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5 days in north Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Gwynedd, Wales

Woman leaning out of window of steam train

Introduction

Whether you’re a surfer, hiker, cyclist or wild swimmer, north Wales is all about getting outside. There are hair-raising thrills to be found in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, picturesque beaches lining the Welsh coastline, and no end of unique gems to discover in between. Wave ‘bore da’ (good morning) to friendly locals in charming villages like traditional Beddgelert and colourful Portmeirion, and encounter seals and puffins on peaceful Bardsey Island. Taste Welsh cuisine such as rarebit and laverbread, or visit the region’s gin distilleries and craft breweries.

Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in north Wales:

Days 1-3 - north Wales

Days 1-3 - north Wales

With so many places to visit in north Wales, it’s best to spend a few days exploring the region. Covered in castles and surrounded by pristine coastline, you might be surprised by what you discover here – was visiting an Italian Riviera-style village, or an island with a seal colony on your Wales bingo card? Not to mention an innovative sea salt producer, picturesque railways and Michelin-starred Welsh cuisine. Well, what are you waiting for?

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Abersoch, Wales

Young man and woman unloading surfboards from camper van

Things to do in north west 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

Walkers, wakeboarders and wildlife lovers will love the unspoilt beauty of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula

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

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

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

Get to know Dyfi Distillery

Photo by: Dyfi Distillery

Location: North Wales

Dyfi Distillery
Dyfi Distillery

Grab your snorkel and hit the waters of Abersoch Bay.

Head into the waters of Abersoch Beach

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Abersoch, Wales

Young man and woman, carrying surfboards on the beach
Abersoch Beach

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

Walkers, wakeboarders and wildlife lovers will love the unspoilt beauty of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

Photo by: Crown Copyright

Location: North Wales

Aerial view of the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Llŷn Peninsula

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

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

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

Get to know Dyfi Distillery

Photo by: Dyfi Distillery

Location: North Wales

Dyfi Distillery
Dyfi Distillery

Grab your snorkel and hit the waters of Abersoch Bay.

Head into the waters of Abersoch Beach

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Abersoch, Wales

Young man and woman, carrying surfboards on the beach
Abersoch Beach

Things to do on the north Wales coast and Anglesey

Things to do on the north Wales coast and Anglesey

Tal-y-Cafn, Wales

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

Photo by: Visit Wales

NVW-C38-1617-0010
Conwy, Wales

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/David Angel

Location: North Wales

A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Anglesey, Wales

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

Photo by: Visit Wales

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

Things to do in north east Wales

Llangollen, Wales 8th - 13th July 2025

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

Photo by: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

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

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

Photo by: ITV / Lifted Entertainment

Location: North Wales

Gwrych Castle: I'm a Celebrity
Llangollen, Wales

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

Photo by: Bearded Men Adventures

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

Getting to north Wales

If north Wales is your first destination in Britain, then it’s best to arrive to Manchester Airport. This huge travel hub welcomes arrivals from all over the globe. From here, there is a direct train to Llandudno, which takes around two and a half hours. You can also reach several other destinations in north Wales by train (transferring in Chester) or coach (transferring in Liverpool).

If travelling to north Wales from London, Avanti West Coast operates trains from London Euston to Holyhead in Anglesey, taking around four hours. It stops at many north Wales destinations en route, including Bangor, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.

While you're here...

Llandudno, Wales

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Location: North Wales

Pier built out into the sea in grand Edwardian style at dusk
Machynlleth, Wales

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

Photo by: Matador Network/Enrique Alex

Location: Machynlleth, Wales

A woman speaking to a man around a fire, outside of a tipi.
Anglesey, Wales

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

Photo by: Jim Marsden/ Halen Môn

Location: North Wales

Halen Môn - Anglesey Sea Salt Company

Explore more

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Royce Mackin

Lighthouse on a prominent rocky outcrop

Britain’s landscapes are as dramatic as they are diverse.

Photo by: VisitScotland

Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs

Looming peaks over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors – adventure awaits in Wales.

Photo by: Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

Days 4-5 - Snowdonia

Days 4-5 - Snowdonia (Eryri)

There are so many things to do in Snowdonia for adventurous travellers. You can ride the fastest zipline in the world, bounce around an underground trampoline park, or climb the mighty mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) itself. For nature lovers there are mystical waterfalls and breathtaking coastal views, and even the chance to join a yoga retreat at the base of Wales’ biggest mountain. Choose your own adventure in Snowdonia, with spectacular scenery guaranteed.

Photo by: James O'Neil/Photodisc/Getty Images

Location: Snowdonia, Wales

Two females hiking together up a large mountain range, with a lake below

Things to do in Snowdonia (Eryri)

Conquer a challenging hike up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales’ highest mountain, and check out rare species such as lili'r Wyddfa (the Snowdon lily).

Discover more about Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Two For Joy Photography Ltd

Woman and dog on a paddle-board on lake near mountains
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

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

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Photo by: Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales

People in helmets and red jumpsuits at netting trampolines
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

The waterfalls and woodlands of this ancient glacier valley are yours to explore, surrounded by Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) peaks.

Discover the Ogwen Valley

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Location: Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, Wales

Male hiker admiring view from a pinnacle rock formation
Ogwen Valley

Beside the thundering River Llugwy, this is a beautiful spot for picnics, walks and photography.

Visit Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Photo by: VisitWales

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

This is a quintessential Snowdonia (Eryri) village, with easy access to some of the region’s top activities and attractions.

More about Beddgelert

Photo by: VisitWales

An idyllic river running through a small village in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Beddgelert

Conquer a challenging hike up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales’ highest mountain, and check out rare species such as lili'r Wyddfa (the Snowdon lily).

Discover more about Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Photo by: VisitBritain/Two For Joy Photography Ltd

Woman and dog on a paddle-board on lake near mountains
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

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

A caving experience like no other! You can bounce, leap and jump through this extraordinary subterranean playground.

Explore Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

Photo by: Crown copyright (2017) Visit Wales

People in helmets and red jumpsuits at netting trampolines
Bounce Below, Zip World Slate Caverns

The waterfalls and woodlands of this ancient glacier valley are yours to explore, surrounded by Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) peaks.

Discover the Ogwen Valley

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Location: Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, Wales

Male hiker admiring view from a pinnacle rock formation
Ogwen Valley

Beside the thundering River Llugwy, this is a beautiful spot for picnics, walks and photography.

Visit Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

Photo by: VisitWales

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls)

This is a quintessential Snowdonia (Eryri) village, with easy access to some of the region’s top activities and attractions.

More about Beddgelert

Photo by: VisitWales

An idyllic river running through a small village in Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, Wales
Beddgelert

Getting to Snowdonia (Eryri)

To reach Snowdonia, you can take the train to Llandudno Junction. From here, the Conwy Valley line runs into and around the national park. There’s an extensive network of public transport in Snowdonia, meaning you can travel around sustainably.

While you're here...

Snowdonia, Wales

See north Wales’ wild seashore from a whole new perspective on this exhilarating coasteering trip.

Photo by: snowdonia-adventures.co.uk

A group of people jumping from low cliffs into the sea near Snowdonia/Eryri National Park
Snowdonia, Wales

Check Antur Stiniog’s mountain biking trails and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Photo by: Alex Sedgmond Photography / Visit Wales

Three people walking along a train platform.

Ready to discover north Wales?

Find out about passport requirements, what to expect at customs and immigration, as well as tips on travelling to Britain, getting around and some handy ways to save money while you’re here.

Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

From lush valleys to epic shorelines and charming towns, find north Wales packed with adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds

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