Things to do & places to visit in North Wales, United Kingdom

North Wales #18 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 64.0k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 10:29.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Snowdon (2.730 reviews)
- Things will go better for you if you’re prepared and the views on a clear day are absolutely amazing
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains

The highest mountain in Wales (higher than any in England) at 3,560 feet. See more..
5.0 Bodnant Garden (2.446 reviews)
- Pretty walk amongst well maintained gardens but not great value for non NT members
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Please note: admission is by prebooked tickets only. Tickets can be obtained from the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden Nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia in North Wales, Bodnant Garden National Trust is a garden for all seasons. Located on a Conwy Valley hillside the 80 acre garden descends dramatically from neat lawns and grand, flower-filled terraces, through informal shrub borders, meadows and woods, to a valley of water gardens and giant trees. In the spring enjoy displays of daffodils, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons; rose gardens, lily ponds, billowing flower beds and wildflower meadows in summer; a treescape of rich leaf colour in autumn; and acres of bright, frosty landscapes in winter. See more..
5.0 Plas Mawr (959 reviews)
- Fascinating visit and great audioguide
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Plas Mawr, or the Great Hall, is quite simply the finest surviving Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain. This was a golden age when fabulously wealthy merchants invested in mansions, rich fittings and lavish entertaining. Robert Wynn, third son of a local landowner, wanted a piece of the action. The house’s main frontage is discreetly hidden away in a steep narrow lane. So the High Street gatehouse only hints at the grandeur within, as you rise via a series of terraces to explore 17 impressive rooms. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. See more..
5.0 Harlech Beach (629 reviews)
- Simply Amazing
Beaches

One of the best beaches I have ever visited. Not commercialised but had toilets, parking and icecream van. We visited on a hot day and experienced 20-30mins queues to pay entrance fee. Also lots of jellyfish around in the shallows, presume this is influenced by tides, current, weather and time of year See more..
5.0 Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (627 reviews)
- Wonderful trip
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and are being restored to their former glory. First laid out in 1804 in the 'picturesque' style of Humphry Repton, the famous Victorian landscape designer, the gardens had become derelict by 1996. There are 10 acres of gardens, included a 2 acre Walled Garden, fantastic valley gardens packed with unusual and interesting plants, flowering shrubs and trees; river and waterfalls. Home made cakes are served in the traditional Tea Room. Visitor Centre describing the history and restoration of the gardens. In 2017 open 12noon-5pm on Weds/Thurs/Suns in April; Tues/Weds/Thurs/Suns May-Sep; Weds/Thurs/Suns in October. Pre-booked private group tours by appointment. See more..
5.0 Manorafon Farm Park (618 reviews)
- FANTASTIC PLACE!
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Oodles of fun for all the family……. Get up close to reptiles and creepy crawlies, cuddle the rabbits in Pets Corner, feed the goats and greet the alpacas. Or join us as we welcome an array of new baby animals throughout the year - from adorable lambs to cheeky kids, fluffy chicks and cute piglets. Dig deep in Digger Zone, then discover the exciting new Tractor School. Go wild on the off-road pedal go-karts and explore our new attraction The Adventure Patch. Get into character in The Village, explore the Clamber Castle or let off steam on the bouncy pillows before stopping off at the Greedy Goat Snack Hut to refuel! There’s plenty to see and even more to do. Nestled in the picturesque parkland of Gwrych Castle, close to the stunning North Wales coastline and conveniently just off the A55. Visit Manorafon Farm for a memorable and fun-packed family day out. See more..
5.0 Aber Falls (471 reviews)
- Perfect for families with young children!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

We paid £5 to park on the lower car park. Beware it's coins only, no cash or card accepted. It took us about an hour to get to the waterfall, walking with a pre-schooler and a baby in the carrier. It's an easy and straightforward walk, perfect for families with kids. There aren't any dangerous parts either so our pre-schooler could roam freely, something he very much enjoys! There are plenty of benches on the way if you're looking for somewhere to sit down and have a picnic. We choose a spot from where we could see the waterfall and enjoyed a very scenic break. The waterfall is stunning, very much reminded me of waterfalls in the alps. At the bottom of the waterfall there are lots of rocks which are lots of fun to climb around on. See more..
5.0 Plas Mawr (959 reviews)
- Fascinating visit and great audioguide
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Plas Mawr, or the Great Hall, is quite simply the finest surviving Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain. This was a golden age when fabulously wealthy merchants invested in mansions, rich fittings and lavish entertaining. Robert Wynn, third son of a local landowner, wanted a piece of the action. The house’s main frontage is discreetly hidden away in a steep narrow lane. So the High Street gatehouse only hints at the grandeur within, as you rise via a series of terraces to explore 17 impressive rooms. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. See more..
5.0 Harlech Beach (629 reviews)
- Simply Amazing
Beaches

One of the best beaches I have ever visited. Not commercialised but had toilets, parking and icecream van. We visited on a hot day and experienced 20-30mins queues to pay entrance fee. Also lots of jellyfish around in the shallows, presume this is influenced by tides, current, weather and time of year See more..
5.0 Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (627 reviews)
- Wonderful trip
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and are being restored to their former glory. First laid out in 1804 in the 'picturesque' style of Humphry Repton, the famous Victorian landscape designer, the gardens had become derelict by 1996. There are 10 acres of gardens, included a 2 acre Walled Garden, fantastic valley gardens packed with unusual and interesting plants, flowering shrubs and trees; river and waterfalls. Home made cakes are served in the traditional Tea Room. Visitor Centre describing the history and restoration of the gardens. In 2017 open 12noon-5pm on Weds/Thurs/Suns in April; Tues/Weds/Thurs/Suns May-Sep; Weds/Thurs/Suns in October. Pre-booked private group tours by appointment. See more..
5.0 Manorafon Farm Park (618 reviews)
- FANTASTIC PLACE!
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Oodles of fun for all the family……. Get up close to reptiles and creepy crawlies, cuddle the rabbits in Pets Corner, feed the goats and greet the alpacas. Or join us as we welcome an array of new baby animals throughout the year - from adorable lambs to cheeky kids, fluffy chicks and cute piglets. Dig deep in Digger Zone, then discover the exciting new Tractor School. Go wild on the off-road pedal go-karts and explore our new attraction The Adventure Patch. Get into character in The Village, explore the Clamber Castle or let off steam on the bouncy pillows before stopping off at the Greedy Goat Snack Hut to refuel! There’s plenty to see and even more to do. Nestled in the picturesque parkland of Gwrych Castle, close to the stunning North Wales coastline and conveniently just off the A55. Visit Manorafon Farm for a memorable and fun-packed family day out. See more..
5.0 Aber Falls (471 reviews)
- Perfect for families with young children!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

We paid £5 to park on the lower car park. Beware it's coins only, no cash or card accepted. It took us about an hour to get to the waterfall, walking with a pre-schooler and a baby in the carrier. It's an easy and straightforward walk, perfect for families with kids. There aren't any dangerous parts either so our pre-schooler could roam freely, something he very much enjoys! There are plenty of benches on the way if you're looking for somewhere to sit down and have a picnic. We choose a spot from where we could see the waterfall and enjoyed a very scenic break. The waterfall is stunning, very much reminded me of waterfalls in the alps. At the bottom of the waterfall there are lots of rocks which are lots of fun to climb around on. See more..
4.5 Great Orme (7.467 reviews)
- Lovely ride on the tramway to outstanding views
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

Took the tramway up to the top, lovely trip through the top of the town then wonderful views. I had my dog with me and the tram is truly dog friendly, the driver and other passengers being patient and kind while she was helped up and down the steps. The views from the top of the Great Orme are stunning and it feels so fresh and clean up there. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t get a drink or snack but the cafe was just too busy and there was no kiosk or anything where you could buy refreshments and sit outside. I did enjoy a walk round though admiring the view on all sides before our return tram ride. A wonderful dog friendly experience with tremendous views from the top. See more..
4.5 Llandudno Promenade (4.253 reviews)
- Brass Banding on the Bandstand
Scenic Walking Areas

Myself and my fellow band members played on the Bandstand recently. We The Dobcross Brass Monkeys from Dobcross, Saddle worth, Oldham in Lancashire did an open air concert for the visitors and the residents. Well what can I say about the Promenade? Well, it sure is a long one, and very well liked. It's very spacious and used regularly used by visiting bands, singers, poets and other types of entertainment. It is very busy during the summer months and has lots of attraction and places of interests in the vicinity. See more..
4.5 Caernarfon Castle (4.194 reviews)
- Interesting & Informative
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Castles

After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. See more..
4.5 Conwy Castle (3.697 reviews)
- A dramatic, beautiful castle
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Castles • History Museums

Built in the late 13th century and reputed to be haunted by a past resident, this picturesque castle was built for King Edward I and is a perfect example of the "concentric castle" design. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. See more..
4.5 Beaumaris Castle (2.093 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

In the care of Cadw, Welsh Government’s historic environment service. A world heritage site, Beaumaris Castle has a perfect concentric design, is surrounded by a water moat, and has stunning views over the Menai straits and Snowdonia mountain range. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. See more..
4.5 National Slate Museum (2.054 reviews)
- A hidden gem
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Located in the former Engineering Workshops for Dinorwig Slate Quarry, the National Slate Museum Llanberis is a living working museum that tells the story of the Slate industry in Wales. Wander through the workshops and marvel at the giant waterwheel, be amazed at the foundry and listen to the voices of the past in the Caban(Mess Room). Enjoy a slate splitting demonstration by our quarrymen or visit the blacksmith in the forge, and step back in time in the quarrymen's houses - refurnished to reflect 3 key periods in the slate industry, before visiting the cafe and the shop. Free Entry / No need to book For more information please visit the website www.museum.wales/slate See more..
4.5 Harlech Castle (1.869 reviews)
- A must visit if you are near Harlech
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Castles

Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again. No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. Managed by Cadw. See more..
4.5 Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (1.706 reviews)
- Great engineering and views if you have a head for heights
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Yes, it's as good as it looks in the pictures. A wonderful and pioneering piece of architecture by Thomas Telford dating from 1795, it is about 1000 long and takes the Ellesmere Canal across the River Dee, 127 feet below. It was new technology at the time. The canal is 5ft 3 inches deep. It is possible to book narrowboat trips across and back over the aqueduct, or of course you can walk. I do not have a good head for heights, but I did manage it. I did feel a bit insecure, though, as you are only protected by railings, not a solid wall. On the canal side, there is no wall at all! If you have time, you can extend the walk along the canal. I believe there are great views, but I could not fully relax into them! See more..
4.5 Penrhyn Castle (1.533 reviews)
- Truly great day out
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Castles

This 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. In addition, it has an outstanding collection of paintings.The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum.The 24.3 hectares (60 acres) of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden. See more..
4.5 Conwy Town Walls (1.531 reviews)
- Great views
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Love a city wall walk and this is one of the better ones we have done. Gorgeous views all around, including the quay and the castle and an interesting look into people’s gardens. There was a suggested one way system, which some people chose not to stick to. My only criticism was that after completing the first section at the castle it was then difficult to find the next section as there was a gap. The next section then took you all the way to the quay. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the castle but if you were reluctant to pay the entry fee then try the city walls instead (or as well) as it’s free!! See more..
4.5 Zip World Fforest (1.501 reviews)
- Great fun
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Zip World Fforest offers an idyllic woodland setting for all your adventure needs. The heart of the site is the Fforest Coaster - based on the traditional toboggan but running on rails, it offers a year round, all-weather experience for ages 3 and up. There are two high ropes courses; Treehoppers for younger children (5-12 years) and Zip Safari 2 (9 years and up). You can bounce and explore to your heart's content on Treetop Nets; giant bouncy nets suspended in the trees, or experience the thrill of Skyride 2, Europe's highest five-seater swing. Drop 100ft alone or with a friend on the world's first tandem drop experience, Plummet 2. After all that adventure, why not relax, re-fuel and watch the action from one of our two on-site cafes. Open all year round. See more..
4.5 Chirk Castle (1.495 reviews)
- For for royalty
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Castles

Upon entrance to what is a house is the reception area where you show your national trust cards or where you pay. I recommend taking one of the free maps and then you come to the shop,toilets and plant sale area. Lovely little shop and friendly staff. There is a shuttle bus taking you up the bill otherwise you can walk up. The tower is worth seeing but there are steep stairs so you must be careful,the cafe has a very good selection of hot and cold foods the staff were welcoming and friendly even on the hottest day of the year. The castle itself is nicely laid out and you get to view many rooms,the guides in the room were knowledge and friendly. The hawk house is worth seeing and on a hot day a nice place to sit down and relax,there are some great trees and Bush's which have been shaped. Overall a great way to spend a few hours even if it was boiling well worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Erddig (1.369 reviews)
- First visit to NT this year
Monday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

We spent a happy 3 hours here. House opened at 12.30 leaving enough time for a coffee and cake before touring the house. It was great that the tour starts in the servants quarters before exploring upstairs as this gave a great insight into the work of the house. Great to have so much information about the servants who all seemed to be long serving. You could just imagine the buzz of the place especially in the richer days when there would have been a lot of entertaining. The volunteers are all very knowledgeable and really helped to make our visit special. Lovely grounds to explore too, the formal garden with the pond and lots of espalier fruit trees to admire. We didn't manage to get round everything and left a few things to do on our next visit. Great to be back visiting NT properties again. Well worth be coming a member as the more properties you visit the better value it becomes! See more..
4.5 South Stack Lighthouse (1.363 reviews)
- Great visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Lighthouses • Observation Decks & Towers

South Stack Lighthouse and Visitor Centre, operated under licence from Trinity House. Tickets available on the island ONLY at Present. Cash only as no signal for wifi for card machines. See more..
4.5 GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd) (1.265 reviews)
- Excellent….a must do!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

GreenWood Family Park, voted the Best Family Attraction in North Wales. A forest adventure park full of action and excitement, nestled beneath the trees of Snowdonia’s National Park for toddlers to grown-ups, from rollercoasting to splashing and mega crafting, you’ll never run out of things to do at GreenWood Family Park! With totally mind-blowing rides and experiences, Whizz along the World’s Only People Powered Rollercoaster, Splash down the UK’s first solar powered water slide, Super sliding on North Wales’s longest sledge run, plus buzzfuzzling ziggingzagging, giant jumping, tower climbing, trail blazing, nonstop grinning, greener than peas, mazemazing… Go Go GreenWood! Days out really don’t get much better than GreenWood - See more..
4.5 Barmouth Beach (1.155 reviews)
- Barmouth ghost town
Beaches

For that vintage seaside atmosphere of candy floss and donkey rides, set up your deckchair in the section closest to the town. The Blue Flag beach is never overcrowded and also has trampolines, bouncy castle and pirate ship during the Summer. If you want a quieter space for your picnic and to be closer to the sea, then venture further along the one-mile long promenade perhaps using the land train which runs the length of the promenade. See more..
4.5 Great Orme Copper Mine (1.028 reviews)
- Well worth a wander in
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Mines

See more..
4.5 Morfa Bychan - Black Rock Sands (1.025 reviews)
- Idyllic Afternoon
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

This beach had been recommended to my girlfriend and I and after paying the £5 charge (day rate) we made our way onto the beach and parked up. There was plenty of room to park our vehicle and no matter what type of vehicle you have you will be able to comfortably drive along the beach. The views from the beach were simply wonderful with the hills behind us and Criccieth Castle to the right and I would recommend that people walk along the beach and sample the amazing colours that can be seen in the caves. The beach is very flat and vast which means that people of all ages can stroll along at their leisure without fear of walking into disrupting people playing games and there was no rubbish on the beach meaning that you can take your footwear off and go barefoot without fear. The icing on the cake was that sun shone brightly throughout the time we spent on the beach. See more..