The North Wales Travel Guide takes a closer look at North Wales, an area popular with tourists that has some of the best scenery in the UK. The area is largely unspoilt and there is a relaxing peaceful atmosphere that greets visitors. The area ensures there is plenty to do here, family holidays including going to the many beaches are catered for as are trips to the mountains, lakes and valleys. The unspoilt landscape is an inspiring one and many visitors choose to walk and cycle here taking advantage of the fresh air and wide open spaces. North Wales has a reputation as a great place to go for those seeking to relax and unwind, the beautiful scenery and tranquilly is much sought after. The area also has historic houses and castles for history and heritage fans and many uncrowded beaches to enjoy. Over the years the area has inspired many artists with its scenery, beauty spots and beautiful vistas.

The mountains have some to define the area and include Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. Perhaps the best known attraction here is Snowdonia National Park that covers over 800 square miles and includes both mount Snowdon and the five-peaked massif of Cadir Idris. The Park also has lakes, lowland woods, dunes and of course some awe-inspiring scenery. There are a huge range of designated paths to enjoy too. The Snowdonia Mountains and Coast have long been a hit with visitors from the UK and overseas. The large mountains and natural scenery make for great terrain for walkers whilst the great outdoors are especially well catered for here. Snowdonia is among the top destinations for activity enthusiasts and is considered among the best activity destinations in the UK. Here you can enjoy adventure sports, mountain biking, water sports, walking, fishing, golf and horse riding and many others.

The seaside is popular not surprising given the beautiful coastline areas such as the Lleyn Peninsula are areas of outstanding natural beauty and provide a scenic treat for visitors. There is plenty of history in the region with old castles a testament to the great history and culture of the area.

Snowdonia National Park

The North Wales coastline has some popular seaside resorts such as Barmouth and the sailing centre of Abersoch and Pwllheli that has a Butlins site. Further inland visitors can enjoy river trips and steam railways from a bygone era.

Abersoch is a village on the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales, it is located inside a bay and is known as a haven for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Sailing fans also come here to enjoy the conditions. Portmeirion, is a village that was made famous in the TV show ‘The Prisoner’ back in the 60s, is has a unique appeal, there are statues in the sculptured gardens, a main piazza and gives a feeling of being both bold and charming. In 1925 architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis began his own privately owned peninsula, he aimed to prove a beautiful place could stay unspoilt. There are three places providing accommodation here, the Portmeirion Hotel, Castell Deudraeth and self catering cottages. For more information please see:

Portmeirion Village

Betws-y-Coed is among the most popular of the inland resorts in North Wales. It is located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. It dates back to Victorian times, Betws-y-Coed developed around where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the West. The village is surrounded by water falls, lakes ancient bridge and some dramatic mountains, it all adds up to a place that is definitely an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Betws-y-Coed is a popular base to explore this region by car, foot or mountain railway.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most striking medieval monuments in Wales. Its sheer size and scale give it an undoubted presence, the castle was begun in 1283, intended as military stronghold as well as a seat of government and a royal palace. Its design was intended to draw comparisons with Constantinople and Rome. Caernarfon’s immense strength remains to this day and the castle’s symbolic status was confirmed when the first English Prince of Wales, was born there in 1284. In 1969, the castle became famous worldwide as the venue for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. History is alive and well here with the exhibitions. This great castle is also a World Heritage site. For more information please see:

Caernarfon Castle

Aberconwy House dates from the 14th century, this is the only medieval merchant’s house in Conwy that has survived the turbulent history of the town over the last centuries. There are furnished rooms and an audio-visual presentation that shows what daily life would have been like from different periods in its history. Aberconwy House is believed to be the oldest town house in Wales and had been carefully restored. The house is now looked after by the National Trust. For more information please see:

Aberconwy House

The Conwy Suspension Bridge is located in the medieval town of Conwy in NorthWales, it was designed and built by Thomas Telford and was completed in 1826. The ferry had been the only means to cross the river until the bridge was completed. The toll-keeper’s house has been restored and furnished to show is as it would have been a century ago. The bridge is now under the National Trust, The suspension bridge runs alongside the wrought iron tubular railway bridge. For more information please see:

Conwy Suspension Bridge

Classical music fans can go the North Wales International Music Festival, which is an annual event that is held over the course of one week in the rather picturesque town of St. Asaph. During the festival visitors will be treated to the best in International Classical music. There is home grown talent from Wales, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and international stars performing too like the “Voices of Classic FM” The Sixteen. At the festival there are workshops and master classes as well as family concerts and children’s concerts indeed music for everyone. Founded in 1972 by William Mathias, the aim of the festival was to bring the best international artists to this part of North Wales. Over the years the festival has gained a reputation for attracting the top home grown and international talent. St Asaph Cathedral was chosen as it was believed it had the finest acoustic in North Wales. For more information please see:

North Wales Music Festival

Theatre offerings can be found at the Royal Pavilion Theatre, a multi purpose venue that the located in the Dee Valley. There is a strong international focus to the programme that hosts dance, comedy and world music nights. There is a dedicated Gallery exhibiting both local and international artists and runs a community programme featuring drama clubs, workshops, educational events, and film nights among others. It is also the site of the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod held each year in July, where the site hosts a variety of fairs and festivals including an annual Food Festival, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Teddy Bear Fair and monthly Antique Fairs. For more information please see:

Royal Pavilion Theatre – North Wales

When visiting North Wales a trip to see Swallow Falls is a must. The waterfall is on the Afon Llugwy has become famous over the years featuring in postcards, paintings and film. The main viewpoints are situated on the south bank of the Llugwy, the most dramatic and spectacular viewpoints can be assessed by foot along the northern bank. This path is dramatic, it is worth noting in the summer the most spectacular scenery is unlikely to be witnessed here unless there is heavy rainfall, rather in months such as November and March visitors may find there is a more spectacular sight. However there is plenty of interest in this attraction year round and makes for a stunning sight. For more information please see:

Swallow Falls

The Bistro is located in Barmouth and is a cosy place serving freshly prepared dishes that use fresh local produce whenever possible. There are also special Vegetarian and Fish boards ensuring the choice is wide and the cuisine on offer caters for different tastes and requirements. This is a pleasant and very friendly eatery, it has established a fine reputation in the area and it is best to book to avoid disappointment particularly at weekends. This compact place welcomes diners with a choice of interesting dishes to try and allows them to relax and enjoy their meals in informal surroundings. For more information please see:

The Bistro

The Glyn y Weddw Arms is located in Llanbedrog, Pwllheli and offers customers a warm and friendly welcome, the pub has enjoyed a renaissance and offers a great place to either enjoy a drink at the bar or a nice meal or both. There is an eclectic mix of culinary delights on the menu providing a choice of dishes to try. The pub has a traditional feel and has maintained its character, it offers plenty of seating for around 150 people and there is a function room that can be hired for meetings and other occasions such as parties. On Saturday nights the pub offers a special hot buffet, which features a number of nights such as Mexican, Indian, Chinese and steak. For more information please see:

Glyn y Weddw Arms

As we have seen with the North Wales Travel Guide, North Wales is an area of interest to tourists, its unspoilt scenery and landscape make it a hit with all types of visitors ranging from families enjoying the beach resorts to water sports enthusiasts enjoying the numerous activities in the water on offer. The Snowdonia National Park offers visitors with a world of possibilities including some magnificent scenery along with a range of landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, there is a wonderful feeling of peace and tranquillity here. One of the main appeals of the area is that it is not yet over developed and maintains its own beauty and wilderness, it makes for a refreshing trip whilst some areas get busy in peak season there are plenty of places visitors can discover to get away from the crowds.

North Wales Travel Guide

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