6 Beautiful Places to Visit in North Wales

I’ve been travelling to North Wales for many years, and it’s a place I keep coming back to time and time again. From wild mountain landscapes and dramatic coastlines to castle filled towns and peaceful waterfall walks, North Wales has a way of feeling completely removed from everyday life. I tend to visit in the quieter winter months, when the crowds fade away and the scenery feels even more raw and atmospheric, but it’s beautiful in every season.

In this guide, I’m sharing six beautiful places to visit in North Wales, based on my own experiences and the places I genuinely love returning to. Each area includes the most beautiful things to do, along with ideas on where to stay, making it ideal whether you’re planning a North Wales road trip, a slow off season escape or a romantic getaway. If you’re looking for unforgettable places to visit in North Wales, these are the ones that truly stand out.

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A wooden bridge crossing a stream in the foreground with a waterfall cascading down a rock face in the background — Aber Falls

Amy in pink standing on the water's edge with a mountain behind her, exploring beautiful places to visit north wales — Aber Falls

Plan Your North Wales Trip

6 Best places to visit in North Wales

1. Anglesey

A large, old stone castle with a wooden drawbridge leading to it and surrounded by a moat — Beaumaris Castle

Looking along a wooden fence with houses to the left and a sandy beach to the right, one of the beautiful places to visit in Wales — Beaumaris Castle

Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is where rugged cliffs meet quiet beaches and pastel seaside towns. Just a short drive over the Menai Bridge, this island is one of the best places to visit in North Wales and has a pace all of its own, perfect for long walks, sea air and a bit of exploring.

Best things to do in Anglesey:

Visit Beaumaris Castle, one of Edward I’s finest fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by a moat and mountain views.
→Book your Beaumaris Castle entry here
Cross the Menai Bridge and stop for lunch overlooking the strait.
Head to Rhosneigr Beach for paddleboarding or a windswept walk – one of the best beaches in North Wales.
Hike up to South Stack Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views and puffin spotting.
Enjoy a lazy day on Benllech Beach, perfect for swimming and families.
Wander through the pine forest to Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island, one of Wales’s most romantic spots.
Explore the surreal copper landscape of Parys Mountain, with orange-red rock and sweeping views across the island – definitely one of the most unusual places to see in North Wales!

Where to stay in Anglesey, North Wales:

Tre-Ysgawen Hall & Spa – peaceful country-house retreat with a spa and gardens.

→ See all hotels on Anglesey

2. Conwy & Llandudno

Conwy Castle, a large, old stone castle with 3 turrets on the side of a road with a sloped grassy bank leading up to it — Conwy Castle

Two women standing in front of a tiny, narrow red house terraced between two other houses. The house has one door and two windows with a sign that says "the smallest house in Great Britain" — Conwy Castle

This beautiful part of North Wales blends medieval history with old-school seaside charm. Conwy’s castle towers rise above cobbled streets, while Llandudno’s Victorian promenade curves along the bay.

Best things to do in Conwy & Llandudno

Explore Conwy Castle and walk the full circuit of its ancient town walls. These form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Castles and Walls of King Edward I in North Wales.
→Book your Conwy Castle ticket here
Visit The Smallest House in Great Britain, a tiny red cottage on Conwy Quay that’s just 1.8 metres wide.
Stroll along Llandudno Pier for sea views and nostalgic charm.
Ride the Great Orme Tramway up to the summit for panoramic views across the coast and countryside.
Bodnant Gardens is a National Trust property not far from Conwy and a beautiful place to spend the day.
More activities here

Where to stay in Conwy & Llandudno, North Wales:

The Castle Hotel, Conwy – historic stay right inside the town walls.

→ See all hotels in Conwy & Llandudno

3. Betws-y-Coed & the Fairy Glen

A grand stone house made of grey stone and with two dormer windows surrounded by green trees sits on the top of a rocky river bank with water flowing below in Betws-y-coed, Wales — **Betws-y-Coed**

Amy standing on a rock in a river gorge with cliffs either side and a pool of water behind her, lush greenery grows from the cliffs, covering the sky — **Betws-y-Coed**

Known as the “Gateway to Snowdonia,” Betws-y-Coed feels like something from a storybook — surrounded by forest, rivers and stone bridges. It’s one of my favourite bases in North Wales with plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.

Best things to do in Betws-y-Coed

Walk to Fairy Glen, a hidden gorge of mossy rocks and waterfalls — best early or late in the day.
Visit Swallow Falls, one of North Wales’s most famous waterfalls.
Wander the village shops and cafés for local crafts and cake.
Get a dose of adrenaline at the nearby Zip World Betws-y-Coed.

Where to stay in Betws-y-Coed, North Wales:

OUR STAY

Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel

My personal pick, peaceful and surrounded by woodland. If you’re looking for a relaxing, countryside escape in North Wales, this is it!

Book your stay here →

→ See all hotels in Betws-y-Coed

4. Snowdonia National Park (Eryri)

Amy in pink sitting on a grassy hill with an expansive view below of green fields, trees, a lake and mountains in the distance on a sunny day in North Wales — Llyn Gwynant Viewpoint

Snowdonia is the wild heart of North Wales — full of glacial lakes, sweeping valleys and dramatic peaks. Whether you hike, drive or simply soak up the views, it’s an unforgettable landscape and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best things to do in North Wales.

Best things to do in Snowdonia National Park (Eryri):

Climb Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa or ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis – it’s one of the best outdoor activities in North Wales for a reason!
→Book a Snowdon tour or railway ticket
Walk the circular trail around Cwm Idwal, surrounded by craggy peaks and some of the best views in Wales.
Stop at Llyn Gwynant Viewpoint for incredible views — especially at sunrise.
Follow the easy forest path to Aber Falls, one of Wales’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Enjoy a lazy day on Benllech Beach, perfect for swimming and families.
Wander through the pine forest to Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island, one of Wales’s most romantic spots.
In Llanberis, visit Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, Dolbadarn Castle and the National Slate Museum.

Dolbadarn Castle — Ceunant Mawr Waterfall

Where to stay in Snowdonia, North Wales:

The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis – classic stay at the foot of Snowdon.

→ See all hotels near Snowdonia

→ Compare car hire with Discover Cars

5. Caernarfon & Beddgelert

From the grand towers of Caernarfon Castle to the riverside charm of Beddgelert, this part of North Wales combines legend and history, giving you plenty of things to do on your North Wales itinerary.

Things to do in Caernarfon & Beddgelert:

Climb the ramparts of Caernarfon Castle for incredible views over the Menai Strait.
→ Book your Caernarfon Castle ticket
Visit Beddgelert, said to be named after the faithful hound Gelert — his grave lies by the river.
Go underground at the nearby Sygun Copper Mine for a glimpse into Wales’s mining heritage.

Where to stay in Caernarfon & Beddgelert:

Plas Tan y Graig Beddgelert – a cosy guesthouse with mountain views.

→ See hotels in Caernarfon & Beddgelert

6. Portmeirion

Shrubbery in the foreground with Italianate buildings in pastel pink and yellow in the distance at the famous Portmeirion village in Wales — **Portmeirion**

Amy standing in front of a shallow lido pool with pastel Italian style buidlings behind her on a sunny day. Portmeirion is one of the most beautiful places in Wales to visit — **Portmeirion**

Portmeirion is pure escapism and undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit in North Wales and also one of the most popular attractions in Wales.

Portmeiron is an Italian-style village of pastel buildings, palm trees and coastal views. Built by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it’s unlike anywhere else in Wales and is well worth spending the day or afternoon exploring. You can even stay overnight in Portmeirion and experiences one of the most beautiful places in North Wales without the crowds first thing in the morning.

Best things to do in Portmeirion:

Wander through colourful piazzas and cobbled lanes.
Visit the subtropical gardens and look out over the estuary.

My top tip: stay overnight to experience the village once the day visitors have gone.

→ Book your Portmeirion entry ticket

→ See hotels near Portmeirion

Best Time to Visit North Wales

North Wales is beautiful year-round, but May to October offers the best weather for hiking and coast walks.

Spring (Apr–Jun): wildflowers and quieter trails.
Summer (Jul–Aug): warmest months, great for beaches — book early.
Autumn (Sep–Oct): golden colours and peaceful paths.
Winter (Nov–Mar): dramatic skies, cosy pubs and castle visits.

How to Get to North Wales

The best places to visit in North Wales are best explored by car. Driving gives you the freedom to explore the hidden lakes and villages.

→Compare car hire with Discover Cars

From London: 5 hours by car or 3 hours by train to Llandudno Junction or Bangor.

From Manchester or Liverpool: 2–3 hours by car.
Trains reach larger towns, but a car helps you reach Snowdonia and Anglesey.

Where to Stay in North Wales

OUR STAY

Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel

My personal pick, peaceful and surrounded by woodland. If you’re looking for a relaxing, countryside escape in North Wales, this is it!

Book your stay here →

My personal pick:

→Craig-y-Dderwen – The Riverside Hotel, Betws-y-Coed – a peaceful setting beside the river, surrounded by forest. A real treat if you’re looking for unique places to stay in North Wales.

Other great options:

The Castle Hotel, Conwy – full of character in the heart of the old town.
Tre-Ysgawen Hall & Spa, Anglesey – elegant country-house stay with a spa.
The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis – classic base for Snowdon hikes.

→See all hotels in North Wales

Other things to do in North Wales

Map of North Wales

Final Thoughts: the most beautiful places to visit in North Wales

From coastal walks on Anglesey to the peaks of Snowdonia and the pastel beauty of Portmeirion, there are so many beautiful places to visit in North Wales. It’s a part of the UK I find endlessly inspiring, and one that always rewards slowing down and taking your time.

I hope this North Wales travel guide helps you plan your own North Wales road trip and discover some of the most beautiful places to explore, along with the best things to do in North Wales, whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a slower, more immersive stay.

For more UK inspiration: