Something for Everyone on the North Wales Coast

North Wales is one of the most popular parts of the UK for seaside holidays, with numerous coastal resorts catering for all tastes within a stone’s throw of spectacular Snowdonia National Park.

Llandudno and the Great Orme

Llandudno, the Queen of Welsh Resorts, is a pretty town famous for its well-preserved 19th century pier, its immaculate Victorian waterfront and the Great Orme rock, accessible by cable car and tram from the town.

Llandudno

The wide promenade and the curving arc of sandy beach gives Llandudno seafront a feeling of space even on the busiest days, where day-trippers and holiday-makers come to enjoy the sea air while taking in a traditional Punch and Judy show and feasting on ice cream or fish and chips.

Punch and Judy in Llandudno

The pier is great fun for young and old alike with its traditional fairground rides, seaside stalls and amusement arcade. Take a trip up the Great Orme, a geological marvel which offers great views over the surrounding coast and significant archaeological interest as the site of the most extensive prehistoric copper mine in the world. Llandudno is also home to the popular Venue Cymru, a theatre and events complex which boasts the biggest stars and the best performances, from comedy to opera.

Conwy Estuary

Just a mile or two from Llandudno is Conwy, a World Heritage town, famous for its castle, medieval walls and mussels! Few visitors to North Wales can fail to notice the impressive castle as they pass the town, standing as it does on the spectacular Conwy estuary. Noted for its wildlife and pristine riverside habitat, the estuary is a haven for birds – and birdwatchers – alike.

A stroll around Conwy’s narrow streets and historic town walls is not to be missed, and a photograph outside Britain’s smallest house is a must for many tourists! Then enjoy local mussels on The Quay, in the shadow of the castle, where the river opens out into the Irish Sea.

The Smallest House in Great Britain

For thrill seekers, Surf Snowdonia, a purpose-built surfing lake, is just 15 minutes away and, for garden lovers, Bodnant Garden, a wonderful National Trust property overlooking the Conwy Valley, is worth a visit, perhaps on a garden tour.

Caernarfon is a short drive to the south along the Menai Strait. Enjoy unrivalled views as you approach the town from the north, with Telford’s landmark Menai Suspension Bridge and the island of Anglesey on your right, and the brooding magnificence of Snowdonia on your left.

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most recognisable in the UK, standing as it does between the river and the sea. The imposing walls of the medieval fortress are remarkably well preserved, and a guided tour of the castle is recommended. In more recent times, Caernarfon Castle was the site of the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969 – an occasion of great pageantry and celebration.

Caernarfon itself is a busy town with a lively market square, pubs a-plenty and a thriving marina - fascinating for boat-lovers and landlubbers alike.

The south western corner of North Wales is dominated by a rugged land mass called the Llyn Peninsula. Rural and remote in places, its historical isolation led to the preservation of Welsh language and culture, for which it is now famous. Along the coast of the Llyn Peninsula there are a number of pretty seaside resorts and coastal villages - the perfect place for a walking tour.

Bardsey Island

At the furthest tip there is picturesque Aberdaron, a former fishing village tucked in a valley on the edge of a small bay, jutting out into the wild Irish Sea. A short drive up the cliffs, brings unrivalled views of Bardsey Island, once a major pilgrimage site and now a wildlife sanctuary and tourist destination.

Boats at Abersoch

Travelling east along the peninsula, Abersoch is a mecca for watersports fans, famous for its windsurfing, jet-skiing and sailing, as well as surfing at nearby Porth Neigwl. Even for the less active, browsing the surf shops and watching the water sports enthusiasts is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Or perhaps take a boat trip to the nearby St Tudwal’s Islands to see the seals.

Criccieth

Another short hop along the coast brings us to Criccieth, a popular family resort known best for its picture-postcard castle ruins and Cadwalader’s Ice Cream Parlour. Former British Prime Minister Lloyd George grew up near the town and the Lloyd George Museum is close by.

Porthmadog is a busy harbour town with a good range of shops and attractions, including nearby Portmeirion. It is also the perfect place to visit for heritage railway fans, with three lines: the Ffestiniog Railway which runs through Snowdonia up to Blaenau Ffestiniog, the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and the similarly named but separate Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon.

Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog

A little further south still, past historic Harlech and its dramatic castle, stands the popular seaside resort of Barmouth. A pretty town in a perfect location, nestled on the edge of the Mawddach estuary, with steep hills cwtching up around it, Barmouth is the ideal place for a seaside holiday, with its long sandy beach and picturesque harbour.

The Mawddach Estuary from Barmouth

So, from heritage to culture and sport to leisure, there really is something for everyone to enjoy on a visit to the North Wales coast!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of North Wales, including one or more of the many attractive coastal resorts, please do contact our friendly team today.