The Best Places for Kids in North Wales
A beloved holiday destination for people throughout the UK, North Wales is teeming with family-friendly destinations that little ones are guaranteed to love. From gloriously golden beaches with paddle-friendly shallows to award-winning attractions with everything you need easily onsite, we’re taking a look at some of the best places for kids in North Wales. Keep reading to discover five of the best villages, towns and resorts in North Wales for those travelling with little ones.
5. Pwllheli, Llyn Peninsula
If beaches, BBQs and boats are high on the agenda while also having plenty of other options to keep the kids entertained, Pwllheli is a great choice. A bustling market town with a marina, promenade and sandy south-facing beach, it hosts an open-air market throughout summer each Wednesday and Sunday.
Why is Pwllheli great for kids?
There are lots of reasons Pwllheli is a perfect North Wales destination for kids – here are some things they are guaranteed to enjoy during your stay:
- Glasfryn Parc Activity Centre is just 5 miles from the town centre and is home to a wakeboarding park, go-karts, inflatable obstacle course, soft play, crazy golf and more.
- For rainy day fun, Pwllheli’s leisure centre has an indoor pool with a water slide.
- Located just off Y Maes market place, Pwllheli Amusements is a large indoor and outdoor amusement park with mini fairground rides, a games arcade and more.
- There is an indoor soft play area, Y Den, which is great for smaller tots with lots of energy to expend!
- Making things easy for the grown-ups, Pwllheli is home to a wide range of places to eat. From casual cafes to cosy pubs, you’ll be spoilt for choice, however our recommendation would be to head to Allports for fish and chips, enjoying them either on the beach or one of the many benches overlooking the marina – just watch out for the resident seagulls!
Where to stay in/around Pwllheli
We have plenty of North Wales holiday cottages in the Pwllheli area. If you want peaceful seclusion, complete with a small stream running through the front garden, Otter Cottage is a beautiful bolthole for 6.
4. Beaumaris, Anglesey
Anglesey’s Beaumaris is a popular sailing and sightseeing destination right on the waters of the Menai Strait, and within easy reach of all Anglesey’s beautiful beaches. Just a short journey from the nearby community of Menai Bridge, there is a whole host of things to see, do, explore and enjoy in Beaumaris.
Why is Beaumaris great for kids?
An ancient castle, a spooky gaol and one of the island’s top family attractions nearby – Beaumaris is a fantastic choice for holidays with the kids in North Wales.
- Known as ‘The Greatest Castle Never Built,’ Beaumaris Castle is a moated medieval fortress with striking views over the moody mountains of Snowdonia. There are often themed events held at the castle, which you can find out more about here.
- Another adventure into a bygone Beaumaris, the Gaol and Court offers a fascinating glimpse into 1800s prison life. The tour itself is full of interesting facts designed to engage a younger audience.
- Just 5 miles (13 minutes) away, Pili Palas is a fantastic all-weather attraction with different kinds of exotic animals, an adventure playzone and cafe.
- Just 9 minutes from the centre of Beaumaris, RibRide offers adventure boat tours all around the island and beyond – be sure to end your experience with a meal at Dylan’s, conveniently situated next to the RibRide office.
Holiday cottages in/around Beaumaris
For a stay in Beaumaris, you can choose to base yourself in Beaumaris itself or in the neighbouring community of Menai Bridge. If you want to be slightly out of the hustle and bustle, in a spectacular family-friendly cottage with its own woodland and hot tub, we suggest taking a look at Murmur y Coed.
3. Criccieth, Llyn Peninsula
Criccieth is a charming seaside town known for the iconic outcrop of its historic castle, perched on a hill overlookign the seafront. It is a great choice if you’re seeking family-friendly beaches and a relaxing coastal atmosphere. A perfect base for exploring the wider area, the Llyn Peninsula, Cardigan Bay and even Snowdonia are within easy reach.
Why is Criccieth great for kids?
For beaches, castles, mountains and more, it doesn’t get much better than Criccieth. Here are just some of the things little ones are bound to love:
- Catching the steam train from the local Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway Station in neighbouring Porthmadog (5 miles away,) where you can embark on a breathtaking journey through Snowdonia.
- Letting their imagination (and legs!) run wild around the grounds of Criccieth Castle.
- Sampling some of Wales’ finest ice cream at Cadwaladers, which has closely guarded its secret family recipe since 1927.
- Petting the adorable animals at Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm, where there is also a cafe and an outdoor play area.
Where to stay in/around Criccieth
Looking for some family-friendly accommodation in Criccieth, North Wales? We’ve got you covered. Enjoy spellbinding sea views from all angles at Bella Vista (which is also dog friendly) or browse the complete collection here.
2. Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Rhosneigr is a laid-back watersports mecca on the west coast of Anglesey, known for its golden beaches, cafe culture and family-friendly vibe. A sure shot for those with water babies in tow, all of the attractions here are very much nature-based, with surf tuition, paddleboarding and beach BBQs being the order of the day.
Why is Rhosneigr great for kids?
A playground for water-loving kids, Rhosneigr is home to wide, sandy beaches that are great for swimming, paddling, and sandcastle building.
- Rhosneigr is also one of the best places in North Wales for beginner-friendly surfing and paddleboarding, with local surf schools offering a range of lessons, including family sessions.
- All of the beaches in the immediate area such as Traeth Crigyll, main beach, Cable Bay and Aberffraw are perfect sandy spots for picnics, BBQs and beach games.
- Out of the water, you can find the Anglesey Transport Museum nearby, where there are over 120 classic vehicles, a Land Rover collection, a children’s play area and a cafe.
- Want to take your little ones for a scenic picnic where sand doesn’t threaten to ruin sandwiches? Maelog Lake is a picturesque spot with a walking trail encircling the waters edge.
Places to stay near Rhosneigr
The ultimate destination for family holidays near the beach in North Wales, we have a range of Rhosneigr holiday cottages that have been handpicked for family fun. Ewyn Gwyn is a firm guest favourite, thanks to being less than forty steps from the beach (yes, we counted.)
1. Llandudno, Conwy
Nestled between two headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme, Llandudno is one of North Wales’s most iconic seaside resorts, and has been since the Victorians discovered it after the arrival of the railway in 1858. Rich in history, attractions, scenery and shops, it’s a perfect day trip destination from anywhere in North Wales.
Why is Llandudno great for kids?
Jam-packed with attractions, Llandudno is well-loved by little ones far and wide for:
- The Great Orme, which is where you can enjoy scenic rides in a cable car or on the historic tram, dry ski slope lessons, exhilarating toboggan runs and more, including an underground adventure in the Bronze Age Copper Mines. It’s also home to the award-winning Happy Valley Park.
- Venue Cymru, a huge beachfront theatre, cinema and events venue where everything from bands to blockbusters can be enjoyed.
- The nostalgic Llandudno Pier, where stunning sea views provide a backdrop for amusement arcades, sweet shops and small fairground rides.
Holiday cottages near Llandudno
Our holiday cottages on Anglesey give you the best of both worlds for visiting Llandudno, Snowdonia, Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. If you opt to stay in the Menai Bridge area of Anglesey, you’ll be able to reach Llandudno in just 30 minutes via the A55 expressway, and enjoy all of the other top destinations for kids in North Wales.
