The Best Places to Visit in North Wales & Cheshire This Autumn
There’s something magical about the transition from summer to autumn that whips us all into a pumpkin spice-flavoured frenzy. From the vibrant colours of the trees to the breezy, blustery beach walks, it’s a wonderful time to get outside and be invigorated by the sights, sounds and smells of the season.
With cosy cottages and beautiful boltholes to choose from all over North Wales & Cheshire, we thought we’d put together a guide to our favourite places to visit in the area during autumn. This is your sign to book that ‘spooky season’ break and experience the ochres and oranges of a Snowdonian forest in late September, or wander through pretty Cheshire villages scenic enough to rival the Cotswolds.
10 Places in North Wales & Cheshire to Visit This Autumn
From grand country houses to chocolate-box towns, here are our favourite places to visit during autumn:
Bodnant Gardens, Conwy
Visitors flock to Conwy’s Bodnant Gardens in late May and early June to witness the blazing yellow blooms of the laburnum arch, but what they don’t realise is that the 80-acre, Grade I-listed, 150-year-old garden roars to life in the autumn. Make a beeline for the Acer Glade at the rear of the Old Park for the full kaleidoscope of fiery reds, yellows and oranges.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire
Cheshire’s largest woodland area, Delamere Forest is the perfect family day out. A stunning pine forest with play areas a-plenty (not to mention a Go-Ape course and Wild Shore watersports lake,) it is home to cycle trails, walking paths and a cafe.
Llangollen, Denbighshire
We’ve waxed lyrical about Llangollen many times, and for good reason. A historic Welsh town nestled in a vale beside the River Dee, Llangollen is a sight for sore eyes in any season, but we think autumn takes the cake. Enjoy scenic steam train rides, embark on leisurely strolls beside the leafy canal and cruise up to the Horseshoe Pass for seriously stunning views. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a 38-metre high feat of engineering.
Chester, Cheshire
Small in size as far as city standards go, Chester packs a lot into its 173 square miles. Favoured by the Romans for its strategic position on a natural sandstone ridge, Chester often draws comparisons to York for its ancient fortified walls and ornate cathedral. In autumn, we head to Chester to meander along the city’s cobbled streets, browsing shops along the Medieval timber-framed Rows and spotting squirrels in Grosvenor Park. You can also take walking history or ghost tours, offering further autumnal insights into the city’s storied past.
Don’t just stop at the city centre, other attractions in the area include The Ice Cream Farm, a family-friendly venue centred around locally-made ice cream, with everything from an expansive soft play area to their seasonal Fireworks and Fun Event.
Erddig, Wrexham
The National Trust’s Erddig Hall feels as though it was built for autumn. From the flaming red Boston Ivy that climbs up the Western facade to the annual Apple Picking Event in the 200-variety-strong orchard, it sort of feels to autumn what Lapland is to Christmas. In typical National Trust style, there is also a host of family-friendly events on throughout half term.
Beddgelert, Snowdonia
If you want wild walks with mountain and lake views in your autumn, Beddgelert is the perfect place to head for. A stunning stone village with pubs, cafes and cottages, there are several walks you can set out on from the centre – we are fans of the route that takes you along the Aberglaslyn Pass and over Cwm Bychan to Llyn Dinas, before dropping back down to the village – follow this guide to experience it for yourself, but be aware that it involves some rocky parts beside the river and some moderate uphill stretches. The riverside part is known as ‘Fisherman’s Trail’ for a reason, but it is seriously enchanting as you walk between the trees.
If you’re staying on Anglesey, we’d recommend looping the Llanberis Pass for a full 360 of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in its autumnal glory.
Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau
Another stunning Snowdonia forest, Coed y Brenin is a sprawling forest park with a purpose-built mountain bike centre. There are several trails to choose from, which range in accessibility and ease, snaking along the river and offering glimpses of waterfalls.
Plas Newydd, Anglesey
Another striking National Trust property with a crimson creeper climbing its facade, Plas Newydd is a Grade 1 listed house and garden situated on the banks of the Menai Strait. It’s also one of the best places in the entire UK to spot red squirrels – the gardens and woodland are home to the very successful Anglesey Red Squirrel Project.
Beeston Castle & Woodland Park, Cheshire
A dramatic fortress rumoured to be the hiding place of Richard II’s treasure, Beeston Castle and the surrounding woodland park are seriously striking throughout the ‘ber’ months, with the castle ramparts offering beautiful views across the Cheshire Plain. The site has been a hive of human activity since the Bronze Age, something that little ones can learn all about at the recreated roundhouse.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
The Italianate village of Portmeirion has all of the ingredients for an invigorating autumn day out. Not only is there a sprawling 70 acres of garden to explore, but the village is perched in a seaside spot where the rivers Glaslyn and Dwyryd spill out to sea. There are several attractions onsite, but we strongly recommend simply walking the grounds and gardens to feel the full benefits of the autumn colours and salty sea air.
