North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s obtained a little bit one thing for everybody. From lovely seashores, beautiful mountain peaks, quaint villages and an incredible 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 at all times love visiting North Wales by automobile. It’s the right vacation spot for a street journey within the UK, and the panorama truthfully 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. Because of this, 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 not miss while you’re right here. As a Welshman, I’m so pleased with our nation and I actually hope you adore it too!
Have the perfect 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 should you’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 known as Snowdonia – or not less than that was once 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 among the best locations in North Wales to go to should you love the nice outside. 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, 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 totally colossal. Now, there are a number of methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility on account of native climate.
Should you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its approach 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 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 may then take the practice again down (or up if you need) and simply hike a technique. 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 may ebook tickets to succeed in the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Ensure to ebook these upfront at peak instances as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice mountain climbing route is the Miners’ Observe, 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, at all times 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 robust, 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 anticipate. It’s unimaginable and among the best 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 value to enter this beautiful 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 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 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 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), be certain 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.
Ensure 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 do-it-yourself 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 just a small place, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you will have a little bit 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 beautiful 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 a number 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 be certain that to take a little bit detour to Tal-y-llyn (Google Maps pin). Now, the factor I 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, 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 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 allure and is properly price 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 among the best locations in North Wales to go to should you 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 seashore. I personally wouldn’t threat the stroll you probably have inclement climate.
While right here, be certain that to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seashore (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seashore. 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 greatest locations in North Wales to see the sundown. Westerley going through, on the island of Holyhead, it’s truthfully 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 remember to arrive a little bit early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automobile park can refill. Persistence is vital in relation to discovering a parking area 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 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 correct on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automobile. Now, it’s a lot smaller than a few of the greater 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: 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 be certain 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 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 widespread 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 amazing seaside city to go to in Wales.
Ensure 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 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 shaped in. You see, the final Ice Age carved out large swaths of the panorama right here, and it’s left some unimaginable 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 price parking up and rambling by 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 every of 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 truthfully lovely to see. Visits will 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 among 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 attractive to see. As soon as right here, be certain 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: 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 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 best 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 properly price visiting should you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and wish to discover a few of 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 neglect to cease off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a chew to eat. As I discussed earlier than, they’ve a few of the greatest seafood within the area. Effectively, in my view not less than.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Citadel
Wales has unimaginable castles, and you may’t not go to them when exploring the perfect locations in North Wales. They’re a lot part of the historical past of Wales, and they’re a few of the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Citadel is one such spot! With a small entry payment, you’ll be capable to discover the grounds, turrets and be taught extra about life inside a medieval fort. In the summertime, in addition they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure instances 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 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 the direction of Anglesey or observe the shoreline additional west.
Once more, a small entry payment 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: 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 may 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 lovely too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
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