If you’re looking for the best things to do in North Wales you have come to the right spot. Below you can find a selection of activities and places to explore in this beautiful part of the country. North Wales really took me by surprise, you’re in for a treat.

Included in this blog post are 12 suggestions (roughly a 3-4 minute read).

I have to start this blog post about the best things to do in North Wales with hiking mount Snowdon.

Hiking Snowdon

Snowdon is the biggest attraction in North Wales, attracting many hikers and adventure lovers from all over the world. It is roughly a 8-9 mile trek round trip, taking anywhere between 5-7 hours. There are a number of different routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty based on the terrain and inclination. 

We chose to hike Snowdon ranger path which is one of the easier and quieter paths. On our journey we hardly saw anyone hiking up this side which was pure bliss. 95% of the time we also had views of the summit. I definitely recommend considering this path if you don’t want to use your hands at any point to scale up Snowdon 🙂

Here you can read more about hiking snowdon ranger path in one of my other blog posts.

If you are hoping to do something a little more challenging, this website is brilliant for information on each trail: https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/snowdon-walking-routes

TIP! If you are unable to hike Snowdon yet you still wish to go up to the top to see the incredible views, there is a train. It costs £32 return and takes 60 minutes. The first train leaves around 8:30AM. You can find out more information here: https://snowdon.vticket.co.uk/

Snowdonia National Park

Whilst many people are familiar with the park for mount Snowdon, there is a great deal more to see and do in this area. There are many cute seaside towns, historical castles and traditional villages with tearooms and sweet shops. There are lots of train stations where you can see the old fashioned steam trains, and even hop on one for a ride. If you are interested in visiting the mines, there are copper and slate mine tours too.

There is something in Snowdonia National Park for everyone. 

Aber falls

Visiting Aber Falls Wales should 100% be on your list of best things to do in North Wales. I could not believe how beautiful this location was. The waterfall greatly resembles those you find throughout the majestical island of Bali. The lush greens, the powerful spray, the plunge pool at the base of the fall. It’s genuinely stunning. 

We had the most glorious day when visiting this waterfall, with bright blue skies and 29 degree heat. It may have contributed to the overall vibe of the day, but many people have since told me that it’s just as beautiful in winter. The water freezes over and many experienced climbers actually climb up to the top of it!

If you would like to know more information about visiting Aber falls, here is a blog post I have written. 

Best things to do in North Wales

Gwrych Castle North Wales

Gwrych Castle is one of my favourite stops in North Wales. We spotted it from the main road on our way in to the area and did a little research to find out what it was. 

The castle is an imposing gothic ruin built in the 1800’s. It costs £11 to enter, and from October-December 2023 it is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am until 5pm. From January 2024, it will only be open on weekends. 

If you plan to visit, make sure you bare that in mind! Below you can find a blog post with more details about visiting Gwrych Castle. 

Visiting Gwrych Castle, Wales

Visiting Gwrych Castle in North Wales should definitely be on your list. Gwrych Castle was built between 1812 and 1822 by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a memorial to his mother’s ancestors. 

It is an imposing gothic ruin on the picturesque North Wales coastline, with spectacular sea views and impressive architecture around every corner. Gwrych Castle became popular after the TV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! used this spot as a filming location for two consecutive years. 

Gwrych castle stands in 250 acres of gardens and grounds and has extensive views over a deer park and the Irish Sea.

“When Lloyd died, the Castle was passed onto Robert Bamford-Hesketh and his wife, Ellen Jones-Bateman. George Edmund Street designed the family’s chapel during the 1870’s and also several churches and schools for the Hesketh family. Robert and Ellen planted much of the present gardens with their enormous Monkey Puzzles and Yew trees.

During World War II the castle was requisitioned as part of Operation Kindertransport and in 1946 was sold by the Dundonald family, ending nearly 1000 years of continuous family ownership.” – https://www.gwrychcastle.co.uk/history/

 Visiting Gwyrch Castle Information:

⏱Opening hours: 10am – 5pm.
+ October to December they are open Wednesday to Sunday.
+ From January 2024, their website says Saturdays and Sundays, but it does not specify if those are the days it’s open, or closed ahh! Make sure you check.
💰The entrance fee is £11
⏱ Allow at least 1 hour to wander through the castle and its grounds

Visiting Gwrych Castle is a great thing to do when you are in the North of Wales. It really is a beautiful spot to explore. 

If you are looking for other things to do in the area, please click here for my Wales page, for other suggestions. 

Visiting Beddgelert in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, United Kindgom. Beddgelert is a charming and picturesque village known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

It is located in a valley, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, including some of the highest peaks in Wales, such as Mount Snowdon. The village is nestled along the banks of the River Colwyn, adding to its scenic allure.

The village has a rich history, with tales of the legendary Prince Llywelyn the Great and his faithful dog Gelert associated with the area. According to legend, Gelert saved the prince’s child from a wolf, but tragically, the prince mistakenly believed Gelert had harmed the child and killed the dog. The village is named after this faithful hound, with “Bedd” meaning grave in Welsh.

You can visit the grave for free and it is open 24 hours a day, all year round. It’s easily accessed on a short, scenic stroll from the village. Just like the tale suggests, Gelert is buried in an open field near where the legendary ‘Beddgelert palace’ used to stand. It is behind the Church of St Mary beside the River Glaslyn. 

Beddgelert boasts traditional Welsh architecture with quaint stone cottages, narrow streets, and charming inns. Many of these buildings date back centuries and contribute to the village’s timeless appeal. There is a river that runs through the middle and you can find many people, and dogs, taking a dip here in the summer. 

Beddgelert has several cafes, tearooms, and gift shops where visitors can enjoy local Welsh cuisine and purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. There is a small shop that still sells a selection of old-fashioned sweets in a small corner. The icecream parlour is delicious, serving homemade icecream, although a little on the pricier side!

The surrounding natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park offers visitors numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The nearby mountains provide hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of my favourite parts about Beddgelert is the train station. The Welsh Highland Railway, a popular tourist attraction, passes through Beddgelert. Visitors can enjoy scenic steam train rides through the stunning Snowdonia landscape. You can opt to jump on the train and do a loop of the National Park or watch the trains arrive and depart from the station. 

Beddgelert also seems to be a popular place to stay for visitors due to its location. There are many hikes in the area that you can do from this town.

Overall, it is a tranquil destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of some of the most stunning natural landscapes Wales has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the beauty of the Welsh countryside, Beddgelert has something to offer every traveler.

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Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path in Wales. If you’re heading to North Wales, climbing Mount Snowden should be on your list. It’s a beautiful 8 mile trek, taking between 5-7 hour round trip. There are a number of different routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty based on the terrain and inclination. We chose to do the Snowden Ranger Path which is one of the easier and less busier routes.

Here’s what you need to know;

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

Parking: For the Snowden Ranger Path: Park at National Authority Car Park. It costs £6 for the day and there is a portable toilet there should you need to go.

Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path 

Route: To find the start of the hike, simply cross the road from the car park and look for the Snowdon Ranger Path sign. Walk up towards the train station and when you get to the end before the track, turn left down a narrow path. When possible, take a right and follow the path that goes over the train track.

You’ll walk past a farm house on your right hand side and just behind it there is a gate. This is where the zig zag to get up the hill starts. Now you know you’re on the right path.

The zig zag path is a constant incline and takes between 20-30 minutes to get up, depending on your speed and level of fitness. Once you reach the top of the zig zag the path will plateau for roughly 40 minutes. Enjoy this time and conserve your energy for part 3. 

The 3rd mile into the hike is the toughest part. It consists of uneven, loose rock with a steep incline. This path is around 1.5 miles long and takes between around 1 hour to complete. There were very few times that we needed to use our hands to assist ourselves on this path. Most people will be fine, but this does require a decent level of fitness. 

The last part of the hike is pretty easy going. The path returns to gravel and it’s much easier to walk on. There is still an incline until you reach the top of the mountain. Once here you will walk along the mountain top until reaching the man-made statue representing the peak. This is the tallest part of Mount Snowden. 

Tips to aid you on your mission of hiking Snowdon Ranger Path

Start early, preferably before sunrise to avoid the crowds. Mount Snowden is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the North of Wales, meaning you won’t be alone. One of the reasons I like Snowdon Ranger Path however is that it seems to be a lot quieter than others. If you leave before sunrise, remember to take a torch with you for the first part of your hike.
  Wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots, or very sturdy trainers). If you have proper hiking boots, I’d always recommend wearing them, especially outside of the summer months. The hike is lengthy so you want to make sure you’re properly protected. Remember to wear thick socks to avoid getting blisters. TIP! Take plasters in your bag with you just incase you need them.
  Don’t forget your water & snacks. You’ll be gone for half of the day, so make sure you take enough things with you to keep you going. There’s a shop at the top that opens at 9am where you can restock should you need to.
Take layers with you. It’s cold in the morning and once you get to the top of the mountain if there is wind you feel the chill. Layers are the perfect way to avoid overheating, or equally feeling cold. Outside of the summer months I highly recommend taking thermal clothing with you, including socks!

  Have rest stops along the way! Stop to admire the views in the meantime and snap a few photos for your memories. 
It takes roughly 5-7 hours round trip depending on your fitness level, pace, and how many times you stop.

Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path – Taking the train

If you can’t hike up Snowdon Ranger Path but you still wish to ascend, it is possible. There is a train that runs throughout the day and takes 60 minutes each way. The cost is £32 return, or £22 for a single ticket. It’s quite pricey in my opinion, but the option is there 🙂

The first train leaves around 8:30AM. You can find out more information here: https://snowdon.vticket.co.uk/

Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path – Guided Tours with Experts

If you wish to go on a guided tour with an expert, GetYourGuide have some available options, including a 6-hour guided tour on a lesser-known path, or a sunset tour where you get to watch it set from the mountain peak.

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Visiting Aber Falls Wales should 100% be on your list of things to do when in North Wales. I could not believe how beautiful this location was. The waterfall greatly resembles those you find throughout the majestical island of Bali. The lush greens, the powerful spray, the plunge pool at the base of the fall. It’s stunning. 

Getting to Aber falls, Wales

Type in Aber falls into Google Maps and follow the route there. The last few minutes of road leading up to the car park is only wide enough for 1-1.5 cars so be careful and drive slowly. The car park is relatively small, and fits about 10 cars.

The car park costs £5 for the day. Make sure you buy a ticket and place it on the dashboard of your car to avoid fines. We were lucky this day as a lady who was just about to leave handed us her parking ticket. If you run into someone on your way out, you should do the same and make their day 🙂

Visiting Aber Falls Wales

Once you have parked your car, make your way to the starting point. You will see a map, I recommend taking a photo of it. Follow the path through the trees, and over the bridge.

The landscapes here are beautiful so look around you and enjoy your walk to the waterfall. 

It takes roughly 30 minutes from the car park to the base of the fall. There is a slight incline the entire way making it harder than a typical walk, but it’s not steep enough for me to call it a hike. 

Once you arrive to the fall, you can go for a dip if you’re daring. At the base of the waterfall you will see a small plunge pool that you can enjoy! In the summer, there were people braving the water, but it was way too cold for me, even then!