North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s received somewhat one thing for everybody. From lovely seashores, beautiful mountain peaks, quaint villages and an incredible nationwide park. Better of all, so most 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 highway journey within the UK, and the panorama truthfully lends itself to highway 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. For that reason, we’d suggest a automotive, nevertheless it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and straightforward, I’m sharing my high locations you can’t miss while you’re right here. As a Welshman, I’m so pleased with our nation and I actually hope you adore it too!
Have the perfect 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 lovely to go to. Simply shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s simple to get to by automotive (alongside the A4086 highway).
Now, what I like most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s tremendous simple to go to as you drive additional west via Snowdonia in direction of Porthmadog. The entire area right here is beautiful.
Additionally, I’m undecided in the event you’re pondering of tenting or staying in resorts throughout your journey to North Wales, however there may be additionally the Garth Farm Campsite that’s proper on the shores of Llynnau Mymbr (the lakes).
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Wales to go to
2.) Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri Nationwide Park is often often known as Snowdonia – or not less than that was its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear in the event 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 the event you love the good outside. It’s completely beautiful and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is effectively value spending a little bit of time in throughout your journey.




As soon as right here, you must 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 a number of methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility because of native climate.
In case you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its option 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 the event you’re not used to mountain climbing 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 on your hike.
If you wish to make issues simpler, you may then take the prepare again down (or up if you’d 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 e-book tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Ensure to e-book these upfront at peak instances as tickets can promote out quick.


One other nice mountain climbing 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 the event you’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the top, and it may be powerful, however the views round Yr Wyddfa are value it.
Learn extra: Finest 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 anticipate. It’s unimaginable and the most effective locations in North Wales to go to for a protracted afternoon (and even an in a single day keep).
Now, there’s a small entry price to enter this beautiful little city, nevertheless it’s so value paying the price to discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll really feel such as you’re really in Italy. It’s that quaint! Now, I received’t delve an excessive amount of into the historical past of the city, nevertheless 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 chunk to eat on the little foodie spots too. Visits take round 3-4 hours, and it’s completely idyllic.
Learn extra: Finest 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 awesome little city to cease in as you drive the coastal highway from Machynlleth (the traditional capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
When you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), make certain to park up on the public automotive park (with a small price) 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 to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s an excellent sandy seaside that you just don’t need to miss within the city. Oh, and I at all times love stopping off on the Dovey Inn for a chunk to eat. Their selfmade pies are so tasty.
Learn extra: Finest 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 barely a small place, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you’ve got somewhat espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small resort – however other than that, it’s very a lot small homes. The massive draw for Aberdaron is its beautiful sandy seaside. You see, Aberdaron is true on the shoreline.
Additionally, a few 10-minute drive away is the small city of Abersoch. That is one other gem of a seaside to go to, with a number of 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 suppose, I promise)!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
In case you’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make certain to take somewhat 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 be able to cease off at for lunch.
Truthfully, in the event 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. Nicely, I say that loosely, you may’t actually cover a lake!
Additionally, don’t overlook to e-book your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little prepare that has heaps of allure and is effectively value hopping on for a journey via this beautiful space of North Wales.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the event 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 danger the stroll when you have inclement climate.
While right here, make certain to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seaside (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seaside. Each are sandy, large and completely unspoilt. Although, don’t anticipate any large-scale facilities, this space is as pure because it comes.
Learn extra: Finest locations within the Brecon Beacons to go to
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 simple to drive close to South Stack Lighthouse and stroll from this automotive parking space. Simply remember to arrive somewhat early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical thought and the automotive park can refill. Persistence is vital in relation 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 via North Wales.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Pembrokeshire to go to
9.) Porth Swtan/Church Bay
One other of Holyhead’s iconic spots to go to, Porth Swtan (Google Maps pin), is true on the shoreline and completely simple to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than among the larger seashores on Anglesey, nevertheless it’s no much less lovely.
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: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
In case you’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then make certain 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 may simply spend about quarter-hour getting right here. It’s a very simple hike (the truth is, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely value together with in the event you’re staying in a single day within the space.
Learn extra: Finest 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 common since. The Victorian instances. At the moment, the city straddles a spit of land, which implies it has seashores on each facet of the city itself. This makes it an awesome seaside city to go to in Wales.
Ensure 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 direction of the hills above. It’s so distinctive and completely value reserving in the event you’re staying in a single day or spending an extended day in Llandudno.
Learn extra: Finest 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 fashioned in. You see, the final Ice Age carved out enormous 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 suppose they’re ‘b’ roads), it’s value parking up and rambling this wonderful space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you may simply cease round this space in the event you’re already within the space.
Learn extra: Finest locations in West Wales to go to
14.) Llyn Ogwen


Llyn Ogwen (Google Maps pin) is one other one in every of North Wales’ lovely lakes to go to if you’re already in Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia).
It’s located simply off the A5 highway, 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 lovely to see. Visits could be so long as you need (clearly) , however in the event you’re going for a ramble across the space, give your self an hour to comfortably take within the views.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the event you’re driving the northern coastal route.
It may be small, however the city centre is attractive to see. As soon as right here, make certain to search out the smallest home within the UK, which is positioned 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 may simply spend 90 minutes studying all about its historical past and the broader fortification of Conwy in centuries passed by.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seaside
In case you love seashores in Wales, then it is advisable to go to Llydan Seaside (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, and so they make the most effective fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Fortress
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Fortress is effectively value visiting in the event you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover among the superb castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry price to get contained in the grounds, nevertheless it’s so value it in the event you love historical past. Additionally, don’t overlook to cease off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a chunk to eat. As I discussed earlier than, they’ve among the greatest seafood within the area. Nicely, in my view not less than.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fortress
Wales has unimaginable castles, and you may’t not go to them when exploring the perfect locations in North Wales. They’re a lot part of the historical past of Wales, and they’re among the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Fortress is one such spot! With a small entry price, you’ll be capable to discover the grounds, turrets and study extra about life inside a medieval citadel. In the summertime, additionally they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure instances of the week. It’s so unimaginable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Fortress


Sure, sure! One other citadel… however you may’t miss this one both! Caernarfon Fortress is a gem to go to in North Wales and completely simple to incorporate in your itinerary to Wales as you enterprise in direction of Anglesey or observe the shoreline additional west.
Once more, a small entry price is paid, nevertheless it’s so value it. The citadel ruins are immense, and so they’ve been round for nearly 1,000 years. Visits will take round 45 minutes, and it’s so value it. Plus, you may simply stroll round Caernarfon while you’re there. It’s solely small and there are heaps of cafes to cease off for a tea and Welsh muffins!
Learn extra: Finest castles in Wales to go to
20.) Talacre Seaside
Not too removed from the border of England (about 15 miles), Talacre Seaside (Google Maps pin) is beautiful to go to for a stroll.
Right here, you may wander the shores of Talacre Seaside and be a part of the Dee Coastal Path that runs via the realm. It’s beautiful, and the sand dunes are lovely too.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales