North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s bought a bit one thing for everybody. From stunning seashores, beautiful mountain peaks, quaint villages and a tremendous nationwide park. Better of all, so lots 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 actually 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 that reason, we’d advocate a automotive, nevertheless it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and simple, I’m sharing my high locations you can not miss while you’re right here. As a Welshman, I’m so happy with our nation and I actually hope you find it irresistible 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. Simply shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s straightforward to get to by automotive (alongside the A4086 highway).
Now, what I really like most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s tremendous straightforward 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 if you happen to’re considering of tenting or staying in accommodations 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 not less than that was its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear if you happen to do name it Snowdonia, and locals realize it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and among the best locations in North Wales to go to if you happen to love the good outdoor. 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, you need 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 resulting from native climate.
Should 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 mountain climbing or longer durations of train. Now, the hike will take round 6-8 hours, so plan accordingly and take sufficient water, snacks and waterproof layers on your hike.
If you wish to make issues simpler, you’ll be able to then take the prepare again down (or up if you would like) 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 e-book tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Be sure that to e-book these upfront at peak instances 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 need a difficult hike.
Now, at all times hearken to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be part of the route if you happen to’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the top, 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 unbelievable and among the best 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, nevertheless it’s so value paying the price to discover.
As soon as 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, nevertheless 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 Spherical Home, 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.
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 highway 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 automotive 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 sure that to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent sandy seashore that you simply don’t wish 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.
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 superb place to cease as you drive round. Once more, Aberdaron (Google Maps pin) is simply a small place, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you could have a bit espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small resort – however other than that, it’s very a lot small homes. The massive draw for Aberdaron is its beautiful sandy seashore. 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 seashore is gorgeous. Each of those are nice to go to on a sunny day in Wales (which occurs greater than you suppose, I promise)!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
Should you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make sure that to take a 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 be able to cease off at for lunch.
Actually, 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 individuals go to who aren’t from the native space, and it’s one thing of a ‘hidden’ gem. Properly, I say that loosely, you’ll be able to’t actually conceal 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 allure and is nicely value hopping on for a journey 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 among the best 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 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, massive and completely unspoilt. Although, don’t count on any large-scale facilities, this space is as pure because it comes.
Learn extra: Finest 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 going through, 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 straightforward to drive close to South Stack Lighthouse and stroll from this automotive parking space. Simply you’ll want to arrive a bit early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automotive park can replenish. Persistence is essential on the subject of discovering a parking area 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.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Pembrokeshire to go to
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 straightforward to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than a number of the larger seashores on Anglesey, nevertheless it’s no much less stunning.
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
Should 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 (actually, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely value together with if you happen to’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 fashionable since. The Victorian instances. At the moment, 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.
Be sure 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 if you happen to’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 big swaths of the panorama right here, and it’s left some unbelievable locations to see and discover at the moment.
The entire space is beautiful to go to, and while the roads is perhaps small (I don’t even suppose they’re ‘b’ roads), it’s value parking up and rambling 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.
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’ stunning lakes to go to while you’re already in Eryri Nationwide 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. Right here, you’ll see views over Tryfan Mountain, and it’s actually 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.
Learn extra: Finest locations in West Wales to go to
15.) Conwy
Just a 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 is perhaps 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 unbelievable to see, and you may simply spend 90 minutes studying all about its historical past and the broader fortification of Conwy in centuries passed by.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seashore
Should you love seashores in Wales, then it is advisable go to Llydan Seashore (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west shoreline of Anglesey, which has so many unbelievable 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, and so they make among the best 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 if you happen to’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and wish to discover a number of the superb castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry price to get contained in the grounds, nevertheless it’s so value it if you happen to love historical past. Additionally, don’t neglect to cease off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a chew to eat. As I discussed earlier than, they’ve a number of the greatest seafood within the area. Properly, for my part not less than.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fortress
Wales has unbelievable castles, and you may’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 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 of discover the grounds, turrets and study extra about life inside a medieval fortress. In the summertime, additionally they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure instances of the week. It’s so unbelievable 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 straightforward to incorporate in your itinerary to Wales as you enterprise in the direction of Anglesey or comply with the shoreline additional west.
Once more, a small entry price is paid, nevertheless it’s so value it. The fortress ruins are immense, and so they’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 to cease off for a 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 part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs by the realm. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are stunning too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
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