Wales is a beautiful country full to the brim with stunning scenery, amazing people, wild untamed coastlines, and a long, hard-fought history for everyone to learn. Castles dot the lush, green countryside and small villages welcome people to this amazing place.
There is no shortage of things to do in North Wales during your stay. There is no shortage of places to visit in North Wales, for history lovers, adventure seekers and family holidaymakers looking for the beach. North Wales attractions are waiting to be discovered by you.
Why should you visit North Wales?
North Wales is rugged and untamed, its coastline is a mix of pebble beaches and wind-powered turbines in the ocean. Caravan parks, pubs and funfairs adorn the small North Wales seaside towns that thrive on tourists crossing the border from England looking for North Wales beaches, sun and relaxation.
I can tell you they may have to look hard for some sun, but the pubs are aplenty! Castles and ruins dotted along the towns and inlets are a reminder of its historic past and how the English struggled to subdue the fiercely patriotic Welsh people. Now let us find you some of the best places to visit in North Wales
Best things to do in North Wales
The inland is full of National Parks, waterfalls, hiking and mountain bike treks. These activities provide cheap family days out in Wales. North Wales is alive and certainly one of the most picturesque places we have ever been to.
There are plenty of things to do in North Wales. North Wales is here and ready to greet all with its tourist attractions, history, areas of outstanding natural beauty and famous places to see in Wales.
Places to visit in North Wales – Anglesey
The island of Anglesey is located in the northwest corner of mainland Wales. Getting to the island involves crossing the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of water separating the island from the mainland. suspension bridge. You will cross the historic Menai Suspension Bridge which was built in the 19th century.
The island is popular with hikers who love the ocean views and nature of the island. The Anglesey Coastal Path is a 200-kilometre-long trail taking in the attractions and sites of the island. Beach lovers will have a ball on Anglesey. There is mile after mile of sandy beaches with Lligwy Bay being a popular sheltered beach on the North East of Anglesey where you may even see dolphins and porpoises.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – Europe’s longest place name
Also known as Llanfair PG for short, this town is famous for having the longest place name in Europe. While many will try to wrap their tongue around it, it may be best to ask a local for the actual pronunciation.
While there is not much more than a train station and a small shop here, if you are visiting Anglesey, it may be a great place to have a stop for one of those awesome travel memories.
Villages in Wales – Visit Llandudno
Llandudno is a perfect seaside town with a wide esplanade for visitors to wander. If you manage to get a beautiful sunny day you can easily grab something from one of the local chippies and bask in the sun while enjoying a cheap, fresh lunch.
You can also take a walk out on the Llandudno Pier. Along the pier, you will find plenty of ice cream shops, and right at the end, you will see a small arcade where you can take a rest and enjoy a game or two on the 2p machines.
Discover more of Wales: Llandudno is a classic must-visit seaside town in North Wales
The Great Orme – Places to visit in North Wales
Great Orme is located in the North Wales seaside town of Llandudno, it is one of the best places to visit near Conwy Castle. The Great Orme is run as a nature reserve with numerous walking tracks and wildlife such as mountain goats present.
On top of The Great Orme, you will find amazing views of the Welsh Coastline in either direction. The summit at The Great Orme has a visitor centre where you can eat and have a coffee.
Family Travel Tip: At the summit, there is a mini-golf and a playground for the kids to have some fun with. Our kids loved the Cable car; it was a real highlight for them.
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Llandudno Cable Car
The Great Orme has a station for the Llandudno cable car. The Llandudno cable car runs for a little over 1.6 kilometres. It is amazing, with some mighty views as you approach the famous Llandudno Pier. Opened on 30 June 1969 as the longest passenger cable car system in Britain, the Llandudno cable car is a must-do experience.
| Tickets | Price |
| Adult return | £11.00 |
| Child return | £9.00 |
| Family return | £33.00 |
The Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme tramway has been operating since July 1902. There is a halfway station where you must change cars. The station has a Great Orme Transway history exhibition that is worth a look.
We were extremely lucky the day we went the sun was out and the sky was blue and you would have thought you were somewhere in the tropics. One can take a ride on The Great Orme Tramway. This is Britain’s only remaining cable-operated tramway.
| Ticket | Price |
| Adults | £8.10 |
| Children (3 to 16) | £5.60 |
The Great Orme Copper Mine
On the descent, you may want to consider a hike down from the halfway station to take in the amazing views of the town and surrounding areas. You can visit The Great Orme mines if you decide to take this route or you can drive and park in the car park. The Great Orme Copper Mine is the largest Bronze Age mine in the world.
It was uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape an area of The Great Orme. You get to explore the underground mine and look at the original mining tunnels that were dug out. We visited the Great Orme Mines with kids and they had a wonderful time exploring the mines.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen in Northeast Wales. The bridge is supported by 18 stone arches. The aqueduct is used by narrow boats to cross the ravine.
The bridge was completed in 1805 and today is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will find car parking close by which allows you to walk across the aqueduct or pay to be taken across on a boat. It provides an amazing view of the area from the middle of the bridge. Best of all its another free North Wales attraction.
North Wales activities – Llanberis Pass
The Llanberis Pass (Welsh name Bwlch Llanberis) is in Snowdonia. The Llanberis Pass is the main road from the southeast to Llanberis, over the Pen-y-Pass, between the mountain ranges of the Glyderau and the Snowdon massif. We travelled the Llanberis Pass on our journey from Betws–y–Coed to Llanberis. Betws-y-Coed is an idyllic little village set in the heartland of the Snowdonia National Park.
The approach to The Llanberis Pass passes through the lowlands of Snowdonia National Park and it is National Geographic level stuff. Old stone houses and fences, high mountains with low clouds, lakes and streams running down the hills. It is an amazing landscape that gives you that feeling that you have stepped back in time.
The drive through the Llanberis Pass is over all too quickly. The road feels like it was gouged out of the mountains. The views are sweeping, and the little waterfalls running down the cliffs provide an amazing scene. The Llanberis Pass is one of the most photogenic spots we have visited and amazing.
It was the Wales experience we were hoping for. Wild, unspoilt landscapes conjure images in one’s head of nature’s beauty at its finest. It was a real highlight for us. There is a YHA hostel at on the Llanberis Pass where you can stay. Check out the Pen-Y-Pass hostel here.
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North Wales attractions – Llanberis
The town of Llanberis has a plethora of activities for visitors to North Wales to discover. Situated on a lakeside and at the foot of Snowdon Mountain you will find this picturesque town one of the best places to access all of the best things to do in North Wales.
Llanberis Lake Railway
Once you get off the hill the Llanberis Lake railway is waiting for you. The Llanberis Lake Railway is a 1 ft 11 ¹⁄₂ in narrow gauge heritage railway that runs for 2.5 miles along the northern shore of Llyn Padarn in North Wales.
The trip takes you around the edge of the lake and stops at a tranquil area where you have amazing views of the sweeping lake and countryside. The five-mile return trip takes around 60 minutes. On the return journey, the Llanberis Lake Railway stops at the National Slate Museum.
The National Slate Museum
The National Slate Museum looks like the mine has just closed and the workman has finished the day. The Museum is kept as original as possible to give you a real insight into quarry life.
Here you will learn about slate mining and how important it was to Wales. There are plenty of exhibits to demonstrate how dangerous the mining was and what an average day looked like for a miner. There are also old equipment displays, and at time,s you will find people giving live demonstrations.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs from Llanberis to the peak of Mount Snowdon. Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. Mount Snowdon is 1085 meters high making it the highest mountain in the British isles outside of the Scottish highlands.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway takes you on a 2.5-hour return journey to the highest peak of Wales, Mount Snowdon. One hour up to the summit, half an hour at the summit and one hour back to Llanberis.
The views as you climb ever higher are amazing, the highlight being the scenery of the Llanberis Pass as it appears below you. Climbing Snowdon from the Pen Y Pass is another popular route to the top.
At the top, there is a scramble to reach the peak of the mountains. It is not for the fainthearted as the tip requires you to climb some rock steps with no rails to the cairn that marks the top of the summit. It is a rewarding experience to scale Llanberis.
A lot of people take the train one way and then walk back down. By all reports, it takes around 4 hours to get to the bottom. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a highlight of any North Wales visit.
Glamping at Llechwedd Slate Mountain
Llechwedd Slate Mine is located in Blaenau Ffestiniog. These days the Slate Mine has been repurposed for tourism. Slate Mountain Glamping has 6 tents set up on a hill overlooking the slate mine and Zipworld.
The glamping tents sleep up to 5 people and come with comfortable beds, hot doonas and water bottles.
Your tent comes with a potbelly for warmth, a microwave and a fridge. You can sit on the deck and watch the stars dazzle in the dark skies of North Wales. Llechwedd Slate Mines Glamping is an amazing experience for everyone.
LLechwedd Slate Caverns
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns has ziplines and subterranean net adventures, while above ground there are mine tours, mountain biking and hiking. The nearby Zip World Forest is based on an Alpine toboggan and reaches speeds up to 25 kilometres an hour.
A unique stay in North Wales: Glamping at Slate Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Fun Parks in North Wales
Dotted along the North Wales coastal towns like Rhyl and Towyn, you will find fun parks that cater to the summer crowds that flock to the coast. One fun park in Towyn particularly, has been a north coast institution for many years.
For over 30 years, Knightly’s Fun Park has been attracting holidaymakers. Knightly’s is more than just a fun park with rides and amusements. Knightly’s also features an arcade with games and bingo every day.
The Long Bar and restaurant have budget meals and entertainment nightly during the peak seasons for the whole family. The fun park offers those wristband-type entries that can be a very good value for money where you pay one amount and go on the rides as many times as you like during a certain period of time.
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North Wales seaside – The Ty Coch Inn
The Ty Coch Inn on the Llyn Peninsula was voted the world’s 3rd best beach bar in a poll during the last few years. We first learnt about this place in an article rating it as the 3rd best beach bar in the world! I remember thinking in Wales are they mad?!
I was intrigued from that moment on. With a week in Wales planned on our trip, I put visiting this pub/inn right at the top of my list to see. I had to visit this place to see how a tiny bar in Wales could be number 3 in the world.
You can’t drive to this Inn, you must walk about 20 minutes through a golf course to reach the Tye Coch Inn. A small white sand beach greets you with fisherman and their boats unloading their catch for the day, people of all ages enjoying a beer in the sun and looking at the bright blue waters of the bay.
The Ty Coch is a sight to behold in a location to savour. The walk to the bar is the easy part it’s the walk back to the cars up the hill after having a few pints that could be the problem. Amazing and highly recommended.
Family Travel Tip: Food is limited at the Ty Coch Inn, they only serve food during certain hours other than crisps and icecreams. If you plan to spend the day or afternoon at the Inn bring food with you and a bucket and shovel for the kids to make sand castles on the beach.
Welsh Mountain Zoo – Colwyn Bay
For family days out in North Wales, the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay is well worth a visit for those that love animals. The Zoo in Northeast Wales is located on a hill overlooking the ocean and the amazing coastline. The Zoo was set in 1963 by a local family and has grown in size and popularity ever since.
Today there are over 143 different species of animal on display at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, with the Seals being a real highlight. The Zoo encompasses an important garden.
The Zoo’s gardens are made up of plants and seeds from around the world, from Chile, Central America and the Himalayas. The Zoo has animal experience for those looking to get up close and personal with a number of different species on site.
Where is the Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Welsh Mountain Zoo is 3 3-minute drive from the A55 Expressway – exit at Rhos-on-Sea interchange (Junction 20) – the Zoo is signposted from here. From Bangor 30 mins, Caernarfon 40 mins, Wrexham 60 mins, Chester 60 mins, Liverpool 80 mins, Manchester 90 mins.
| Tickets | Price |
| Adult | £7.00 |
| Child | £5.00 |
| Family | £21.00 |
Welsh Mountain Zoo opening times
Winter hours are 9.30 am – 3.15 pm
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Cheap family days out in Wales – Castle Spotting
No holiday in North Wales is complete without seeing a castle. Castle visiting is one of the top North Wales attractions for visitors. King Edward the 1st of England went on a castle-building spree in the late 12th century.
There are over a dozen castles from the reign of Edward and his father in North Wales. The castles were built to intimidate and control the Welsh people keeping them under tight English rule.
These castles are in varying conditions, from total ruin to totally preserved. UNESCO described the castles of Beaumaris and Harlech and the fortified complexes of Caernarfon and Conwy as World Heritage sites under the title of Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.
These four castles and others such as Rhuddlan are a castle lovers’ dream. The castles built in medieval times are characterised by huge defensive walls. The site of Conwy Castle on Colwyn Bay Conwy United Kingdom is just about my favourite castle in the whole world.
The scale of its walls is amazing. What a sight it would have been with soldiers standing guard and the King receiving guests in the great hall. We have visited Conwy, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris, Harlech, Flint, Chirk and Rhuddlan.
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Great Britain’s smallest house
When they say small, they mean small. This North Wales attraction is quite quirky and is a great place to see just how people used to live! The Smallest House in Great Britain is only 72 inches wide by 122 inches high. It was lived in till May 1900, and now it has become a popular tourist attraction in Conwy.
Every year thousands of people from Great Britain and around the world poke their heads in for a look. Funnily enough, the last person to live in the house was a local fisherman called Robert Jones who also happened to be 6 foot 3. It is hard to believe how Robert actually stayed comfortable there!
SC2 in Rhyl
Rhyl is one of the most well-known seaside towns in North Wales. SC2 in Rhyl is the newest attraction on the north coast of Wales. Rhyl, once the jewel of North Wales’ seaside, is undergoing a revamp.
The newest Rhyl attraction is SC2, an indoor aquatic centre. Inside, you will find 3 water slides for fun times. The Anaconda, The Speedster and The Boomerang.
The speedster is a three-lane race slide, while the Anaconda twists and turns in the darkness and the Boomerang is done on a tube. There is a section for younger kids called Piranha Bay with toddler slides, water wheels and tipping buckets.
In the summer SC2 in Rhyl has an outdoor splash pad for kids. Parents can watch on from the cafe adjacent to it.
| Tickets | Prices |
| Adult | £15.50 |
| Junior | £12.50 |
| 2 adults & 2 children | £48.00 |
| 2 adults & 3 children | £57.00 |
| 2 adults & 4 children | £67.50 |
SC2 Rhyl opening times:
- only open weekends in winter
- opened daily in summer
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Bodnant Gardens
Located in the Conwy area of Northern Wales is the National Trust property Bodnant Gardens. Bodnant Gardens is one of the lesser-known North Wales attractions. Records show that Bonet was established in the early 1700s during the reign of James the 1st.
Small gardens have been established since this time but in the late 1870’s the gardens we see today started to take shape.
The garden starts gently slopping downhill and then dramatically falls into a gully with a stream and a waterfall. The garden is 32 hectares (80 acres) and is filled with manicured lawns and grand, flower-filled terraces.
Paths allow you to explore the garden area and into a forest with ancient trees and a bustling brook running through it. You can sit, enjoy a coffee and cake by the stream, and admire the beautifully built terraces. Visit Bodnant Garden today and be amazed.
| Tickets | Price |
| Adult | £8.00 |
| Child | £4.00 |
| Family | £20.00 |
| 1 adult family | £12.00 |
Bodnant Gardens opening times:
10 am – 3.00 pm daily
Valle Crucis Abbey
In the hills of North Wales lies the ruins of this ancient Abbey. Built in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the white monks of the Cistercian order. The journey through the windy hills of North Wales is certainly an adventure in itself when getting to the abbey.
Today, you will find some amazing, picturesque ruins waiting to be explored. Valle Crucis was the second richest abbey in Wales when it was dissolved by Henry VIII. Today, the site contains the ruins of the Abbey, a chapter house and the only surviving monastic fishpond in Wales.
Make sure you have your camera ready, this amazing site has inspired paintings and poems over the years.
Adventure Park Snowdonia
If you’re looking for an action-packed day out in North Wales then Adventure Parc Snowdonia is the only destination you need. The park has both indoor and outdoor adrenaline-fuelled activities.
The park has the only guaranteed surf break in the UK thanks to its inland surf lagoon. Outdoor zip lines fly you from one side of the location to the other across the surf lagoon, you can even fly in tandem with your friends.
The indoor takes you underground one of the longest man-made caving courses in the world. This will have you climbing walls, jumping into the darkness, experiencing the most extreme slides, a netted aerial assault course, and a ninja parkour floor trail.
This should be enough to keep any adrenaline junky happy. For smaller kids, there is a separate soft play bounce zone for younger visitors, something to keep the whole family busy on the wales holiday.
Places to grab a bite to eat in North Wales
Below we have listed a few places to grab a bite to eat in North Wales. These places will not break the bank, but you will get a good feed. Everything from burgers to fish n chips and curries.
- The Picture House in Colwyn Bay
- The Neptune Beaumaris
How to get to North Wales
- The nearest International airports are located in Manchester and Liverpool
- You can pick up a rental car at Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport
- From London take the M6 motorway then the M56 towards Chester
- By Train, the North Wales Main Line is the railway line from Crewe to Holyhead.
North Wales Accommodation – Where to stay
You will find all types of accommodation in North Wales. You will find something to suit singles, couples and families. Caravan holidays in North Wales are popular with families. There is plenty of caravan parks on the coast, apartments and hotels everywhere to stay in
Booking.comWe hope this inspires you to visit this amazing part of Great Britain. I am sure you can find some amazing places to visit and plenty of North Wales activities to do.
We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit North Wales in the United Kingdom. There are so many things to do in North Wales that will have you entertained and inspired on your vacation.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in North Wales click through to our Wales Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.
I would totally love to visit the castles! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve only been to South Wales a couple of times. I’ve heard North Wales is even more beautiful. Can’t wait to get to Snowdonia – these castles look very cool too.
Wow! The view from Ty Coch Inn is gorgeous… never would’ve put a Top 3 beach bar in North Wales!
The landscapes, the castles – it looks stunning. I really need to spend more time exploring these parts of the world. What would you reckon is the best time to go?
I’ve never properly visited North Wales. We drove through it recently and we had a glimpse of the wonderful scenery, but didn’t have the chance to stop: I hope we can go again soon (and to get the great weather you had!)
I was in Cardiff recently which has inspired me to visit Wales more, it’s a lovely place! I’m planning a trip to the Gower peninsula and the Brecon Beacons but this is making me want to venture further north! Have you been to the village with the really long name?
What an awesome mix of activities you’ve laid out here. Great job! The landscapes there are incredible. Not at all what I expected!
I have not seen Wales but its on my list. Castle of course is stunning. Would love to visit soon.
I was planning to do a trip to Wales by the end of May, but probably going to the South first. However, after reading your article I think I should take a second trip and explore the North as well!
Great suggestions of things to do. I really must get myself back to Wales soon. Will keep these activities in mind for when I finally head to North Wales 🙂
Llanberis Pass and Snowdonia National Park would be gorgeous to see and I’d love to visit those castles! I’m a total history buff and my imagination tends to run wild when I’m surrounded by the medieval walls of a castle and its walled defenses!
I think the whole UK looks so inviting. Those castles look very inviting. Wouldn’t it be great to spend a night there!
North Wales sounds like my kind of place, Mark, with its rugged, scenic, historical locations . . . and did I hear you say waterfalls? I would love to road trip the coastal towns and Llanberis Pass, and don’t even get me started on the potential to visit UNESCO World Heritage castles. Okay, I’m packing my bags now!
My favorite on the list was the Llanberis Pass. All looks amazing, but the pass looks like a photo opp dream!
Gorgeous pics and I love all of the family travel tips! I love North Wales, the castles are my fave! Keep up the amazing work!
We were just in Wales a few months ago for Christmas. Would have loved to visit all these sites but the weather was being unforgivable! Rain almost daily-we did however get a few nice days by the Gower.
I’m hoping to take a trip to North Wales at the end of May (over the late May bank holiday if it’s not too late!). As usual, haven’t done much research, so thanks for kickstarting the planning!
I am so guilty of not appreciating my home country – and posts like these just remind me of my failings! I lived about an hour from North Wales back in the UK and never visited – and it really looks like I missed out! The view from The Great Orme is simple stunning and waking up to the view from Ty Coch Inn would be incredible!
Thanks for sharing – I remember the Wales offshore wind farms were impressive, too! Hundreds of windmills stood on the ocean, miles away from the shoreline… It was a special view @ knycx.wordpress.com
Thanks for sharing – I remember the Wales offshore wind farms were impressive, too! Hundreds of windmills stood on the ocean, miles away from the shoreline… It was a special view
Despite holding a British passport I haven’t visited North Wales at all. Those castles do look fabulous! I’ll just have to make an effort to get there
Loved the Llanberis Pass photo – she’s so adorable. I’ve been thinking about visiting Wales this summer, this post really put northern Wales in the spotlight.
I lived in North Wales until I was 18 and my family all still live there… highlights for me are the Sychnant pass between Conwy and Penmaenmawr and Aber Falls between Llanfairfechan and Bangor. Both great areas to walk.
I was actually born in Bangor but haven’t been to Wales since I was very young. It’s nice to read about some of the highlights and hopefully in the next year or so I’ll make it there and see some of these places myself. Thanks for sharing and your suggestions.