1. STORM A CASTLE

Castles are a huge part of Welsh heritage and in Medieval times around 600 castles stood tall across Wales. North Wales is sometimes referred to as the ‘castle capital of the World’ because of the large number of castles in such a small area. There are still 100 castles to visit, all in various conditions from fallen ruins to restored wonders that still stand proud across the North Wales coastline. But four strongholds still tower above the rest as perhaps the most famous and most mighty: Beaumaris Castle, Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle. Built on the command of English king Edward I in the 13th century, these castles now serve as memorials which you can explore in wonder. Each castle allows visitors to walk around the entirety of the walls and grounds making that experience all the more authentic.

Conwy Castle

2. TAKE ON THE FASTEST ZIP LINE IN THE WORLD

What a better way to see the glory of the North Wales landscape than flying over it at 100mph! This once in a lifetime adventure is one to tick off the North Wales bucket list! Located in Penrhyn Quarry on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Velocity is a 1.5km zip line run by Zip World. You will experience the high of breaking a record and get to take in the majestic mountains that surround the quarry. This adventure is closer than you think, just 20 minutes from Bangor and 35 minutes from Llandudno.

Velocity at Zip World

3. EXPLORE ERYRI (SNOWDONIA) NATIONAL PARK

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is the largest national park in Wales and covers a huge 823 square miles. Nearly 4 million people visit Eryri every year to take on the challenge of its mighty peaks including the most famous peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). If you are the adventurous type, Eryri National Park is home to the ‘Welsh 3000’s’; 15 mountains that are 3000ft or more and they all lie here in North Wales! The most famous include Yr Wyddfa itself, Crib Goch, Tryfan, Glyder Fawr, Pen Yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Llewelyn.

You can also find tranquillity in its easier paths such as Cwm Idwal and discover the extensive historic and quaint villages that reside in Eryri National Park. Wonder through places such as Beddgelert, Llanberis and Llanrwst; Beddgelert is home to the Welsh legend Gelert, a faithful hound that met a tragic end and whose grave now lies in Beddgelert (Bedd meaning ‘grave’ in Welsh). The lakeside town of Llanberis sits at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and acts as the gateway to this mighty mountain. Catch the Llanberis Lake Railway as it circles Llyn Padarn or learn about the town’s industrial heritage at the National Slate Museum. You will more than likely recognise the historic town of Llanrwst from the images of Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, a beautiful 15th century house that is now converted to a charming tearoom. The teahouse is covered in ivy all year round which only adds to the storybook charm this grade II listed building offers.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

4. RELAX ON A BEACH

Wales is not short of picturesque beaches with an impressive 870 miles worth of coastline! But we have to say the most outstanding beaches are located here in North Wales. Barmouth Beach is a popular seaside destination during the Summer with miles of unbroken sands meaning it will never feel too crowded. Barmouth is complete with all the normal seaside amenities such as parking, shops, cafes and amusements. If it’s a coastal walk you are after, you can start the Mawddach Trail here, crossing over the famous Barmouth Bridge.

Newborough Beach in Anglesey has been the backdrop for many TV and film productions, with the most recent seeing HBO’s House of the Dragon shoot scenes for the Game of Thrones spin off. This beach is known for its unique location, where towering pine trees line the edge of the sandy cliffs before giving way to a vast beach and crystal-clear waters. This is a popular swimming spot during the Summer with many flocking to the beach to enjoy a day of sunshine.  

Not so much a beach specifically but no trip to North Wales is complete without visiting one of the top 10 beach bars in the world! Ty Coch Inn is a small pub that sits on a small sandy cove in Porthdinllaen on the Llyn Peninsula. On a sunny day you feel like you could be anywhere in the world with a drink in hand, your feet in the sand and the views of Eryri National Park in the distance.

Tŷ Coch Inn

5. VISIT A VICTORIAN SEASIDE TOWN

The 19th century seaside town of Llandudno is well known for its quintessential Victorian style with authentic arcades, a promenade and pier. The promenade is a perfect place to take a stroll, passing pastel-coloured hotels or tuck into some fish and chips. But beware of the vulture-like seagulls that will swipe a chip. Llandudno’s promenade is, for the most part, unchanged since its time as a Victorian holiday hotspot which is what makes it so unique.

It is not just the architecture that makes this town so renowned, but its geography and natural features. Perfectly positioned between two headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme, the two are linked by the town itself. Get a glimpse of the famous Llandudno goats that live on the Great Orme, who made themselves famous during lockdown 2020 after coming down from the headland and roaming the streets. Take the San Francisco-style tramway or the alpine cable cars to the summit of the Orme where you can continue your fun at the Llandudno Ski Slope or underground copper mines. On a clear day at the summit of the Great Orme, you can see as far as the Isle of Man.

Top of the Orme, Llandudno

6. RIDE THE UK’S ONLY ALPINE COASTER

If you’re looking for something to do with the family or want a quick rush of adrenaline, then you need to visit the Zip World Fforest Coaster near Betws-y-Coed. Nestled amongst the trees is a toboggan-style coaster that will twist and down a kilometre of alpine track. This adventure is fun in all weathers and can be done with the whole family, as the toboggans allow one child under 8 years and one adult to ride together.

After you have completed your adventure on the Fforest Coaster at Zip World, we would recommend travelling 5 minutes by car to the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed. Betws-y-Coed is considered the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and has a distinct alpine feel to it with dense forest surrounding it. Betsw-y-Coed boasts many places to eat and drink, as well as plenty of independent retailers and of course, many walking and biking trails. Just outside of Betws-y-Coed is the famous Swallow Falls waterfall, where the river Llugwy flows through a narrow chasm creating a spectacular waterfall. The falls can be viewed from a platform above the river and does not involve any strenuous walking.

Fforest Coaster at Zip World 

7. STROLL THROUGH A NATIONAL TRUST GARDEN

Bodnant Garden is a world-famous garden in Conwy Valley that spans 80 acres of sweeping lawns, champion tress and grand boarders. It is a National Trust property that has been passed down through 5 generations from 1874 until it was given to the National Trust in 1949. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK with an incredible variety of rare and unique plants. The gardens are a haven of tranquillity and relaxation all year round from the famous Laburnum Arch in May to the fiery colours produced in Autumn; it is a highlight no matter what the season.

Bodnant Gardens

8. BOUNCE AROUND IN A CAVE

Is the weather not looking too hopeful when you visit North Wales? If so, we have the perfect rainy-day activity for you and your family. Located in a disused slate quarry, Zip World Llechwedd have created the world’s first subterranean playground of its kind; Bounce Below. Unleash your inner child or burn off some energy in our enormous underground net adventure! Explore the trampoline-style nets with built-in slides to access each level. There is nothing else quite like this unique experience anywhere in the world! Zip World Llechwedd is the adventure site for many other activities such as the Titan zip line, underground adventure golf and Llechwedd Quarry Tour.

Bounce Below at Zip World

9.SEE THE HOME OF THE RED DRAGONS

Wrexham FC, also known as the red dragons, are the oldest football club in Wales and the third-oldest football team in the world. Based in Wrexham, North Wales the team competes in the EFL League One after their recent back-to-back promotion success. The clubs’ home in Wrexham is the Racecourse Ground which has stood since 1807 and held its first football game as the club in 1864. They have recently found world-wide fame with the club being bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have seen the club go from strength to strength. Along with the Hollywood support, the football club and town itself have been the centre of the Emmy-Nominated, Disney+ documentary, Welcome to Wrexham.

The city has played a vital role in the history of North Wales being at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution and a hub of coal and lead mining. There are several things to do in Wrexham such as visiting churches, Castles, Country Parks and Museums like Xplore Science, which is a great place to take the kids in the afternoon.

10.HAVE AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER

Fancy getting up close with a chimp or watching a penguin fly through the water? North Wales offers an abundance of zoos and aquariums that make a perfect family day out this summer. There are three in particular that should be at the top of your list, all offering a different animal experience. The Welsh Mountain Zoo, also known as the National Zoo of North Wales, homes some of the most impressive and endangered animals in the world including snow leopards, lemurs, tigers and condors. What makes this zoo so special is its hillside location with dramatic views overlooking the North Wales coastline.

Anglesey Sea Zoo offers something a little wetter as it focuses on British marine life. The sea zoo blends education and fun for all the family in equal measure with opportunities to learn out their breeding programmes and possibly meeting a marine biologist. For a more immersive animal experience, head over to Manorafon Farm Park, located in Abergele. Just down the road from Gwrych Castle, the farm park has a host of friendly farm animals to welcome you including bunnies, goats, pigs and alpacas. There is also opportunities to cuddle and feed some of the animals.

Manorafon Farm Park

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