North Wales is an absolute gem of a area to go to when exploring Wales. It’s received slightly one thing for everybody. From lovely seashores, gorgeous 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 all the time love visiting North Wales by automotive. It’s the right vacation spot for a street journey within the UK, and the panorama truthfully lends itself to street journey. Now, North Wales does have good rail hyperlinks from Holyhead and alongside the north shoreline, however the different traces are fairly sparse, with a practice each few hours. Because of this, we’d suggest a automotive, nevertheless it isn’t important.
So, to make your journey round North Wales good and simple, I’m sharing my prime locations you can’t miss while you’re right here. As a Welshman, I’m so happy with our nation and I actually hope you adore it too!
Have one of the best 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 straightforward to get to by automotive (alongside the A4086 street).
Now, what I like most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s tremendous straightforward to go to as you drive additional west by Snowdonia in the direction of Porthmadog. The entire area right here is gorgeous.
Additionally, I’m undecided when you’re pondering of tenting or staying in accommodations throughout your journey to North Wales, however there’s 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 usually often called Snowdonia – or a minimum of that was its identify. It’s nonetheless utilized by many, so don’t fear when you do name it Snowdonia, and locals realize it as each names. It’s an enormous nationwide park in Wales and probably the greatest locations in North Wales to go to when you love the good outdoor. It’s completely gorgeous and encompasses an enormous space of North Wales, and is properly price spending a little bit of time in throughout your journey.




As soon as right here, you need to make it to the highest of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). It’s the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales and is completely colossal. Now, there are a couple of methods to get to the highest of Yr Wyddfa, relying in your time, flexibility and accessibility resulting from native climate.
For those who fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead begins in Llanberis and makes its technique 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 when you’re not used to mountaineering or longer intervals 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 possibly can then take the practice again down (or up if you’d like) and simply hike a technique. The hike down is all the time simpler as you don’t have the steep ascents, which makes it much less strenuous however nonetheless as lengthy.
Alternatively, you possibly can e-book tickets to achieve the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Be certain that to e-book these prematurely at peak occasions as tickets can promote out quick.


One other nice mountaineering route is the Miners’ Monitor, which is able to take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and excellent for individuals who desire a difficult hike.
Now, all the time hearken to native recommendation earlier than setting out and don’t be part of the route when you’re not a extremely skilled hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the tip, and it may be robust, however the views round Yr Wyddfa are price 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 possibly can count on. It’s unbelievable and probably the greatest locations in North Wales to go to for an extended afternoon (and even an in a single day keep).
Now, there’s a small entry value to enter this gorgeous little city, nevertheless it’s so price paying the payment to discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll really feel such as you’re really in Italy. It’s that quaint! Now, I gained’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 attraction!




As you wander round, you’ll see the Pantheon and the Spherical Home, that are so quaint. Plus, you should purchase 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 incredible little city to cease in as you drive the coastal street from Machynlleth (the traditional capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
When you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), make sure that to park up on the public automotive park (with a small payment) 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.
Be certain that to pack a swimsuit if the solar is out! There’s a wonderful sandy seaside that you just don’t need to miss within the city. Oh, and I all the time 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 dimension, it makes up for with quaintness.
Right here, you may have slightly espresso store and an ice-cream store and a small lodge – however aside from that, it’s very a lot small homes. The large draw for Aberdaron is its gorgeous sandy seaside. You see, Aberdaron is correct 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 couple 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 assume, I promise)!
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Wales to go to
6.) Tal Y Llyn
For those who’re driving north (or south) between the cities of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make sure that to take slightly detour to Tal-y-llyn (Google Maps pin). Now, the factor I like most about Tal-y-llyn is, after all, the lake and the little city which you’ll be able to cease off at for lunch.
Actually, when you love the Lake District in England, you’ll love Tal-y-llyn. It’s a lot much less crowded – only a few individuals go to who aren’t from the native space, and it’s one thing of a ‘hidden’ gem. Properly, I say that loosely, you possibly can’t actually conceal a lake!
Additionally, don’t overlook to e-book your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little practice that has heaps of attraction and is properly price hopping on for a experience by this gorgeous 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 gorgeous, and it’s probably the greatest locations in North Wales to go to when you love exploring the nation’s shoreline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so all the time be cautious in case you are heading over from the close by seaside. I personally wouldn’t threat the stroll if in case you have inclement climate.
While right here, make sure that to spend a while on Llanddwyn Seashore (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Seashore. Each are sandy, huge and completely unspoilt. Although, don’t count on 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 gorgeous and the entire quantity of trails, walkways and views throughout the Irish Sea can’t be missed.
It’s straightforward to drive close to South Stack Lighthouse and stroll from this automotive parking space. Simply be sure you arrive slightly early earlier than sundown, as everybody else has the identical concept and the automotive park can replenish. Persistence is essential on the subject of discovering a parking area right here.
Don’t overlook, you can too 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 by 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 correct on the shoreline and completely straightforward to go to by automotive. Now, it’s a lot smaller than a few of the greater seashores on Anglesey, nevertheless it’s no much less lovely.
Better of all, you possibly can 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
For those who’re staying in Llanberis (earlier than a hike to the highest of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then make sure that to cease off at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (Google Maps pin).
It’s a brief stroll from Llanberis city centre (which is tiny, by the way in which) and you’ll simply spend about quarter-hour getting right here. It’s an easy hike (in truth, it’s extra of a stroll) and completely price together with when 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 occasions. As we speak, the city straddles a spit of land, which suggests it has seashores on each facet of the city itself. This makes it an incredible seaside city to go to in Wales.
Be certain that 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 the direction of the hills above. It’s so distinctive and completely price reserving when 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 shaped in. You see, the final Ice Age carved out enormous swaths of the panorama right here, and it’s left some unbelievable locations to see and discover as we speak.
The entire space is gorgeous to go to, and while the roads could be small (I don’t even assume they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s price parking up and rambling by this superb space.
Plus, it’s not too removed from close by Llanberis, so you possibly can simply cease round this space when 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 certainly one of North Wales’ lovely lakes to go to if you’re already in Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia).
It’s located simply off the A5 street, 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 might be so long as you need (clearly), however when 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 when you’re driving the northern coastal route.


It could be small, however the city centre is attractive to see. As soon as right here, make sure that to search out the smallest home within the UK, which is situated within the centre of city. Additionally, don’t overlook to make a pitstop at Conwy Fort, the place you possibly can wander round. The ruins are unbelievable to see, and you’ll simply spend 90 minutes studying all about their historical past and the broader fortification of Conwy in centuries passed by.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
16.) Llydan Seashore
For those who love seashores in Wales, then it is advisable go to Llydan Seashore (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west shoreline of Anglesey, which has so many unbelievable seashores, and is gorgeous to go to within the afternoon.
You see, you possibly can 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, they usually make probably the greatest fish and chips on the island.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
17.) Cricieth Fort
Not too removed from the city of Porthmadog, Criceth Fort is properly price visiting when you’re already visiting close by Portmeirion and need to discover a few of the wonderful castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry payment to get contained in the grounds, nevertheless it’s so price it when 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 a few of the greatest seafood within the area. Properly, for my part a minimum of.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Wales to go to
18.) Harlech Fort
Wales has unbelievable castles, and you’ll’t not go to them when exploring one of the best locations in North Wales. They’re a lot part of the historical past of Wales, and they’re a few of the best-preserved ruins in all of Nice Britain.
Harlech Fort is one such spot! With a small entry payment, you’ll be capable of discover the grounds, turrets and study extra about life inside a medieval fort. In the summertime, additionally they have Ardudwy Knights who battle at sure occasions of the week. It’s so unbelievable and visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to throughout Wales
19.) Caernarfon Fort


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