North Wales
Discover what North Wales has to offer.
There is so much to see and do in North Wales that it doesn’t matter how much time you have, it’ll never be long enough!
It’s always best to get some personal recommendations on the best places to visit, which is why we try to explore as many different places as possible so that you can hear about it first-hand. We’ve taken lots of pictures for our galleries below and look forward to telling you about them all when you arrive!
Everyone knows about the ‘usual’ tourist hotspots, but we also try and get ideas on more unique places to visit. So we use the ‘Wild Guide’ book for ‘Wales & the Marches’. Its fantastic at getting you off the beaten track and I can guarantee that you will see places that none of your friends have even considered! Check it out…
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, Gwrych Castle is a Grade I listed country house and was one of the first attempts at replicating true medieval architecture in Europe. It stands in 250 acres of gardens and grounds and has extensive views over the Irish Sea.
Built by Edward I, this imposing fortification was part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy and has played an important part in several wars. This World Heritage site is one of the finest examples of late 13th Century military architecture in Europe!
Another castle built by Edward I at the end of the 13th Century to stamp his authority on the Welsh. Architecturally, the castle would have been the most technically perfect castle in Britain – but alas, the castle was never finished. Despite this, it is still a wonder to imagine its potential.
Apprixomately 30 minutes south of Llandudno is Betws-y-coed (prayerhouse-in-the-woods). The small, but perfectly formed village in the Conwy Valley is one of the gateways to Snowdonia. The village is picturesque all year round and Swallow Falls is a ‘must see’.
Originally built as a manor house in the 15th Century, Bodelwyddan was reconstructed in the 19th Century into the impressive fortification we see today. The castle has fulfilled multiple purposes throughout its history, most recently as a museum and arts centre.
Records date back to the 15th Century when Penrhyn was a fortified manor house, but its current neo-Norman design dates back to the 1820s. The property is owned by the ‘National Trust‘ after being passed to the Treasury in 1951 to settle death duties.
Plas Newydd is a country house that sits on the banks of the Menai Strait in Anglesey and its origins date back to 1470. It was a family home until Henry Paget, 7th Marquess of Anglesey, presented it to the ‘National Trust‘ in 1976 when it was opened to the public.
Bodnant Garden has been owned by the ‘National Trust‘ since it was gifted to them in 1949 by Henry McLaren, but records about the land and property date back to the mid 1700s. The house in the centre of the garden is still privately owned by the McLaren/Aberconway family.
In 1283, King Edward I completed his conquest of Wales and almost immediately began construction of Caernarfon Castle. During the 20th Century the site became the location for the ‘Investiture of the Prince of Wales‘ who is the heir apparent to the British throne.Â
On the edge of Llyn Padarn (a glacially formed lake), lies the Welsh National Slate Museum and it serves as a memory to the 3000 men that once worked in the quarry. Wander around the largest working water wheel in mainland Britain and the quarrymen’s houses.Â
To save unnecessary travelling, the men that worked in the quarry from Anglesey lived in these barracks until 1948. With no running water or electricity, the public health inspector deemed them unfit for human habitation – despite the million pound view!
Built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13 Century, the castle was important both militarily and as a symbol of power. The location was important as it controlled an important mountain pass, which meant Llywelyn could claim authority as ‘Lord of the Mountains’.
Hidden within a nature reserve near Colwyn Bay are the remains of a 15th Century Grand house, which has sat derelict for centuries. Continue the relatively easy climb through the reserves whilst looking out for butterflies, to reach the hilltop with views across to Llandudno’s Great Orme.
Less than half a mile from Beaumaris stands the haunting remains of what would’ve been an impressive stately home. The mansion was built in 1618 and was home to the influential Bulkley family. Ravaged by fire in the 20th Century, just the shell of the house now survives.
Situated on a beach close to Talacre Village on the North Wales coast, the Point of Ayr lighthouse is a hot spot for ghostly activity. Several people have claimed to see a figure wearing old fashioned lighthouse keeper clothes standing in front of the glass dome.
Perched in the idyllic setting of Llangernyw village, the surrounding grounds of this church are home to a Yew tree that is believed to be the oldest known tree in Wales (4000-5000 years old). Also, according to local legend the church is inhabited by an ancient spirit.
2 miles south of Abergwyngregyn, you can enjoy a gentle walk to the 120ft waterfall. Small Bronze Age settlements can be seen dotted along the scenic path to this beautiful waterfall. After a few hours wandering, a visit to the Aber Falls Gin distillery should be on the cards!
