Top Things to do in North Wales
The 10 Best Things to do for Honeymoon in North Wales, Wales
Discover the best top things to do in North Wales, United Kingdom including Talyllyn Railway, Aber Falls, Cader Idris, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, Harlech Beach, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Llyn Coastal Path, Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Plas Newydd Historic House and Gardens.
Restaurants in North Wales
1. Talyllyn Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 988 reviews
The Talyllyn Railway is a historic narrow gauge steam railway, being the Worlds First preserved Railway!. Running continously since 1865, our track runs for 7.25miles from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol through unspoilt Snowdonia. Operated by a dedicated group of Volunteers, the railway carries passengers along the same route their Victorian ancestors would have done. Retrace the quarrymans journey into the hills to mine slate. Our principle station at Tywyn is also home to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, Railway Shop and King's Licensed Cafe & Bistro. A large carpark is available close to the station. The line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. We offer a great day out for all the family, allow 4 hours for a round trip, visit to the museum and something to eat!. Groups receive a discount when booked in advance.
2. Aber Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By OldWulf - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Save £3 and park in the village just up by the hotel, then take advantage of the most educational free public toilet in the UK. The Easy Route is well named and for the majority of the population , including push chairs, wheelchairs and intrepid flip flop wearers, the path is clear and the falls are truly lovely, especially on a warm day when you can paddle in pristine cold water. For the fitter, braver, boot wearing traveller the route down along the Harder Path takes in another smaller waterfall and a tougher, longer path strewn with boulders, muddy patches, steep up and down sections and sheep. Dogs on leads essential and the last mile is vertigo territory. You'll be thankful you didn't choose this route to start with. The scenery is stunning , an overheard comment being "It's like a mini Yosemite".
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Caernarfon Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,011 reviews
After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By WendyH291
The castle is huge, be prepared for a lot of climbing up steep narrow stairs to negotiate walking right around the castle battlements. There is an interesting short film to watch giving the history of the castle which is worth watching and quite a big museum which is devoted to the history of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers . The views from the towers over the town and the water are very good. We enjoyed walking around the town afterwards.
9. Conwy Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,503 reviews
Advance booking required Built in the late 13th century and reputed to be haunted by a past resident, this picturesque castle was built for King Edward I and is a perfect example of the "concentric castle" design. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By esorlegin - Conwy, United Kingdom
An amazing 800 year old castle. The more you know about the history of North Wales and the Celts, the more you will appreciate the role this castle played in Welsh history (British/Welsh history 101 : Celts invaded by Romans, Invaded by Vikings, Saxons, Angles etc. Invaded by the French Norman’s etc etc. Each invasion pushed the Celts back into the mountains reducing their lands) Try and visit in dry weather as the stone steps up the towers can be a bit slippery. One tip - last weekend of September there is free admission!!!
10. 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.
