Things to do
Things to do in North Wales
Three World Heritage Sites, Wales' highest mountain, heritage railways, beaches and some of the best zip lines and adventure parks in Britain. Here is where to start.The big three
World Heritage Sites
North Wales has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than most regions of Britain. The castles and town walls of King Edward I at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech are some of the finest medieval fortifications in Europe. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen carries the canal high over the River Dee, and you can walk or take a boat across it. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales covers the old quarry towns and valleys around Llanberis, Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog.Read our guide to the top castles to explore in North Wales.By interest
Pick your kind of day out
Mountains and walking
Yr Wyddfa, the Glyderau, Cwm Idwal and waterfall walks.Read more →Beaches and coast
Sandy bays on Anglesey and Llŷn, and the north coast resorts.Read more →Heritage railways
Steam and narrow gauge lines through the mountains.Read more →Adventure
Zip lines, underground adventures, surfing and kayaking.Read more →Family days out
Zoos, castles, trams and rainy day ideas.Read more →Gardens and houses
Bodnant Garden, Portmeirion and grand country houses.Read more →Eryri
Mountains, lakes and walks
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park covers much of North Wales. Climb Yr Wyddfa, at 1,085 metres the highest mountain in Wales, or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis. For something shorter, Cwm Idwal in the Ogwen Valley is a spectacular circular walk under the cliffs of the Glyderau, and the forests around Betws-y-Coed are full of waterfall trails, including Swallow Falls.See our guide to Eryri and Snowdonia, the best waterfall walks and cycling routes.All aboard
Heritage railways and trams
North Wales is famous for its little trains. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways run through the mountains between Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Llanberis Lake Railway runs along Llyn Padarn, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs towards the summit of Yr Wyddfa. In Llandudno, the Victorian Great Orme Tramway hauls visitors up the headland. Most run seasonally, so check timetables before you travel.Get the adrenaline going
Adventure
Old slate quarries and caverns have become some of Britain's best known adventure sites, with big zip lines at Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda and underground adventures in the old mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Add sea kayaking off Anglesey, an inland surf lagoon in the Conwy Valley, coasteering, climbing and mountain biking, and there is plenty to fill a weekend.See mountain biking in North Wales and kayaking in Snowdonia.With the kids
Family days out
The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, the Anglesey Sea Zoo, the Great Orme, the castles and the heritage railways all make easy family days out. On a wet day, try the museums and galleries, the slate caverns, or one of the indoor attractions along the coast.More ideas: family-friendly things to do in Snowdonia and museums and galleries.More ideas
Guides from NorthWales.com
Stargazing
Dark sky spots across the region.Read more →Breweries and distilleries
Local craft drinks to seek out.Read more →Wildlife
Seals, seabirds and where to spot them.Read more →Camping
The best places to pitch up.Read more →Looking for something on a particular date? See what's on in North Wales, or explore by area.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is North Wales best known for?
Its castles, the mountains of Eryri including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), heritage railways, the Victorian resort of Llandudno, and beaches on Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula.What can you do in North Wales when it rains?
Castles, museums and galleries, the slate caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog, indoor attractions along the coast, and the heritage railways all work well on a wet day.How many World Heritage Sites are in North Wales?
Three: the castles and town walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, and the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales.Plan your trip
Find somewhere to stay
Search hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and cottages across North Wales.See our guide to where to stay in North Wales and getting here.
Find a place to stay in North Wales
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, for hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and holiday homes.
