North Wales is a land full of dramatic mountains, peaceful beaches, and charming towns. It’s a perfect place if you love nature, history, or just want a quiet break. I’ve explored this region and found so many beautiful spots that I can’t wait to share. From castles to coastlines, here are 20 very best places in North Wales that are worth your visit.
1. Snowdonia National Park
This is the most famous place in North Wales. Snowdonia is home to the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon. You can hike up if you enjoy a challenge, or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a more relaxed ride. The views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day.
The park is also full of beautiful lakes, deep valleys, and scenic walking trails. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
2. Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion looks like a village from Italy, but it’s in North Wales. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it’s full of colorful buildings, palm trees, and peaceful gardens.
Many people visit just to walk around and enjoy the unique design. You can also stay in the village overnight or enjoy tea in the fancy café.
3. Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortress that looks like it came from a storybook. It was built by Edward I in the 13th century and still stands strong today.
You can walk along its towers and walls, and the views over the town and river are fantastic. The nearby town of Conwy also has old buildings, shops, and one of the smallest houses in Britain.
4. Llandudno
Llandudno is a classic seaside town. It has a lovely beach, a long pier, and a peaceful promenade. You can also take a tram or cable car up the Great Orme, a big limestone hill with amazing views.
There are also shops, cafés, and Victorian-style hotels. It’s a good spot for a quiet weekend by the sea.
5. Betws-y-Coed
This is one of the prettiest villages in Snowdonia. Betws-y-Coed is surrounded by forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s popular with walkers and people who want to explore nature.
There are nice places to eat and little shops that sell handmade crafts and gifts. The nearby Swallow Falls is a must-see.
6. Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s another stronghold built by Edward I and has a dramatic look. You can walk around the ruins and enjoy amazing views of the coast and mountains.
The town of Harlech is small but charming, with a few cafés and galleries.
7. Anglesey
Anglesey is an island connected to the mainland by bridges. It’s full of pretty beaches, lighthouses, and peaceful villages. One of the most famous spots here is the village with the super long name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
You can also visit Beaumaris Castle, walk along coastal paths, or see seals and seabirds near South Stack Lighthouse.
8. Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid)
Bala Lake is the largest natural lake in Wales. It’s a great place for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water.
The town of Bala is nearby and offers shops, cafés, and a steam railway. If you enjoy outdoor fun, Bala is a good stop.
9. Criccieth
Criccieth is a peaceful seaside town with a lovely beach and an old castle sitting on a hill. The castle has amazing sea views, and the town has cozy cafés and ice cream shops.
It’s not too crowded, so it’s perfect if you want a quiet day by the water.
10. Barmouth
Barmouth is a small town on the west coast. It has a wide sandy beach and a lovely harbour. The Mawddach Estuary nearby is great for walking and cycling.
You can also climb nearby hills for panoramic views or enjoy fish and chips on the waterfront.
11. Caernarfon Castle
This castle is one of the grandest in all of Wales. It was also built by Edward I and has thick walls and towers. Prince Charles was crowned here as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
The town of Caernarfon is full of history and has a busy waterfront with pubs and restaurants.
12. Llanberis
Llanberis is the starting point for many Snowdon hikes and also the location of the Snowdon Mountain Railway. You can visit the National Slate Museum here to learn about the old mining days.
Llyn Padarn, the local lake, is perfect for kayaking or walking around. The views of the mountains from the lake are breathtaking.
13. Rhyl
Rhyl is a family-friendly beach town. It has funfair rides, arcades, and a long beach. Kids will enjoy the SeaQuarium and other seaside activities.
It’s a good stop if you’re traveling with children and want a simple day out.
14. Porthmadog
Porthmadog is a harbour town and home to the Ffestiniog Railway. This narrow-gauge steam train runs through the hills to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the journey is beautiful.
The town itself has little shops and cafés, and it’s close to other attractions like Portmeirion and Criccieth.
15. Abersoch
Abersoch is a trendy beach village on the Llyn Peninsula. It’s popular for water sports like sailing and paddleboarding.
The beach is clean and sandy, and the town has cute shops and modern cafés. It can get busy in summer but feels very lively.
16. Holyhead
Holyhead is the largest town on Anglesey and the ferry port for trips to Ireland. But it’s also worth visiting on its own.
South Stack Lighthouse is nearby and offers cliffside views and bird watching. You can also walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path from here.
17. Llangollen
Llangollen is known for its canal and steam railway. You can take a narrowboat ride pulled by a horse or ride the train through the countryside.
The town also hosts the International Eisteddfod, a music festival with performers from around the world. Don’t miss the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran up on the hill.
18. Blaenau Ffestiniog
This town was once the heart of the Welsh slate industry. Now, it’s home to underground adventures like Bounce Below and Zip World, where you can explore old mines in exciting ways.
It’s a unique place that mixes history with thrill-seeking fun.
19. Prestatyn
Prestatyn is a coastal town with a wide beach and family-friendly vibes. The town has shops, restaurants, and a long promenade.
You can also explore the start of Offa’s Dyke Path here, a long-distance trail that goes along the Wales-England border.
20. Aberdaron
Aberdaron is at the very tip of the Llyn Peninsula. It’s a quiet village with a lovely sandy beach and a peaceful vibe.
It’s great for walking, with coastal paths leading to dramatic cliffs and sea views. The church by the beach has a calm and peaceful feeling, and local tea rooms serve tasty Welsh cakes.
North Wales is full of natural beauty and fascinating places. Whether you’re chasing castles, climbing mountains, or just enjoying the sea breeze, this part of the UK offers something for every kind of traveler.
