Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The natural and somewhat rugged beauty of North Wales has made it a prime holiday spot for UK residents and international travellers alike. North Wales has some of the finest picturesque towns in the country, seaside resorts like Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Rhyl; whilst the towns of Conwy and Caernarfon are famed for their imposing castles and historic centres.
Staying in North Wales will allow you to have a base to return to after a day exploring what the local areas have to offer. Hotels in Llandudno are some of the best in the area, with a friendly welcome guaranteed – and stunning seaside views to see outside your window. Here are some of the historic places you can visit in North Wales on your next holiday.
Conwy
Conwy is a town swimming in local history, it is primarily known for its imposing 13th-century castle which was built by Edward I. The walled town overlooks the estuary over towards Deganwy. However, Conwy isn’t just a one-castle-trick-pony town. There is much more on offer here than immediately meets the eye. The suspension bridge and toll house are also worth a look, or even a walk across! There is also the smallest house in Britain along the quayside; a stunning Elizabethan townhouse rumoured to have ghostly goings on and ,of course, there is the local ice cream parlour to visit too.
National Slate Museum, Llanberis
In the shadow of towering slate mountains, the National Slate Museum is housed in the Industrial Victorian Workshops of the impressive Dinorwig slate quarry above. The workshop was responsible for all the repairs and maintenance work demanded by the quarry, which at one time employed over 3,000 men. This is truly a unique opportunity to take a look into the lives of the slate workers and their families – from strikes, suffering craftsmanship and even the local community.
Great Orme Mines, Llandudno
This local attraction was accidentally uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape an area of the Great Orme – the copper mines were discovered below the ground, and they represent one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of recent years. These mines date back almost 4,000 years, and they have changed our views about the ancient people of Britain and their civilised and structured society during the Bronze Age, 2,000 years prior to the Roman invasion.
Gwrych Castle, Abergele
Local history claims that the first castle built as Gwrych was built by the Normans in the 12th-century. It was then seized by the Welsh prince, Rhys ap Gruffyedd in about 1170, who then rebuilt the timber castle in stone. This castle was then destroyed by Cromwell’s army following on from the English Civil War of the mid-17th-century. The later castle at Gwrych was started in 1819; the castle is a Grade I listed building which is set on a stunning wooded hillside which looks out to the Irish Sea. The castle once had a grand total of 128 rooms, which included; an oak study, a billiards room, two smoke rooms, a dining room and a range of different accommodation. There are 19 embattled towers and the whole facade is over 2000 yards.
In more recent times, Gwrych Castle is going to be the home of this year’s ITV production of I’m a Celebrity since they have had to relocate filming from Australia due to COVID.
