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This post showcases some of the very best places to visit in the north of Wales – from Snowdonia to Anglesea, and everywhere in between.
Known for its dramatic mountainscapes, rugged coastal landscapes, idyllic beaches, and epic hiking trails, North Wales is a stunning region with something to entice every kind of traveller.
Seek adventure amidst the wild landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, explore quaint villages, beach-hop along the coast, soak up the views from a vintage train ride, or wander through history at castles that look like they were plucked straight from a fairytale!
There’s so much to see and do that it’s hard to know where to start. Hopefully, this guide will give you a few ideas! I asked locals and top travel bloggers for their must-visit spots in North Wales. Although this list is by no means extensive, it certainly covers the top spots to get you started. Enjoy…
19 Best Places to Visit in North Wales
In a hurry? There’s a map and a short version of this list at the bottom of the page – but you’ll find photos and much more inspiration in this section.
READ MORE: A Wild Wellness Retreat in North Wales
Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
Recommended by: Laurence, Travel Photography Course
The Snowdonia National Park is the largest national park in Wales, and one that I’m very familiar with as my grandparents lived here. Whilst many people are familiar with the park for its titular mountain, there’s a great deal more to see and do here.
Obviously, hiking and hill walking are some of the most popular activities. There are many routes to choose from, but one of my favourites is the hike up Cader Idris. This is a fairly easy day hike that departs from near the cute town of Dolgellau at the head of the Mawddach River estuary.
If you’re not a hiker, fear not. From cute seaside towns to impressive castles to copper and slate mine tours to steam-driven rail tours, there is something to do in Snowdonia for everyone!
Mount Snowdon, North Wales
Recommended by: Sophie and Adam, We Dream of Travel
Mount Snowdon is located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, it stands at 3,560ft (1,085m) and is the highest mountain in Wales and England.
Reaching the peak of Mt Snowdon is one of the best things to do in Snowdonia. Hiking is perhaps the most rewarding way of reaching the peak (for those who are able). There are a number of tracks of varying difficulty, and all provide breathtaking views. The Llanberis trail is considered the easiest route. Whichever you choose, expect to be hiking for 5-7 hours.
For a quicker and easier alternative, from April to October you can travel 3/4 of the way on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. You’ll still need to walk for about another hour to reach the summit – or you can simply admire the scenery from the train if you prefer!
READ MORE: Best Things to do in Llanberis
Llandudno, Conwy
Recommended by: Travel Dave
A trip to North Wales wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the delightful and charming coastal town of Llandudno.
Walk along the North Shore Beach and the 19th-century Llandudno Pier. But make sure you protect your fish and chips from the local seagulls who love a chip or two!
From town, take the tramway constructed in 1902 to the top of the Great Orme for some incredible views of the coastline. Keep your eyes open for some local celebrities: the world-famous Kashmiri goats that live on top of the Great Orme are often roaming about.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Recommended by: Monica Stott, The Travel Hack
Portmeirion is a magical Welsh village, famed for its eclectic, colourful architecture and romantic atmosphere. This Italianate-style coastal village in North Wales is regarded as one of the best places to visit in the country.
It’s as if someone selected the best parts of various styles and blended them all into this enchanting village. You’ll find Italian-style houses, British seaside pastel colors, art-deco designs, Christian monuments alongside golden Buddhas, and palm trees next to ferns.
This stunning town is so exclusive that it requires a day ticket to visit (£12 per adult when booked in advance). But it’s worth the fee to experience one of the prettiest towns in North Wales.
Porthmadog’s Heritage Railways, Gwynedd
The picturesque seaside town of Porthmadog is a must-visit, with its pretty harbour and rich history. It’s also the historic centre of two of North Wales’ stunning heritage railways, so the town makes a great base for exploring the area.
Almost 200 years old, The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, connecting Porthmadog Harbour with the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Then there’s the Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage railway, running 25 miles between Caernarfon and Porthmadog. Along the way, the railway passes through some of Snowdonia’s most spectacular scenery.
Llanwddyn & Lake Vyrnwy Reservoir, Powys
Llanwddyn has a pretty fascinating history. The original town was completely submerged when the Lake Vyrnwy Reservoir was created in the 1880s. Llanwddyn was rebuilt on the shores of the lake, but the remains of the original village still stand at the bottom of the lake!
Near the shore, a pretty tower rises out of the water. It looks like part of a half-submerged fairy tale castle, but it’s actually the straining tower, where the water leaves the reservoir and enters a 70-mile-long pipeline to Liverpool.
Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
Recommended by: Nathan, All About Glamping
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is a 200km long-distance route that winds along the island’s coastline. Most visitors tend to walk a section at a time, but those who complete the entire path are awarded a badge of completion.
There are approximately 20 towns and villages along the coastal walk with the official starting point at Holyhead. The region is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to an array of dunes, cliffs, farmland, marshes and woodlands.
Top Tip: The route is marked by blue tern waymarkers. Plan your trip from March to September as some sections close in the Winter. It takes about 8-15 days to complete the entire walk – and you can book B&Bs or glamping spots along the way.
Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
Recommended by: Victoria, Guide Your Travel
Located at the estuary of the River Seiont, Caernarfon Castle was constructed in the 13th century and is one of the most significant medieval buildings in the world. It took nearly 50 years to complete and construction cost more than 90% of the country’s annual income!
Today, tourists can visit this incredible landmark and explore its impressive interior for a £9 entry fee. You can still see much of the castle’s original construction and get a glimpse of what life here used to look like. This is one of Wales’ most famous landmarks – so don’t miss it.
READ MORE: Top things to do in Caernarfon
Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
Recommended by: Dylan, Shoot From the Trip
A mountain village surrounded by pine forests, Betws-y-Coed is the gateway to Snowdonia from the north. A haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the village is a lively hub of activity – and makes a great base for visitors to the national park.
There are riverside walks and nearby beauty spots like Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in North Wales. For outdoor adventurers, attractions such as Zip World Fforest and Go Below are on the doorstep.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
Recommended by: Kathryn, Wandering Bird
Don’t miss the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct when you visit North Wales! This impressive aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the large valley and can be seen from miles around. It was built around 1800 and is now a World Heritage Site.
There are two ways to experience the aqueduct. You can walk there from the carpark (which has a small museum nearby about how the aqueduct was built). But it’s far more exciting to cross the aqueduct by water: either by hiring a canal barge or paddling across in a kayak. Either way, expect exceptional views across the valley and surrounding countryside!
Top Tip: There is plenty of parking near the aqueduct. There’s space for larger vehicles, so you can still visit even if you’re on a motorhome holiday.
Trearddur Bay, Anglesey
Trearddur Bay and its beach are both absolutely stunning. The beach here is vast, with over 2 miles of soft sand and crystal-clear waters in the bay.
It’s an ideal place for swimming, surfing, or just chilling out on a nice day. There’s a caravan park, parking, and a cafe close by – and it’s all barely 20 minutes from the airport.
Trearddur also hosts the oldest working lighthouse in the UK: South Stack Lighthouse. Don’t miss the view of the bay from the old house of Craig Y More.
Amlwch, Anglesey
Recommended by: Alex, Career Gappers
In Amlwch, nestled on the peaceful north coast of Anglesey, you can discover the island’s industrial history while enjoying its charming seaside scenery. This pretty town is close to some secluded coastal spots: Lligwy Beach, a ten-minute drive away, is a particular beauty.
In the 18th century, Amlwch was a thriving mining town and an important port, standing on the doorstep of Parys Mountain, which was the world’s largest copper mine at the time. You can visit the site today and wander its colourful pathways. The Copper Kingdom Centre tells the story of the local mining history dating back to the Bronze Age, featuring a reconstruction of an underground mine.
Amlwych is, in fact, the northernmost town in Wales. With its peculiar harbour, quaint cottages and three old windmills it’s perfect for a quiet getaway on the coast.
Talacre, Flintshire
Recommended by: Jenni, Monopoly Land
Talacre is a village in Flintshire on the North Wales Coast. The main reason to visit Talacre is the beautiful sandy beach, backed by grassy sand dunes. It’s absolutely huge, with plenty of space for kids to play. It’s also dog-friendly all year round.
The main focal point of Talacre Beach is the lighthouse which dates back to 1776. You can walk to it when the tide is out, but take care not to get cut off when the sea comes in!
In this seaside village, you’ll find a few nice cafes and pubs that serve food, some tourist shops and a couple of arcades. The village is popular with holidaymakers staying in the nearby caravan parks. But it still remains something of a hidden gem and is well worth a visit.
Conwy, Conwy
Recommended by: Shobha, Just Go Places
The small town of Conwy is not only dominated by the enormous shadow of its UNESCO Heritage castle, but also encircled by medieval city walls that reach out from the castle. There is plenty to do in Conwy other than visit Conwy Castle and walk the city walls.
Conwy is full of historical houses, including the smallest house in the UK (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). Open for tourism, this small house is only 6 feet wide but has a prime location on Conwy Harbor.
There is also a small Mussels Museum because the area is renowned for pearl fishing. You can also visit the Conwy Suspension Bridge and Tollhouse, one of the first suspension bridges in the world.
Beddgelert, Gwynedd
Beddgelert is known as one of the loveliest villages in Snowdonia. This picturesque stone-built village, nestled amongst mountains and forests, is ideally positioned for exploring the National Park. It’s also a place of incredible legend and history.
According to local tradition, this pretty village in North Wales is the final resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of the medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great. His tombstone on the banks of the Glaslyn River is one of Beddgelert’s most famous attractions. The story may have more myth than truth to it, but it’s a good story nonetheless.
Menai Strait, Anglesey
Recommended by: Katharina, Beautifully Travelled
The Menai Strait is a 25km narrow stretch of tidal water separating Anglesey from the mainland. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day immersed in nature: there’s so much wildlife to spot, including seals, sea lions, and birds like egrets, oystercatchers, curlews, and redshanks.
The most fun and adventurous way to explore the Menai Strait is, without a doubt, on a rib ride. But be warned; this isn’t for the faint-hearted!
There’s also plenty of history in the area. The Menai Suspension Bridge is a highlight: opened in 1826, it was the first of its kind in the world. Another must-see is Plas Newydd House, a stunning country house dating dating from the 18th century and surrounded by picturesque gardens and parkland.
Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
Recommended by: Larch, The Silver Nomad
When it was first built in 1283, the sea came up to the foot of the rocks below Harlech Castle. With a background of the hills of Snowdonia, Harlech Castle still stands on a rocky crag looking out towards Ceredigion Bay, but the sea has now receded.
One of four royal castles built by Edward the First, and a UNESCO Heritage Site, Harlech Castle makes an interesting day out. Cross over the floating footbridge into the castle to explore the double-walled interior. Climb up to the ramparts for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Gwynedd
Down in the southern half of Snowdonia National Park, the Coed y Brenin Forest Park is known for its world-famous mountain biking trails. In fact, the park was Britain’s first purpose-built mountain biking centre.
There are eight trails ranging from easy to expert level (all starting from the visitor centre). It’s not all about bikes, though: there are many walking and running trails in the forest, as well as orienteering courses and geocaching trails.
Llyn Peninsula, Caernarvonshire
Known as “Snowdon’s Arm”, the Llyn Peninsula is a 30-mile stretch of land curling into the Irish Sea from North West Wales. It’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and brilliant watersports.
Expect pretty seaside towns like Abersoch, Porthdinllaen, and Pwllheli. Spot wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Or get out in search of adventure: hiking, biking, watersports, and camping are all prolific here.
READ MORE: Best Beaches on the Llyn Peninsula
Map and Shortlist
- Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
- Mount Snowdon, North Wales
- Llandudno, Conwy
- Portmeirion, Gwynedd
- Porthmadog’s Heritage Railways, Gwynedd
- Llanwddyn & Lake Vyrnwy Reservoir, Powys
- Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
- Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
- Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
- Trearddur Bay, Anglesey
- Amlwch, Anglesey
- Talacre, Flintshire
- Conwy, Conwy
- Beddgelert, Gwynedd
- Menai Strait, Anglesey
- Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
- Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Gwynedd
- Llyn Peninsula, Caernarvonshire
Are there any more places to visit in North Wales that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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Dear Sir/Madam,
I am putting together a project for Penderyn Welsh Whiskey, which is about the beauty and purity and the uniqueness
of Wales, and I want to kindly ask if I can include the image of The Snowdonia National Park at the head of your page.
I realise that, rightly so, this image may be subject to copyright. Would it be possible to send me a high res image or perhaps give me the contact details of the owner of the image.
I/we really do appreciate your help in this project.
Warmest regards..
Hi Andy – thanks for commenting. I’m afraid I don’t own the rights to that image so I can’t give you permission to use it. It’s a stock image which I bought from Adobe Stock. If you need stock photos on a regular basis I can recommend a subscription with them, I use mine frequently. Hope that helps :)
Beautiful places and very useful information for visitors especially for first timer traveller n love nature. Perhaps more info on good time to visits n accommodation.
Thanks for the feedback! I’ll try to add some more practical info into future posts :)