If you’re a nature and history lover, then you’ll love to explore North Wales. You can do walks that are for all levels. Take a gentle stroll or challenge yourself up Wales’s highest mountain. Waterfalls of North Wales abound amongst the bush, taking you to magical places, and then there are the castle ruins for the history buffs, taking you into the past.
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If you are travelling around the United Kingdom, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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Explore Llanberis
Mt. Snowdon
I was planning a trip up Mt. Snowdon, but not the hard way.
I was there in mid-September and stupidly didn’t think of booking ahead for the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
There are two trains running, taking you up the mountain numerous times a day, depending on your popularity. One is a steam engine and one is a diesel.
As I’d already paid for the car park, I was after a walk to do and was told about a waterfall behind the village. Unfortunately, I missed the turn and ended up heading up the road to the Llanberis track (9 miles/14.5 km return, 975m ascent) towards the Mt. Snowdon summit.
As I wasn’t prepared for a 6-hour return walk, I made it just past the Halfway Cafe, which is halfway up from sea level and just over halfway distance-wise. This was definitely a stop I had to make as I stupidly didn’t have any water with me.
This is still an excellent walk to do and is very popular with hikers and people walking their dogs. I will definitely come back again more prepared and fitter and get to the top if only to see the incredible views for miles.
Ceunant Mawr
When I was almost back in Llanberis, I found the turnoff for the waterfall and located it back up another road next to the railway line. There was a lot of bush obstructing the view of the waterfall, but it was still well worth the walk back up another hill to see it.
If you’re driving, there is a large car park across the road from the railway station or another at the back of the station, but you have to pay for them both.
Check out the many YouTube videos that people have taken to give you a taste of what it’s like to walk up the Llanberis Path.
Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn’s car park next to the lake is free. It’s down Ystad Ddiwydiannol Y Glynon on the right-hand side, just off the A4086.
It is a busy place, and there are no facilities here, but there are in Llanberis, about a 15-minute walk away.
You can walk around the lake, which is a flat and easy 6-mile (9.6km) walk. Just minutes from the car park, you will find a tree growing out of the lake, reminiscent of that Wanaka tree from Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.
This is also a great lake for kayaks and paddleboards and the top choice for families with so much to do for the kids and picnic spots to enjoy lunch.
Explore the Waterfalls of North Wales
Canolfan Tryweryn
Although not a waterfall, this river is home to the National White Water Centre of Wales. I didn’t see any rafts go down the river when I was there, but they were preparing, and a couple of canoes did venture down.
There is an excellent walk alongside the river where you can get otherworldly photos.
There is a large car park at the main office and cafe, with more parks further along the road where you can join the path.
If you do the easy, flat walk to the end, you’ll find it will only be about a mile from the cafe.
Although this is just over an hour’s drive from Conwy, it’s a beautiful place to get away from it all as there aren’t all the people that visit the following waterfalls. It’s a lovely walk through the woods, beside the river and streams, with the occasional canoeist or rafter going past.
Rhaedr Y Graig Lwyd (Conwy Falls)
A small car park and the Conwy Falls Cafe are just off the main highway, where you can take a break before or after your walk to Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd.
There is a £1 entry fee that opens the turnstile, or you can enjoy the Cafe, enter from the car park, and then go out the back via the large verandah where you can enjoy your snack.
If you’re able and more agile than me, you can climb down over the boulders closer to the river to get a better perspective. With all the rain in the area, the rivers are flowing with quite a lot of force most of the time.
There are a few tracks in the area, but the ones to the Falls are steep and rocky, so take care.
Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls is an impressive two sets of falls just outside of the cute village of Betws-y-Coed.
There is limited parking of about 20 parks or so on a lay-by by the entrance. Once again, you have to pay to go through the turnstile, although this time, you pay an attendant, and there is no way to bypass it. It was £2 when I was there in September 2019.
There are two viewpoints to see the falls. The first is only about 20 metres or so from the entrance. You are so close to the falls that I couldn’t get a photo that I was happy with.
The falls have a very easy path, although there are plenty of steps to negotiate down to the second viewpoint.
You could also walk from Betws y Coed along the 3.3 km walk beside the river.
This is a very short walk, so there is no need for a large car park. It is very popular because of its accessibility, but you still have plenty of opportunities to view the falls and take photos.
Explore Castles of North Wales
When I was in Conwy, I purchased a three-day Explorer Pass, but you can also get them for seven days. You can find prices and attractions to plan your trip here.
If you’d like to find more information on UK passes, you can read my blog Explore the UK with Passes.
It’s a great way to see all the attractions you can fit into your time here at a great price. The following are the Castles that I visited.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is located within the town walls of the township of Caernarfon.
I parked just outside the walls and then walked past the shops, cafes and pubs to the Castle at the side. You can also park next to the Castle, but both are Pay and Display.
The investiture of the Prince of Wales happens at Caernarfon Castle. It was first started in 1301, when Edward I, having conquered Wales, gave the title to his heir, Prince Edward. The last Prince to be invested was Prince Charles in 1969.
You can explore this colossal Castle via its spiral staircases in about 9 of its towers. You can see a light and sound film on the history of the Castle in the North-East Tower, and in the Queen’s Tower is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
This extensive exhibition covers all the actions that the Royal Welsh Fusiliers have participated in over the centuries. It covers quite an immense area, and you have spiral staircases as well as straight, modern staircases to negotiate, but this museum is well worth a look.
You could easily spend a couple of hours at the Castle alone, exploring and seeing the great views over the town and waterways from the Castle wall walkway encompassing the Castle boundary.
Hours
| 1 March – 30 June and 1 September – 31 October | Daily 9.30 am- 5.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
| 1 July – 30 August | 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
| 1 November – 28 February | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Please note: during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments at short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
Prices are dependent on when you visit. Please click here to view the prices.
Beaumaris Castle
Less than half an hour away from Caernarfon is the town of Beaumaris which is on the island of Anglesey in North Wales.
This historic town on the banks of the Menai Strait has the incomplete Castle of Beaumaris. Edward, I had this Castle built along with many more in North Wales as defences against rebellion by the Welsh. Unfortunately, as money ran out and with trouble in Scotland, the Castle was left unfinished, not reaching the heights, it was designed for or the grandeur.
There aren’t a lot of complete rooms to look at, but you can walk in between the walls and up and down the spiral staircases as well as have a look at the Chapel.
On top of the wall walkway, you can enjoy views over the countryside and Menai Strait across to mainland Wales.
A film runs on the history of the Castle and is triggered when you step into the structure that holds it. This is a very interesting and entertaining film that is a must-see, especially if it’s raining, as it’s the only completely dry place to sit out the weather.
Once again, you have an extensive car park at the Beaumaris Green Car Park, although this one has one set price for the day.
Hours
| 1 March – 30 June and 1 September – 31 October | Daily 9.30 am- 5.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
| 1 July – 30 August | 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
| 1 November – 28 February | 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Please note: during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments at short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
Prices are dependent on when you visit. Please click here to view the prices.
Beaumaris Courthouse and Gaol
Across the road from Beaumaris Castle is the Courthouse, where you can learn all about its history as one of the oldest Courthouses in Britain, dating from 1614.
An audio guide is included in the price. You can hear about past cases, and the history of the court and town, as well as learn how justice was seen to be served through the centuries as you walk through the rooms.
This is a small but informative museum and well worth the visit, as is the village, and this is a great day out. I didn’t go back into the village, but the Old Victorian Gaol is also well worth a visit.
I didn’t go into the Gaol, but it should also be on your list if you’re visiting.
Facebook @BeaumarisGaolCourtHouse
Hours
Daily 10 am – 5 pm last entry at 4 pm.
Prices
Click here to view the prices.
Rhuddlan Castle
Lying east of Conwy are the last two castles I visited in North Wales, Rhuddlan Castle and Denbigh Castle.
Once again, we have Edward the first to thank for Rhuddlan Castle being built in his northern Wales defences.
This isn’t a big area to explore, but since I had the pass and I was in the neighbourhood, it didn’t cost me anything to enter. You still have great views over the countryside as this is out of the main centres.
Hours
29 Mar – 31 Oct
Thursday–Monday 10 am–5 pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
1 November – 28 March
Closed
Prices
- Adult (18-64) £5.90
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £18.90
- Disabled person and Companion Free
- Juniors (Aged 5-17) £4.10
- Seniors (Aged 65+) £5.70
- Child (Under 5) Free
Denbigh Castle
Sitting high up on the hill above the township of Denbigh, Denbigh Castle, although in ruins, is still a good place for exploring.
Although in ruins, there are still plenty of areas to explore. The views, which go on forever, can be seen from the top walkways of the castle.
Hours
| 25 Mar – 31 Oct | Thursday–Monday 10 am–5 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
| 1 November – 24 March | Friday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed Monday–Thursday. |
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Please note: during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments at short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
- Adult (18-64) £5.90
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £18.90
- Disabled person and Companion Free
- Juniors (Aged 5-17) £4.10
- Seniors (Aged 65+) £5.70
- Child (Under 5) Free
Where I Stayed
I loved my time in Northern Wales. If you like to get out in nature and visit historical castles, this is the place for you. YHA Conwy is a great place to base yourself and see all the attractions that Conwy and Llandudno has to offer.
Parking is on-site, so you can leave your car and explore the old walled town and Conwy Castle. Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain and fantastic sunsets that you can enjoy from the outdoor area or huge dining room.
Facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- BBQ area
- Contactless payments
- Corridor zoning
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on the premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Lift
- Luggage store
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop/train station
- Outdoor games kit
- Outdoor seating
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge/TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- WiFi
How To Get Here
YHA Conwy is outside the walls of Conwy, but it’s an easy walk to all its attractions at Sychnant Pass Road.
How To Book
If you would love to explore this extraordinary area, click here to base yourself in Conwy.
Conclusion
North Wales is a beautiful place to visit, as is all of Wales. It’s a nature and history lovers’ dream, and if you’re into photography, you won’t know where to look. Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what there is to see and do in the area, and you will get to visit it one day.
If you need more information, you can read about what there is to do in Conwy Wales, or in South Wales, you can visit Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons or Skomer Island blogs for more information.
You can check out UK passes and what you should get for where on Explore the UK with Passes.
If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the countries following links; England and Scotland.
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Links
If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the countries following links; England, Scotland and Wales.
If you want to check out UK passes and what you should get for where then read my blog on Explore the UK with Passes.
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art.
Or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more tips, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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What stunning landscapes and beautiful ruins.This is the place I surely want to explore and you have captured it beautifully.
Thanks, Sinjana. It’s a very beautiful part of the country.
Oh the nature is amazing, but what always gets me is the architechture. The rough stonework from the , thats just a work of art!
By the way, love the way you photograph the water, its really beautiful 🙂
Thanks very much, Ann.
The otherwordly photos are amazing, and such vibrant greens. It reminds me a little bit of New Zealand. Wales hasn’t been a place I’ve considered but I might have to give this some consideration (and remember to take water with us). Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks, Ruth. It definitely deserves everyone’s consideration for a visit.
Your photographs of the water are quite magical and beautiful. I hadn’t ever considered returning to Wales but after reading your blog I might just change my mind next time I am in the UK. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Jennifer. Wales is a beautiful country and definitely worth going back to. There’s always more to see.