Top Things to do in North Wales
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in North Wales That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in North Wales, United Kingdom including Plas Mawr, Cader Idris, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Harlech Beach, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Llyn Coastal Path, Manorafon Farm Park, Watkin Path, Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens, Llangollen Canal.
Restaurants in North Wales
1. Plas Mawr
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 909 reviews
Plas Mawr, or the Great Hall, is quite simply the finest surviving Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain. This was a golden age when fabulously wealthy merchants invested in mansions, rich fittings and lavish entertaining. Robert Wynn, third son of a local landowner, wanted a piece of the action. The house’s main frontage is discreetly hidden away in a steep narrow lane. So the High Street gatehouse only hints at the grandeur within, as you rise via a series of terraces to explore 17 impressive rooms. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures. Advanced booking required.
Reviewed By Don_G_Wright - Vancouver, Canada
I’m so glad the person at the ticket counter at Conwy Castle recommended we pop over to Plas Mawr before we left the area. This is a delightful Elizabethan era townhouse that has been wonderfully restored and set up to show the life of the wealthy merchant, Robert Wynn, who built it in the 1570s. Furniture and decorations from the time tell a fascinating story, and all the painted heraldic emblems and fanciful figures are very intriguing, especially all the severed heads! They are associated with the family of his wife, Dorothy Griffin. An hour is plenty of time for a visit.
2. Cader Idris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By lucyharries_89 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
After reading about the different tracks you can take up to the summit, I decided to opt for the Minffordd path, and I was not disappointed! I managed to get here on the T2 bus from Dolgellau - it drops you off next to Dol Idris Car Park - just ask the driver where to jump off if you're unsure. Once you reach the car park, follow the signs to the start of the track - there is also a little cafe en route if you need any supplies, but don't rely on it too much as it wasn't open on the day that I went! The Minffordd Path itself is relatively easy to follow. After a steep initial ascent (with lot's of steps through a woodland) you reach a split in the path - a little stone bridge going right will take you up the Mynydd Moel path, which is a giant scree slope. The left will continue your journey along the Minffordd path and takes you to Llyn Cau,which is a really pretty lake, and a gorgeous spot to have a chill and recharge before continuing. After you've relaxed a bit, or just stopped for a photo opportunity, continue along the ridge, keeping the lake to your right and prepare for another steep climb towards Craig Cwm Amarch, the first peak you reach (after climbing over a stile). After taking a moment to admire the views, continue along the downward path for about 10-15 minutes and eventually the path will start ascending again - the path is pretty clearly marked until you get to this point, but then it becomes a bit difficult to follow as you begin the ascent as there is a lot of loose rock - just try and keep to the right and you'll eventually reach the trig point! From the top, you can choose to either go back the same way or choose a different descent. For anyone relying on the buses, like me, you can take the Mynydd Moel path back to the Dol Idris car park. Follow the flat ridge on the summit for a good while (it is essentially a circular route around the opposite side of Llyn Cau that you ascended). After a while you reach a stile - cross this and begin your descent down the scree slope. You eventually cross the little stone bridge that you saw on the way up, which then joins the Minffordd Path again for the final part of the descent back to the car park. Be warned, the descent down the Mynydd Moel is really tough on the knees - I thought mine were okay but this mountain proved me wrong! Overall, this was a challenging hike, but I would do it gain. The views never get tiring and, having done Snowdon 2 years previously, this was a far more spectacular walk. It really is not to be missed!
3. Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 559 reviews
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and are being restored to their former glory. First laid out in 1804 in the 'picturesque' style of Humphrey Repton, the famous Victorian landscape designer, the gardens had become derelict by 1996. There are 10 acres of gardens, included a 2 acre Walled Garden, fantastic valley gardens packed with unusual and interesting plants, flowering shrubs and trees; river and waterfalls. Home made cakes are served in the traditional Tea Room. Visitor Centre describing the history and restoration of the gardens. In 2017 open 12noon-5pm on Weds/Thurs/Suns in April; Tues/Weds/Thurs/Suns May-Sep; Weds/Thurs/Suns in October. Pre-booked private group tours by appointment.
Reviewed By 767philipf - Stockport, United Kingdom
Can't believe this has only been open to the public for 10 years. Stunning gardens with a huge variety of plants and areas from lovely borders to stunning waterfalls. Lovely visitor centre and tea rooms with tasty home made cakes.
4. Harlech Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 592 reviews
Reviewed By JSHD2016 - Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
This beach is stunning and the water is quite warm in patches in the summer months. Definitely go and definitley take your golf clubs too because there is a golf course within stones throw of the beach along with camping and the steepest street in the world (according to Guiness World Book of records) just down the road plus castle. Enjoy
5. Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By LejasLou - San Francisco, United States
If you are visiting Snowdonia/Eryri: do not miss this hike! Parking in the summer can be challenging, so it’s best to get here before 11am (9:30am if you want a spot in the paid parking lot). Many cars end up parking on the side of the road, but even that space fills quickly and can be a bit dangerous with little kids/buggies/etc. There is a stand that sells coffee and ice cream just next to the paid parking lot but pretty much all seating is outside so if the weather isn’t great, you might want to keep that in mind. The hike to the lake is a mild/moderate incline but generally well-maintained path with stone steps - for those who don’t hike much it’s absolutely do-able and fun, just take your time. Once you reach the lake, it’s mostly flat with some gentle inclines/declines. It can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to do the entire loop from the parking lot to around the lake - the time depends on how fast you want to go. For the more more advanced hikers, this is also a gateway to more challenging hikes into Devils Kitchen and then beyond access to a range of some of the Eryri’s 3000s mountains (ie the Glyderau range). If you want to do the range, definitely start early but can be done in a day.
6. Llyn Coastal Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
Walk this stunning part of the Welsh Coastal path from the Castle in Caernarfon in the NE along the pilgrim's route to the beautiful church at Clynnog Fawr, and on to Trefor and the Iron Age hill fort of Tre'r Ceiri. Walk the sandy beaches of Nefyn, Morfa Nefyn and Porth Dinllaen, and Porth Penllech and Porth Oer/Whistling Sands as you head to Uwch Y Mynydd - the Lands End of the Llyn and overlook the tranquil island of Ynnis Enlli/Bardsey island. Stay a while and explore more and continue your walk allong the southern coast to Abersoch, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Cricieth and Black Rock Sands and Porthmadog. If you're interested you can stay with us a few days at our B&B and we will happily provide the daily shuttle service to and from any point on the walk from Clynnog Fawr to Pwllheli. That takes all the hassle out of organising your walk and you will stay in some luxury with us. You will not be disappointed check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Reviewed By 443rhianp - Pwllheli, United Kingdom
The Llŷn Peninsula is a bit of a hidden gem and the coastal path is truly lovely. Unspoilt with a great variety of patchwork countryside thanks to the active progressive farming in the area. Wicklow Mountains clearly visible from north west part of path on a clear day.
7. Manorafon Farm Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 432 reviews
Oodles of fun for all the family…….Experience the thrill of the sheep race, get up close to reptiles and creepy crawlies, cuddle the rabbits, feed the goats and greet the alpacas. Or join us as we welcome an array of new baby animals throughout the year - from adorable lambs to cheeky kids, fluffy chicks and cute piglets. Then discover the indoor play barn, the exciting off-road pedal go-karts and the giant sand pit. Get into character in Tiny Town, explore the Clamber Castle or let off steam on the bouncy pillows before stopping off at the Greedy Goat Snack Hut to refuel. There’s plenty to see and even more to do. Nestled in the picturesque parkland of Gwrych Castle, close to the stunning North Wales coastline and conveniently just off the A55. Visit Manorafon Farm for a memorable and fun-packed family day out.
Reviewed By cerij202 - Llanddulas, United Kingdom
Such a well organised Farm Park, Puts anxious minds are ease, cleanliness and sanitisation stations and signage made clear, Very well planned out with social distancing and times of arrival in place makes it safe for families to visit, Wonderful care and information given from staff, Awesome Nibbles at the hungry goat, Our favourites of the day where the peddle bike/karts and the very vocal Donkey and the most Adorable Bunnies, Looking forward to returning real soon!
8. Watkin Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By furnesscumbria
Beautiful walk from small car park with family and dog well worth a visit to swim and jump into the pools. Luckily we had gorgeous weather but I’m sure it’s well worth the walk at anytime dramatic picturesque place. No toilets but beautiful picnic Place
9. Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Covid-19 Update ~ Plas Newydd Tearooms will be open 10AM - 4PM daily. The Gardens and Grounds are open daily and free to explore! Plas Newydd Historic House will unfortunately be closed until further notice. Home of the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’ Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler captured the imagination of Regency society when they ran away and set up home together in Wales. Visit their extraordinary gothicised home and hear of the stream of famous visitors they received. Learn how they won the hearts of local people and turned a simple cottage into a fantasy of oak carvings and stained glass. Stroll through the gardens they developed and try homemade cakes in the tea rooms.
Reviewed By Goldbunny23 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
This house has an amazing history. There are excellent examples of wood carving and clear and concise explanation about the lives of its two famous occupants.The gardens are lovely to wak round and to top it all a really great tea shop.
10. Llangollen Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By J0b_27 - Worcester, United Kingdom
Fabulous walk , plenty of resting benches along the way and a fabulous Tea shop to stop at, and a chance to see the horse drawn barges
