You know those places that make you stop dead in your tracks and just stare? That was me at Snowdonia, watching clouds roll over mountains that looked like they belonged in Lord of the Rings. After road tripping through North Wales for two weeks, I still can’t get over how this tiny corner of Britain packs in so many medieval castles, mountains, and beaches that could pass for the Caribbean (on a sunny day, anyway!).
From walking the walls of Conwy Castle to taking the historic train up Mount Snowdon as waterfalls crashed below, these are the most beautiful places in North Wales that will blow your mind. Get ready to explore a land where dragons still rule the flag and every valley has a story to tell.
Top-Rated Places to Visit in North Wales
Looking to explore North Wales’ most beautiful places? From the majestic peaks of Snowdonia to the stunning coastline of Llandudno, North Wales is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic streets of Conwy, marvel at the natural beauty of Betws-y-Coed, or explore the vibrant culture of Caernarfon. Discover the tranquil allure of Portmeirion, the breathtaking views from Anglesey, or the serene landscapes of Llyn Peninsula. Whether you’re into mountains, history, or coastal charm, here are 12 of North Wales’ most breathtaking spots!
1. Anglesey
- 📍 Location: An island off the northwest coast of Wales, connected to the mainland by two bridges
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, history enthusiasts 🏛️, outdoor adventurers 🚶♀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Beaumaris Castle, walking the Anglesey Coastal Path, visiting South Stack Lighthouse
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warmer weather and longer daylight hours ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Château Rhianfa – Victorian-inspired hotel with stunning views of the Menai Strait
Anglesey is a coastal paradise with 125 miles of protected shoreline. Ancient standing stones and burial chambers dot the landscape alongside the technically perfect Beaumaris Castle. The island’s dramatic cliffs provide ideal habitats for seals, porpoises, and colorful puffins.
The Anglesey Coastal Path offers incredible views at every turn. I’ve never seen more breathtaking coastal scenery in such a compact area. Perched on its own rocky islet, South Stack Lighthouse provides the perfect photo opportunity. Don’t forget to visit the village with Europe’s longest place name or sample excellent local seafood at the island’s quaint harbors.
2. Beddgelert
- 📍 Location: Heart of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, nestled in the Glaslyn Valley
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, literary lovers 📚, dog owners 🐕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Gelert’s grave, hiking Mount Snowdon, riding the Welsh Highland Railway
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for hiking, though the village is charming year-round 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Royal Goat Hotel – Historic accommodation dating back to the 18th century
Beddgelert is the jewel of Snowdonia, where three valleys meet. Stone cottages cluster around bubbling rivers crossed by ancient bridges. The legendary grave of faithful hound Gelert draws visitors curious about the heartbreaking tale behind the village name.
Adventurous hikers can tackle Mount Snowdon via the Watkin Path starting right from the village. For less strenuous exploration, the historic Welsh Highland Railway steams through the spectacular Aberglaslyn Pass. You haven’t truly experienced Wales until you’ve enjoyed a riverside pint at one of Beddgelert’s traditional pubs while watching the sunset paint the surrounding peaks.
3. Bodnant Garden
- 📍 Location: Conwy Valley in North Wales, 5 miles south of Conwy town
- 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌸, photographers 📸, peace-seekers 🧘♀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking beneath the famous Laburnum Arch, exploring the wild garden, admiring the Grand Terrace views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for the Laburnum Arch in bloom, October for spectacular autumn colors 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Bodysgallen Hall – 17th-century country house hotel nearby with its own gardens
Bodnant Garden is 80 acres of horticultural magic cascading down a hillside. The famous Laburnum Arch creates a 180-foot golden tunnel when blooming in late May. Formal Italian terraces give way to wild woodlands where streams tumble past ancient trees collected from across the globe.
The Dell feels like stepping into a secret world with towering redwoods and babbling brooks. Spring brings explosions of rhododendrons and magnolias, while autumn paints the valley in fiery hues. Even winter reveals special beauty in the dedicated Winter Garden, where carefully selected plants provide color and structure against Snowdonia’s dramatic backdrop.
4. Coed y Brenin Forest Park
- 📍 Location: Southern Snowdonia, near Dolgellau in North Wales
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain bikers 🚵♂️, trail runners 🏃♀️, adventure families 👨👩👧👦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Tackling world-class mountain bike trails, waterfall hikes, panning for gold
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for biking (though muddy in winter), April-October for drier trails 🌲
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Plas Dolmelynllyn Country Hotel – Cozy country house stay with forest access and stunning views of the Welsh countryside
Coed y Brenin is Britain’s original mountain biking mecca. Eight purpose-built trails range from gentle family routes to the legendary Beast of Brenin that challenges expert riders. Between the ancient trees, dedicated paths also welcome trail runners and hikers seeking natural beauty.
The Waterfalls and Goldmines Trail combines stunning cascades with fascinating industrial heritage. Families love trying their luck panning for gold in the same streams that sparked a Welsh gold rush centuries ago. The modern visitor center offers bike rentals and forest views. After a day of adventure, nearby Dolgellau provides cozy pubs perfect for swapping tales of trail conquests.
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5. Conwy
- 📍 Location: North coast of Wales, at the mouth of the River Conwy
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏰, photographers 📸, seafood lovers 🦪
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the complete town walls, visiting Conwy Castle, seeing Britain’s smallest house
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-September for pleasant weather, though the castle is impressive year-round 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Castle Hotel – historic coaching inn in the heart of town with castle views
Conwy is a medieval time capsule wrapped in the most complete town walls in Europe. Visitors can walk the entire 1.3km circuit above narrow streets that have barely changed in centuries. The imposing Conwy Castle dominates the skyline with eight massive towers offering panoramic views.
Just steps from the castle sits Britain’s Smallest House, a bright red curiosity measuring just 10 feet by 6 feet. The town’s atmospheric streets hide treasures like Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan townhouse frozen in time. Fresh seafood arrives daily at the quayside, where fishermen have worked for generations beneath the watchful gaze of the medieval fortifications.
6. Lake Vyrnwy
- 📍 Location: Powys in Mid Wales, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦅, cyclists 🚴♀️, tranquility seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling the 12-mile lake perimeter road, spotting rare birds, visiting the Victorian dam
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers and nesting birds, autumn for stunning foliage reflections 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa – Victorian country house hotel with panoramic lake views
Lake Vyrnwy isn’t actually a natural lake at all – it’s a Victorian marvel created to supply Liverpool with water. Its fairytale Gothic Water Tower rises from the shimmering surface like something from a fantasy novel. The impressive stone dam features cascading water forming a man-made waterfall that’s particularly spectacular after rain.
The RSPB Vyrnwy Nature Reserve surrounding the lake hosts peregrine falcons, goshawks, and occasionally ospreys. A flat 12-mile road circles the water, perfect for family cycling with mountain views at every turn. Hidden within nearby forests, the sculpture park and Rhiwargor Falls reward those willing to venture beyond the main attractions into this Welsh wilderness.
7. Llandudno
- 📍 Location: North Wales coast, 45 miles west of Liverpool, in Conwy County
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, Victorian charm enthusiasts 🏛️, outdoor adventurers 🚶♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the elegant promenade, riding the Great Orme Tramway, visiting the historic pier
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September for best weather, Christmas for festive charm 🎄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: St. George’s Hotel – Classic Victorian seafront accommodation with stunning bay views
Step back in time at Llandudno, Wales’ largest and most elegant seaside resort. This Victorian gem nestles between two stunning headlands with colorful architecture that makes you feel like you’ve entered a postcard. I was amazed by the sweeping bay of North Shore Beach with its immaculate promenade and the quieter, sand-duned West Shore.
The magnificent Great Orme rises dramatically from the sea, offering multiple ways to explore. Take the historic tramway that’s operated since 1898 or enjoy the scenic Marine Drive carved from limestone cliffs. At the summit, panoramic views stretch across Snowdonia and beyond. Don’t miss Llandudno Pier, the longest in Wales, with traditional amusements and spectacular views that capture the town’s timeless charm.
8. Llyn Peninsula
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Wales, extending 30 miles into the Irish Sea from Snowdonia
- 🏆 Best For: Coastal walkers 🥾, beach seekers 🏖️, Welsh culture enthusiasts 🏴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring hidden coves, walking the coastal path, visiting Bardsey Island
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for best weather, September for quieter beaches 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ty Coch Inn – Seaside charm with beachside views in the picturesque village of Porthdinllaen, perfect for coastal adventures
Discover Wales’ best-kept secret on the magical Llyn Peninsula, a sliver of paradise jutting into the Irish Sea. This 30-mile peninsula feels worlds away from everyday life with nearly 100 miles of stunning coastline designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beaches here stole my heart, from colorful hut-lined Llanbedrog to the vast surfing expanse of Porth Neigwl.
What makes Llyn truly special is its authentic Welsh soul. Over 70% of locals speak Welsh as their first language, creating a genuine cultural experience. Take a boat trip to Bardsey Island, known as the “Isle of 20,000 Saints” with its remarkable pilgrimage history. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Llyn enjoys milder weather than mainland Wales, making it perfect for exploring hidden coves and dramatic cliffs year-round.
9. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
- 📍 Location: Heart of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, near Llanberis
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, photographers 📸, railway enthusiasts 🚂
- 📸 Top Experiences: Summiting Wales’ highest peak, riding the Snowdon Mountain Railway, enjoying panoramic views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for best weather conditions, early morning to avoid crowds 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Llanberis – Gateway village at the foot of Snowdon with various accommodation options
Conquer the roof of Wales at Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the tallest peak in Wales and England at an impressive 1,085 meters. Standing atop this majestic mountain, I felt like I could see forever with views stretching across Snowdonia, Anglesey, and even Ireland on clear days. Six distinct paths lead to the summit, each offering unique perspectives of the dramatic landscapes.
Not feeling the hike? The historic Snowdon Mountain Railway has carried visitors since 1896 to Hafod Eryri, the UK’s highest visitor center. The mountain hosts rare wildlife, including the Snowdon Lily, found nowhere else in Britain. Start your adventure from the charming village of Llanberis at Snowdon’s northern base. This accessible giant welcomes over 600,000 visitors annually yet still maintains its wild, captivating spirit.
10. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
- 📍 Location: Near Wrexham in northeast Wales, spanning the River Dee valley
- 🏆 Best For: Engineering enthusiasts 🏗️, canal boat lovers 🚤, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking or boating across the aqueduct, exploring Trevor Basin, taking a horse-drawn boat trip
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for pleasant weather, weekdays to avoid crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Llangollen – Charming nearby town with a range of accommodations
Float through the sky on the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO-listed marvel that carries narrow boats 126 feet above the River Dee. Completed in 1805 by Thomas Telford, this engineering masterpiece features 18 elegant stone pillars supporting a cast iron trough. Walking across gives me goosebumps every time, with the path on one side and a sheer drop on the other.
Experience this “stream in the sky” by foot for free or take a memorable boat trip from Llangollen Wharf. Traditional horse-drawn boats provide a peaceful journey across the valley. The surrounding area offers additional treasures, including Chirk Castle and the charming Trevor Basin Visitor Centre. Whether viewed from below or experienced from above, this architectural triumph stands as Wales’ most impressive man-made wonder.
11. Portmeirion
- 📍 Location: Near Porthmadog in Gwynedd, North Wales
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture lovers 🏛️, photographers 📸, unique experience seekers 🎭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the colorful Italian-style village, walking the coastal paths, discovering woodland gardens
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for best weather and full services 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth – Historic accommodations within the village itself
Transport yourself to Italy without leaving Wales at the fantastical Portmeirion, a rainbow-colored village that seems plucked from the Mediterranean coast. Created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this whimsical masterpiece features Riviera-inspired buildings, ornamental gardens, and picturesque piazzas. The location instantly won my heart with its perfect blend of fantasy and artistic vision.
Fans might recognize Portmeirion as “the Village” from the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Beyond the village, explore Y Gwyllt (The Wildwood), 70 acres of exotic gardens protected by a perfect microclimate. Stay overnight at the elegant Hotel Portmeirion or Castell Deudraeth to experience the magic after day visitors leave. With shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches nearby, this surreal corner of Wales offers a complete escape from reality.
12. Snowdonia National Park
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Wales, covering 823 square miles of mountains, forests and coastline
- 🏆 Best For: Outdoor adventurers 🧗♂️, nature lovers 🌲, cultural explorers 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Mountain hiking, visiting picturesque villages, riding historic narrow-gauge railways
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for milder weather, shoulder seasons for fewer crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Bryn at Capel – Cozy mountain inn with rustic charm, nestled in Capel Curig with easy access to top trails and breathtaking views
Unleash your adventure spirit in Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), Wales’ breathtaking outdoor playground spanning 823 square miles. Established in 1951, this natural wonderland features nine distinct mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and lush forests. The rugged landscapes took my breath away, from towering peaks to the stunning 74-mile coastline that frames the western edge.
Beyond natural beauty, Snowdonia brims with Welsh culture, where the language remains part of everyday life. Base yourself in charming villages like Betws-y-Coed or Beddgelert with their stone cottages and welcoming atmosphere. Ride historic railways like the Ffestiniog Railway for a nostalgic journey through spectacular scenery. Whether seeking adrenaline rushes through mountain biking and zip-lining or peaceful walks through ancient woodlands, Snowdonia offers unforgettable experiences in Britain’s most stunning landscapes.
