North Wales
Why we love north Wales
The north of Wales is packed with castles and they provide just some of its stunning backdrop. The rest comes from its coastlines, valleys, hills and towns: from the impressive vistas of Portmeirion, a mini replica of the Italian Riviera, to the island of Anglesey with 125 miles (201km) of coastline, to an amble along Wales’ longest pier in the Victorian resort of Llandudno.
Whether it’s photographing Britain’s longest place name or its smallest house, paddle-boarding under dark skies or taking on the world’s fastest zipline, the north of Wales gives you a generous slice of it all. Try sleeping on a cliff’s edge, visiting anything from prisons to galleries, feasting on fresh lobster to locally foraged seaweed, or partying the night away, and all in easy reach of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
Explore Wales’ Italian side
Portmeirion is an architect’s vision of the Italian Riviera brought to life. Seventy acres of woodland surround colourful buildings, a central piazza, shops, cafes and Hotel Portmeirion.
Bird’s-eye view
Dare you brave the world’s fastest zipwire? Soar for 1.5km, speeding over Penrhyn Quarry lake and taking in epic views of Snowdonia (Eryri) at a mere 100mph.
On the right track
Train buffs, you’re in luck: north Wales is laced with heritage railways. Whether it’s a lakeside ride in the shadow of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) on the Llanberis Lake Railway, or a journey through Welsh history on the Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railways, you’re guaranteed a grand day out. Watch the countryside pass by from your comfortable vintage carriage – or will you take the reins on a driver experience day?
Seasoned traveller
Anglesey is world-renowned for its sea salt, produced by Halen Môn – indeed, its famous fans include former US President Barack Obama. Find out how this special seasoning makes it to plates on a behind-the-scenes tour of Halen Môn’s headquarters, including a guided salt tasting. Hungry for more? Take a seaweed soak in an upcycled whisky barrel overlooking the Menai Strait to soothe tired muscles after a day of exploring.
Head for heights
Fancy a canoe trip with a difference? Then head to the world’s highest aqueduct. Even beginners can enjoy this paddle across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which stands proudly over the Dee Valley in north-east Wales. At 38.4m (126ft) high, you’ll feel on top of the world as you take in the jaw-dropping views.
icons
North Wales is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent castles, stunning coastlines, rolling hills and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Uncover 700 years of history at UNESCO World Heritage Conwy Castle, while enjoying views of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, or discover the Italianate magic of Portmeirion.
Paddleboard under dark skies in Anglesey, trampoline in a cave at Bounce Below, or potentially exceed speeds of 100mph (160kmh) on Velocity 2, the world's fastest zipline.
Cross the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct by boat, explore the charming villages and beaches of the Llyn Peninsula, or climb Anglesey’s South Stack Lighthouse for sweeping sea views.
Fun fact
Fun fact
North Wales holds the title for the longest place name in Europe. The village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is located in Anglesey, just across the Menai Strait from Bangor.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and tallest aqueduct (bridge carrying water) in Britain, measuring 1,007 ft (307 metres) long and 126 ft (38 metres) tall.
- Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in England and Wales at 3,559 ft (1,085 meters), accessible by rail to the summit or via numerous hiking routes.
- The Isle of Anglesey is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales, with 125 miles (210km) of coastal path to explore.
- Established in 1832, The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world, with a vintage steam service linking Porthmadog harbour with Blaenau Ffestiniog.
- The Smallest House in Britain can be found on Conwy’s quayside, it’s just 183cm wide and 310cm tall!
Things to do in north Wales
Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.
Featured things to do
Smell the roses
Make a beeline to Bodnant Garden as it springs into life this season. A must-do is a stroll beneath its world-famous Laburnum Arch – catch it in all its golden glory from late-May.
See Bodnant Garden’s beautiful blooms
Sound of music
Join thousands of singers and dancers from around the world in Llangollen in July for one of the highlights of the festival season in Wales. The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is part-competition, part-festival, with a glittering array of concerts and dance performances to enjoy.
Make a song and dance at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Troglodytic trampolining
Deep inside the belly of some slate caverns is the vast underground chamber at Bounce Below. Six super trampolines are connected with slides and ladders.
Learn more about Bounce Below in Wales
Conwy Castle
One of Wales’ spectacular medieval fortresses and a World Heritage Site. Explore its towers, iconic spiral staircase and unlock over 700 years of history.
Learn more about Conwy CastlePlaces to stay in north Wales
Conwy
Conwy makes for a good base, and is central to the north Wales area. It also offers easy access to Snowdonia, and for such a small place it offers a lot to see, from the castle to the estuary, cottages with slate roofs, long beach walks nearby, town walls and buzzing cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Anglesey
This island offers everything from an on-cliff camping experience through to stays at country houses with spas or even a chateau. Take in its lighthouses, beaches and coastal paths, or look to food festivals to sample the region’s finest produce. Check out Beaumaris for its shops and cafes, pitch up with a picnic at Penmon or enjoy a bed and breakfast in Benllech Bay.
Llandudno
A dream-worthy place to stay. Running along the fringes of the Creuddyn Peninsula, this Victorian seaside destination is bursting with historic tales, outstanding nature and Wales’ longest pier. Check out the Great Orme, the area’s mini-mountain, and journey to the summit at 207 metres (679ft) on a ride on Britain’s lengthiest cable car.
Explore nearby
Getting to north Wales
The closest international airport to north Wales is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, around 75 miles (121km) from spots such as Conwy and Llandudno. Direct train services from London Euston to Holyhead, the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey, take fewer than four hours. There is also a direct train service from Manchester Airport to Llandudno, travelling along the north Wales coast.
Getting around
By bus
Fflecsi Bus operate across north Wales and can be booked via the app. Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service is a circular route and runs every Saturday in the summer season. The route links Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions.
The Snowdon Sherpa is a unique bus service that travels around the foot of Snowdon. The service is fully accessible.
By train
A scenic and eco-friendly way to travel around north Wales is by train. The North Wales Coast Railway hugs the coastline, and stops off at places such as Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor and Holyhead.
The Conwy Valley line runs from Llandudno through Snowdonia (Eryri) to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
By foot
A lot of north Wales is calling out to walkers, amblers and hikers. Check out the north Wales section of the Wales Coast Path.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in North Wales?
Planning a business event in North Wales?
Sales and distribution
Newsletter
The latest news, straight to your inbox
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
