North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s obtained a little bit one thing for everybody. From stunning seashores, beautiful mountain peaks, quaint villages and a tremendous nationwide park. Best of all, so most of the greatest locations in North Wales to go to are dotted all throughout the area.
Now, for me, I at all times love visiting North Wales by automotive. It’s the right vacation spot for a highway journey within the UK, and the panorama truthfully lends itself to highway journey. Now, North Wales does have good rail hyperlinks from Holyhead and alongside the north shoreline, however the different traces are fairly sparse, with a prepare each few hours. For this motive, we’d advocate a automotive, however it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and simple, I’m sharing my prime locations you can’t miss while you’re right here. As a Welshman, I’m so pleased with our nation and I actually hope you like it too!
Have one of the best time in Wales.
1.)Llynnau Mymbr
Llynnau Mymbr (Google Maps pin) is definitely two lakes within the Snowdonia space of North Wales, and it’s completely stunning to go to. Just shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s simple to get to by automotive (alongside the A4086 highway).
Now, what I really like most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s tremendous simple to go to as you drive additional west by Snowdonia in the direction of Porthmadog. The entire area right here is beautiful.
Also, I’m undecided if you happen to’re considering of tenting or staying in motels throughout your journey to North Wales, however there’s additionally the Garth Farm Campsite that’s proper on the shores of Llynnau Mymbr (the lakes).
Read extra: Best locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri National Park is usually generally known as Snowdonia – or no less than that was once its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear if you happen to do name it Snowdonia, and locals comprehend it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and top-of-the-line locations in North Wales to go to if you happen to love the nice outside. It’s completely beautiful and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is effectively price spending a little bit of time in throughout your journey.
Once right here, it’s a must to make it to the highest of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). It’s the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales and is completely colossal. Now, there are a couple of methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility because of native climate.
If you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its technique to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Now, the hike itself is fairly gruelling (being about 10 miles or so in size). It’s not one if you happen to’re not used to mountaineering or longer intervals of train. Now, the hike will take round 6-8 hours, so plan accordingly and take sufficient water, snacks and waterproof layers to your hike.
If you need to make issues simpler, you’ll be able to then take the prepare again down (or up in order for you) and simply hike a method. The hike down is at all times simpler as you don’t have the steep ascents, which makes it much less strenuous however nonetheless as lengthy.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to guide tickets to succeed in the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Make certain to guide these upfront at peak instances as tickets can promote out quick.
Another nice mountaineering route is the Miners’ Track, which can take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and ideal for individuals who need a difficult hike.
Now, at all times take heed to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be a part of the route if you happen to’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the tip, and it may be robust, however the views round Yr Wyddfa are price it.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Tenby
3.) Portmeirion
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, the coastal Italian city of Portmeirion (Google Maps pin) is as charming as you’ll be able to count on. It’s unimaginable and top-of-the-line locations in North Wales to go to for an extended afternoon (and even an in a single day keep).
Now, there’s a small entry price to enter this beautiful little city, however it’s so price paying the payment to discover.
Once right here, you’ll really feel such as you’re really in Italy. It’s that quaint! Now, I received’t delve an excessive amount of into the historical past of the city, however it was constructed by Clough Williams-Ellis within the twentieth Century. What it lacks in age, it makes up for with allure!
As you wander round, you’ll see the Pantheon and the Round House, that are so quaint. Plus, you should buy some Portmeirion pottery, native gelato and seize a chew to eat on the little foodie spots too. Visits take round 3-4 hours, and it’s completely idyllic.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Aberystwyth
4.) Aberdyfi (Aberdovey)
Aberdyfi (or Anglicised as Aberdovey) is a picture-perfect city, on the banks of the Dyfi Estuary and overlooking Cardigan Bay. It’s an important little city to cease in as you drive the coastal highway from Machynlleth (the traditional capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
Once you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), make certain to park up on the public automotive park (with a small payment) and wander the city by foot. It’s solely small and also you’ll have walked the entire size of Aberdyfi in lower than quarter-hour.
Make certain to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent sandy seashore that you just don’t need to miss within the city. Oh, and I at all times love stopping off on the Dovey Inn for a chew to eat. Their home made pies are so tasty.
Read extra: Best hikes in Wales to go to
5.) Aberdaron
Right on the sting of the Llŷn Peninsula area of North Wales, Aberdaron is a superb place to cease as you drive round. Again, Aberdaron (Google Maps pin) is barely a small place, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for with quaintness.
Here, you’ve got a little bit espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small resort – however other than that, it’s very a lot small homes. The huge draw for Aberdaron is its beautiful sandy seashore. You see, Aberdaron is correct on the shoreline.
Also, a couple of 10-minute drive away is the small city of Abersoch. This is one other gem of a seaside to go to, with a couple of extra facilities, and the seashore is gorgeous. Both of those are nice to go to on a sunny day in Wales (which occurs greater than you assume, I promise)!
Read extra: Best hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
If you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make certain to take a little bit detour to Tal-y-llyn (Google Maps pin). Now, the factor I really like most about Tal-y-llyn is, in fact, the lake and the little city which you’ll cease off at for lunch.
Honestly, if you happen to love the Lake District in England, you’ll love Tal-y-llyn. It’s a lot much less crowded – only a few folks go to who aren’t from the native space, and it’s one thing of a ‘hidden’ gem. Well, I say that loosely, you’ll be able to’t actually disguise a lake!
Also, don’t overlook to guide your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little prepare that has heaps of allure and is effectively price hopping on for a trip by this beautiful space of North Wales.
Read extra: Best locations throughout Wales to go to
7.) Twr Mawr Lighthouse
Nestled on the western shoreline of the island of Anglesey, Twr Mawr Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is on the tiny island of Llanddwyn.
The island is beautiful, and it’s top-of-the-line locations in North Wales to go to if you happen to love exploring the nation’s shoreline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so at all times be cautious if you’re heading over from the close by seashore. I personally wouldn’t danger the stroll when you’ve got inclement climate.
Whilst right here, make certain to spend a while on Llanddwyn Beach (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Beach. Both are sandy, huge and completely unspoilt. Though, don’t count on any large-scale facilities, this space is as pure because it comes.
Read extra: Best locations within the Brecon Beacons to go to
8.) South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is without doubt one of the greatest locations in North Wales to see the sundown. Westerley dealing with, on the island of Holyhead, it’s truthfully beautiful and the entire quantity of trails, walkways and views throughout the Irish Sea can’t be missed.
It’s simple to drive close to South Stack Lighthouse and stroll from this automotive parking space. Just you should definitely arrive a little bit early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical concept and the automotive park can replenish. Patience is essential in terms of discovering a parking house right here.
Don’t overlook, you may as well stroll the close by trails to Elin’s Tower. It’s simply off the parking space and one other stunner of a spot to go to as you enterprise by North Wales.
Read extra: Best locations in Pembrokeshire to go to
9.) Porth Swtan/Church Bay
Another of Holyhead’s iconic spots to go to, Porth Swtan (Google Maps pin), is correct on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than among the greater seashores on Anglesey, however it’s no much less stunning.
Best of all, you’ll be able to spend a day right here and cease off on the Lobster Pot for lunch. They grill some tasty scallops, that are freshly caught every day,
Read extra: Best seashores in Wales to go to
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
If you’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then make certain to cease off at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (Google Maps pin).
It’s a brief stroll from Llanberis city centre (which is tiny, by the way in which) and you’ll simply spend about quarter-hour getting right here. It’s a very simple hike (the truth is, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely price together with if you happen to’re staying in a single day within the space.
Read extra: Best issues to do in South Wales
12.) Llandudno
Right on the north shoreline of Wales, Llandudno is a big city in Wales that’s been fashionable since. The Victorian instances. Today, the city straddles a spit of land, which suggests it has seashores on each aspect of the city itself. This makes it an important seaside city to go to in Wales.
Make certain to spend a while strolling down Llandudno’s Promenade, go to Dylan’s Llandudno for some native seafood (their fish pie was so tasty. and wander the cobbled streets.
Afterwards, head up the Great Orme Tramway. It’s the nation’s solely pulley system tram that takes you thru the city in the direction of the hills above. It’s so distinctive and completely price reserving if you happen to’re staying in a single day or spending an extended day in Llandudno.
Read extra: Best locations in West Wales to go to
13.) Llyn Idwal
The factor that makes Llyn Idwal (Google Maps pin) so particular is the glacial valley that it’s shaped in. You see, the final Ice Age carved out big swaths of the panorama right here, and it’s left some unimaginable locations to see and discover as we speak.
The entire space is beautiful to go to, and while the roads may be small (I don’t even assume they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s price parking up and rambling by this superb space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you’ll be able to simply cease round this space if you happen to’re already within the space.
Read extra: Best locations in West Wales to go to
14.) Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen (Google Maps pin) is one other one among North Wales’ stunning lakes to go to while you’re already in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
It’s located simply off the A5 highway, which makes it very easy to see while exploring on a roadtrip to North Wales. Here, you’ll see views over Tryfan Mountain, and it’s truthfully stunning to see. Visits may be so long as you need (clearly), however if you happen to’re going for a ramble across the space, give your self an hour to comfortably take within the views.
Read extra: Best locations in West Wales to go to
15.) Conwy
Just a little bit shy of the seaside city of Llandudno, Conwy is without doubt one of the greatest locations in North Wales to go to if you happen to’re driving the northern coastal route.
It may be small, however the city centre is beautiful to see. Once right here, make certain to search out the smallest home within the UK, which is positioned within the centre of city. Also, don’t overlook to make a pitstop at Conwy Castle, the place you’ll be able to wander round. The ruins are unimaginable to see, and you’ll simply spend 90 minutes studying all about their historical past and the broader fortification of Conwy in centuries passed by.
Read extra: Best seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Beach
If you’re keen on seashores in Wales, then it is advisable to go to Llydan Beach (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west shoreline of Anglesey, which has so many unimaginable seashores, and is beautiful to go to within the afternoon.
You see, you’ll be able to cease off on the seashore within the late afternoon for a dip (be careful for riptides) after which head on over to The Oystercatcher for an early dinner. The views from listed here are nice, they usually make top-of-the-line fish and chips on the island.
Read extra: Best seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Castle
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Castle is effectively price visiting if you happen to’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover among the superb castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry payment to get contained in the grounds, however it’s so price it if you happen to love historical past. Also, don’t overlook to cease off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a chew to eat. As I discussed earlier than, they’ve among the greatest seafood within the area. Well, in my view no less than.
Read extra: Best seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Castle
Wales has unimaginable castles, and you’ll’t not go to them when exploring one of the best locations in North Wales. They’re a lot part of the historical past of Wales, and they’re among the best-preserved ruins in all of Great Britain.
Harlech Castle is one such spot! With a small entry payment, you’ll be capable of discover the grounds, turrets and study extra about life inside a medieval fortress. In the summer season, in addition they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure instances of the week. It’s so unimaginable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Read extra: Best locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Castle
Yes, sure! Another fortress… however you’ll be able to’t miss this one both! Caernarfon Castle is a gem to go to in North Wales and completely simple to incorporate in your itinerary to Wales as you enterprise in the direction of Anglesey or comply with the shoreline additional west.
Again, a small entry payment is paid, however it’s so price it. The fortress ruins are immense, they usually’ve been round for nearly 1,000 years. Visits will take round 45 minutes, and it’s so price it. Plus, you’ll be able to simply stroll round Caernarfon while you’re there. It’s solely small, and there are heaps of cafes the place you’ll be able to cease off for tea and Welsh muffins!
Read extra: Best castles in Wales to go to
20.) Talacre Beach
Not too removed from the border of England (about 15 miles), Talacre Beach (Google Maps pin) is beautiful to go to for a stroll.
Here, you’ll be able to wander the shores of Talacre Beach and be a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs by the realm. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are stunning too.
Read extra: Best locations to go to throughout Wales
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
