britain, has a wealth of fantastic vacation attractions in a very small area. Welcome to Wales road signs welcome travelers as they approach the nation, attesting to the Welsh people’s friendly, welcoming hospitality. Let’s explore the best places to visit in North Wales
The North Wales coast roads offer a huge diversity of scenery, and the exquisite tiny town of Llandudno is one of the oldest and most well-known coastal resort towns in all of Britain. It’s not hard to understand why North Wales is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the UK when you consider all of the expansive open stretches of sandy beaches, vibrant resorts, picturesque craggy cliffs, charming fishing villages, and innumerable quiet bays. Make sure you have a look at our guide to the North Wales National Park.
Let’s look at a few of the best places to visit in North Wales
The breathtaking Snowdonia National Park is maybe this area’s most well-known attraction. Here, the Lleyn Peninsula and the Clwydian Range are both recognized as places of exceptional natural beauty. Wales’s highest mountain, Snowdon, stands 1,085 meters tall and has drawn climbers and trekkers for generations.
Additionally, the region is home to several historical monuments, quaint small villages, steep ravines, and scenic landscapes, making any excursion a voyage of discovery.
With this list of the top tourist attractions in North Wales, you can learn about exciting things to do in this stunning area of the UK.
Note: Due to recent global health and safety issues, certain businesses may be temporarily closed.
1. Snowdonia National Park
The vast majority of North Wales is covered by the Snowdonia National Park, which stretches inland from the coast between Penmaenmawr and Caernarfon via Bethesda to Bala Lake and Llanfairfechan. The spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, which begins in Llanberis and is regarded as one of the world’s finest railway excursions, makes it easier for visitors to explore the most picturesque part of this region, including the peak of Snowdon itself.
One of the best places to visit in North Wales to go trekking and climbing, this lovely park offers plenty of incredibly untamed and breathtaking mountain landscapes. But Snowdonia offers more than simply breathtaking mountain views. The park also has over 50 lakes and other bodies of water, numerous wonderful sandy beaches, dunes, and picturesque Welsh valleys.
Also attracting all those who enjoy British history. You may see remnants of a rich cultural past, like Roman remains, prehistoric circles, old stonewalls, and traditional Welsh farms, here.
2. Caernarfon Castle
As a residence for his eldest son, Edward of Caernarfon, the first Prince of Wales, Edward I built Caernarfon Castle in 1283. The massive stone eagles on the Eagle Tower and the arrangement of the castle’s walls and towers serve as symbols of the strength and might of the English throne. Construction of the complex took almost 37 years.
One of the largest and best-preserved medieval strongholds in Europe, this huge structure has 13 towers and two gates. A highly recommended tour of the castle will reveal that it stands where an earlier. One of the best places to visit in North Wales.
Norman fortress had stood, guarding the waters of the River Seiont and the Menai Strait.
The fortress has endured numerous sieges over its turbulent history. A special exhibition was held to commemorate the occasion. More recently, it served as the setting for Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969. Visit the majestic Queen’s Tower, which houses the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum, while you’re in the area.
Be sure to visit the newest addition to this top attraction, Legends of the Sky, if you are traveling with children. In this entertaining 3D experience, you can command a “virtual dragon” to fly over the castle, dive at it, and even breathe fire. After that, don’t forget to stop by the on-site gift shop. One of the best places to visit in North Wales.
3. Conwy Castle
One of the most aesthetic places to visit in North Wales, Conwy Castle, which is close to Manchester, was built between 1283 and 1289 by an estimated 2,000 workers, making it a marvel of medieval construction. And it was finished in time, as the Welsh besieged Edward I in 1290 behind its eight towers and 3.6 to 4.5 meter thick walls.
Although the 38-meter-long Great Hall no longer has a roof, one of the eight original arches that supported it has been reconstructed and serves as a reminder of the building’s former splendor. It is currently regarded as one of Wales’ most picturesque strongholds and is one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses from the 13th century. Conwy Castle boasts beautiful illustrations of medieval royal rooms together with a top-notch display of the life of Edward I and his several Welsh strongholds.
After that, make sure to go around the actual old town. Conwy’s well-preserved 13th-century town walls, which provide stunning views of the surroundings, and Aberconwy House are among its other top attractions. One of the first structures to be constructed inside the town walls was this merchant’s residence from the fourteenth century. Plas Mawr, an exquisitely restored Elizabethan mansion, and what is allegedly the Smallest House in Great Britain are both worthwhile stops. One of the best places to visit in North Wales.
4. Llandudno
Due in part to its two sandy beaches (one on each side of the town) and picturesque promenade, lovely Llandudno is one of the most well-known coastal towns in all of Wales. The new middle class moved to this Victorian town from the adjacent industrial areas of Liverpool and Manchester with the development of tourism in the previous century.
North Shore, the more easterly of the two beaches, is bordered by Little Orme, another headland. Taking the Great Orme Tramway is among the most popular activities here. Since 1902, it has been transporting guests on a charming excursion to the summit of the Great Orme, with its breathtaking views across the Irish Channel. It is the only cable-hauled tramline in Britain.
There are several attractive hiking routes nearby that can be used to ascend Great Orme, or you can take the mile-long Llandudno Cable Car.
The town’s superb late Victorian pier, which is a favorite hangout for fishers, has gratefully avoided the modern fairground influences that are typical of many towns on the south coast (fishing gear is available for rent at the pier entrance). It’s also a terrific area to relax while taking in the sea breeze, especially when paired with a hot beverage or a snack from one of the nearby eateries, making it one of the best places to visit in North Wales.
Stopping to witness one of the entertaining “Punch and Judy” puppet plays, usually presented along the promenade, is a must-do if you’re traveling with kids. Visit Mostyn Street, which features outstanding retail arcades and hosts a wide variety of cultural activities. One of the most breathtaking places to visit in North Wales
5. Portmeirion
One of the most amazing places to visit in North Wales. Portmeirion, which is situated in Tremadog Bay on a wooded peninsula halfway between Porthmadog and Harlech, is well-known across the world for being a small recreation of a charming Italian village.
Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1884–1978), who had Portmeirion erected on his private promontory along with a mansion (now a hotel) and the lovely Gwylt Gardens, had the idea of re-creating an Italian village in Wales.
Additionally, there are other boutique stores and dining options at the tearoom, café, and restaurant on-site. The renowned Portmeirion ceramic brand was also born in the hamlet. These Portmeirion-inspired goods are now produced in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and may be found on shelves and tables all over the world making it one of the best places to visit in North Wales.
The ideal way to experience this extraordinary property is as part of an overnight stay; once the gates close for the day, visitors have the entire property to themselves to explore, including the lower village’s coastline pathways and its lovely gardens, fountains, and church. Portmeirion is a must-see attraction on every North Wales sightseeing trip because it served as the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including the cult favorite The Prisoner.
6. The Isle of Anglesey
One of the most beautiful places to visit in North Wales, Two majestic bridges span the Isle of Anglesey, which is connected to the mainland by the almost mile-wide Menai Strait. The Menai Suspension Bridge is the more intriguing of the two (1818-26). Several tiny seaside communities that were once fishing settlements now line the shore, with Holyhead being the most notable. Five market towns and countless small villages may be found further inland, and they are all connected by numerous narrow roads.
Anglesey is endowed with nearly 100 miles of exceptionally beautiful coastline, with its towering cliffs broken up at intervals by stunning sandy bays, in addition to its warm climate and clean sea air. Large herds of sheep can find rich grazing in the interior highland making it one of the best places to visit in North Wales.
Highlights include the 1809-built South Stack Lighthouse, which is currently accessible to the public. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top for stunning views of the Irish Sea and coast.
Holy Island and Beaumaris Castle are two other well-liked tourist destinations (see the full list of attractions below for more information). This smaller island, which is connected to Anglesey by a bridge, is a well-liked vacation destination with two promenades, the longest of which is 2.4 kilometers long. Among bird watchers, Puffin Island at Penmon Point is particularly well-liked.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch, the world’s longest place name, is another of Anglesey’s claims to fame. Hiking the 200-kilometer Anglesey Coastal Path, which is a portion of the much longer Wales Coastal Path, is a fantastic way to fully appreciate the island and its many attractions. One of the coolest places to visit in North Wales.
7. The Llangollen Canal & the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
One of the most aesthetic places to visit in North Wales, The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a magnificent 18-arched stone and cast iron aqueduct constructed to carry coal barges across the Vale of Llangollen and is one of the most prominent symbols of the industrialization that occurred throughout Great Britain in the early 19th century.
The aptly titled “stream in the sky,” designed by engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1805 after 10 years of work, has been categorized as the world’s tallest navigable aqueduct and, at 336 yards, is the longest such structure in the nation. Only recreational ships, canal boats, and pedestrians use the bridge today.
Due to the stunning scenery and, of course, the opportunity to travel by boat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, it is probably not surprising that this section of the Llangollen Canal is one of the busiest lengths of the inland canal. This magnificent building, which is now a World Heritage Site, is accessible to pedestrians and provides for an enjoyable visit.
There are enjoyable boat cruises that frequently cross the aqueduct available. Better yet, go all out and charter a canal barge for a few days so you can take your time and explore this beautiful area of Wales at a very leisurely pace. Canal barges typically travel at a speed of around eight kilometers per hour. One of the prettiest places to visit in North Wales
8. Welsh Highland Railways and Porthmadog & Ffestiniog Railways
One of the coolest places to visit in North Wales, The twin towns of Porthmadog, also known as Port and Tremadog, is situated at the mouth of the River Glaslyn. These little industrial hubs became important on a global scale for the shipping of slate. Today, they have grown into lovely seaside towns with a variety of fantastic sandy beaches.
There are expansive views of the neighborhood from Ynys Tywyn, close to the port, where the poet Shelley and Lawrence of Arabia, who was born here, both lived for a while. There are numerous wonderful walking and trekking trails in the Coed Tremadog forests, a protected nature reserve, which are worth visiting.
The oldest narrow-gauge railroad in the world, established in 1836 to transport slate from the mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog, has its terminal in Porthmadog, which is possibly best known for this. Today, the spectacular Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways give tourists the option to travel over more than 64 kilometers of narrow-gauge railway to explore this stunning region. One of The most beautiful places to visit in North Wales.
9. The National Museum of Slate
In Padarn Country Park, you may find the National Slate Museum, a wonderful museum devoted to what has been called the most “Welsh of Welsh enterprises.” The workers and equipment of the once-active Dinorwic slate quarry were previously housed in this group of well-preserved 1870s workshops.
The structures that once served the quarry and the still-running historic narrow-gauge railway today provide a clear depiction of how the slate mine operated and the difficult working conditions for those who toiled here. Highlights include four intact worker cottages as well as the original equipment used to mine and prepare the slate for export, which includes a sizable operating waterwheel.
The Llanberis Lake Railway, which frequently travels to and from Llanberis, can be used to get to the museum. On-site amenities include a gift store, a café, and guided tours. One of the best places to visit in North Wales. One of the coolest places to visit in North Wales.
10. The Beaumaris Castle
Your list of must-see Welsh fortifications should include Beaumaris Castle, a magnificent moated structure with strong walls and defensive towers situated on the Isle of Anglesey. It was Edward I of Wales’s final and greatest fortification, having been constructed in 1295. (a display in the chapel tower details the story of their construction).
Its five-meter-thick outside walls surround the square inner courtyard and have sturdy corner towers. Outside the ring of walls, the water-filled moat provided an impressive initial line of defense—one of the best places to visit in North Wales.
11. Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is one of a series of fortifications that Edward I erected in the late 13th century to complete his conquest of Wales. It is perched on a rocky ledge with a view of the Irish Sea. The castle was often besieged over the years, especially in the 17th century during the English Civil War, after which it was largely abandoned to deteriorate.
The castle is today regarded by UNESCO as one of Europe’s best remaining examples of military construction from the 13th and 14th centuries, despite these years of neglect. With its rich history on exhibit at the visitor center, the castle—the subject of the unofficial Welsh hymn, Men of Harlech—is a fascinating destination to explore today. One of the most aesthetic places to visit in North Wales.
12. Bodnant Garden
One of Wales’s oldest and most popular formal gardens, Bodnant Garden, is a must-see destination for gardeners. Bodnant, now a National Trust property, is located close to the tiny community of Tal-y-Cafn on a slope overlooking the Conwy Valley.
In addition to its numerous lovely floral displays, it provides breathtaking vistas of the nearby Carneddau Alps. Bodnant was founded in 1874 and boasts an astonishing 80 acres.
It still holds many aspects of the original explorer collections that were put here. These include its lovely Italianate terraces, a gorge garden, assortments of plants and shrubs, as well as a lovely waterfall. A winter garden and a lovely riverbank garden are recent additions. One of the coolest places to visit in North Wales.
13. Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Llechwedd Slate Caverns, another mining-related attraction in North Wales, is situated near the sleepy town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and is among the most popular tourist destinations in the area. This intriguing attraction, which is frequently referred to as just “Llechwedd,” centers on the Llechwedd quarry and gives a very vivid picture of the history and significance of slate mining to the area.
One of the best places to visit in North Wales.
The Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour is a must-do when in town. This exhilarating adventure entails traveling 152 meters down to some of the property’s most breathtaking slate caverns on the steepest small gauge railway in the nation. The Quarry Explorer, a 4×4 vehicle adventure that takes visitors on an interesting trip through the sizable mine region, is very entertaining.
This Wales attraction is one that children will adore because it also includes other noteworthy elements like mountain biking paths, underground ziplining, and an underground trampoline experience.
This concludes our list of the best places to visit in North Wales. Make sure you have a look.
