What To Do in North Wales This Winter
We’re a bit like the Norwegians here in Wales, following their proverb that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing!
In a country known for its vivid greenery and wide rivers, it’s a given that we have our fair share of rainy days. Our captivating coastlines see their share of wild weather, with the elements carried from the Irish Sea and the wider Atlantic. That said, we love nothing more than pulling on our boots, jackets, waterproof trousers and woollen hats to get out and explore empty beaches and rain-speckled forests, before rewarding the excursion with a roaring fire and something delicious to eat. With the right approach, winter in North Wales is a delight.
So here is our list of the very best things to do in North Wales during the winter months, including both indoor and outdoor attractions, so that you can pick based on your mood, the weather, and whether or not you remembered to pack your boots!
Things to do during winter in North Wales
Blow away the cobwebs with a beach walk, browse a wealth of independent shops and cafes or soak away the winter blues at the spa. Here are some of our favourite winter activities (and where you can enjoy them) during winter in North Wales.
Take a beach walk
Whether you’re lucky enough to strike gold with a blue-sky, crisp-air winter’s day, or you’re looking to wrap up against the elements, a beach walk during winter will do wonders for lifting your spirits. Some of the most scenic (and sheltered) options in North Wales include:
- Borth Wen (Rhoscolyn) – LL65 2NX
- Porth Iago – LL53 8LP
- Llanbedrog Beach – LL53 7TR
- Nefyn Beach – LL53 6ED
Go shopping
Going shopping is a great winter activity in North Wales thanks to the healthy mix of indoor and outdoor time. You’ll also be supporting independent shops and businesses while getting the opportunity to sample delicious produce or pick up a couple of souvenirs. Some of our favourite places to go shopping in North Wales are:
- Llangollen: perfect for blending canal walks, age-old architecture and high-street mooching, Llangollen is a must-see while in North Wales. Don’t miss Chapel Emporium and Rowan’s Vintage.
- Llandudno: Combining both the beach, the high street and even a dry ski slope with a toboggan run, Llandudno has so much more to offer than shopping, but it’s a great place for exactly that. There is a retail park with larger chain stores, but the town centre boasts an old-fashioned arcade and a handy veranda to keep the weather off.
- Conwy: Quaint, historic and evocative of a Cornish harbourside community, Conwy has a wealth of wonderful shops, including a Dylan’s bakery and shop.
- Caernarfon: Another beautiful walled town on the water, Caernarfon is home to the Cei Llechi Artisan Shopping Village, where you can browse for art, homewares and seriously good food.
- Menai Bridge & Beaumaris: Just a short distance from one another on Anglesey’s southeast coast, the two communities of Menai Bridge and Beaumaris are teeming with fantastic shops worthy of a browse. Highlights include Evans Bros and Hawthorn Yard in Menai Bridge, along with Janet Bell and The Exchange in Beaumaris.
Book a winter break with Oyster Holiday Cottages
Stunning sunsets, roaring log fires and cosy country pubs are just some of the things you can enjoy when you visit North Wales during winter. With holiday cottages in a variety of different locations and unrivalled knowledge of the local area, we’d love to help you plan the perfect break.
Visit the spa
A visit to the spa is just what the doctor ordered. Relax between bubbles, admire scenic views from outdoor saunas and emerge feeling restored and refreshed. We know a few great spots throughout North Wales where you can get your wellness fix:
- The Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy, Conwy LL31 9DJ
- St David’s Spa, Anglesey LL75 8RJ
- The Spa at Bodysgallen, Llandudno, LL30 1RS
- Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Llanwddyn, Montgomeryshire, SY10 0LY
- The Spa at Carden, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ (this one is just over the border into England, but well worth the journey.)
- Wild Seaweed Baths, Halen Mon, Anglesey, LL61 6TQ (while this one isn’t strictly a spa, it’s a wonderful, life-affirming wellness experience in the great outdoors.)
Explore a heritage site
Step into the stories of ages past by exploring one of North Wales’ remarkable heritage sites. The iconic castles of Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris crown the region’s landscape as part of a UNESCO World Heritage network, each offering imposing stonework, winding battlements, and stirring tales of medieval intrigue. Alternatively, be amazed at the industrial history at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct or delve into the atmospheric slate landscapes of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Whether you hike up to the Iron Age hillfort at Tre’r Ceiri or stroll ancient gardens at Bodnant, every site provides a vivid glimpse into Welsh traditions and innovations that shaped the countryside. Search for other places to explore using Cadw or the National Trust.
Enjoy a scenic train journey
All aboard for dramatic vistas and gentle nostalgia! North Wales is home to historic railways that provide the perfect antidote to the often all-consuming cabin fever of winter. Here are some you can enjoy:
- The Ffestiniog Railway: For a magical winter ride, board the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog or Blaenau Ffestiniog and relax in a warm carriage as the vintage steam train winds through Snowdonia’s frosted valleys and historic slate landscapes.
- Talyllyn Railway: The Talyllyn Railway runs from Tywyn Wharf, by the coast, into the heart of Snowdonia, with beautiful woodlands and mountains along the narrow-gauge line.
- Llangollen Railway: Setting out from Llangollen Station, this line follows the River Dee through Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog, and on to Corwen. Each station is steeped in Victorian charm and framed by dramatic hills.
- Welsh Highland Railway: An iconic activity to enjoy in North Wales, the Welsh Highland Railway sets off from Caernarfon or Porthmadog stations for a winter adventure across the foothills of Snowdon, with superb panoramic views as the train glides towards Beddgelert.
Go waterfall hunting in the woods
North Wales’ woodlands are dotted with secret cascades perfect for a rejuvenating walk, and during the rainy season of winter, they are usually at their most impressive. Plaspower Waterfall in the Nant Mill Woods near Wrexham offers a serene family-friendly trail through ancient woods, with the gentle rumble of water leading you towards an inviting natural pool. Other local gems include Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed, admired for its tumbling steps and photo-ready perches. Venture towards Nantcol Waterfalls in Snowdonia for rugged beauty in the trees, or seek out the hidden Bersham Waterfall for a quieter encounter with nature. Great if you’re bringing little ones (our four-legged friends) along, you’ll also enjoy some shelter from the trees.
Visit a gallery
It’s no surprise that the scenery of North Wales inspires people to make art. Visiting spaces where you can admire that art is a wonderful winter activity – here are some places (which also have great onsite giftshops and cafes) where you can get your fix:
- Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 7TT
Set within a dramatic Gothic mansion overlooking Cardigan Bay, Plas Glyn y Weddw champions Welsh creativity with changing exhibitions, including contemporary painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
- Oriel Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TQ
Embrace the artistic spirit of Anglesey in Oriel Mon, where open galleries and welcoming staff present a rich collection of Welsh art alongside immersive history exhibits.
- Oriel Glasfryn, Caerwys, Flintshire, CH7 5ED
Based in a charming village in Northeast Wales, Oriel Glasfryn’s spacious rooms invite you to linger over ceramics, paintings, and textiles, with a special focus on local talent.
- Mostyn Gallery, 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, LL30 1AB
Behind its glorious Victorian faćade, Mostyn houses a wealth of contemporary art. It’s perfectly situated in the centre of the town, and so is a great place to add to your itinerary.
Go stargazing
Winter stargazing in North Wales is nothing short of transcendental. The three best locations to enjoy the night sky are the Llyn Peninsula, the Isle of Anglesey and Snowdonia Eryri National Park – the latter of which is an official International Dark Sky Reserve. Thanks to the combination of low light pollution and unspoilt terrain, you’re guaranteed to see some of the most breathtaking starry skies on a clear night. There’s also just something quite magical and romantic about wrapping up and stepping outside at night!
