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Wales
Things to do in North West Wales
North Wales is blessed with a glorious combination of cultural and natural attractions, which lure active nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. The most popular attraction is Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and the jewel in the crown of the Snowdonia National Park. Made famous by many poets and artists, hiking Mount Snowdon is the highlight of a trip to the UK for many active travellers.
The historic towns of Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech all offer worthwhile sightseeing opportunities, and the Edwardian castles and fortifications of these old towns have collectively been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The north of Wales also offers seaside charm, with Llandudno and Holyhead attracting many visitors. Llandudno boasts a wonderful promenade and some glorious coastal walking trails.
A glorious way to experience some of the Welsh countryside is to take a trip on the Ffestiniog Railway. Said to be the oldest operational railway in the world, it runs from the harbour at Porthmadog to the old village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and traverses some beautiful landscapes. A regional rail pass for northern Wales is a good option for travellers, as the area is lovely to explore by rail.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the Lake District, and the biggest in Wales, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of t…
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is Britain's second-biggest national park, after the Lake District, and the biggest in Wales, boasting rugged mountain trails through some of the tallest peaks south of the Scottish Highlands. The tallest peak is Mount Snowdon at 3,560 feet (1,068m), which is visited by half a million people each year, many climbing or walking while the less adventurous ride the magnificently scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top. Mount Snowden was written about by William Wordsworth, and has retained an aura of profound romance for many fans of the poet ever since. There's plenty more to explore, including lakes, waterfalls, and glacial valleys, as well as Roman forts, Stone Age burial chambers, railways, and the crumbling remains of the country's mining heritage. Other nearby destinations not to be missed include the beautiful Victorian resort of Betws-y-Coed, whose former copper mines are open to the public, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which also offers tours through its cavernous slate mines.
Website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk
Caernarfon
Situated in North Wales across the Menai Strait from the Isle of Anglesey, Caernarfon is dominated by the walls of its 13th-century castle. It was here, in 1969, that King Charles'…
Caernarfon
Situated in North Wales across the Menai Strait from the Isle of Anglesey, Caernarfon is dominated by the walls of its 13th-century castle. It was here, in 1969, that King Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales took place. It was a dramatic event marked by pomp and ceremony, and had the strong symbolic impact of strengthening Britain's dominion over Wales in this staunchly nationalist district. Across the strait is Anglesey, which is probably most noted for the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndobwlllantysiliogogogoch, which has the longest place name in the United Kingdom, and quite possibly the world. The name, when translated into English, means 'The church of St Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St Tysilio's church by the red cave'. The island of Anglesey was the crucible for pre-Roman druidic activity in Britain and many mysterious Neolithic ruins remain.
Llandudno
The largest seaside resort town in Wales, Llandudno is a small city with a great deal of Victorian flavour. Nestled on a rocky coastline that was once the haunt of Viking ships, th…
Llandudno
The largest seaside resort town in Wales, Llandudno is a small city with a great deal of Victorian flavour. Nestled on a rocky coastline that was once the haunt of Viking ships, the city's rows of peaked houses are framed by forests on one side and Blue Flag beaches on the other. Some of the top attractions in Llandudno are manmade: the longest pier in Wales is located at the end of the north-shore promenade and features food, entertainment, and relaxation options at its pavilion, as well as boat trips. Bodafon Farm Park is a working farm turned tourist attraction that also houses a bird of prey sanctuary. Active visitors to Llandudno will enjoy Happy Valley, which boasts an artificial ski slope and toboggan run, miniature golf, hiking trails, and a cable car to the summit of the Great Orme. The surrounding areas of County Conwy offer their own enticements, including golf, quad biking, hiking, and a number of interesting castle ruins.
Portmeirion
The pretty village of Portmeirion in Northern Wales is as charming as they come. Portmeirion was designed by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, between 1925 and 1976, and was…
Portmeirion
The pretty village of Portmeirion in Northern Wales is as charming as they come. Portmeirion was designed by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, between 1925 and 1976, and was intended to demonstrate how a village could be designed to suit its natural landscape so as not to detract from the natural beauty. Portmeirion was intended to be a space for events, leisure, and exhibitions, and is now run more as a tourist attraction than a residential village. It is, however, possible to spend the night in the quaint coastal village, which includes 13 self-catering cottages and two hotels. Small enough to see on foot, there are manicured gardens and a beach, as well as a few souvenir shops and a restaurant, ice-cream shop, and pizzeria to enjoy. As befitting a village that celebrates the beauty of nature, Portmeirion is surrounded by acres of lovely woodland and there are miles of coastal walking trails to explore.
Website www.portmeirion-village.com
Aberystwyth
The tiny seaside town of Aberystwyth is the historical heart of Wales and the birthplace of the Welsh language. It's also home to the University of Wales and its 10,000 students, w…
Aberystwyth
The tiny seaside town of Aberystwyth is the historical heart of Wales and the birthplace of the Welsh language. It's also home to the University of Wales and its 10,000 students, who take full advantage of Aberystwyth's numerous pubs and bars, as well as its restaurants and shops. Aberystwyth is prettily situated near the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol, on the west coast of Wales. The town has beautiful views over Cardigan Bay and a lovely long promenade, with two stretches of beach divided by the castle. Historical sites such as the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle and Constitution Hill provide pleasant vistas and are interesting attractions in their own right. The town is modern in appearance, but still boasts some historic buildings and many wonderful cultural attractions.
Holyhead
Located on the northwest side of tiny Holy Island near Anglesey, Holyhead is a picturesque town with wonderful rugged terrain and fantastic views created by the rocky coastline. Ho…
Holyhead
Located on the northwest side of tiny Holy Island near Anglesey, Holyhead is a picturesque town with wonderful rugged terrain and fantastic views created by the rocky coastline. Holyhead Mountain is the highest point, and its summit provides panoramic views that extend to Ireland, the Isle of Man, and Cumbria. Holyhead has long been an important link between Wales and Ireland, and its port is busy with ferry traffic to Dublin. The town itself is built around several historic sites, including the prehistoric hill fort Mynydd y Twr, the Roman fort of Caer Gybi, and the 6th-century St Cybi's Church, which was built inside a Roman fort. Sailing, power boating, and fishing are popular activities in this marine-minded town, and the sandy beaches of Porth Trwyn, Borth Wen, and Porth Tywn Mawr are popular for watersports.