Are you looking for some adventurous or relaxing things to do in North Wales this weekend or on your next visit? You’ve definitely picked the right place: with breathtaking landscapes and attractions for the whole family, North Wales is bound to offer you an unforgettable holiday or day out. Here are some suggestions to start planning it and making the most of it.
Our 10 best things to do in North Wales
1. Get a taste of Italy in Portmeirion
This tourist village is a fascinating, nostalgic bricolage that was built to homage and recreate the Mediterranean atmosphere. While the sunny Italian weather cannot always be guaranteed in North Wales, Portmeirion’s iconic architecture will immediately transport you to the ‘Bel Paese’. Aside from appreciating its stunning buildings and gardens, there’s lots to do there: from sandy beaches to award-winning restaurants to little shops and an Italian-style ice cream parlour, we’re pretty sure you’ll never want to leave!
2. Meet the animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo
Ideal for a family day out, the
Welsh Mountain Zoo brings you face to face with your favourite wild animals. Thanks to the keepers’ conservation talks and lots of interesting educational resources, this zoo will allow you and your children to learn all about each species.
3. Feel the adrenaline at an adventure park
Ready to test your balance while surfing some raging waves? Or to defy gravity by reaching the top of a steep climbing wall? Located in the heart of North Wales, the
Adventure Parc Snowdonia is a real heaven on earth for any adrenaline fanatic. It also includes a fun play area for children.
4. Discover a castle
Visiting a castle is a fantastic opportunity to learn the history behind it whilst enjoying some stunning views and admiring impressive architecture. Did you know that, with over 600 of them, Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world? Yep, it makes it pretty hard to choose one! Why not start with
Conwy,
Beaumaris,
Caernarfon or
Harlech castle?
Check our guide to the top 10 castles North Wales has to offer here.5. Speed down the fastest zipline in the world
Zip World has several branches in North Wales, but the one by the
Penrhyn Slate Quarry stands out thanks to Velocity 2, the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest in the world. It can actually allow you to reach 100mph whilst flying above a scenic slate quarry. Not for the faint-hearted!
6. Visit a lighthouse and a bird reserve
in Anglesey, but one of our favourite places is
South Stack. This area is a wonderful natural reserve, and it includes dramatic sea cliffs where, in spring, birds like puffins and guillemots come to breed. You can also visit its beautiful white lighthouse: a tour guide allows small groups to access the lantern room, learning all about its history and behind the scenes whilst gazing at the horizon from a truly unique spot.
7. Enter the smallest house in Britain
One thing is for sure: after visiting the
little Quay House, you’ll never complain about not having enough room at your place! Open from spring to autumn, this adorable tourist attraction in Conwy is Britain’s smallest house, and someone in traditional Welsh clothing will be there to welcome you and share interesting anecdotes.
8. Go underground at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Would you like to enjoy some adrenalinic adventures but the weather forecast is looking a bit wet and gloomy? Check out these slate caverns! While it also offers some dynamic above ground activities,
Llechwedd is famous for including the world’s only subterranean playground and an underground zip line. Unforgettable fun in a surreal setting is guaranteed for the whole family!
9. Walk around Bodnant Garden
Discover rare flowers and get amazed by beautiful pergolas whilst strolling around these fascinating Victorian gardens. Including unique sights and a culture-filled history,
Bodnant Garden has even seen the earliest introduction of magnolias from China in the late 19th century, and it showcases flowers and plants from different parts of the world. Thanks to its mixture of exotic plants, evergreen trees and waterfalls, this garden has something to offer all year round.
10. Jump on a ride at GreenWood Family Park
It’s not surprising that it was voted the best family day out in North Wales for seven years!
GreenWood will feel like a magical world to the little ones, and it allows grown ups to have fun with them. It includes lots of exciting rides, the world’s only people-powered coaster, a maze, archery sessions, an indoor play area for the rainiest days, live shows and much, much more.If you’re after a day out that doesn’t involve your wallet, check out our article on
the 10 best FREE things to do in North Wales. Either way, we’re incredibly proud of the diverse range of landscapes and attractions that North Wales has to offer: we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it, too! Which location or activity are you going to try first?Looking for a holiday home close to all these attractions?
Take a look at our range of lodges here >>