The Best Places to Visit in North Wales

North Wales is an incredible place to visit for many reasons. An ancient country with a rich culture and inspiring landscapes, it is known for being an adventurer’s playground. It is also a land of great contrast, where high peaks and sea level are equally enjoyable. Home to the highest mountain south of the Scottish Highlands, in North Wales you can enjoy countless miles of unspoilt coastline, a unique language and a glorious foodie scene. There are numerous ‘best places to visit’ in every county. Explore deep, dense forests where thundering waterfalls await, walk in the footsteps of fearsome warriors and uncover quaint fishing villages deserving of Cornish comparison. As experts in this wonderful part of the world, we’re on hand to help you plan a trip to our beloved Cymru.  

From castles to coastlines, we consider some of the best places to visit in North Wales.   

Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey packs plenty of things to see and do despite its relatively modest 276 square miles. Separated from the mainland by a small strip of water called the Menai Strait, Anglesey is known for its seafaring scene and impressive engineering. Expect delicious seafood, breathtaking beaches and quaint clusters of stone cottages. Home to the port of Holyhead, it’s also a major route for travelling to Ireland. 

Welsh is widely spoken on Ynys Môn, meaning you can go a long way with a simple ‘bore da’ or ‘diolch.’ As a result of its rugged coastline and maritime industry, there are several lighthouses littered along the coast. Tŵr Mawr is possibly the most iconic and is located on Ynys Llanddwyn, the tidal island of Newborough Beach. A popular and romantic destination, this is where Wales’ Patron Saint of Lovers is said to be buried. In addition, Trwyn Du lighthouse is an iconic striped building located at Penmon Point.

We suggest getting to know the island like a local. Sample world-famous Halen Môn sea salt, try your hand at kitesurfing at Rhosneigr or alternatively tour the strait with RibRide. Want to visit Anglesey on your next North Wales break? Take a look at our range of Anglesey holiday cottages and browse our menu of local concierge services.       

Conwy 

Conwy is one of the best places to visit in North Wales because of its easy accessibility. Located beside the main coastal road, it boasts a magnificent medieval fortress, a glittering marina and a plethora of independent shops. This coastal town is well-known for being the home to the Smallest House in Great Britain which, despite it’s tiny size, once occupied a local fisherman who was 6”3!) Here, we recommend heading to Popty Bakery for a sweet treat before exploring the castle walls and suspension bridge.

Llandudno 

Made popular by the Victorians, Llandudno is defined by its grand pier and charming promenade. Wedged between two headlands, Llandudno is also famous for its geographical landmark, The Great Orme. 

A vast limestone mount that rises 200m above sea level, The Great Orme features a tramway, cable car, dry ski slope with toboggan run and a herd of wandering goats! Managed as a nature reserve, The Great Orme offers a plethora of scenic walking routes. The rock below is riddled with secret caves rumoured to have housed everything from a 7th-century monk to smugglers’ bounty.    

Llŷn Peninsula 

On a map of Wales, the Llŷn Peninsula is the arm which sticks out from the northwest. Unspoilt, rugged and a designated AONB, it’s little wonder that adventurer Bear Grylls makes his home on a private island just off its south coast. 

Much like Cornwall in terrain and topography, the Llŷn Peninsula is home to countless fishing villages and rural communities. On the south coastline, Abersoch offers high-end boutiques and eateries. Two Islands offers phenomenal coffee and cake, while Mañanas is known for great Mexican food. Criccieth has a 13th-century castle and the popular Dylan’s restaurant. On the north of the peninsula, beachgoers flock to the Ty Coch, once voted one of the world’s best beach bars. An adventure sports hub, Porth Neigwl and Porth Ceiriad attract surfers from near and far.    

This captivating corner of North Wales has inspired artists and creatives for generations. Popular attractions include Portmeirion, a colourful Italianate-style village designed by prominent architect Sir Clough Williams Ellis. You can even stay on the Glasfryn Estate, the ancestral seat and family home of Williams-Ellis. Let us help you find the perfect holiday cottage on the Llŷn Peninsula.      

Llangollen 

There are great places to visit in the east of North Wales too. Llangollen is a beautiful riverside town on the fringes of the Clwydian Range. The town is home to several important religious sites, the most famous being the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, a majestic Cistercian abbey dating back to 1201. An epicentre of Welsh culture, it welcomes singers and dancers from around the world each summer with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.  

Another impressive thing to see in North Wales is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a 38-metre-high navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the structure was designed by Thomas Telford and is the highest of its kind in the world.  

Snowdonia National Park 

Of course, no trip to North Wales could be complete without visiting Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri – Snowdonia National Park. A haven of lakes, forests and mountains, Eryri (pronounced eh-ruh-ree) is 2,132 square kilometres of unbridled outdoors. Hiking, mountain biking and climbing make Eryri an adventure playground. However, it’s not all high-octane experiences; you can also enjoy wild swimming in glacial lakes, afternoon tea in traditional tearooms and some of the best stargazing in the UK. 

Snowdonia is teeming with inspiring places to visit. Some of our favourites include the alpine town of Betws y Coed which has a great deli and pizzeria and the charming village of Beddgelert, which sits in the foothills of Yr Wyddfa and boasts easy access to numerous lakes.      

Get the quintessential Welsh stone cottage experience with our Snowdonia stays. 

Visit North Wales with Oyster Holiday Cottages

Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do and see in North Wales? Allow us to build you a bespoke itinerary. A local, family-run holiday cottage business based on the Isle of Anglesey, we have a truly unrivalled knowledge of North Wales. We have long-established connections with trusted experience providers and produce suppliers. We’re able to offer truly unique experiences for our guests that aren’t available elsewhere. 
Tell us what sort of trip, experience or day out you want to enjoy, and allow us to make it happen.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday cottage by the sea on the Llŷn Peninsula, or pet-friendly accommodation in Snowdonia, we are proud to offer a selection of beautiful properties. Marking the spot where home comforts meet the little luxuries, each property ticks every box. We hand-pick our properties for their great locations, inspiring views and authentic Welsh charm. Everyone should experience North Wales at least once. Book your trip here.