With the summer fast approaching, it’s prime time to start planning some exciting days out for you and the family. Wherever your interests lie, you needn’t look further than North Wales for a fantastic mix of exhilarating and enjoyable things to do and places to visit!
Snowdonia National Park
Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and views as you wander through one of the UK’s most beautiful national parks. Snowdonia National Park covers a vast area of North Wales and there are countless walks for you to enjoy, ranging from the briefest of strolls to the most demanding of hikes. Perhaps you’ll even decide to take on the challenge of climbing to the summit of the great Mount Snowdon!
Welsh Highland Railway
Running through Snowdonia National park is the UK’s longest heritage railway line, the Welsh Highland Railway. Starting from beneath the towers of Caernarfon Castle and running for 25 miles over to Porthmadog, the immaculate steam locomotives will carry you across the breath-taking scenery, winding through the park’s various foothills.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a fascinating, historical day out for the whole family. It’s undoubtedly one of the country’s most popular castles and also one of the most well-maintained medieval fortresses you could ever hope to visit. Enjoy learning about the site’s rich heritage as you explore its eight enormous towers, and walk along the incredible battlements that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
Portmeirion
A little taste of the Mediterranean right here in North Wales – Portmeirion Village is a spectacular seaside resort that is truly like no other in the UK. Renowned for appearing in the popular TV show, The Prisoner, Portmeirion was designed by one Sir Clough Williams-Ellis as a tribute to the spirit and architecture found in Mediterranean coastal villages. It’s the perfect seaside day out with plenty of places to eat and drink, wonderful architecture to enjoy, a beautiful beach to unwind on, and acres of nearby woodland to explore.
Photo Credit: http://www.portmeirion-village.com
South Stack Cliffs Reserve
For many nature lovers, this wonderful RSPB location in Holyhead is an idyllic location. The cliffs are home to countless bird species, including puffins and razorbills (binoculars and telescopes are provided to help you get as good a view of them as possible!) During the summer months, with the surrounding area becoming a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour, it’s a truly striking location. There are plenty of nature walks nearby to enjoy as well, and if you’re very lucky, you may even spot a few porpoises and dolphins out at sea!
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Located high above Colwyn Bay, this wonderful zoo not only hosts a broad range of exciting animals, but also panoramic views of the nearby coast and some beautiful gardens to relax in too. The zoo recently added a unique “walk through” lemur enclosure which allows visitors to get up close with these beautiful creatures. Sea lions, chimps, and penguins are just a few of the other creatures you can encounter and the zoo also has an in-depth education centre for anyone who wants to learn more about the wildlife on show.
Bodnant Garden
A renowned beauty spot situated above the river Conwy, Bodnant Gardens is home to an astonishing range of plant life, from the terraced gardens and trimmed lawns near Bodnant Hall itself, to the wilder gardens further afield. Plants from across the globe can be found in the grounds of this gorgeous National Trust property, and its vibrant scenery is well worth exploring on a sunny summer’s day.
Have you been to North Wales? What are your favourite places to visit? Why not let me know in the comments below.
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