North Wales is a popular place with people visiting Wales, but it’s a lot bigger and more varied than people first think. From the quaint villages with stone houses in the National Park to the vast towns and massive castles on the coast, there’s something for all tastes.
It’s impossible to see everything in the region in one trip and even deciding where to start can be overwhelming. That’s why, using my lifetime of experience exploring Wales, I’ve put together this handy list of the best places to visit in North Wales so that you can easily plan your next trip.
1. Conwy
Conwy is my favourite place to visit in North Wales so I’ve put it right at the top of this list. The highlights of the town are the medieval town walls and Conwy Castle which is easily one of the best castles in Wales.
Although a ruin, the castle is well-preserved so you can get a feel for what it would have been like in medieval times, plus you can climb to the top of the towers for a stunning panoramic view of the Welsh countryside.
The town walls are almost fully intact and you can walk around the top of them totally free. The town is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain and Plas Mawr which is a grand Elizabethan townhouse set up exactly as it would have been back in the 16th century.
There is so much more to this town, see my full guide of the best things to do in Conwy for more inspiration.
2. Caernarfon
Caernarfon is a town on the coast of North Wales with a charming town centre full of narrow streets, colourful buildings, and traditional Welsh shops and eateries.
At the heart of the town is the iconic medieval fortress, Caernarfon Castle. As well as being one of Edward I’s most grand castles in North Wales, it’s where he governed his newly conquered territory, where his son, Edward of Caernarfon (later Edward II) was born and more recently where Prince Charles (now King Charles III) was invested as the Prince of Wales.
The town is full of interesting landmarks including the old town walls, a hanging tower, and tiny prison turned into a church. I’ve put together a self-guided walking tour of Caernarfon which will guide you through the town and tell you some interesting facts.
You can also take a boat trip down the Menai Strait, ride the highland railway which begins/ends here, and enjoy an evening outside the Anglesey Arms, one of my favourite sunset spots in North Wales. See my full guide of things to do in Caernarfon for more information.
3. Llangollen
Llangollen is a charming market town with a range of exciting activities and attractions which is why it’s one of my favourite places to visit in Wales.
Some of the top things to do in Llangollen include visiting Plas Newydd, a 14th-century country house that was the home to the infamous Llangollen Ladies, and Castell Dinas Bran, the remains of a medieval castle on the hill overlooking the town.
The River Dee runs through the town and makes an excellent place for water activities including tubing, kayaking, and white water rafting.
Whilst visiting Llandudno, you should definitely stop off and visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is just 10 minutes outside of the town. This is the highest aqueduct in the world and the longest in Britain. You can walk across it, ride over it on a canal boat, or kayak across it on a guided kayak tour.
4. Betws-Y-Coed
The next few places to visit in North Wales are all in Eryri National Park (previously known by its English name, Snowdonia) but I’ve split them out separately as each one offers a unique charm.
The village itself is charming, with traditional stone buildings, quaint shops, and cosy cafes. On the outskirts of the village, you’ll find two waterfalls, Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls, as well as the Fairy Glen which is a beautiful gorge you can walk along that’s supposedly inhabited by fairies.
From the middle of Betws-Y-Coed, there are several different walking trails you can take through Gwydir Forest Park, each with varying length and difficulty. My full visitor guide has more things to do in Betws-Y-Coed.
5. Llanberis
Llanberis is the largest town in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and one of the best places to base yourself for exploring the region.
Right in the centre of the town is the start of the most popular path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) which is Wales’ tallest mountain. There’s also a train that goes up if walking isn’t for you.
Llanberis sits along the edge of a lake called Llyn Padarn which is one of the top spots for kayaking and paddleboarding in Wales. Both of which are available for self-hire from Snowdonia Watersports Centre starting at £25 for 2 hours.
You can also take the lake railway around the entirety of the lake or walk to the small castle in Llanebris, Dolbadarn Castle, which is free to visit. See my full guide of things to do in Llanberis for more details on all of these activities.
6. Beddgelert
Beddgelert is a small village steeped in Welsh folklore, notably associated with the legendary story of Gelert the faithful hound whom the village is supposedly named after (Beddgelert meaning ‘Gelert’s Grave’).
The village itself exudes charm with its traditional stone buildings, traditional pubs, and quaint shops selling handcrafted Welsh gifts. It’s very small so you don’t need to allocate more than a day to spend here.
As well as soaking up the atmosphere of the village, there are several great walking routes that begin in or near Beddgelert including the legendary Dinas Emrys Trail. You can also walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via alternative routes that start just outside of the village.
7. Bala
Bala is a market town at the southern end of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). The town sits along the edge of Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) which is the largest natural lake in Wales. This is why the town has earned itself a reputation among watersports lovers.
Some of the activities you can do at Bala Lake include kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, and powerboating. It’s also home to the National White Water Centre where you can try white water rafting. There are rafting experiences for all levels, from newbie to extreme.
For those not into watersports, there are a few other activities in Bala such as the Lake Railway, Caerau Uchaf Gardens, and Mary Jones World where you can learn about local icon Mary Jones who became a key figure in Welsh nonconformism.
8. Anglesey
Just off the coast of North Wales, you’ll find the country’s largest island, Anglesey, which is another must-visit destination.
Being an island, you’re never far from the coast which is dotted with rugged cliffs and picturesque bays. It also has some of my favourite beaches in Wales.
Some of the best places to visit in Anglesey include Ynys Llanddwyn, a small tidal island with a ruined cathedral and a lighthouse, Plas Newydd, a former manor house that’s known for its red squirrels, and Beaumaris, which is home to a castle and several great museums.
This doesn’t even touch the surface, you can easily spend several days exploring the different areas of the island. Check out my full guide which lists the 29 best things to do in Anglesey.
9. Harlech
Harlech might only be a small town (almost the size of a village), but it’s worth visiting due to the magnificent castle that stands proudly at its heart.
Harlech Castle is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site along with Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris, recognising its grandeur and importance in Welsh history. The castle stands on a rocky outcrop, overlooking Harlech Beach with views right out across Cardigan Bay.
Harlech's long sandy beach is another highlight, perfect for walking or relaxing. A few days per year, when the tide is low enough, it even reveals the remains of a WW2 plane hidden beneath the sand.
Other things to do in Harlech include the Royal St. David's Golf Club, renowned for its challenging links course, the world’s steepest street, and nearby you can find an old mine at Llanfair Slate Caverns and the woodland walks at Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls.
10. Llandudno
Llandudno is an iconic seaside town in North Wales best known for its Victorian charm and its long sandy beach and promenade. It’s also home to the historic Llandudno Pier, offering a range of amusements and attractions.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the Great Orme, a limestone headland which is also a nature reserve with scenic walking trails. You can travel to the summit on the tramway or using the Great Orme Cable Car, providing breathtaking views over the town and the coastline.
Other fun things to do in Llandudno include the Great Orme Copper Mine, the Snowsports Centre which is where you’ll find the longest Cresta Toboggan run in Wales, and Happy Valley Gardens.
11. Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach, stretching for miles along the coastline with its newly renovated Victorian pier. The beach is popular with families and also those interested in water sports with paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and even jet skis available to hire nearby.
In Colwyn Bay, you’ll also find Eirias Park, a vast green space for leisure and sports. It includes a lake, playgrounds, a swimming pool, water slides, a sauna, a fitness suite, sports pitches, and more.
If you like animals, then the Welsh Mountain Zoo is Wales’ largest zoo and can be found just outside Colwyn Bay with 80 species from tigers and lions to bears and alligators.
12. Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a village located in North Wales that is famed for being built in an Italian style. It was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who wanted to show that a beautiful landscape could be developed without running the surrounding scenery.
Today, Portmeirion is a popular tourist destination, with around 170,000 visitors each year. As well as the beautiful architecture around the town, there are restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a spa so you can easily spend the day there.
One of the best ways to explore the village is with a guided tour which is included in the entry fee so be sure to take advantage of this.
13. Llyn Peninsular
The Llyn Peninsula is the arm at the top of Wales and home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches along with picturesque villages and towns that are worth exploring.
To make the most of your time on the peninsula, be sure to visit Abersoch – a popular spot for watersports lovers – and the stunning medieval castle in the town of Criccieth. If you’re into surfing, Porth Neigwl, also known as Hell’s Mouth, is the best spot for it in North Wales.
But if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some food and drink, the Tŷ Coch Inn on Porthdinllaen Beach was voted the third-best beach bar in the world
14. Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Gardens is a National Trust property in the Conwy Valley and one of the most beautiful gardens in Wales.
The garden was created over two centuries by five successive generations of the same family and today, it covers 80 acres with a variety of different gardens to explore including a Japanese garden, herbaceous borders, and even a Laburnum arch which is covered in golden flowers in May.
There are several trails to follow as you make your way around the garden including a family trail and a plant hunter trail for those hoping to explore Bodnant’s famous collection of plants. Expect the best rose gardens you’ve laid eyes upon, lily pools and lots of herbs.
Published: 5 July 2023 · Last updated: 6 July 2023