Conwy Castle

Things to do in North Wales

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Discover the best attractions and things to do in North Wales

There are many diverse places to visit in North Wales where you can appreciate both history and natural beauty in its finest form. There are things to do in North Wales for all ages, tastes and times of the year, so use our guide for some inspiration!

Things to do in North Wales

Dramatic scenery and a distinct cultural identity are found in North Wales’ epic settings. Learn about one of Europe’s oldest living languages and enjoy the best experience in Britain while you’re doing it!

One of the must things to do in North Wales is to discover many stunning castles, including those in Gwrych, Caernarfon and Conwy which are preserved immaculately within a Wales’ World Heritage Site. If you prefer stately homes, Erddig near Wrexham and Plas Newydd on Anglesey are perfect days out in North Wales. The latter even possesses a collection of works by artist Rex Whistler, including the UK’s largest canvas painting.

The stunning coastline is a must thing to do in North Wales for families and for those looking for things to do with dogs! From the sheltered and safe waters of Abersoch Beach to the golden sands of Colwyn Bay, these North Wales beaches are sure to impress a family of all ages!

Other things to do in North Wales include hiking up Snowdon, meandering the pretty Alyn Waters Country Park and strolling along the Llangollen Wharf. While North Wales is the outdoor capital with tonnes of outdoor activities, its weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s always good to have indoor activities ideas to hand!

Continuing to impress, our guide features some great free things to do in North Wales too, including North Wales museums, National Trust Properties, walks and castles in North Wales!

Places to visit in North Wales

There is an array of lovely places to visit in North Wales, including quaint towns and villages, and bustling cities. Visit the historical towns of Conwy and Llangollen or spend your day relaxing in the coastal settings of Llandudno and Abersoch.

Alternatively, visit the exciting city of Wrexham to catch a game at the Racecourse, which was acquired by famous actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. And, if you’re coming during the festive season, Wrexham offers access to lots of wonderful things to do in the nearby Snowdonia National Park during winter.

Another superb place to visit in North Wales is the beautiful Portmeirion village. The village is famous for being the setting of the cult ‘60s series The Prisoner. This Italianate resort is one of the quirkiest places to visit in North Wales, overlooking the marvellous Dwyryd Estuary.

Treating your partner to a special getaway? If so, use our guide to places to visit in Wales for couples!

Continue reading to visit superb things to do in North Wales…

  • Anglesey Circuit, feature

    Anglesey Circuit

    Anglesey Circuit
    Ty Croes
    Anglesey
    Wales, UK
    LL63 5TF

    01407 811 400

    Satisfy your need for speed at the Anglesey Circuit, Trac Mon, where amateurs and professionals alike can experience this magnificent track. Set on the West Coast of Anglesey, with views out to the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia mountains, Anglesey Circuit is as stunning as it is thrilling.

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  • Anglesey Sea Zoo exterior
    Image Credits: Jeff Buck - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Anglesey Sea Zoo

    Brynsiencyn
    Llanfairpwll
    Anglesey
    LL61 6TQ

    01248 430411

    Take a deep dive into an underwater world where amazing marine wildlife awaits. With over 40 tanks displaying octopus, lobsters, seahorses, conger eels, jellyfish and much more, there’s plenty to discover. Plus, every critter at Anglesey Sea Zoo can be found in the British Isles, giving you a unique insight into British sea life.

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  • Bala Lake Railway scenery

    Bala Lake Railway

    Station Rd
    Llanuwchllyn
    Bala
    LL23 7DD

    01678540666

    Take the Bala Lake Railway from Llanuwchllyn to Bala and take in the idyllic woodland scenery and distant mountain ranges. Never far from Bala Lake’s edge, eagle-eyed passengers can also spot local wildlife along the way.

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  • Tennis players

    Bangor Tennis Club

    Gwynedd
    Buckley Rd
    Upper Bangor
    Bangor
    LL57 2BP

    01248 852953

    Located close to the Menai Straits, Bangor Tennis Club is a friendly club in an idyllic location with three all-weather, sheltered courts. The tennis club is open most days of the year and has been part of the community for almost 100 years.

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  • Bangor on Dee Racecourse
    Image Credits: Paul - CC BY 2.0

    Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse

    Althrey Ct
    Bangor-on-Dee
    Wrexham
    LL13 0DA

    Come to Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse for an eventful day of horse racing! Fixtures, special group events and top-notch dining can be enjoyed here.

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  • Barclodiad y Gawres, Anglesey
    Image Credits: Jeff Buck - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Barclodiad y Gawres

    Ty Croes
    Anglesey
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    LL63 5TE

    01407810153

    Get a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors at Barclodiad y Gawres. Nestled atop the cliffside, this ancient tomb boasts magnificent views and contains prehistoric art, making it more than worth a visit while on Anglesey.

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  • Barkby Beach

    Barkby Ave
    Prestatyn
    LL19 7HW

    Barkby Beach is located in the popular tourist resort of Prestatyn and is backed by a wide promenade, sand dunes and a picnic area. Barkby is a sandy beach, making it the ideal spot for a bit of sandcastle building.      

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  • Barmouth Beach

    Barmouth Beach

    Porkington Terrace, Barmouth LL42 1LX

    Southern Snowdonia’s most popular resort, Barmouth Beach, is a must-visit for those heading to the national park. With everything from amusement arcades to donkey rides and swing boats, Barmouth ticks all the traditional seaside boxes.      

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  • Basingwerk Abbey, Holywell
    Image Credits: Andrew - CC BY 2.0

    Basingwerk Abbey

    Greenfield
    Holywell
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    CH8 7GH

    01352714172

    Visit the ruin of Basingwerk Abbey and get an insight into the lives of the monks that inhabited it. Founded in 1131 and remodelled in the 13th century, you can see the benches where they once sat for daily readings, the parlour where the monks were able to speak and the dining hall.

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  • woman scaling indoor climbing wall

    Beacon Climbing Centre

    Cibyn Industrial Estate
    Caernarfon
    North Wales
    LL55 2BD

    01286 677322

    Beacon Climbing Centre is the biggest and best indoor climbing centre in Wales. From budding climbers of two years old to experienced climbers up to age 90, there’s a challenge for everyone to take on here.

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