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 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 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 prepare each few hours. Because of this, we’d advocate 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 not 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 straightforward to get to by automotive (alongside the A4086 street).
Now, what I like most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s tremendous straightforward to go to as you drive additional west by means of Snowdonia in the direction of Porthmadog. The entire area right here is beautiful.
Additionally, I’m undecided in case you’re considering 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: Greatest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is often generally known as Snowdonia – or a minimum of that was its title. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear in case you do name it Snowdonia, and locals comprehend it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and the most effective locations in North Wales to go to in case you love the nice outdoor. 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 just a few methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility resulting from native climate.
If you happen to fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its method 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 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 in your hike.
If you wish to make issues simpler, you may 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 may ebook tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Ensure that to ebook these prematurely at peak occasions as tickets can promote out quick.
One other nice mountaineering route is the Miners’ Monitor, which can 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 take heed 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 top, 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 count on. It’s unimaginable and the most effective 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 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: 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 street from Machynlleth (the traditional capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
When you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), ensure to park up on the public automotive 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 that to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent 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 chew 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 will have just a little 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 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 just a few 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 assume, I promise)!
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
If you happen to’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then ensure to take just a little 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 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 folks go to who aren’t from the native space, and it’s one thing of a ‘hidden’ gem. Properly, I say that loosely, you may’t actually cover a lake!
Additionally, don’t overlook to ebook 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 by means of 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 the most effective locations in North Wales to go to in case you 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 seaside. I personally wouldn’t threat the stroll you probably have inclement climate.
While right here, ensure 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 without doubt one of 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 straightforward to drive close to South Stack Lighthouse and stroll from this automotive parking space. Simply be sure you arrive just a little early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical concept and the automotive park can replenish. Endurance is essential relating to discovering a parking house right here.
Don’t overlook, 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 by means of 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 straightforward to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than a few of the larger 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: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
If you happen to’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then ensure 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 (in truth, 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 well-liked since. The Victorian occasions. At this time, the city straddles a spit of land, which suggests it has seashores on each facet of the city itself. This makes it an ideal seaside city to go to in Wales.
Ensure 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 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 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 right this moment.
The entire space is beautiful to go to, and while the roads may be small (I don’t even assume they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s price parking up and rambling by means of 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’ stunning lakes to go to while 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 stunning to see. Visits could 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations in North Wales to go to in case you’re driving the northern coastal route.
It may be small, however the city centre is attractive to see. As soon as right here, ensure to seek 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 Fortress, 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: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seashore
If you happen to love seashores in Wales, then you should 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 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 here are nice, they usually make the most effective fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Fortress
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Fortress is properly price visiting in case you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover a few of the superb castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry payment to get contained in the grounds, however it’s so price it in case 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 a few of the greatest seafood within the area. Properly, for my part a minimum of.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fortress
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 a few of the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Fortress is one such spot! With a small entry payment, you’ll be capable to 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 unimaginable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Fortress
Sure, sure! One other fort… however you may’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 payment is paid, however it’s so price it. The fort ruins are immense, they usually’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: Greatest 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 a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs by means of the world. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are stunning too.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to throughout Wales
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