7 min read
7 min read
North Wales is the kind of place where you can do something completely different from one day to the next. One day might mean mountain views and a journey to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, while the next could be spent exploring a castle, walking along the coast or enjoying a traditional seaside town.
With mountains, beaches, historic towns, castles and plenty of family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of options when you’re looking for a day out in North Wales.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for things to do near me with kids or simply want somewhere new to explore, here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time in North Wales.
For many visitors, the mountains are one of the main reasons to come to North Wales.
At the heart of the region is Eryri National Park, home to Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. But there’s much more to explore beyond the summit.
You can find walking routes to suit different abilities, from gentle woodland paths and riverside walks to more challenging mountain routes. Places such as Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Llanberis also make good bases for exploring the surrounding landscape without needing to tackle a mountain walk.
If you’re visiting with children, a walk doesn’t have to mean a full-day hike. A short woodland trail, a riverside stroll or a visit to a mountain village can be enough to make a memorable day out.
If you’d like to experience Wales’ highest mountain but don’t want to climb to the summit, Snowdon Mountain Railway offers another way to experience Yr Wyddfa.
The railway has been carrying visitors from Llanberis towards the summit for 130 years. The journey takes you from the village through the mountain landscape, with views changing as you gain height.
It’s also a good option for families and groups where not everyone wants to walk to the summit.
The weather at the top of the mountain can be very different from conditions in Llanberis, so it’s important to come prepared. Even on a warm day in the village, the summit can be cold, windy or cloudy.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
You don’t have to head into the mountains to find things to see in North Wales.
The region has a remarkable collection of castles and historic towns, with Conwy being one of the best-known examples. Conwy Castle dominates the town, while the medieval town walls offer another way to explore its history.
Further west, Caernarfon Castle sits beside the Menai Strait and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in North Wales.
For a slower-paced day out, explore some of the region’s smaller towns and villages. Beddgelert, Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst all offer opportunities to combine a wander through the village with a walk, a café stop or a visit to a nearby attraction.
Caernarfon Castle
North Wales isn’t all mountains. The region also has a long coastline with sandy beaches, promenades, harbours and traditional seaside resorts.
Llandudno is one of the best-known seaside towns in Wales, with its Victorian promenade, pier and the Great Orme rising above the town.
Further along the coast, Colwyn Bay offers a long stretch of seafront, while towns such as Rhyl and Prestatyn provide easy access to the North Wales coast from further east.
If you’re looking for a simple day out, a trip to the seaside can be hard to beat. Pack a picnic, explore the promenade, spend some time on the beach and find somewhere for an ice cream before heading home.
The seaside towns of Wales each have their own character, so it’s worth looking beyond the most familiar names.
Llandudno has a distinctly Victorian feel, while other coastal towns offer long beaches and traditional seaside attractions. You can also head further west towards places such as Criccieth, Porthmadog and Barmouth, where the coastline begins to meet the mountains.
This combination of coast and countryside is one of the things that makes North Wales particularly well suited to day trips. You don’t necessarily have to choose between a mountain and a beach – in many parts of the region, you can enjoy both in the same day.
Criccieth
If you’re planning a family day out, North Wales has plenty of options beyond simply going for a walk.
You could explore a castle, take a railway journey, visit a beach or try one of the region’s many adventure attractions. There are also underground experiences, wildlife attractions and activities for older children and teenagers who want something a little more adventurous.
The key is that you don’t need to plan every minute of the day.
Some of the best family days out in North Wales are a combination of activities: a short walk followed by lunch, a visit to a castle followed by the beach, or a railway journey followed by some time exploring the village.
The weather shouldn’t necessarily put an end to your plans.
North Wales has plenty of indoor attractions, museums, galleries, historic sites and family activities for days when the weather isn’t on your side.
And if you’re visiting the mountains, remember that rain in the valley doesn’t always mean the whole day is a washout. Conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and make sure you’re properly prepared before heading out.
For longer walks or mountain days, however, it’s important to take the weather seriously. Conditions at higher elevations can be considerably more challenging than they are at sea level. We always recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service before setting off on a big hike.
If you’re based in Flintshire or North East Wales, you don’t need to travel far to find places to visit.
The area provides easy access to the North Wales coast, while historic towns, castles and countryside are all within reach for a day trip. You can also travel west towards the mountains and Eryri if you’re looking for a bigger day out.
Flintshire itself has plenty to explore, including coastal walks, historic sites and countryside. It’s a useful starting point for discovering more of North Wales, particularly if you’re looking to explore somewhere different without committing to a full weekend away.
One of the best things about North Wales is the variety of experiences within a relatively small area.
You can visit a castle in the morning, walk along the coast in the afternoon and be back among the mountains before the end of the day. Or you can slow things down and spend the whole day exploring one town or village.
If you’re searching for places to visit near me, it can be tempting to focus only on the biggest attractions. But some of the most rewarding days out can be found by taking a different approach: choose an area, leave some time to explore and see where the day takes you.
Yr Wyddfa
Photographer: Dan Struthers
A little planning can make a big difference, particularly during school holidays and the summer months.
Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, castles, family attractions or somewhere new to explore, North Wales has plenty to choose from.
For some visitors, the highlight will be reaching the summit of Yr Wyddfa. For others, it might be a walk along the coast, exploring a historic town or simply finding a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery.
And that’s the beauty of a day out in North Wales. You don’t have to follow a set itinerary. Choose what suits you, allow yourself enough time to enjoy it and make the most of wherever the day takes you.
What are the best days out in North Wales?
Some of the most popular options include visiting Yr Wyddfa, exploring Eryri National Park, visiting castles such as Conwy and Caernarfon, spending time in Llandudno and other seaside towns, and enjoying North Wales’ many walking and outdoor activities.
What are the best things to do in North Wales with kids?
Families can choose from mountain railways, beaches, castles, woodland walks, adventure attractions and family-friendly towns and villages. The best option depends on the age of your children and the weather on the day.
What are the best seaside towns in North Wales?
Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Prestatyn and Barmouth are among the best-known seaside destinations in North Wales. Further west, Criccieth and other coastal communities offer a different experience, often combining beaches with views towards the mountains.
What are some good places to visit in North Wales?
There are plenty of options, including Eryri National Park, Yr Wyddfa, Conwy, Caernarfon, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and the North Wales coast.
Is North Wales good for a day trip?
Yes. North Wales has a wide range of places and attractions that can be enjoyed in a single day. If you’re travelling from further away, it’s worth choosing one area rather than trying to see too much in one trip.
