North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s received a bit one thing for everybody. From stunning seashores, gorgeous mountain peaks, quaint villages and a tremendous nationwide park. Better of all, so lots of the finest 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 automobile. It’s the proper 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 strains are fairly sparse, with a practice each few hours. For that reason, we’d suggest a automobile, but it surely isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and simple, I’m sharing my high 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 the most effective 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 simple to get to by automobile (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 via Snowdonia in direction of Porthmadog. The entire area right here is gorgeous.
Additionally, I’m undecided for those who’re considering of tenting or staying in inns 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: Greatest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is often often called Snowdonia – or a minimum of that was its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear for those who do name it Snowdonia, and locals understand it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and among the best locations in North Wales to go to for those who love the good outside. It’s completely gorgeous 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 must make it to the highest of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). It’s the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales and is totally 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.
In case 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 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 wish to make issues simpler, you’ll be able to then take the practice 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 ebook tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Make certain to ebook these upfront at peak occasions as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice mountaineering route is the Miners’ Observe, 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 for those who’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the top, and it may be robust, however the views round Yr Wyddfa are value it.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 price to enter this gorgeous little city, but it surely’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 gained’t delve an excessive amount of into the historical past of the city, but it surely 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: Greatest 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 ideal 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), be 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.
Make certain to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s a wonderful sandy seaside that you simply don’t need to miss within the city. Oh, and I at all times love stopping off on the Dovey Inn for a chunk to eat. Their home made pies are so tasty.
Learn extra: Greatest 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’ve got a bit espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small lodge – however other than that, it’s very a lot small homes. The large draw for Aberdaron is its gorgeous sandy seaside. You see, Aberdaron is correct on the shoreline.
Additionally, a couple of 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 suppose, I promise)!
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
In case you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then be 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, after all, the lake and the little city which you’ll be able to cease off at for lunch.
Actually, 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 cover a lake!
Additionally, don’t neglect to ebook your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little practice that has heaps of attraction and is nicely value hopping on for a experience via this gorgeous space of North Wales.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 gorgeous, and it’s among the best locations in North Wales to go to for those who love exploring the nation’s shoreline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so at all times be cautious in case you are heading over from the close by seaside. I personally wouldn’t threat the stroll when you’ve got inclement climate.
While right here, be sure that to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seaside (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seaside. 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 going through, on the island of Holyhead, it’s actually gorgeous 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 you should definitely arrive a bit early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automobile park can refill. Endurance is essential in the case of discovering a parking house right here.
Don’t neglect, you may also 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 via 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 correct on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automobile. Now, it’s a lot smaller than among the greater seashores on Anglesey, but it surely’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: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
In case you’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then be 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 (the truth is, 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: Greatest 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 occasions. At this time, the city straddles a spit of land, which suggests it has seashores on each aspect of the city itself. This makes it an ideal 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 Nice Orme Tramway. It’s the nation’s solely pulley system tram that takes you thru the city in 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: Greatest 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 unbelievable locations to see and discover immediately.
The entire space is gorgeous to go to, and while the roads may be small (I don’t even suppose they’re ‘b’ roads), it’s value parking up and rambling 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: Greatest locations in West Wales to go to
14.) Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen (Google Maps pin) is one other one in every of North Wales’ stunning lakes to go to whenever 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 might 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: Greatest 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, be sure that to search 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 Fort, 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: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seaside
In case you love seashores in Wales, then you want to go to Llydan Seaside (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west shoreline of Anglesey, which has so many unbelievable seashores, and is gorgeous 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, and so they make among the best fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Fort
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Fort is nicely value visiting for those who’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover among the superb castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry price to get contained in the grounds, but it surely’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 among the finest seafood within the area. Effectively, for my part a minimum of.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fort
Wales has unbelievable castles, and you may’t not go to them when exploring the most effective 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 Nice Britain.
Harlech Fort 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 fort. In the summertime, additionally they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure occasions of the week. It’s so unbelievable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Fort
Sure, sure! One other fort… however you’ll be able to’t miss this one both! Caernarfon Fort is a gem to go to in North Wales and completely simple to incorporate in your itinerary to Wales as you enterprise in direction of Anglesey or observe the shoreline additional west.
Once more, a small entry price is paid, but it surely’s so value it. The fort 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 desserts!
Learn extra: Greatest castles in Wales to go to
20.) Talacre Seaside
Not too removed from the border of England (about 15 miles), Talacre Seaside (Google Maps pin) is gorgeous to go to for a stroll.
Right here, you’ll be able to wander the shores of Talacre Seaside and be a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs via the world. It’s gorgeous, and the sand dunes are stunning too.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
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