Who said that you must spend lots of money in order to enjoy a memorable day out? There are so many incredible free things to do in North Wales thanks to its inspiring variety of natural sceneries, millennia of history and impressive architecture. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a fun excursion with friends or a solo adventure in the wilderness but are not sure where to start, here are some exciting ideas to start planning your next day off.
Our top 10 free things to do in North Wales
1. Enjoy a hike in Snowdonia
The jewel in the crown of Welsh natural parks, this mountainous area is an 823-square-mile paradise for outdoorsy people. What we love the most about it is that it offers a diverse range of landscapes, making it easy for both the most adventurous hikers and the lovers of quiet walks to find the perfect activity and location.Whether you are ready to climb
mount Snowdon or you prefer an easier scenic trail like
Cwm Idwal Circuit, you certainly won’t get bored."transparent" thickness="30px"]
2. Fall down the rabbit hole in Llandudno
This seaside resort with a strong Victorian heritage is where little Alice Liddell used to spend her childhood summers. The town’s connection to
Alice in Wonderland is now stronger than ever: you can follow a trail of statues and sculptures portraying its most famous characters, as well as downloading an app that guides you through it and shares interesting anecdotes. When in Llandudno, you can also enjoy a walk up
the Great Orme, a scenic limestone headland with gorgeous sea views.
3. Reach Castell Dinas Brân
How would you feel about time-travelling back to the 13th century? Visiting the ruins of
this castle will certainly feel that way. Towering above Llangollen from the top of a hill, “the crow’s fortress” makes for an impressive sight, and your walk uphill will also be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley and mountains.
4. Walk around Conwy’s town walls
The 1.3 km long town walls offer an exciting alternative way to discover Conwy from a different point of view. A precious UNESCO world heritage site, these
medieval walls include several towers and gatehouses, as well as a peaceful view of the river’s estuary.
5. Dip your toes in the sand in Anglesey
Surrounded by a long coastline on its north and west borders, North Wales surely isn’t short of beaches. The popular island of Anglesey, in particular, is a true blessing for anyone who prefers sand to pebbles. With beautiful sandy beaches such as
Porth Tywyn Mawr,
Porth Dafarch and
Church Bay, you’ll be spoilt with choices.bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: justify;">
6. Stand at the bottom of a waterfall
Given its mountainous nature and multitude of rivers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that North Wales is brimming with waterfalls. While there are plenty to choose from depending on which part of the region you want to explore, we recommend starting with
Pistyll Rhaeadr and
Aber Falls.
7. Dive into folklore at Wepre Park
This calm
park located in Flintshire looks just like a fantasy setting. With peaceful walks across
Ewloe Wood, an abandoned medieval castle, a waterfall, a pet cemetery and striking red rock formations, you’ll find a wonder around every corner. Did we mention that it’s filled with folklore, including tales of a ghost army, a floating nun and spectral dogs? Don’t forget to do some research before you go… if you’re brave enough!
8. Admire the highest canal aqueduct in the world
The
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a stunning example of Georgian architecture located in the Vale of Llangollen. Designed by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop and completed in 1805, this arched structure is made of stone and cast iron, and is still used for narrowboats.You can either admire it from the bottom of the valley or, if heights don’t make your knees feel like jelly, walk along its length to enjoy the extraordinary view. Either way, don’t forget your camera!an lang="EN">Discover the history of the Welsh slate industry
The National Slate Museum is perfect for a culture-filled afternoon. Find out all about the importance of this material during the industrial revolution and see concrete examples of what life used to look like during the Victorian times. Always offering free admission, the museum also includes the largest working water wheel in mainland Britain.
10. Explore a Welsh rainforest
No need to book plane tickets to visit a rainforest! North Wales will never fail to surprise us with its variety of landscapes and natural wonders.
Ceunant Llennyrch and Llennyrch are part of a one-of-a-kind Atlantic oak woodland: perfect to reconnect with nature, this 10,000-year-old Celtic rainforest includes refreshing pools, waterfalls and, of course, lots and lots of green.These are our favourite free things to do in North Wales, although we haven’t even scratched the surface: given its long coastline and natural areas, there really is no risk of running out of places to explore for free!
