North Wales is an absolute gem of a region to visit when exploring Wales. It’s got a little something for everyone. From beautiful beaches, stunning mountain peaks, quaint villages and an amazing national park. Best of all, so many of the best places in North Wales to visit are dotted all across the region.
Now, for me, I always love visiting North Wales by car. It’s the perfect destination for a road trip in the UK, and the landscape honestly lends itself to road travel. Now, North Wales does have good rail links from Holyhead and along the north coastline, but the other lines are quite sparse, with a train every few hours. For this reason, we’d recommend a car, but it isn’t essential.
So, to make your trip around North Wales nice and easy, I’m sharing my top places you cannot miss whilst you’re here. As a Welshman, I’m so proud of our country and I really hope you love it too!
Have the best time in Wales.
1.)Llynnau Mymbr
Llynnau Mymbr (Google Maps pin) is actually two lakes in the Snowdonia area of North Wales, and it’s absolutely beautiful to visit. Just shy of the village of Capel Curig, it’s easy to get to by car (along the A4086 road).
Now, what I love most about Llynnau Mymbr is that it’s super easy to visit as you drive further west through Snowdonia towards Porthmadog. The whole region here is stunning.
Also, I’m not sure if you’re thinking of camping or staying in hotels during your trip to North Wales, but there is also the Garth Farm Campsite that’s right on the shores of Llynnau Mymbr (the lakes).
Read more: Best places across Wales to visit
2.) Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri National Park is commonly known as Snowdonia – or at least that used to be its name. It’s still used by many, so don’t worry if you do call it Snowdonia, and locals know it as both names. It’s a huge national park in Wales and one of the best places in North Wales to visit if you love the great outdoors. It’s absolutely stunning and encompasses a huge area of North Wales, and is well worth spending a bit of time in during your trip.
Once here, you have to make it to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). It’s the tallest mountain in all of England and Wales and is absolutely colossal. Now, there are a few ways to get to the top of Yr Wyddfa, depending on your time, flexibility and accessibility due to local weather.
If you fancy a hike, take the Llanberis Path. The trailhead starts in Llanberis and makes its way to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Now, the hike itself is pretty gruelling (being about 10 miles or so in length). It’s not one if you’re not used to hiking or longer periods of exercise. Now, the hike will take around 6-8 hours, so plan accordingly and take enough water, snacks and waterproof layers for your hike.
If you want to make things easier, you can then take the train back down (or up if you want) and just hike one way. The hike down is always easier as you don’t have the steep ascents, which makes it less strenuous but still as long.
Alternatively, you can book tickets to reach the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Make sure to book these in advance at peak times as tickets can sell out fast.
Another great hiking route is the Miners’ Track, which will take you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. It’s a strenuous route and perfect for those who want a challenging hike.
Now, always listen to local advice before setting out and don’t join the route if you’re not a highly experienced hiker. The route does get rocky nearer the end, and it can be tough, but the views around Yr Wyddfa are worth it.
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3.) Portmeirion
Not too far from the town of Porthmadog, the coastal Italian town of Portmeirion (Google Maps pin) is as charming as you can expect. It’s incredible and one of the best places in North Wales to visit for a long afternoon (or even an overnight stay).
Now, there is a small entry cost to enter this stunning little town, but it’s so worth paying the fee to explore.
Once here, you’ll feel like you’re actually in Italy. It’s that quaint! Now, I won’t delve too much into the history of the town, but it was built by Clough Williams-Ellis in the 20th Century. What it lacks in age, it makes up for with charm!
As you wander around, you’ll see the Pantheon and the Round House, which are so quaint. Plus, you can buy some Portmeirion pottery, local gelato and grab a bite to eat at the little foodie spots too. Visits take around 3-4 hours, and it’s totally idyllic.
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4.) Aberdyfi (Aberdovey)
Aberdyfi (or Anglicised as Aberdovey) is a picture-perfect town, on the banks of the Dyfi Estuary and overlooking Cardigan Bay. It’s a great little town to stop in as you drive the coastal road from Machynlleth (the ancient capital of Wales) to Tywyn.
Once you’ve arrived in Aberdyfi (Google Maps pin), make sure to park up at the public car park (with a small fee) and wander the town by foot. It’s only small and you’ll have walked the whole length of Aberdyfi in less than 15 minutes.
Make sure to pack a swimsuit if the sun is out! There’s a glorious sandy beach that you don’t want to miss in the town. Oh, and I always love stopping off at the Dovey Inn for a bite to eat. Their homemade pies are so tasty.
Read more: Best hikes in Wales to visit
5.) Aberdaron
Right on the edge of the Llŷn Peninsula region of North Wales, Aberdaron is a great place to stop as you drive around. Again, Aberdaron (Google Maps pin) is only a small place, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with quaintness.
Here, you have a little coffee shop and an ice-cream shop and a small hotel – but apart from that, it’s very much small houses. The big draw for Aberdaron is its stunning sandy beach. You see, Aberdaron is right on the coastline.
Also, about a 10-minute drive away is the small town of Abersoch. This is another gem of a seaside to visit, with a few more amenities, and the beach is beautiful. Both of these are great to visit on a sunny day in Wales (which happens more than you think, I promise)!
Read more: Best hikes in Wales to visit
6.) Tal Y Llyn
If you’re driving north (or south) between the towns of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, then make sure to take a little detour to Tal-y-llyn (Google Maps pin). Now, the thing I love most about Tal-y-llyn is, of course, the lake and the little town which you can stop off at for lunch.
Honestly, if you love the Lake District in England, you will love Tal-y-llyn. It’s much less crowded – very few people visit who aren’t from the local area, and it’s something of a ‘hidden’ gem. Well, I say that loosely, you can’t really hide a lake!
Also, don’t forget to book your tickets on the steam-engined Tal-y-llyn Railway. It’s a tiny little train that has heaps of charm and is well worth hopping on for a ride through this stunning area of North Wales.
Read more: Best places across Wales to visit
7.) Twr Mawr Lighthouse
Nestled on the western coastline of the island of Anglesey, Twr Mawr Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is on the tiny island of Llanddwyn.
The island is stunning, and it’s one of the best places in North Wales to visit if you love exploring the country’s coastline. Now, Llanddwyn is a tidal island, so always be cautious if you are heading over from the nearby beach. I personally wouldn’t risk the walk if you have inclement weather.
Whilst here, make sure to spend some time on Llanddwyn Beach (a sandy paradise) and Penrhos Beach. Both are sandy, big and totally unspoilt. Though, don’t expect any large-scale amenities, this area is as natural as it comes.
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8.) South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse (Google Maps pin) is one of the best places in North Wales to see the sunset. Westerley facing, on the island of Holyhead, it’s honestly stunning and the whole amount of trails, walkways and views across the Irish Sea can’t be missed.
It’s easy to drive near South Stack Lighthouse and walk from this car parking area. Just be sure to arrive a little early before sunset, as everyone else has the same idea and the car park can fill up. Patience is key when it comes to finding a parking space here.
Don’t forget, you can also walk the nearby trails to Elin’s Tower. It’s just off the parking area and another stunner of a spot to visit as you venture through North Wales.
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9.) Porth Swtan/Church Bay
Another of Holyhead’s iconic spots to visit, Porth Swtan (Google Maps pin), is right on the coastline and totally easy to visit by car. Now, it’s much smaller than some of the bigger beaches on Anglesey, but it’s no less beautiful.
Best of all, you can spend an afternoon here and stop off at the Lobster Pot for lunch. They grill some tasty scallops, which are freshly caught each day,
Read more: Best beaches in Wales to visit
11.) Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Llanberis
If you’re staying in Llanberis (before a hike to the top of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)), then make sure to stop off at Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (Google Maps pin).
It’s a short stroll from Llanberis town centre (which is tiny, by the way) and you can easily spend about 15 minutes getting here. It’s a very easy hike (in fact, it’s more of a stroll) and totally worth including if you’re staying overnight in the area.
Read more: Best things to do in South Wales
12.) Llandudno
Right on the north coastline of Wales, Llandudno is a large town in Wales that’s been popular since. The Victorian times. Today, the town straddles a spit of land, which means it has beaches on both side of the town itself. This makes it a great seaside town to visit in Wales.
Make sure to spend some time walking down Llandudno’s Promenade, visit Dylan’s Llandudno for some local seafood (their fish pie was so tasty. and wander the cobbled streets.
Afterwards, head up the Great Orme Tramway. It’s the country’s only pulley system tram that takes you through the town towards the hills above. It’s so unique and totally worth booking if you’re staying overnight or spending a longer day in Llandudno.
Read more: Best places in West Wales to visit
13.) Llyn Idwal
The thing that makes Llyn Idwal (Google Maps pin) so special is the glacial valley that it’s formed in. You see, the last Ice Age carved out huge swaths of the landscape here, and it’s left some incredible places to see and explore today.
The whole area is stunning to visit, and whilst the roads might be small (I don’t even think they’re ‘B’ roads), it’s worth parking up and rambling through this glorious area.
Plus, it’s not too far from nearby Llanberis, so you can easily stop around this area if you’re already in the area.
Read more: Best places in West Wales to visit
14.) Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen (Google Maps pin) is another one of North Wales’ beautiful lakes to visit when you’re already in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
It’s situated just off the A5 road, which makes it really easy to see whilst exploring on a roadtrip to North Wales. Here, you’ll see views over Tryfan Mountain, and it’s honestly beautiful to see. Visits can be as long as you want (obviously), but if you’re going for a ramble around the area, give yourself an hour to comfortably take in the views.
Read more: Best places in West Wales to visit
15.) Conwy
Just a little shy of the seaside town of Llandudno, Conwy is one of the best places in North Wales to visit if you’re driving the northern coastal route.
It might be small, but the town centre is gorgeous to see. Once here, make sure to find the smallest house in the UK, which is located in the centre of town. Also, don’t forget to make a pitstop at Conwy Castle, where you can wander around. The ruins are incredible to see, and you can easily spend 90 minutes learning all about their history and the wider fortification of Conwy in centuries gone by.
Read more: Best beaches in Wales to visit
16.) Llydan Beach
If you love beaches in Wales, then you need to visit Llydan Beach (Google Maps pin). It’s nestled on the west coastline of Anglesey, which has so many incredible beaches, and is stunning to visit in the afternoon.
You see, you can stop off on the beach in the late afternoon for a dip (watch out for riptides) and then head on over to The Oystercatcher for an early dinner. The views from here are great, and they make one of the best fish and chips on the island.
Read more: Best beaches in Wales to visit
17.) Cricieth Castle
Not too far from the town of Porthmadog, Criceth Castle is well worth visiting if you’re already visiting nearby Portmeirion and want to explore some of the amazing castles in Wales.
There’s a small entry fee to get inside the grounds, but it’s so worth it if you love history. Also, don’t forget to stop off at Dylan’s Criccieth for a bite to eat. As I mentioned before, they have some of the best seafood in the region. Well, in my opinion at least.
Read more: Best beaches in Wales to visit
18.) Harlech Castle
Wales has incredible castles, and you can’t not visit them when exploring the best places in North Wales. They’re so much a part of the history of Wales, and they are some of the best-preserved ruins in all of Great Britain.
Harlech Castle is one such spot! With a small entry fee, you’ll be able to explore the grounds, turrets and learn more about life inside a medieval castle. In the summer, they also have Ardudwy Knights who battle at certain times of the week. It’s so incredible and visits take around 90 minutes.
Read more: Best places to visit across Wales
19.) Caernarfon Castle
Yes, yes! Another castle… but you can’t miss this one either! Caernarfon Castle is a gem to visit in North Wales and totally easy to include on your itinerary to Wales as you venture towards Anglesey or follow the coastline further west.
Again, a small entry fee is paid, but it’s so worth it. The castle ruins are immense, and they’ve been around for almost 1,000 years. Visits will take around 45 minutes, and it’s so worth it. Plus, you can easily stroll around Caernarfon whilst you’re there. It’s only small, and there are heaps of cafes where you can stop off for tea and Welsh cakes!
Read more: Best castles in Wales to visit
20.) Talacre Beach
Not too far from the border of England (about 15 miles), Talacre Beach (Google Maps pin) is stunning to visit for a stroll.
Here, you can wander the shores of Talacre Beach and join the Dee Coastal Path that runs through the area. It’s stunning, and the sand dunes are beautiful too.
Read more: Best places to visit across Wales
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