Places to Visit in North Wales
If you're thinking of taking a trip or holiday to North Wales then read our guide of the best Places to Visit in North Wales to get the best from your time here.
Whatever type of holiday or short visit you're after North Wales has a wide variety of attractions and beautiful landscapes that will keep you entertained. The area has many historic castles that provide a great insight into the medieval history of the region. There's also many fine sandy beaches and beautiful coves especially around Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. If it's stunning landscapes then the Snowdonia National Park is a rival to any of the other regions in Great Britain, or if being close to the centre of things and having lots to do then towns such as Llandudno, Caernarfon, Llangollen all provide plenty of attractions within easy reach.
Towns and Villages Worth Visiting in North Wales
The North Wales Coast
The North Wales Coast is a very popular destination with holiday makers who wish to stay in the larger coastal resorts. The area has some wonderful beaches, is easy to reach by both road and train, and is also within easy reach on many of the regions most popular attractions.
Conwy
Conwy is located at the mouth of the Conwy estuary and is close to major attractions such as Bodnant Garden and Conwy Castle. Llandudno is just 10 minutes away by car and the mountains of Snowdonia are within easy reach. Conwy has a quaint feel that is packed with charm. In Conwy you can enjoy a walk on the quayside, visit the Castle or the historic buildings of Aberconwy House and Plas Mawr. Another nearby attraction is the Conwy Estuary Nature Reserve. There's plenty of places to stay in and around Conwy from top quality hotels to guest houses, bed and breakfasts and caravan parks.
Llandudno
Llandudno is North Wales largest tourist resort and is packed with things to do that will keep you entertained throughout your holiday without ever needing to leave the town. As well as two fabulous beaches Llandudno also has Venue Cymru, the North Wales Theatre, the Great Orme, Llandudno Pier, and Tenpin bowling. There's also a number of museums and art galleries and the beautiful promenade. The town is packed with hotels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts. You'll also find a wide selection of self catering accommodation from flats and apartments to nearby caravan parks. Llandudno also enjoys the best shopping facilities in North Wales with two major retail parks and a bustling high street.
Prestatyn
Prestatyn is home to a wide selection of Holiday Parks and is a popular destination with tourists from the north west. There's plenty of entertainment to keep you busy and the nearby town of Rhyl is home to the Sun Centre, an indoor activity swimming centre.
The Welsh Borderlands
The Welsh Borderlands are an ideal location to stay if you want to be close to some of the North West's best attractions such as the cities of Chester, Liverpool, and Manchester but also don't want to be too far away from some of North Wales best attractions.
Wrexham
Wrexham is North Wales largest city and has a wide selection of shopping. There's plenty of nearby attractions that make Wrexham an ideal base to explore the North Wales Borderlands. Only a short drive from Wrexham is the city of Chester with historic monuments and plenty of shopping.
Llangollen
Llangollen is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Dee that enjoys the beauty of the mountains of eastern Snowdonia with a close proximity to Wrexham and Chester.
Anglesey & the West Coast
Anglesey and the West Coast of Wales are the ideal destination if you're looking to get away from it all surrounded by stunning scenery and beautiful beaches.
Beaumaris
The town of Beaumaris is situated on Anglesey's east coast with views towards Snowdonia and Llandudno. The town is home to Beaumaris Castle which is one of the finest castles of its type in the world.
Caernarfon
Anyone visiting Caernarfon cannot help but notice the majestic castle that dominates the towns skyline. Caernarfon is full os history from its ancient Roman Fort to the relatively more recent castle.
Bangor
As North Wales primary university city Bangor bustles as a centre of activity. The city is ideally placed for access to the Menai Straits and has a fully pedestrianised high street for shopping.
Amlwch
Amlwch is located on Anglesey's north coast and is a beautiful location for getting away from it all. If you enjoy the feeling of being out of the mainstream then Amlwch is a great place to visit.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia and the Snowdonia National Park is dotted with many small towns and villages that are ideally situated for exploring the beautiful landscapes and history of the region. Visitors to Snowdonia can enjoy many attractions from slate and copper mines, to steam railways and natural wonders such as Swallow Falls.
Betws y Coed
The beautiful village of Betws y Coed is one of Snowdonia's most popular visitor locations. The village nestles in the valley where the River Conwy meets the River Llugwy and is surrounded by the tall mountains of the Snowdonia range. There's plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained within the village but perhaps the best attraction is the sheer beauty of the location itself as you take in the woodland walks and riverside locations.
Llanberis
Llanberis nestles in the shadow of Mount Snowdon next to Llyn Padern, a vast lake. The town is home to the Snowdon Mountain Railway as well as many other great visitor attractions such as Electric Mountain.
Harlech
Located on the coastline of southern Snowdonia the town of Harlech is a great location for exploring this less travelled region. Harlech Castle is a sight worth visiting the area alone for and was the location of one of Wales longest sieges during the English Cival War, a conflict that inspired the well known song 'Men of Harlech'.
Llyn Peninsula
The Llyn Peninsula is often called the Welsh Riverra and enjoys a wonderful climate along with many great beaches. The area is just a stone's throw from Snowdonia so makes an ideal base for exploring many of the area's best attractions.
Abersoch
Abersoch is one of the Llyn Peninsula's largest towns and is one of the most popular places to visit in North Wales. The town has an active watersports community and a very popular beach.
Porthmadog
Porthmadog is located at the southern entry point of the Llyn Peninsula and was once a major port used for the export of Welsh slate throughout the world. Today Porthmadog is a popular tourist location with both the Ffestiniog Railway and Welsh Highland Railway based in the town.
Criccieth
Criccieth is a beautifully scenic village located on the southern shores of the Llyn Peninsula. Criccieth Castle is a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Haven Holiday Park bears witness to the excellent location the village provides for exploring the Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia.