North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s obtained just a little one thing for everybody. From lovely seashores, beautiful 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 all the time love visiting North Wales by automotive. 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 automotive, however it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and straightforward, I’m sharing my high locations you can’t 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 lovely to go to. Simply shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s simple to get to by automotive (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 beautiful.
Additionally, I’m undecided in case you’re pondering of tenting or staying in lodges 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: Greatest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is usually referred to as Snowdonia – or not less than that was once its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear in case you do name it Snowdonia, and locals realize it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and among the finest locations in North Wales to go to in case you love the good open air. It’s completely beautiful and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is properly price spending a little bit of time in throughout your journey.
As soon as 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 as a consequence of native climate.
Should you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its solution 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 in case you’re not used to 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 may then take the prepare again down (or up in order for you) and simply hike a technique. 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. Make certain to e-book these prematurely at peak instances as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice climbing route is the Miners’ Observe, which can take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and ideal for many who need a difficult hike.
Now, all the time hearken to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be a part of the route in case you’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.
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 may anticipate. It’s unimaginable and among the finest 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 price 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 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 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 amazing 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), ensure 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.
Make certain to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent 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 chunk to eat. Their selfmade 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 measurement, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you might have just a little espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small lodge – 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 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 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: Greatest 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 ensure that to take just a little 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.
Truthfully, in case you 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 may’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 properly price hopping on for a experience via this beautiful 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 beautiful, and it’s among the finest locations in North Wales to go to in case you love exploring the nation’s shoreline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so all the time be cautious if you’re heading over from the close by seashore. I personally wouldn’t threat the stroll in case you have inclement climate.
While right here, ensure that to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seaside (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seaside. Each are sandy, massive and completely unspoilt. Although, don’t anticipate 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 among 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 automotive parking space. Simply make sure you arrive just a little early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automotive park can replenish. Persistence is vital in terms of discovering a parking area right here.
Don’t neglect, 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 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 true on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than among the larger seashores on Anglesey, however it’s no much less lovely.
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: Greatest 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 ensure 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 way in which) 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 price together with in case you’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 widespread since. The Victorian instances. Right this moment, the city straddles a spit of land, which implies it has seashores on each facet of the city itself. This makes it an amazing 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 price reserving in case you’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 fashioned 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 at present.
The entire space is beautiful to go to, and while the roads is likely to be small (I don’t even assume they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s price parking up and rambling via this superb space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you may simply cease round this space in case you’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 all North Wales’ lovely lakes to go to once 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 will be so long as you need (clearly), however in case you’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 among the finest locations in North Wales to go to in case you’re driving the northern coastal route.
It is likely to be small, however the city centre is beautiful to see. As soon as right here, ensure that to seek out the smallest home within the UK, which is situated within the centre of city. Additionally, don’t neglect to make a pitstop at Conwy Citadel, the place you may 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: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seaside
Should you love seashores in Wales, then you must go to Llydan Seaside (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 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 below are nice, and so they make among the finest fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Citadel
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Citadel is properly price visiting in case you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and wish to discover among the wonderful castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry price to get contained in the grounds, however it’s so price it in case you 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 not less than.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Citadel
Wales has unimaginable 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 among the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Citadel 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 fort. In the summertime, additionally they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure instances of the week. It’s so unimaginable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Citadel
Sure, sure! One other fort… 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 price is paid, however it’s so price 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 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 truffles!
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 beautiful to go to for a stroll.
Right here, you may wander the shores of Talacre Seaside and be a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs via the realm. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are lovely too.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
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