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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 (201km) 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.

Things to do in north Wales

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Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

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

Explore Conwy Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

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

Ride the Welsh Highland Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: North Wales

Woman looking out of window of traditional railway train
Welsh Highland Railway

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

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales

A little slice of the Amalfi Coast in north Wales, this quirky resort looks just like a colourful Italian village.

Discover Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion

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

Visit South Stack Lighthouse

Photo by: Visit Wales

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

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

Visit Bardsey Island

Photo by: VisitWales

A seal in the water off the coast of Bardsey Island, found in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Bardsey Island

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

Go aqueduct canoeing in Llangollen

Photo by: Bearded Men Adventures

A group paddling kayaks across a viaduct with scenic views of Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Aqueduct canoeing in Llangollen

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

Tour Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles

Photo by: rickmatthewsuk

A group of people posing by the water near Beaumaris Castle in Wales
Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles

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

Visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Photo by: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

A group of performers on stage as part of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

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

Buy tickets for Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Location: North Wales

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World

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

Tour Mostyn Gallery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Mostyn Gallery

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

Visit Llandudno Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Llandudno Museum

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

Plan your trip to Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion: The Prisoner

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

Get to know Gwrych Castle

Photo by: ITV / Lifted Entertainment

Location: North Wales

Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity
Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity

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

More about North Wales Pride

Location: North Wales

SVW-C21-1617-0045
North Wales Pride

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

Explore the Great Orme Tramway

Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council

Location: North Wales

Great Orme Tramway
Great Orme Tramway

FOCUS Wales

8th - 10th May 2025

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

What’s on at FOCUS Wales

Photo by: Tim Rooney / FOCUS Wales

Location: North Wales

FOCUS Wales
FOCUS Wales

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

More about Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

Photo by: Jim Marsden/ Halen Môn

Location: North Wales

Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company
Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

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

Stay at Bryn Elltyd Eco Self Catering

Photo by: Keith Freeburn

Location: North Wales

Velocity, Zip World, Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda
Bryn Elltyd Eco Self Catering

Maybe you’ll hike or cycle on the beautiful waterside trails, or hire a boat from Bala Watersports Centre?

Explore Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

Photo by: VisitWales

A pier jetting out into a lake in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park with boats passing in the distance
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

A fun way to try white water rafting, whether you’re dipping in for the first time or are a seasoned rafter.

Visit the National White Water Rafting Centre

Photo by: Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid
National White Water Rafting Centre

Award-winning wine in a unique environment, take a journey through the vineyard from pruning to harvest and everything in between.

Discover the flavours of Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard

Photo by: thejackdawconwy

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Discover Blas ar Fwyd

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Blas ar Fwyd

This historic farmhouse in the Conwy Valley is renowned for its fine food and drink.

More about Bodnant Welsh Food

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Bodnant Welsh Food

This spa’s treatment menu is long and luxurious, featuring massages, facials, scrubs and signature rituals.

Relax at Wave Garden Spa

Photo by: Wave Garden Spa

A couple in a pool as part of a spa treatment at Wave Garden Spa
Wave Garden Spa

Set over hundreds of acres of north Wales countryside, with stunning gardens and a 3,000-year-old mummy.

Discover the home and gardens of Bodrhyddan Hall

Photo by: available_weddingvenue

Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire
Bodrhyddan Hall, north Wales

Set against the backdrop of north Wales’ Carneddau mountains, these pioneering Victorian gardens were home to many of Britain’s horticultural firsts.

Visit Bodnant Garden

Photo by: partycjaandjack

Pink Flowers in Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Garden

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

Explore Conwy Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

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

Ride the Welsh Highland Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: North Wales

Woman looking out of window of traditional railway train
Welsh Highland Railway

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

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales

A little slice of the Amalfi Coast in north Wales, this quirky resort looks just like a colourful Italian village.

Discover Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion

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

Visit South Stack Lighthouse

Photo by: Visit Wales

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

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

Visit Bardsey Island

Photo by: VisitWales

A seal in the water off the coast of Bardsey Island, found in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Bardsey Island

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

Go aqueduct canoeing in Llangollen

Photo by: Bearded Men Adventures

A group paddling kayaks across a viaduct with scenic views of Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Aqueduct canoeing in Llangollen

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

Tour Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles

Photo by: rickmatthewsuk

A group of people posing by the water near Beaumaris Castle in Wales
Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech Castles

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

Visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Photo by: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

A group of performers on stage as part of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

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

Buy tickets for Zip World

Photo by: @zip_world

Location: North Wales

Zip World, zip lining at Penrhyn Slate Quarry
Zip World

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

Tour Mostyn Gallery

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Mostyn Gallery

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

Visit Llandudno Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Llandudno Museum

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

Plan your trip to Portmeirion

Photo by: cat_birch

Location: North Wales

Explore Wales' Italian side
Portmeirion: The Prisoner

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

Get to know Gwrych Castle

Photo by: ITV / Lifted Entertainment

Location: North Wales

Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity
Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity

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

More about North Wales Pride

Location: North Wales

SVW-C21-1617-0045
North Wales Pride

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

Explore the Great Orme Tramway

Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council

Location: North Wales

Great Orme Tramway
Great Orme Tramway

FOCUS Wales

8th - 10th May 2025

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

What’s on at FOCUS Wales

Photo by: Tim Rooney / FOCUS Wales

Location: North Wales

FOCUS Wales
FOCUS Wales

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

More about Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

Photo by: Jim Marsden/ Halen Môn

Location: North Wales

Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company
Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

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

Stay at Bryn Elltyd Eco Self Catering

Photo by: Keith Freeburn

Location: North Wales

Velocity, Zip World, Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda
Bryn Elltyd Eco Self Catering

Maybe you’ll hike or cycle on the beautiful waterside trails, or hire a boat from Bala Watersports Centre?

Explore Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

Photo by: VisitWales

A pier jetting out into a lake in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park with boats passing in the distance
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

A fun way to try white water rafting, whether you’re dipping in for the first time or are a seasoned rafter.

Visit the National White Water Rafting Centre

Photo by: Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid
National White Water Rafting Centre

Award-winning wine in a unique environment, take a journey through the vineyard from pruning to harvest and everything in between.

Discover the flavours of Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard

Photo by: thejackdawconwy

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard

Shop for speciality bites such as buttery Welsh cakes and bara brith, plus wines from nearby vineyards.

Discover Blas ar Fwyd

Photo by: Blas ar Fwyd Cyf

Members of a wine club toasting the camera at Blas ar Fwyd in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Blas ar Fwyd

This historic farmhouse in the Conwy Valley is renowned for its fine food and drink.

More about Bodnant Welsh Food

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Bodnant Welsh Food

This spa’s treatment menu is long and luxurious, featuring massages, facials, scrubs and signature rituals.

Relax at Wave Garden Spa

Photo by: Wave Garden Spa

A couple in a pool as part of a spa treatment at Wave Garden Spa
Wave Garden Spa

Set over hundreds of acres of north Wales countryside, with stunning gardens and a 3,000-year-old mummy.

Discover the home and gardens of Bodrhyddan Hall

Photo by: available_weddingvenue

Bodrhyddan Hall, Denbighshire
Bodrhyddan Hall, north Wales

Places to stay in north Wales

Conwy

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, pubs and restaurants.

Anglesey

This island offers everything from an on-cliff camping experience through to stays at country houses with spas or even a chateau. Take in its lighthouses, beaches and coastal paths, or look to food festivals to sample the region’s finest produce. Check out Beaumaris for its shops and cafes, pitch up with a picnic at Penmon or enjoy a bed and breakfast in Benllech Bay.

Llandudno

A dream-worthy place to stay. Running along the fringes of the Creuddyn Peninsula, this Victorian seaside destination is bursting with historic tales, outstanding nature and Wales’ longest pier. Check out the Great Orme, the area’s mini-mountain, and journey to the summit at 207 metres (679ft) 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.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Location: Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Full of adventure, from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys, Snowdonia's scenery is guaranteed to blow your mind.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Royce Mackin

Lighthouse on a prominent rocky outcrop
Llandudno, Wales

By tram, cable car or toboggan – how will you explore Llandudno?

Photo by: Hawlfraint y Goron / Visit Wales

A line of people at a station queuing for a blue tram.
Wrexham, Wales

Have a (foot)ball in Wrexham, a rising star on and off the pitch.

Photo by: Hawlfraint y Goron / Visit Wales

People visiting an outoor produce market near a historic building.

There's something for thrill-seekers, foodies and nature lovers alike on this five day itinerary of north Wales.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Abersoch, Wales

Young man and woman unloading surfboards from camper van

Getting to north Wales

The closest international airport to north Wales is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, around 75 miles (121km) 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. There is also a direct train service from Manchester Airport to Llandudno, travelling along the north Wales coast.

Getting around

By bus

Fflecsi Bus operate across north Wales and can be booked via the app. Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service is a circular route and runs every Saturday in the summer season. 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.

By train

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 (Eryri) to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

By foot

A lot of north Wales is calling out to walkers, amblers and hikers. Check out the north Wales section of the Wales Coast Path.

Want to know more?

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