North Wales
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 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.
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.
Fly above
Dare you brave the world’s fastest zipwire? Soar 1.5 km speeding over the Penrhyn Quarry lake and take in epic views of Snowdonia at a mere 100mph.
Things to do in North Wales
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Featured things to do
Glide over north Wales
Take to the skies and fly over North Wales in a glider. See the ground below shrink and the big skies open before you.
Learn more about gliding over North Wales
Paddleboarding in Anglesey
Paddleboard under the dark velvet skies around Anglesey, in one of the few dark skies spots and find your spiritual side.
Learn more about paddleboarding in Anglesey
Troglodytic Trampolining
Deep inside the belly of some slate caverns is the vast underground chamber at Bounce Below. Three trampolines, one spaced above the other, connected with slides and ladders.
Learn more about Bounce Below in 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 CastlePlaces 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, and pubs and restaurants .
Anglesey
This island offers everything from a on-cliff camping experience through to stays at country houses with spas or even a chateau. Take in its lighthouses, to its beaches and coastal paths, or look to food festivals and the chance to cross the Menai Suspension Bridge. Check out Beaumaris for its shops and cafes, pitch up a picnic at Penmon or enjoy a B&B in Benlech Bay.
Llandudno
A dream-worthy place to stay. Running along the fringes of the Creuddyn Penisula, this Victorian seaside destination is bursting with historic tales, outstanding nature and Wales’ longest pier. Check out Great Orme, the area’s mini-mountain and journey 207 metres high to the summit 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 (121 km) 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.
Getting around
By bus
Fflecsi Bus operate across North Wales and can be booked by app. Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service is a circular route and runs every Saturday until 30 October, 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 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 Welsh coastal path.
Want to know more?
Check out Visit Wales for top insider tips and travel inspiration.