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.
Photo by: Jim Marsden/ Halen Môn
Location: Brynsiencyn, Wales

Seasoned traveller
Anglesey is world-renowned for its sea salt, produced by Halen Môn – indeed, its famous fans include former US President Barack Obama. Find out how this special seasoning makes it to plates on a behind-the-scenes tour of Halen Môn’s headquarters, including a guided salt tasting. Hungry for more? Take a seaweed soak in an upcycled whisky barrel overlooking the Menai Strait to soothe tired muscles after a day of exploring.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Location: Wales

On the right track
Train buffs, you’re in luck: north Wales is laced with heritage railways. Whether it’s a lakeside ride in the shadow of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) on the Llanberis Lake Railway, or a journey through Welsh history on the Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railways, you’re guaranteed a grand day out. Watch the countryside pass by from your comfortable vintage carriage – or will you take the reins on a driver experience day on the Welsh Highland Railway?
Photo by: VisitBritain/Carlyn Rose
Location: Trevor, Wales

Head for heights
Fancy a canoe trip with a difference? Then head to the world’s highest aqueduct. Even beginners can enjoy this paddle across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which stands proudly over the Dee Valley in north-east Wales. At 38.4m (126ft) high, you’ll feel on top of the world as you take in the jaw-dropping views.
Photo by: Cat Birch
Location: Portmeirion, Wales

Explore Wales’ Italian side
Portmeirion is an architect’s vision of the Italian Riviera brought to life. Seventy acres of woodland surround colourful buildings, a central piazza, shops, cafes and Hotel Portmeirion.
Photo by: Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales
Location: Bethesda, Wales

Bird’s-eye view
Dare you brave the world’s fastest zipwire, Velocity at Zip World? Soar for 1.5km, speeding over Penrhyn Quarry lake and taking in epic views of Snowdonia (Eryri) at a mere 100mph.
Things to do in north Wales
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Featured things to do
Photo by: National Trust Images/Paul Harris
Location: Tal-y-Cafn, Wales

Blooming marvellous
Make a beeline to Bodnant Garden as it springs into life this season. A must-do is a stroll beneath its world-famous Laburnum Arch – catch it in all its golden glory from late-May.
See Bodnant Garden’s beautiful blooms (opens in a new tab)Photo by: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Location: Llangollen, Wales

Sound of music
Join thousands of singers and dancers from around the world in Llangollen in July for one of the highlights of the festival season in Wales. The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is part-competition, part-festival, with a glittering array of concerts and dance performances to enjoy.
Make a song and dance at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (opens in a new tab)Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales
Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Troglodytic trampolining
Deep inside the belly of some slate caverns is the vast underground chamber at Bounce Below. Six super trampolines are connected with slides and ladders.
Learn more about Bounce Below in Wales (opens in a new tab)Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales
Location: Conwy, Wales

Conwy Castle
One of Wales’ spectacular medieval fortresses and a World Heritage Site. Explore its towers, iconic spiral staircase and unlock over 700 years of history.
Learn more about Conwy Castle (opens in a new tab)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
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, which takes around two-and-a-half hours.
Getting around
By bus
Fflecsi Bus operate across north Wales and can be booked via the app.
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, and there are plenty of north Wales walking itineraries to choose from. 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.
Conwy, a walled market town in Wales, is located in the north-west of the country on the bank of the River Conwy. The medieval Conwy Castle enables visitors to learn about Conwy’s history as well as offering spectacular views over the town. Together with the town’s surrounding walls, it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built as a defensive system alongside the castle in the 13th century.
Conwy Castle was built more than 740 years ago between the years 1283 and 1287. The castle has a strikingly unique appearance, with eight grand towers, so be sure to stop by and snap a photo if you visit.
Anglesey is an island in north-west Wales. Known for its gorgeous coastline and sandy beaches, it’s a beautiful place to relax and unwind. Popular with nature lovers, April to August is a key time to spot puffins as they gather on the island. Those who admire engineering can also enjoy the Menai Suspension Bridge, the first modern suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1826!
Llandudno is located on the north coast of Wales, along the Irish Sea. It’s largely known for its beautiful seaside views and history dating back to the Bronze Age. A key sight for visitors is Llandudno Pier which boasts Edwardian elegance, while the Great Orme Tramway provides a route to the summit of the Great Orme, which overlooks the town.






































