The Best Things To See and Do in North Wales

When my friend told me she was going to be in Wales for a year — attending graduate school — I decided it would be a great destination to travel to.

And as I read about North Wales where she would be living, I knew I had to go.

So what does North Wales have to offer?

Well, quite a lot.

But I’m going to focus on the areas I visited.

So here are some the of the best things to do in North Wales — in my humble opinion.

 

Menai Bridge

This little hamlet — on the Isle of Anglesey — is where my friend actually lives.

And it sits on the Menai Straight and is the home of the famous Menai Bridge that spans across the straight over to the mainland.

It’s a small town with a couple of pubs, some nice restaurants (we ate at Dylan’s which is quite good) and a few shops.

You can take a boat tour from here.

One of the places I should have visited is the Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. They even have a guesthouse and cottages you can stay in. It looks gorgeous!

I did go to Church Island which is just a short walk along the water from the center of town. There’s a lovely old church and graveyard here. And a big old tree I fell in love with.

Of course, the bridge itself is definitely worth checking out.

It was the world’s first iron suspension bridge when it opened in 1826. I loved looking at it, photographing it and driving over it.

 

Beaumaris

A bit more touristy and resorty, this North Wales village is still a charmer with it’s waterfront area, colorful buildings and nice array of shops, restaurants and places to stay.

I took a boat trip from here out to Puffin Island which I highly recommend. For £9.50 you have a good chance of seeing loads of birds, seals, porpoises and dolphins. Seacoast Safaris is the outfitter I recommend.

Midland Tapas and Wine Bar is fabulous. The food is delicious and the wine list extensive and very good. Be sure to make a reservation during busy times. It’s quite popular.

Beaumaris Castle is one of about 9 castles in North Wales and you’ll want to pay this one a visit. I just saw the outside of it, but it’s picturesque as hell.

 

Anglesey

The above 2 towns actually sit on the island of Anglesey.

Anglesey is the far northwestern part of Wales.

Look closely at a map and you can see that the Menai Straight separates mainland Wales from Anglesey making it an island.

And you definitely want to check out this island.

While the mountains (my first love) are on the mainland, Anglesey is flatter with some rolling hills. It’s very agricultural.

But it’s beautiful in that pastoral way.

Angelsey also has an amazing coastline.

There are lots of little seaside towns and beaches of all sort — some very rocky and some more sandy.

It’s a wonderful place for bird watchers and for all kinds of sea creatures.

I really didn’t know a whole lot about it, but I learned more — courtesy of my friend. And I really loved it!

Towns like Rhosneigr, Red Wharf Bay and Moelfre along with the 2 mentioned above are wonderful spots for time along the water.

 

Snowdonia National Park

This is a beautiful national park with mountains, coastline, cute towns and something for everyone.

It was a must for me.

There are walks for every level of fitness including the walk up Mount Snowdon.

You’ll find lakes, streams, valleys, forests and miles of coastline.

There are a few trains to take you to different parts of the park including one up Mount Snowdon.

If you’re into the history and culture of the area, then stop by one of the many museums in the park.

Snowdonia is wonderfully diverse making it an excellent destination for everyone.

For me it’s the mountain peaks and lakes sitting in the valleys. It’s a stunning landscape.

 

Caernarfon

I really liked this town in North Wales.

Yes it’s a bit busy due to the awesome castle but it’s a fun place with a good array of restaurants, pubs and shops.

And I absolutely loved the castle.

Caernarfon Castle deserves a good 2-3 hours as it’s huge and much of it is open.

You get to walk up all kinds of narrow, twisting stairways and walk across ramparts. I loved it!!

Within the castle are a couple of museums that not many folks were checking out the day I was there. But there’s loads of interesting history including Welsh military history.

The town itself has some nice areas near the castle with good places to eat and some cute shops. The Black Boy Inn has some tasty food.

 

Llyn Peninsula

I think if it hadn’t been a holiday week, I would have enjoyed this more.

But crowds aside the Llyn Peninsula is quite beautiful.

It has some nice beaches and some appealing towns.

Llanbedrog Beach, Porth Neigwl and Aberdaron Beach are a few stretches of sand worth checking out and Abersoch and Aberdaron are lovely towns.

It just happen to be what they refer to has “half term” for schools so the kiddos were out for the week. This meant many families were enjoying some holiday time in the good weather.

The result?

Crowded beaches and seaside towns.

But we managed. It wasn’t ideal, but I can imagine in the off season that these towns and beaches would be delightful.

The interior of this peninsula is quite agricultural and very pretty — and it was a bit quieter here.

My friend and I stopped in the charming hamlet of Llangian that has next to nothing.

Well it has an enchanting old church and graveyard and a certain allure to it.

I loved it.

 

Bodnant Welsh Food Centre

This must for foodies is near the town of Tal-y-cafn and just East of Snowdonia National Park.

Bring your appetite!

The store itself has a wonderful array of Welsh food.

You’ll find fresh cheeses, chocolates, meats, bread and produce.

The National Beekeeping Centre is also located at the Welsh Food Center.

It’s an interactive shop with knowledgeable workers who will explain all the ins and outs of bees and how honey is made. And there’s not just honey but other products made from honey such as soaps and candles.

The Food Centre has 2 eateries — the Furnace Tea Room for tea and light snacks and the Hayloft Restaurant that is open for lunch and for dinner at the weekends.

I wish I had eaten at one of them as the menus for both look scrumptious.

And if you’re into cooking all this tasty food there are even cooking classes.

Did I mention the wine shop?

Yup. It has a wonderful selection of wines from around the world as well as Welsh beers.

It’s run by Chris who is a savvy wine afficianado.

 

Beddgelert

My favorite town I visited in North Wales has to be Beddgelert.

Located within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park this town is oozing with charm.

It reminded me of towns in the Cotswolds in so many ways.

And it is quite popular so you’ll need to be prepared for crowds.

Located in a beautiful valley. Check.

Clear mountain stream running through town. Check.

Soaring mountains surrounding it. Check.

Charming cafes and shops. Check.

Green fields dotted with bleating sheep and lambs. Check.

*Sigh*

Beddgelert will charm your socks off.

My advice would be to try to go in the off season a bit.

It was late May and a bank holiday weekend so it was busy.

I imagine that if you were there in late April or early October it might be a bit quieter.

 

North Wales again?

Yes. I would travel to Wales and North Wales again.

I feel as though I just scratched the surface as there’s so much here.

It’s an outdoor lovers paradise but also has some beautiful castles and a rich history.

The towns are charming and the food is really quite good.

And the people?

I found the Welsh people to be very warm and friendly — and eager to teach you their language and talk about their culture.

Put it on your list!