North Wales is a unique destination that offers an incredible variety of things to do and see for travelers. The beautiful coastline is dotted with holiday resorts and there is no shortage of historical landmarks to explore. Whether you plan on visiting North Wales on your own, with a partner or as a family, there are a few top destinations that absolutely should not be missed. Read on for some of the most popular and fascinating things to do in the area.
Snowdonia National Park
This incredible destination is perhaps one of the best known natural scenic attractions in all of Wales. It is home to the highest mountain in the country, Mount Snowdon, which measures in at well over three thousand and six hundred feet in height. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park primarily to make it to the top of the peak. There are several different paths that lead up depending on your fitness level, or a train makes the same journey in just a matter of minutes. Other ways to enjoy the park include rock climbing, mountain biking or even kayaking in the many lakes within the park. Snowdonia is also well known for being home to several castles such as the Castell-y-Bere and the Dolwyddelan.
Beaumaris
If an incredible castle is what you are after, look no further than the town of Beaumaris in North Wales. The Beaumaris Castle is one of the grandest castles in the country and was built by the English in the thirteenth century. Since it has seen little battle over time it remains in surprisingly good condition. Tourists can actually stroll along the walls of the castle, cross over the moat and relax in the grassy courtyard in the middle of the structure. Entry is £3.60 although there are special rates for families visiting together.
Llandudno
It comes as a surprise to some people to learn that North Wales boasts a number of beautiful seaside resorts. Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in the region and is an attractive Victorian-era destination that is a delight for visitors. The two main beaches of North Beach and West Shore are very popular in the warmer summer months and make for a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. Victoria Pier is another wonderful attraction that is the second largest pier in all of Britain. Travelers can also tour the Bronze Age Copper Mines in Llandudno, enjoy coastal walks overlooking the sea or travel via the old fashion tram or modern cable car.
Tywyn
This town is located in Cardigan Bay and is another very popular coastal destination for travelers. The beach is over four miles of beautiful white sandy shores that makes the perfect spot to swim, play volleyball or just relax with friends. Surfing is popular at the end of the beach known as the Pipe, and even fishing can be enjoyed along the shoreline. Other recreational pursuits in and around Tywyn include rock climbing, hiking and even trekking on horseback through the majestic mountains that form the base of Snowdonia National Park. Don't miss the thirteenth century Castell-y-Bere which offers free entry.
Conwy
This incredible walled town in North Wales is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the sheer number of historical attractions within its walls. It is possible to walk the town walls and even to climb into one of the twenty towers that surrounds it. Attractions include the magnificent Conwy Castle and the Plas Mawr, or Great Hall, an incredible Elizabethan manor that is refurbished to exactly represent the medieval era. Conwy's marina is a beautiful place to take in the view or enjoy a meal of fish and chips by the water.
When you're visiting Wales, you can either book hotels in Wales, or go the self catering option with HomeAway. For more information about vacations in the region, see our Wales Travel Guide. Photos by midlander1231 (1), pfala (2), and The Ancient Brit. (3) on flickr.
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