The 9 Best Things to do in North Wales

North Wales is a mountainous region of the United Kingdom known for its beautiful nature and the famous Snowdonia National Park. The area is also famed for its historic towns, some of which boast scenic beaches, castles, ancient bridges, and of course cute Welsh sheep. North Wales is one of the most amazing parts of the United Kingdom. There are so many things to do in North Wales. You will rarely find mountains, beaches, and castles all within one region in the UK and North Wales has them all not to mention some of the best.

Bangor

Bangor is the oldest city in North Wales and is seen by some as one of the most important places in the region. It is known for Bangor University, the famous Garth Pier, and the historic Menai Bridge. The hilly town has a unique charm with its calm streets and small-town vibe.

My favourite sight in Bangor has to be Garth Pier. The pier is a Grade II listed building and it was completed in 1896. This historic pier stretches 460 meters into the Menai Strait and has amazing views of Bangor’s Waterfront.

Another honourable mention is the Penryhn Castle and Garden located outside the city centre. This historic castle was built between 1820 and 1837. This is an interesting castle within easy reach of Bangor’s town centre by bus or car.

Menai Suspension Bridge

The Menai Bridge is officially in Bangor, but as it is such an interesting place, I decided to write about it separately. The bridge is also a fair distance outside the city center, roughly 30 minutes walk so it isn’t such a convenient sight in Bangor. However, it is a must if you are fascinated by historic infrastructure.

The beautiful Menai Suspension Bridge was built in 1826 by Thomas Telford as a way of crossing the Menai Strait from Anglesey to Bangor. The Menai Straits’ strong currents were considered dangerous for crossing by boat at the time, and the Menai Suspension Bridge was the solution to this. The Bridge has some nice riverside areas nearby for walking so this is a great place to have a picnic and soak up the atmosphere. Photographers will also love this bridge as it presents some awesome photo opportunities. Visiting the Menai Suspension was one of my favourite things to do in North Wales and I believe it is a must for anyone visiting Bangor

Conwy Town

Conwy is a small historic town situated on the banks of the river Conwy in North Wales. The town is known for its medieval Conwy Castle and large fortress walls surrounding the town. The large castle is a beautiful example of a medieval castle in North Wales, and although Wales has many castles Conwy Castle is over 700 years old! The town is also well protected by fortified castle walls which span over 1.3km throughout the town. If you’re interested in medieval fortresses then visiting the town of Conwy is one of the best things to do in North Wales.

*View of the historic Conwy Suspension Bridge*

Conwy is also known for its Aberconwy House, another piece of medieval history in this Welsh town and the smallest house in Britain. That’s no small feat, as the United Kingdom is full of tiny houses. The Aberconwy house was a merchant’s house, and it is estimated to be around 600 years old. This means it is not only the smallest house but also a very old house. The Aberconwy House is a cool place to add on to your already exciting trip to Conwy, but I wouldn’t go out of your way to see it if you’re not already traveling to Conwy.

*The Conwy historic medieval waterfront and beach*

Perhaps one of the most amazing things to do in Conwy is to walk along the medieval waterfront area. I actually enjoyed the waterfront more than Conwy Castle. There is nothing that particularly stands out along the waterfront. It is a waterfront with some small boats on a beach and some traditional British buildings along the beach area. It’s a place to relax, take in the views, and appreciate that you’re in a medieval town in North Wales. The waterfront just adds that extra old atmosphere to an already historic town.

Llangollen

A day trip to Llangollen is one of my favourite things to do in North Wales. This historic town is the embodiment of medieval Welsh charm. The town has a beautiful riverside with scenic views and an amazing historic railway that goes from town to town along the River Dee.

Much of Llangollen’s charm comes from its riverside area, ancient bridge, and quaint town centre. Llangollen is so cool because it has so much packed into a small area and lets you experience many aspects of Welsh culture in such a short day out.

Pontysclle Aqueduct

The Pontysclle Aqueduct is a historic aqueduct near Llangollen town and is one of the best things to do in North Wales. The aqueduct was built along the River Dee in 1805 and was used as a transportation system for boats to cross the canal. It still has the same use today, and boat tours can be found to take visitors across the canal via the Pontysclle Aqueduct.

The Pontysclle Aqueduct is an amazing way of crossing the river and travelling by boat across a historic aqueduct in the Welsh countryside is an unmissable experience. You can also walk the narrow path on the aqueduct and cross it by walking which is just as great as you get to enjoy the views in your own time

Caernarfon Castle

Visiting Caernarfon Castle is one of the best things to do in North Wales. This medieval fortress is situated in the town of Caernarfon along the banks of the River Seiont. Caernarfon Castle is one of Wales most famous tourist destinations and is still world-renowned today.

The castle was built in the 1820s by the English King, King Edward I as a display of power. King Edward wanted the Welsh to know of his power and presence, and what better way to do it than Caernarfon Castle. The castle is huge with a tough and ferocious looking exterior and even in a region full of castles like Wales, Caernarfon still makes a statement as one of the greatest.

Portmerion Village

Visiting the Italian-style Portmerion Village is definitely one of the coolest things to do in North Wales. Portmerion Village was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. The village was inspired by the Italian coastal village called Portofino and it has done so well to keep that Italian charm.

Portmerion is a beautiful example of a Mediterranean coastal village. They even have a Piazza and stand out colorful Mediterranean-style architecture, all of which sit on along the waterfront. Portmerion is a small place with not so much to do, but for what it lacks in size and activities it makes up for in beauty and tranquility. Plus, who would pass up the chance to find a piece of Italy right here in the United Kingdom.

Llandudno

A trip to the beautiful Welsh Seaside town of Llandudno should surely be on your list of things to do in North Wales. The town is renowned for its Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches and hills, and huge Victorian pier.

Llandudno’s North Shore beach is quite large with beautiful Victorian architecture facing the waterfront promenade. The water is clean too so if you are visiting in the summer it is a great place for sunbathing and swimming. Llandudno also has a lesser-known West Shore beach, which is more on the quiet side if you’re looking for a more tranquil spot to relax and take a dip. Both beaches are nice and fare well in comparison to beaches in other UK seaside towns.

*The Llandudno Pier, an historic Victorian pier in North Wales*

The Llanduno Pier was built in 1878 by by Sir James William Brunlees and Alexander McKerrow. The Pier is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. It has an overall length of 2295ft with 1234ft of that stretches into the ocean. Set upon the Irish Sea along the waterfront of Llandudno the pier is one of the city’s most iconic sights. A beautiful place to take a stroll and enjoy the seafront views of the promenade’s Victorian architecture.

Snowdonia National Park

The Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks. Snowdonia is blessed with amazing sights such as the Yr Wyddfa mountain where its top peaks reach an incredible 3560ft (1085 meters). Other mountains such as the Y Garn and the Elidir Fawr are also popular destinations.

If you’re not a fan of climbing mountains there are plenty of walking paths and other nature spots too. The Snowdonia National Park has an abundance of wildlife and nature, which make it a tranquil escape from city life and one of the best things to do in North Wales.

*Scenic view of Snowdonia National Park*

There are so many things to do in North Wales, whether it is climbing up the mountains of the beautiful Snowdonia National park or journeying through old towns on a historic railway, there is something to do for all kinds of travelers.

The 9 Best Things to Do in North Wales