24 Things to Do in North Wales

1. Climb Snowdon

Location: Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Hikers, couples, families with older children

Standing at 1,085m, Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales. And if you’re anything like me – a must-do activity in North Wales!

Choose from several scenic hiking trails or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for an easier route to the summit. Reaching the summit on a clear day? Pure magic!

2. Explore Conwy Castle

Location: Conwy

Ideal for: Families, history lovers

This UNESCO-listed medieval fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Wales’ rich history.

Walk along the castle walls for incredible views over Conwy’s charming harbour and town.

3. Experience Zip World Snowdonia

Location: Bethesda, Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Adrenaline seekers, couples, groups of friends

For a heart-pounding adventure, head to Zip World and take on Velocity 2 – the fastest zip line in the world! Soaring over Penrhyn Quarry at speeds of up to 100mph is an unforgettable experience.

Having done it myself, I can confidently say it’s an absolute must for thrill-seekers! Zip World also offers a range of other exciting experiences, including underground trampolines and high-rope courses.

4. Wander Around Portmeirion

Location: Porthmadog, Gwynedd

Ideal for: Couples, photographers

We absolutely love Portmeirion! Designed in an Italianate style, Portmeirion is a colourful and whimsical village that feels like a Mediterranean escape.

Wander through its beautiful gardens, browse the unique shops, or enjoy afternoon tea with stunning estuary views. My toddler loves exploring Portmeirion. Top tip: Visit in winter for a quieter, more peaceful experience away from the crowds.

5. Walk to Aber Falls

Location: Abergwyngregyn

Ideal for: Families, walkers of all abilities, nature lovers

Aber Falls is a stunning waterfall walk that’s accessible for all abilities, making it a great choice for families with young children. The well-maintained path leads through beautiful woodland to the breathtaking 37m waterfall.

My little one loves this walk – it’s an easy yet rewarding adventure with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

6. Ride the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

Location: Porthmadog

Ideal for: Families, railway enthusiasts

Hop aboard this heritage steam railway for a scenic journey through Snowdonia’s valleys, forests, and mountains.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway is a magical experience for all ages!

7. Visit Ty Coch Inn

Location: Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula

Good for: Couples, pub lovers, beachgoers

In my opinion, Ty Coch Inn has the best beer garden in the UK! Nestled on the sandy shores of Porthdinllaen, this legendary seaside pub offers incredible views, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Accessible only by foot or boat, getting there is part of the adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a pint after a coastal walk or simply soaking in the scenery, this is a must-visit spot on the Llyn Peninsula.

8. Relax on Llandudno’s Promenade

Location: Llandudno

Good for: Families, couples, dog-walkers

Looking for classic things to do in North Wales? Stroll along Llandudno’s traditional Victorian pier, ride the historic Great Orme Tramway, or simply enjoy fish and chips with a stunning sea view.

9. Visit Manorafon Farm Park

Location: Abergele

Good for: Families with young children, animal lovers

Manorafon Farm Park is a fantastic day out for families, offering hands-on animal encounters, play areas, and seasonal events.

Kids can meet farmyard favourites like goats, pigs, and alpacas, while the adventure playground and tractor rides add to the fun. With indoor and outdoor activities, it’s a great choice, come rain or shine.

10. Explore The Great Orme

Location: Llandudno

Good for: Walkers, history enthusiasts, families

The Great Orme is a dramatic limestone headland offering stunning coastal views and plenty of attractions. Take the historic Great Orme Tramway to the summit, explore the ancient copper mines, or enjoy a scenic walk along one of the many trails.

The area is also home to wild Kashmiri goats and fascinating local history.

11. Discover the Welsh Mountain Zoo

Location: Colwyn Bay

Ideal for: Families, animal lovers, photographers

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views, The Welsh Mountain Zoo is home to an array of exotic and endangered species. Watch captivating animal talks and feeding sessions, meet red pandas, snow leopards, and sea lions, or explore the beautifully landscaped gardens.

A fun and educational day out for all ages!

12. Explore Beaumaris Castle

Location: Beaumaris, Anglesey

Ideal for: History lovers, families, photographers

Beaumaris Castle is one of Wales’s most impressive medieval fortresses, with perfectly symmetrical walls and a picturesque moat. Built by Edward I, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Wander through the towers, explore the hidden chambers, and take in stunning views over the Menai Strait.

13. Kayak on Llyn Padarn

Location: Llanberis, Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Adventurers, watersports enthusiasts, families

Llyn Padarn is a breathtaking glacial lake perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. Surrounded by Snowdonia’s dramatic mountain scenery, it’s a peaceful yet exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors.

Whether you’re a beginner (like me!) or an experienced paddler, exploring the lake by kayak offers a unique perspective on this stunning part of North Wales.

14. Visit Betws-y-Coed

Location: Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Walkers, families, photographers

Often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is a charming village surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and walking trails.

Browse the independent shops, enjoy a meal in a cosy café, or take a scenic riverside stroll. With easy access to attractions like Swallow Falls and Fairy Glen, it’s the perfect base for exploring Snowdonia.

15. Explore Beddgelert

Location: Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Couples, walkers, history lovers

Beddgelert is one of Snowdonia’s prettiest villages, with stone cottages, a scenic riverside setting, and a fascinating legend.

Visit Gelert’s Grave, stroll along the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass, or simply enjoy a meal in one of the village’s cosy pubs. It’s a great spot to soak up the beauty and history of North Wales.

16. Visit the Smallest House in Wales

Location: Conwy

Ideal for: Families, history lovers, quirky attractions

Measuring just 1.8m wide, the Smallest House in Wales is a unique attraction tucked away on Conwy’s quayside. Despite its tiny size, it was once a lived-in home!

Step inside to see how people once lived in this cosy space, then take a stroll along Conwy’s historic waterfront.

17. Explore Bala Lake

Location: Bala, Snowdonia National Park

Ideal for: Watersports enthusiasts, families, walkers

Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) is the largest natural lake in Wales, offering a stunning setting for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, the lakeside trails provide scenic walks with breathtaking mountain views. Bala itself is a lovely market town, perfect for a relaxed day out.

18. Discover Harlech Castle

Location: Harlech, Gwynedd

Ideal for: History buffs, families, photographers

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, Harlech Castle offers spectacular views across Cardigan Bay and towards Snowdonia’s peaks.

During our visit, we explored the well-preserved ruins and walked the castle walls. The exhibition brings the castle’s rich history to life, explaining how it withstood the longest siege in British history. The nearby town of Harlech is charming too, with lovely cafés perfect for a post-exploration cuppa.

19. Visit Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall

Location: Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Powys

Ideal for: Nature lovers, families, photographers

At 240 feet high, Pistyll Rhaeadr is Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall and truly a sight to behold.

There’s a sense of tranquillity here that’s hard to find elsewhere, with crystal clear pools and surrounding woodland offering lovely walking trails. The small tea room provides a perfect spot to relax while soaking in the views. Note that the approach road is narrow in places if you’re driving a larger vehicle.

20. Explore Llanberis Slate Museum

Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd

Ideal for: History enthusiasts, families, rainy day activities

Housed in the former Dinorwig Slate Quarry workshops, the National Slate Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into North Wales’ industrial heritage. The slate-splitting demonstrations show how skilled quarrymen would have worked. Restored Victorian workshops with original machinery bring the past to life. What’s most compelling are the stories of the quarrymen’s lives – their dangerous working conditions and tight-knit communities.

The museum effectively tells these human stories alongside industrial history. Entry is free, making it perfect for a day in Llanberis, especially during typical Welsh weather!

21. Enjoy Bodnant Garden

Location: Near Colwyn Bay, Conwy

Ideal for: Garden lovers, photographers, peaceful walks

Bodnant Garden is one of Britain’s most beautiful gardens. The famous Laburnum Arch – a 55-metre tunnel of golden flowers – is spectacular in late spring. Created over 150 years, the garden features grand terraces, wildflower meadows, and woodland walks, with stunning views across to Snowdonia.

Summer brings a fragrant rose garden, while autumn showcases stunning colours in the rare trees. Owned by the National Trust, members get in free, and there’s a lovely tearoom serving homemade cakes. Perfect for anyone who appreciates natural beauty.

22. Hike Moel Famau

Location: Clwydian Range, Denbighshire

Ideal for: Walkers, outdoor enthusiasts, spectacular views

As the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, Moel Famau offers rewarding walking with breathtaking views – on a clear day you can see Liverpool, the Wirral, and Snowdonia.

The Jubilee Tower remains at the summit, creating a perfect photo opportunity. What’s appealing is its accessibility for various fitness levels – several routes include a relatively gentle one from the Bwlch Penbarras car park. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the summit while soaking in those magnificent views!

23. GreenWood Forest Park

Location: Y Felinheli, near Caernarfon

Ideal for: Families with children, eco-conscious travellers

GreenWood Forest Park is a brilliant eco-friendly attraction my child loves. The highlight is the Green Dragon – the world’s only people-powered roller coaster! The massive “BareFoot Trail” lets little ones squelch through different natural materials, while TreeTop Towers provide adventurous climbing.

The park impressively blends fun with environmental education – many activities use renewable energy with an emphasis on connecting with nature. Even the food outlets focus on local, sustainable options. It’s a full day out that entertains children while being environmentally responsible.

24. Discover Newborough Beach and Llanddwyn Island

Location: Anglesey

Ideal for: Beach lovers, walkers, photographers, families

Newborough Beach is my favourite spot in North Wales, with miles of golden sand backed by pine forests and dunes.

A walk to Llanddwyn Island is a must – it’s a tidal island steeped in legend, home to the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church and the iconic Tŵr Mawr lighthouse.

The views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia are breathtaking, making this a perfect spot for a scenic adventure or a peaceful beach day.

When the sun is shining, there is nowhere better to be than North Wales, but let’s face it, this is Wales, and rain is never far away, so it’s good to know there are plenty of places that offer indoor activities and are the ideal place to take refuge on a rainy day.

Some of my favourites include:

• Anglesey Sea Zoo
• Caernarfon Fun Centre
• Go Below Snowdonia
• National Slate Museum
• Chirk Castle
• Beaumaris Gaol
• Plas Newydd House

Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl

Make Lyons Robin Hood Caravan Park your home base in Rhyl. Enjoy direct beach access and family-friendly entertainment, and explore breathtaking scenery. Book your adventure!

Golden Sands Kinmel Bay, Rhyl

Stay at Golden Sands Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, where stunning beaches meet top-notch amenities. Discover coastal walks and nearby attractions. Book your next getaway today!

Greenacres Holiday Park, Porthmadog

Stay at Greenacres Holiday Park for the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and Snowdonia adventure. With direct access to a stunning sandy beach and plenty of family-friendly activities, it’s an ideal spot for your next getaway!

Hafan y Mor, Pwllheli

Escape to Hafan y Môr, where breathtaking coastal views and top-tier facilities create the ultimate holiday experience. From scenic walks to exciting on-site entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Book your next break today!