North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s bought a bit of one thing for everybody. From stunning seashores, gorgeous mountain peaks, quaint villages and a tremendous nationwide park. Better of all, so most of the greatest 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 right 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 practice each few hours. For that reason, we’d advocate a automobile, however it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and straightforward, 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 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 stunning 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 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 should you’re pondering of tenting or staying in accommodations 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).
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is often often known as Snowdonia – or no less than that was its title. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear should you 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 should you love the nice open air. It’s completely gorgeous and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is nicely price 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 completely colossal. Now, there are just a few methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility resulting from native climate.
In the event 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 should you’re not used to mountaineering 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 to your hike.
If you wish to make issues simpler, you may then take the practice 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 may e-book tickets to succeed in the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Be certain that to e-book these prematurely at peak occasions as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice mountaineering route is the Miners’ Monitor, which is able to take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and ideal for many who desire a difficult hike.
Now, all the time hearken to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be part of the route should you’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 price 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 may count on. It’s unimaginable and top-of-the-line locations in North Wales to go to for a protracted afternoon (and even an in a single day keep).
Now, there’s a small entry price to enter this gorgeous little city, however it’s so price paying the payment 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, 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 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 incredible 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 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.
Be certain that to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s a wonderful sandy seashore that you just don’t wish to miss within the city. Oh, and I all the time 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 good place to cease as you drive round. Once more, Aberdaron (Google Maps pin) is simply a small place, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you’ve a bit of espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small resort – however other than that, it’s very a lot small homes. The large draw for Aberdaron is its gorgeous sandy seashore. You see, Aberdaron is correct 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 just a few 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 assume, I promise)!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
In the event you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make sure that to take a bit of 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.
Truthfully, should you 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. Effectively, I say that loosely, you may’t actually conceal a lake!
Additionally, don’t overlook to e-book your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little practice that has heaps of allure and is nicely price hopping on for a experience via this gorgeous 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 gorgeous, and it’s top-of-the-line locations in North Wales to go to should you 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 seashore. I personally wouldn’t danger the stroll when you’ve got 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.
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8.) South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is likely one of the greatest locations in North Wales to see the sundown. Westerley dealing with, 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’ll want to arrive a bit of early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automobile park can replenish. Endurance is vital with regards to discovering a parking house right here.
Don’t overlook, 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.
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 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, however it’s no much less stunning.
Better of all, you may 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
In the event 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’ll simply spend about quarter-hour getting right here. It’s a very simple hike (actually, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely price together with should you’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. As we speak, the city straddles a spit of land, which suggests it has seashores on each facet of the city itself. This makes it an incredible 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 direction of the hills above. It’s so distinctive and completely price reserving should you’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 fashioned 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 right this moment.
The entire space is gorgeous to go to, and while the roads is perhaps small (I don’t even assume they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s price parking up and rambling via this wonderful space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you may simply cease round this space should you’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 in all North Wales’ stunning 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 stunning to see. Visits might be so long as you need (clearly), however should you’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 greatest locations in North Wales to go to should you’re driving the northern coastal route.
It is perhaps small, however the city centre is beautiful to see. As soon as right here, make sure that to search out the smallest home within the UK, which is situated within the centre of city. Additionally, don’t overlook to make a pitstop at Conwy Citadel, the place you may 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.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seashore
In the event you love seashores in Wales, then you want to go to Llydan Seashore (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west shoreline of Anglesey, which has so many unimaginable seashores, and is gorgeous to go to within the afternoon.
You see, you may 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 top-of-the-line fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Citadel
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Citadel is nicely price visiting should you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and wish to discover among the wonderful castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry payment to get contained in the grounds, however it’s so price it should you love historical past. Additionally, 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. Effectively, for my part no less than.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Citadel
Wales has unimaginable castles, and you’ll’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 among the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Citadel is one such spot! With a small entry payment, you’ll have the ability to discover the grounds, turrets and study 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 Citadel
Sure, sure! One other fortress… however you may’t miss this one both! Caernarfon Citadel 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 payment is paid, however it’s so price 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 price it. Plus, you may simply stroll round Caernarfon while you’re there. It’s solely small, and there are heaps of cafes the place you may cease off for tea and Welsh desserts!
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 gorgeous to go to for a stroll.
Right here, you may wander the shores of Talacre Seashore and be part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs via the world. It’s gorgeous, and the sand dunes are stunning too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
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