Things to do
in North Wales

With the peaks of Snowdon as a backdrop and sprawling dunes below, Harlech Castle is an atmospheric place to visit whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a great day out.

Harlech Castle is part of a ring of castles surrounding the coastal fringes of Snowdonia. The perfectly concentric architecture once featured two rings of defences, or walls within walls, one enclosed within the other. Sadly, the outer wall is in ruins today, but visitors can still enjoy much of the building as it once was.

Whether you’re a steam train enthusiast, visiting Wales with little ones, or just looking for an exciting day out, a journey on Ffestiniog Railway is one you’re sure to remember.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia all around as you ride in style. Ffestiniog Rail is proud to own some of the most comfortable, well-preserved historic railway carriages in the world. Step back in time without feeling out of place when you book a journey on this unique railway.

This is no ordinary craft centre. Set into the beautiful scenery of the dramatic Snowdonia National Park, the Corris Craft Centre is comprised of nine craft studios offering everything from traditional wooden toys to contemporary jewellery, herbal remedies and handmade candles and chocolates.

Whether you’re looking for an intricate glass sculpture or rustic furniture carved from the trees of the local forests, the Corris Craft Centre gin distillery also produces some incredible craft gin containing wild Welsh botanicals.

From Corris Craft Centre pottery to the family-friendly attractions you’ll also find at this vibrant site, you can look forward to hours of fun exploring this fascinating Mid Wales spot.

Meaning ‘King’s Forest’ in Welsh, Coed y Brenin is a stunning spot within the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Its wooded paths produce a network of incredible walking, running and mountain bike trails, meaning there’s something to do for all ages and fitness levels.

If you love exploring natural landscapes and enjoying pretty forested scenery, Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a wonderful place to visit. The forest has a visitor centre where you can pick all the information you need before striking out into the 9,000-acre woodland.

Located just four miles inland from the pretty beaches of Tywyn on the west coast of Wales, the Dolgoch Falls are made up of three beautiful waterfalls. This is a lovely spot for a walk with the whole family, as you stroll through stunning Snowdonian landscapes.

It’s only about a mile’s round trip, but the rugged setting makes it feel like you’re striking out into much more remote terrain. The three Dolgoch waterfalls are spread out and cascade down the steep sides of a wooded gorge within the Tal-y-Lynn Valley into pools perfect for a little paddle.

There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, as well as a viewing platform for the lower falls. There are also a number of cave openings along the route, and although some are locked by gates, others are popular among spelunkers. Stone steps lead part of the way up, which can be slippy when wet so make sure you take care if this is the case.

That certainly didn’t deter Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, who recorded a version of Led Zeppelin tune ‘No Quarter’ at the falls in 1994. Bringing your own guitar is optional.

If you’ve always wanted to experience sky diving but aren’t quite ready to jump out of a plane, Zip World is the place for you. Home to Europe’s most extensive zip lines, this Welsh attraction is a perfect choice for a day out that the whole family can enjoy.

There are lots of things to do at Zip World, whether you’re visiting with little ones or as part of an all-adults group looking for some adrenaline. Why not take the plunge with Velocity, one of Zip World’s most popular attractions? At the same time, the four-person zip line experience, Titan, is the only one of its kind in Europe!

Read on for all you need to know before you go, including what to expect on a visit to Zip World and some helpful information to ensure your trip’s a breeze.

If you’re looking to experience the very best of the British landscape, head to Snowdonia National Park for peaks, lakes, and picturesque villages.

There’s plenty to see and do when you visit Snowdonia National Park. Whether you’re interested in hiking and outdoor activities, sightseeing, or just a little relaxation, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this natural Welsh gem.

Lying in the foothills of Mount Snowdon in North Wales, Llyn Padarn is an 800-acre glacially formed lake which lies within some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Offering a range of activities including walking, swimming, cycling and fishing, you can also visit the National Slate Museum and go for a ride on a steam railway.

The Llyn Padarn railway stretches along the lake’s northern shore between Llanberis and Pen Lly, although you can walk around the lake if you prefer to take your time enjoying the views.

From water sports and country parks to adventure courses for kids and cultural attractions, you can even go rock climbing, orienteering and scuba diving in and around the lake. This means there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful little corner of Wales.

A delightful experience for the whole family, the Llanberis Lake Railway gives you the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery served up by Lake Padarn. Part of the Snowdonian mountains, the lake is surrounded by unspoilt woodland and rising peaks, while you can gaze out at birds and wildflowers on your ride alongside the water.

Your Llanberis steam train will take you on a five-mile journey by the lake, past landmarks such as the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle as you gaze up at the spectacular views of Snowdon. Make sure you bring your camera, as this 60-minute round trip is something you won’t want to forget.

The trains themselves all accommodate wheelchairs and are all pulled by vintage steam engines which were rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries. The narrow gauge engines are packed with history and character, and waiting to take you on your memorable ride through this stunning part of North Wales.

Perched atop Llyn Peris, one of the twin lakes of Llanberis, Dolbadarn Castle occupies a spectacular setting within the Snowdonian mountains. With rising peaks all around, including Mount Snowdon itself, this is one of the most striking places you can visit anywhere in the UK.

The views and scenery are very special, giving you the chance to walk through stunning natural landscapes up to this historic castle. The fortification is believed to have been built by Llywelyn the Great in either the late 12th or early 13th century, to stand guard from its strategic position looking out over the inland route between Caernarfon and the upper Conwy Valley.

Dolbadarn Castle rises more than 15 metres above the ground and while it’s largely been reduced to ruins, it remains an imposing and enigmatic feature on this high hilltop. The castle’s sturdy round tower is the dominating presence, which stands in stark contrast to the slate slabs which make up its curtain walls.

There’s lots of history to uncover at the castle, as well as further attractions to explore in the local area, making this a great spot for an exciting family day out.

Flanked by the soaring peaks in the Snowdonia National Park – not least Mount Snowdon itself – the National Slate Museum is found within one of the most spectacular regions in the UK. The museum lies in the shadow of the Elidir Fawr mountain between the twin lakes of Llanberis, Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, and is close to a number of other great attractions.

If you’re looking for the best slate museum Wales has to offer, this one is tough to beat. It takes you right into the heart of one of the country’s key industries through its setting within the Dinorwig Quarry, which closed in 1969. Nowadays, the site’s Victorian workshops take you on a journey through the history of Welsh slate, relying on an array of interesting exhibits, imaginative interpretations and passionate storytellers to uncover the tales of the mountains.

What’s more, the National Slate Museum is just steps from the scenic Llanberis Lake Railway, Padarn Country Park and Dolbadarn Castle, as well as Ceunant Mawr Waterfall and the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This means that after a couple of hours at the slate museum, you can easily spend the rest of the day or more exploring this beautiful little part of North Wales.

It’s tough to beat Adventure Parc Snowdonia if you’re looking for an action-packed day out in North Wales. With everything from adrenaline-fuelled indoor and outdoor actives to surfing and soft play available, this is no ordinary Snowdonia adventure park.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting day out with the kids, are planning a party with a twist or you just want to make some memories yourself, you can discover all you need to know about Adventure Parc Snowdonia right here.

Adrenaline Indoors:
Perfect for guaranteeing a great time come rain or shine, the park has a range of weatherproof activities you can try your hand at indoors. This includes a ninja assault course, adventure climbing walls and a high ropes course. There’s also a man-made caving complex which stretches for more than 100 metres, as well as a soft play zone for little ones.

Outdoor Adventures:
Sometimes you simply have to take things outside, and Adventure Parc Snowdonia escalates your experience in the right way through features like the 12-metre climbing walls with varying levels of challenge. You can take a trip on a zip line above the lagoon, carve out some tricks on at the skate bowl and mini track, and even head off-site for some mountain biking or gorge walking.

Surf Snowdonia:
Ever wanted to surf in the mountains? Well now you can with the man-made waves on offer at the Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc lagoon. There are guaranteed waves every 90 seconds, with levels ranging from beginner to advanced waves suitable for experienced, highly-skilled surfers. You can choose to take a lesson or a full course, or just head out onto the lagoon to make your own waves.