North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s obtained slightly one thing for everybody. From lovely seashores, beautiful mountain peaks, quaint villages and an incredible nationwide park. Better of all, so most of the finest locations in North Wales to go to are dotted all throughout the area.
Now, for me, I all the time love visiting North Wales by automobile. It’s the proper vacation spot for a street journey within the UK, and the panorama actually lends itself to street journey. Now, North Wales does have good rail hyperlinks from Holyhead and alongside the north shoreline, however the different strains are fairly sparse, with a prepare each few hours. For that reason, we’d suggest a automobile, however it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and simple, I’m sharing my prime locations you can not 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 the very 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 lovely to go to. Simply shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s simple to get to by automobile (alongside the A4086 street).
Now, what I 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.
Additionally, I’m unsure for those who’re pondering of tenting or staying in motels throughout your journey to North Wales, however there may be additionally the Garth Farm Campsite that’s proper on the shores of Llynnau Mymbr (the lakes).
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is often often called Snowdonia – or at the least that was once its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear for those who do name it Snowdonia, and locals comprehend it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and the most effective locations in North Wales to go to for those who love the nice open air. It’s completely beautiful and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is nicely value spending a little bit of time in throughout your journey.
As soon as right here, it’s important 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 as a consequence of native climate.
When you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its strategy 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 for those who’re not used to mountain climbing 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 wish to make issues simpler, you’ll be able to then take the prepare again down (or up if you need) and simply hike a method. The hike down is all the time 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 e book tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Be certain that to e book these upfront at peak occasions as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice mountain climbing route is the Miners’ Monitor, which is able to take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and excellent for many who desire a difficult hike.
Now, all the time hearken to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be a part of the route for those who’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the tip, and it may be powerful, however the views round Yr Wyddfa are value it.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the most effective 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 value to enter this beautiful little city, however it’s so value paying the price to discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll really feel such as you’re truly 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 attraction!
As you wander round, you’ll see the Pantheon and the Spherical Home, that are so quaint. Plus, you should purchase some Portmeirion pottery, native gelato and seize a chunk to eat on the little foodie spots too. Visits take round 3-4 hours, and it’s completely idyllic.
Learn extra: Finest 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 street from Machynlleth (the traditional capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
When you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), make sure that to park up on the public automobile park (with a small price) 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.
Be certain that to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent sandy seaside that you just don’t need to miss within the city. Oh, and I all the time love stopping off on the Dovey Inn for a chunk to eat. Their home made pies are so tasty.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
5.) Aberdaron
Proper on the sting of the Llŷn Peninsula area of North Wales, Aberdaron is a good place to cease as you drive round. Once more, Aberdaron (Google Maps pin) is barely a small place, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you might have slightly espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small resort – however aside from that, it’s very a lot small homes. The large draw for Aberdaron is its beautiful sandy seaside. You see, Aberdaron is true on the shoreline.
Additionally, a few 10-minute drive away is the small city of Abersoch. That is one other gem of a seaside to go to, with a couple of extra facilities, and the seaside is gorgeous. Each of those are nice to go to on a sunny day in Wales (which occurs greater than you assume, I promise)!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
When you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make sure that to take slightly detour to Tal-y-llyn (Google Maps pin). Now, the factor I like most about Tal-y-llyn is, after all, the lake and the little city which you’ll be able to cease off at for lunch.
Truthfully, for those who love the Lake District in England, you’ll love Tal-y-llyn. It’s a lot much less crowded – only a few individuals go to who aren’t from the native space, and it’s one thing of a ‘hidden’ gem. Effectively, I say that loosely, you’ll be able to’t actually disguise a lake!
Additionally, don’t neglect to e book your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little prepare that has heaps of attraction and is nicely value hopping on for a experience by this beautiful space of North Wales.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the most effective locations in North Wales to go to for those who love exploring the nation’s shoreline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so all the time be cautious in case you are heading over from the close by seaside. I personally wouldn’t danger the stroll if in case you have inclement climate.
While right here, make sure that to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seashore (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seashore. Each are sandy, huge and completely unspoilt. Although, don’t count on any large-scale facilities, this space is as pure because it comes.
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8.) South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is likely one of the finest locations in North Wales to see the sundown. Westerley dealing with, on the island of Holyhead, it’s actually 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 automobile parking space. Simply be sure you arrive slightly early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical concept and the automobile park can replenish. Endurance is essential on the subject of discovering a parking house right here.
Don’t neglect, you can even 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.
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9.) Porth Swtan/Church Bay
One other of Holyhead’s iconic spots to go to, Porth Swtan (Google Maps pin), is true on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automobile. Now, it’s a lot smaller than a number of the greater seashores on Anglesey, however it’s no much less lovely.
Better 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,
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
When you’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then make sure that to cease off at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (Google Maps pin).
It’s a brief stroll from Llanberis city centre (which is tiny, by the best way) and you may simply spend about quarter-hour getting right here. It’s a very simple hike (in reality, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely value together with for those who’re staying in a single day within the space.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in South Wales
12.) Llandudno
Proper on the north shoreline of Wales, Llandudno is a big city in Wales that’s been in style since. The Victorian occasions. At this time, the city straddles a spit of land, which implies it has seashores on each aspect of the city itself. This makes it an important seaside city to go to in Wales.
Be certain that 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 Nice 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 value reserving for those who’re staying in a single day or spending an extended day in Llandudno.
Learn extra: Finest 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 enormous swaths of the panorama right here, and it’s left some unimaginable locations to see and discover immediately.
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 value parking up and rambling by this wonderful space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you’ll be able to simply cease round this space for those who’re already within the space.
Learn extra: Finest locations in West Wales to go to
14.) Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen (Google Maps pin) is one other one among North Wales’ lovely lakes to go to if you’re already in Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia).
It’s located simply off the A5 street, which makes it very easy to see while exploring on a roadtrip to North Wales. Right here, you’ll see views over Tryfan Mountain, and it’s actually lovely to see. Visits could be so long as you need (clearly), however for those who’re going for a ramble across the space, give your self an hour to comfortably take within the views.
Learn extra: Finest locations in West Wales to go to
15.) Conwy
Just a bit shy of the seaside city of Llandudno, Conwy is likely one of the finest locations in North Wales to go to for those who’re driving the northern coastal route.
It may be small, however the city centre is attractive to see. As soon as right here, make sure that to seek out the smallest home within the UK, which is positioned within the centre of city. Additionally, don’t neglect to make a pitstop at Conwy Fortress, the place you’ll be able to wander round. The ruins are unimaginable to see, and you may simply spend 90 minutes studying all about their historical past and the broader fortification of Conwy in centuries passed by.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seashore
When you love seashores in Wales, then that you must go to Llydan Seashore (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 seaside 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 below are nice, they usually make the most effective fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Fortress
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Fortress is nicely value visiting for those who’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover a number of the wonderful castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry price to get contained in the grounds, however it’s so value it for those who love historical past. Additionally, don’t neglect to cease off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a chunk to eat. As I discussed earlier than, they’ve a number of the finest seafood within the area. Effectively, for my part at the least.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fortress
Wales has unimaginable castles, and you may’t not go to them when exploring the very best locations in North Wales. They’re a lot part of the historical past of Wales, and they’re a number of the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Fortress is one such spot! With a small entry price, you’ll be capable to discover the grounds, turrets and be taught extra about life inside a medieval fortress. In the summertime, in addition they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure occasions of the week. It’s so unimaginable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Fortress
Sure, sure! One other fortress… however you’ll be able to’t miss this one both! Caernarfon Fortress 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 observe the shoreline additional west.
Once more, a small entry price is paid, however it’s so value 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 value 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 truffles!
Learn extra: Finest castles in Wales to go to
20.) Talacre Seashore
Not too removed from the border of England (about 15 miles), Talacre Seashore (Google Maps pin) is beautiful to go to for a stroll.
Right here, you’ll be able to wander the shores of Talacre Seashore and be a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs by the world. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are lovely too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
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