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Top 10 Best Attractions in North Wales
Highlighted by Lonely Planet as one of the most spectacular holiday destinations on the planet, North Wales is a region which has something to offer holiday makers of all ages and interests. A combination of dramatic landscapes, adventure activities, beautiful beaches and historic attractions combine to create a region that will satisfy all members of the family.
As we head into the peak summer season, we thought now would be a good time to celebrate what we consider to be the top 10 best attractions in North Wales, providing you with some ideas as to the kinds of things you can get up to when you holiday in the region. Let’s start off with a North Wales tourist attraction which towers above them all both literally and figuratively…
1. Snowdon Mountain
One of the first North Wales attractions anyone thinks of when visiting the region is of course Snowdon Mountain. Rising to 1,085 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Britain outside of Scotland and dominates the landscape of Snowdonia National Park which surrounds it.
For keen walkers, reaching the summit is an unforgettable achievement, with six main Snowdon walking routes offering different challenges. The rewards are spectacular, with panoramic views across the mountains, lakes and valleys of Snowdonia and, on a clear day, views stretching as far afield as Ireland. If walking to the summit is not for you, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has been carrying visitors to the peak from Llanberis since 1896 and gives you a great opportunity to take in the views without the physical exertion.
Whether you climb, take the train or simply admire this magnificent mountain from below, Snowdon would be the perfect addition to anyone’s North Wales holiday itinerary.
2. North Wales Coastal Path
Stretching through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region, the North Wales Coast Path provides an excellent opportunity to mix exercise with leisure. The route takes in around 60 miles of coastline between Chester and Bangor, passing sandy beaches, traditional seaside resorts, wildlife-rich regions and historic landmarks along the way.
One of the reasons that the North Wales Coastal Path is such a popular walking destination is its wide variety of scenery. Ramblers can enjoy views across the Irish Sea, explore stretches of coastline around seaside towns such as Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, admire the Great Orme and discover Conwy’s medieval castle. You obviously don’t need to complete the whole route; small bitesize chunks make it easy for families and casual walkers to enjoy some of the best coastal scenery in North Wales.
3. Conwy Castle
Few North Wales tourist attractions offer such an impressive combination of history and scenery as Conwy Castle. Built by King Edward I during his campaign to conquer Wales in the late 13th century, this magnificent medieval fortress remains remarkably well preserved more than 700 years after its completion.
The castle’s eight enormous towers and imposing curtain walls dominate the town, while climbing the battlements provides tourists with wonderful views across Conwy, the estuary and towards the surrounding mountains. Inside, visitors can explore what Cadw describes as the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales and what UNESCO describe as being the greatest remaining examples of 13th century military architecture anywhere in the world.
4. Portmeirion
It is difficult to believe that Portmeirion is in North Wales when you first arrive. Created by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this extraordinary Italianate village sits on a private peninsula overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary.
Built over several decades from the 1920s onwards, Portmeirion combines brightly coloured buildings, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, woodland walks, gardens and spectacular coastal scenery to create a village which wouldn’t look out of place in Italy. It is also famous for providing the setting for the cult 1960s television series The Prisoner which brought it worldwide acclaim.
With its striking architecture and beautiful surroundings, Portmeirion is one of the most unusual but brilliant attractions in North Wales and well worth a visit on your next visit to the region.
5. Zip World
North Wales attractions such as ZipWorld have slowly been turning the region into one of the adventure capitals of Europe. With three sites to choose from across the region, ZipWorld is a must-do for families and thrill-seekers looking to do something memorable on their next holiday in North Wales.
One of its best known experiences is unquestionably Velocity at Penrhyn Quarry site where adrenaline junkies can reach speeds of more than 100mph on what ZipWorld describes as the fastest zip line in the world. Elsewhere you can catch a ride on the Fforest Coaster (the longest Alpine rollercoaster in the UK) in Betws-y-Coed or have fun with the kids on the underground trampoline site in Llechwedd.
These are just a few of the many different adventures that are on offer at these three very different ZipWorld sites, all of which are located within easy reach of Pario’s North Wales holiday parks.
6. The Great Orme & Llandudno
The elegant Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno and its spectacular Great Orme headland belong together as one of the essential tourist attractions in North Wales. Llandudno offers a traditional British seaside experience, complete with its famous promenade and pier, while the Great Orme rises dramatically above the town.
More than 200 metres above the sea at its highest point, this limestone headland offers spectacular views across the coastline and has protected nature reserve status. Ramblers can take on the challenge of walking to the summit while the rest of us ride the historic Great Orme Tramway or take a cable car for a more leisurely journey. Once at the top, the views across Llandudno, the surrounding coastline and towards the mountains are truly remarkable.
If you’re looking for more unusual attractions in North Wales, head into the visitor centre at the top of the headland to unearth their UFO files which detail all of the reported siting that have happened in the region over the past century.
7. Abersoch Beach
Located on the gorgeous Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch Beach is one of the most popular coastal tourist attractions in North Wales and an excellent choice for a family day beside the sea. Its large sandy beach is relatively sheltered, making it particularly popular for swimming and watersports.
Abersoch has developed a reputation as a hub for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and other watersports, while its attractive town centre provides plenty of places to eat, drink and browse. The surrounding scenery is equally impressive, with views towards the mountains and nearby islands.
Abersoch has proven to be one of the most talked about seaside towns in the UK in recent years having become the beach of choice for a number of high profile celebrities including Hollywood movie star Bradley Cooper, footballer Wayne Rooney & influencers such as Molly-Mae Hague.
8. Beaumaris Castle
Anglesey is another great place to visit in North Wales with the tiny island being home to some of the region’s best attractions. This includes Beaumaris Castle which is another outstanding example of North Wales’ remarkable medieval heritage. Construction began in 1295 as part of King Edward I’s aforementioned campaign to establish control over Wales. However, this was one fortress that he never actually got around to completing before his death in 1307.
Its unfinished state is now actually part of its appeal. Designed with near-perfect symmetry and concentric defensive walls, the castle was intended to be the ultimate medieval fortress. It was never completed because funding problems and other political events brought construction to a halt.
Today, Beaumaris forms part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site as Conwy and Caernarfon, making it a must-visit for anyone with an interest in British history.
9. Caernarfon Castle
And now onto another of those castles which are an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of Caernarfon Castle which is perhaps the most recognisable of the bunch having been extensively photographed over the years. No doubt you will have seen it in plenty of other guides to the best North Wales attractions.
Construction began in 1283 and the imposing fortress was designed not simply as a military stronghold but also as a symbol of King Edward I’s power. Its polygonal towers, intimidating walls and strategic position beside the River Seiont make it particularly impressive aesthetically.
The castle also has a fascinating royal connection, having been the setting for the investiture of King Charles III when he became the Prince of Wales in 1969.
10. Glasfryn Parc – Pwllheli
Rounding off our selection is Glasfryn Parc near Pwllheli, an attraction that deserves its place because it offers something for practically every member of the family. Rather than focusing on one particular experience, this huge activity centre brings together an impressive choice of things to do under one roof and across its outdoor facilities.
Holiday makers can challenge each other on the outdoor go-karting circuit, test their aim with archery, enjoy watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, take on the waterpark or have fun together playing a game of ten-pin bowling. Even the smallest of guests are taken account of with the indoor soft play area providing all-weather fun for the little ones.
Its location close to Pwllheli makes it a convenient attraction in North Wales for families, potentially providing you with countless opportunities for days out that can each be filled with different activities from the last.
Enjoy the Best Attractions in North Wales with Pario Holiday Parks
With so many great places to visit, North Wales is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Whether you want to climb a mountain, relax on a beach, discover medieval castles, enjoy adrenaline-fuelled adventures or even get the lowdown on local UFOs, there is something here that will appeal to all ages and interests.
Pario Holiday Parks has resorts across North Wales, each providing excellent bases for exploring many of these fantastic visitor attractions. From the coast and countryside to mountains, castles and family activity centres, staying with Pario makes it easy to experience the very best attractions in North Wales before returning to your holiday home to relax and prepare for whatever the next day will bring.