The Best Things to do in North Wales in 2024

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…

Image Credits: Tom Parnell - CC BY-SA 2.0

Centre for Alternative Technology

Llwyngwern Quarry
Pantperthog
Machynlleth
SY20 9AZ

01654705950

Discover a hidden world, full to the brim with examples of renewable energy, organic gardens, green buildings and sustainable woodland habitats. Get the kids inspired for a greener, more sustainable future at the Centre For Alternative Technology, Machynlleth.
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Ceunant Mawr Waterfall

2 Waterfall Vw
Llanberis
Caernarfon
LL55 4TH

Visit this breath-taking waterfall in Snowdonia for a true taste of the beauty of the North Wales natural landscape. Also known as Llanberis Falls, these falls cascade in two stages down into a tranquil gorge, where you’ll feel miles from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
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Chirk Castle

Chirk Castle
Chirk
Wrexham
LL14 5AF

01691 777701

Chirk Castle was built in the late 13th century to keep the Welsh under English rule. The imposing structure’s watch towers allowed lookouts to keep a strategic eye on the Welsh hills and valleys around it. The castle later became a family home and unexpected artistic centre, with music and art filling the vast rooms and hallways.
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Coed Pen y Pigyn

Coed Pen y Pigyn
Corwen
LL21 0DF

Walk through ancient woodland in the Dee Valley and spot a stone circle, animal sculptures and plenty of wildlife along the way! Taking around 40 minutes to complete, this trail is considered easy to moderate.
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Coed y Brenin

Coed Y Brenin Visitor Centre Dolgefeiliau
Ganllwyd
Dolgellau
LL40 2HZ

Coed y Brenin was Britain’s first purpose-built mountain biking centre and is a top sport destination in the UK. From the visitor centre, there are eight mountain bike trails that range from beginner to expert level.
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Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve

Abergwyngregyn
Llanfairfechan
LL33 0LP

03000 653000

Home to a diverse range of habitats and the famous Aber Falls, Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve attracts plenty of visitors each and every year. Within the reserve, there are also plenty of historic and archaeological points of interest, including an Iron Age hill fort and the remains of old houses.
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Constitution Hill

Take the scenic walk or the spectacular Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill; its summit showcases simply phenomenal views of Aberystwyth itself and far beyond.
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Conwy Castle

18 Lower Gate Street
Conwy
LL32 8BE

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains, Conwy Castle is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe. The castle is exceptionally well preserved, allowing visitors to see medieval royal apartments, tread in the footsteps of kings as they ascend the towers and look out at the magnificent views that surround them.
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Conwy Town Walls

18 Lower Gate Street
Conwy
LL32 8BE

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Beaumaris and Harlech Castles, Conwy Town Walls are some of the finest and most complete in Europe. Stretching around the medieval heart of the town, the walls are three-quarters of a mile long and have 21 towers and original gateways.
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Conwy Valley Railway Museum

The Old Goods Yard
Betws-y-Coed
LL24 0AL

01690 710568

Visit the Conwy Valley Railway Museum in Bewts y Coed and learn all about the history of the railway. Watch five model railways and ride the miniature train before exploring the railway model shop.
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