North Wales is a popular location for British families to enjoy day trips out or longer Wales staycations for their annual holidays, and for good reason.
With plenty of beaches to discover, fabulous towns and cute villages, North Wales has something to offer everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you want adventure, hiking, walking, the best beaches in North Wales or things to do in North Wales for families, you will find what you are looking for visiting North Wales.
So if you have a trip booked to North Wales, then you may be wondering how best to spend it. With that in mind, here are some of the best things to do in North Wales and the best activities to do in North Wales.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won’t cost you anything, they will help us to keep this site up and running! See the full disclosure policy for more details.
Best Places to visit in North Wales
Great Orme, Llandudno
Llandudno is a popular location to visit and stay when visiting North Wales, but there is one attraction that is high on the list for when you get there: The Great Orme.
The cliffside and headland trail not only offers amazing views and walking trails, but it’s a popular thing to do as you can step onboard the only cable-hauled tramline in Britain to take you to the top.
It takes you to the top of the Great Orme where you can see stunning views of the Irish channel as well as picturesque views of Llandudno itself. There are also plenty of scenic trails that will allow you to walk to the top, or you can even get in the cable car if you prefer.
It is an excellent attraction, and while there are plenty of other things to do here, this has to be top of your list.
The cable car doesn’t have a website so you can’t book online, tickets were £11 per adult for a return ticket in 2020 but call 01492877205 to check the latest prices or turn up and pay – they take cash only.
The Snowdonia National Park, Snowdonia
You can’t visit this area of Wales without including Snowdonia in this list of top things to do in North Wales.
At the Snowdonia National Park, you will find it gives you the perfect opportunity to climb Snowdon. Ideal for any avid hiker or walking enthusiast, this is on the list of the many mountains in which people want to conquer. At the top, you can see some of the most spectacular views.
But, if walking isn’t your strong suit, you can still experience the summit. The old Victorian train will take you right to the top, meaning you can then walk down at a leisurely pace, or even take the train back down again. Tickets cost £26 for adults and £16 for children (correct at time of writing).
The summit also has a cafe on the top, so it can be a real treat on a very clear day.
Conwy Castle, Conwy
Conwy is a fantastic location in North Wales and for things to do in Conwy, North Wales, one of the highlights of the area is Conwy Castle.
It has been described as a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Parts of the castle, including the great hall now have no roof, but there is still plenty to discover here. While you are there, you will get to witness the exhibition dedicated to Edward I and his many other Welsh castles. However, while in Conwy there are other things to explore, including our next suggestion.
The smallest house in Great Britain, Conwy
Conwy is home to the smallest house in Great Britain and yes it is definitely worth a visit while you are in Conwy as it’s recently been refurbished.
One of the lesser visited tourist attractions in North Wales, here you will find the history of it as well as some interesting facts regarding the property. Formally known as Quay House, it overlooks the Quayside and it’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in North Wales.
Conwy has much to offer as well as the castle, including lots of bars, shops, and restaurants, so you will likely never run out of things to do here.
Portmeirion
Located in Tremadog Bay, between Porthmadog and Harlech you will find Portmeirion, one of the most unique and best places to go in North Wales.
It is famous for being a replica of an Italian village, only this is on a smaller scale which all started as a visionary thought by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who wanted to create an Italian village in Wales. It started with his property and gardens and then enhanced beyond that.
There are stunning coastal paths, the church, and beautiful gardens to explore and the colourful houses and town buildings are such an unexpected surprise to find in North Wales. A unique destination and easily one of the top 10 things to do in North Wales to add to your list.
Portmerion 
Portmerion large chessboard
Caernarfon Castle, Caenarfon
With 13 towers and two gates, Caernarfon Castle is an amazing sight and one of the most fascinating places to visit North Wales has to offer.
This huge 13th century castle was built by Edwards I as a seat for his eldest son Edward of Caernarfon, who was the first Prince of Wales. There are many evidential references to this including eagles in the stonework. The history of the castle is very eventful and all of this is documented throughout the tour and also in special exhibition areas where you will get to really understand the history and information presented to you.
Tickets are £9.25 for adults and £6.60 for children (correct at time of writing). You can check the website here for the most up to date prices and opening times.
Caernarfon itself is a lovely town to explore, so while visiting the castle you may want to explore the town and surrounding area.
Day trip to Anglesey
While staying in North Wales you may want to consider a trip to the island of Anglesey. There are so many things to do on the island itself including heading to some of the best beaches in North Wales such as Lligwy Beach, Benllech Beach or Aberffraw Beach.
There is also Beaumaris Castle for any history lovers out there, as well as plenty of walking trails and countryside to explore.
Anglesey can be a destination you stay at in its own right, but if you’re exploring North Wales generally then you may want to add it to the list if you’re planning days out in North Wales.
The Welsh Highlands Railway, Porthmadog
Best known for having the oldest narrow-gauge railroad, once used as the only way to carry slate across the terrain, the Welsh Highlands railway now gives visitors the chance to jump on board the trains and see the countryside from a different perspective.
There are several routes you can take, including routes starting from Porthmadog and others from Caernarfon. Train routes vary in length from 2.4 hours to 6 hours, making it a really great option for days out in North Wales for adults and children.
It is a completely unique experience and one not to be missed.
Zip World, Conwy
In a stunning woodland location in the Conwy valley, you will find Zip World. With many locations across the UK, this one in Wales is the only one to have an Alpine Forest coaster, so don’t miss this for things to do in North Wales with kids.
You can ride through the trees in a totally unique way. However, there isn’t just that. For other thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, you have Europe’s highest swing, tree-top challenges, and ziplining to enjoy. It is a location that the whole family can enjoy in different ways.
Summary: The Best things to do in North Wales
Hopefully this list has given you plenty of inspiration for places to go in North Wales and ideas to add to your Wales trip itinerary.
North Wales is really a beautiful area of Wales with so much to offer for families, couples or groups, whether you’re looking for history, adventure, towns or nature.
Pin this to save it for later and help you plan your future trip!
