The Ultimate Guide to North Wales written by a local: Snowdonia, Anglesey & North Wales

North Wales is a place very close to my heart - I (Cam) was born and raised there and spent a lot of my childhood going hiking in Snowdonia, visiting the beach in Barmouth and paddling in the river in Llangollen. So I feel it's time to write the PERFECT guide to North Wales, written by a local.

A bit of history about the area

Wales is steeped in history. People have lived in the area for a quarter of a million years. When Welsh people identify as ‘Celtic’ (which we mostly do), we’re thinking of the Celtic tribes who lived here in the last millennium BC. The Celts spoke Common Brittonic, the language from which modern Welsh is descended. The island of Mona (Anglesey in English), Ynys Môn in Welsh - was the stronghold of the druids - the Celtic priests. The Romans invaded Wales in 48AD and 30 years later, Mona was the last place to fall.

After the Romans left, Britain was divided up into several small kingdoms. Then came another invasion: this time by the Germanic tribes – Saxons – who would eventually become the English. The native British were overrun or driven back to the western edge of the country, and given a new name "Wealas", which means ‘foreigners’, from which the word ‘Welsh’ comes. The Vikings raided North Wales from the ninth century, and left their linguistic footprint in places like Anglesey ("Ongle’s Ey") and Llandudno’s Great Orme (an orme is a sea-serpent).

Wales was controlled by separate principalities who built castles to keep the Normans in check. Gwynedd was the most powerful princedom, and its rulers built many forts in lots of different pretty places – you can still visit some of these, such as Castell y Bere and Castell Dinas Bran, today. Edward (then English King) undertook his conquest of Wales in 1277-83, and he began building a chain of fortresses that are among the best in the world. Four of them - Conwy, Harlech, Caernarfon and Beaumaris are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In general, Welsh people (myself included) are very proud of our history, culture and heritage. The language is truly unique - don't worry, the vast majority of local people speak English but it will be well received if you give Welsh a go!

Top 10 things to do in North Wales

1) Visit The Great Orme in Llandudno

The views from the Great Orme’s c. 200m summit are breath taking – on a clear day you can see from Snowdonia and Anglesey all the way to the Lake District. You can head up the Great Orme via cable car, drive (and park close to the summit) or you can walk up. The cable car costs £14 for an adult return and is a nice way to take in the views. The views along the Welsh coastline are particularly beautiful during the summer months when the weather tends to be better.

Views over Llandudno from The Great Orme

2) Visit one of Wales' many amazing castles

Wales is home to some of the most amazing castles in the world. As above, the history behind these buildings is fascinating, and as such they are well worth a visit. My personal favourite is either Conwy Castle or Caernarfon Castle - both have small Welsh towns next to it, so be sure to stop in for a Welsh cake at a local cafe after your visit.

3) Hike Snowdon

For those of you that enjoy an active lifestyle, North Wales is home to some of the UK's best mountains and nature. Snowdon's peak is the tallest point in Wales, reaching 1085m. A round trip (walking) will take around 4-5 hours for someone with reasonable fitness levels. There is a café at the top where you can buy a delicious hot chocolate. If you don't fancy the walk, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway which will take you most of the way up. The views are amazing - I would recommend taking the Miners or Pyg track if you choose to hike for some amazing views on the way up. If you need somewhere to stay in the evening, consider Betws-y-Coed or Dolgellau. If you are a bit more of a rogue hiker and prefer something a little more off the beaten track, I would highly recommend hiking Tryfan for even more beautiful views; if you're lucky, you can see the British Air Force fighter jets training in the Welsh valley BELOW you when you reach the summit - it's an amazing experience if you are lucky and time it right!

4) Visit Portmeirion

Portmeirion is a beautiful little Italianate style village on the coast of North Wales. It's ideal for a day out or weekend break for families, couples and groups of friends. The buildings are something which I've never seen anywhere else and are truly very unique. You can visit for a day or even stay overnight. Day tickets cost around £10 for an adult, which you can book here. Portmeirion pottery is world famous and so if you're looking for a souvenir to take home, this is an ideal place to get something.

5) A day out in Llangollen

Llangollen is one of my personal favourite places to visit in all of North Wales. It's another beautiful little town located in North East Wales, filled with ice cream shops, souvenir shops and Dinas Bran Castle. For a day visit, I would recommend sampling some of the local fudge and ice cream. Dee Side Café Bistro or The Corn Mill are great options for lunch on the river too. If you are feeling energetic, you can take a circa 1 hour walk up to the top of Dinas Bran to see the remains of the castle which look over the valley. If you're here on St David's Day (which is Wales' National Saint's Day on 1st March) you can see some celebrations for the big day. If you're here in early July, you may be lucky enough to go and see Llangollen Eisteddfod - this is a Welsh festival of singing and dancing which is held in Llangollen every year. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an amazing structure that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area. I believe Peaky Blinders are filming the latest series here - it is a must do!

6) Head to the Llyn Peninsula

Llyn Peninsula is a coastal area in North West Wales. It is home to some stunning seaside towns, such as Harlech and Barmouth. These hidden gems offer golden sand beaches, traditional fish & chips and lots of quaint Welsh cafes. In the summer, they're a great way to spend the day relaxing by the seaside, be it swimming, sunbathing or eating!

7) Go to a Wrexham FC football game

Football is a very popular sport all over the UK, and North Wales is no different. Up until a few years ago, very few people outside of Wales had heard of Wrexham FC (based on my experience!) - I can't blame them. For several years, we were stuck in the lower echelons of British football and it didn't look like our fortunes were due to change anytime soon. However, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020, and the club has since secured two promotions as well as featuring on a Disney documentary. Tickets can be hard to come by, but you're in with a shot if you book well in advance. Tickets can be bought here - do not try to buy them outside the stadium on the day of the game as this is illegal in the UK.

8) Visit Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall

Pistyll Rhaeadr is an amazing waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains, west of Shrewsbury. At 80m high it is Britain's tallest single-drop waterfall. It's a peaceful place that is also a great place to explore the Berwyn Mountains and surrounding hills; there are lots of walks to suit a variety of walkers. It's an ideal place to have a picnic on a nice day too.

9) Go to Zip World Snowdonia.

Visiting Zip World Snowdonia is a must do for any adrenaline junkies! You can reach speeds of up to 100mph (160km/h) on the world's fastest zip line. You get amazing views over the stunning Penrhyn Quarry as you do so too. Tickets start at £92 and can be booked here.

10) Visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

That wasn't a typo - that is the name of a place in Wales. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, or as locals call it, Llanfair P.G., is the longest word in the Welsh language at 58 letters. It translates to "St Mary's Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave". It's a bit of a tongue twister, but if you ask a local they'll be happy to help you try to say it. Getting your picture taken next to the village sign has become something of a "must do" amongst tourists - so fill your boots!

Best places to stay in North Wales

• Llangollen: Llangollen is a beautiful place to stay in North East Wales. It has plenty of hotels on offer, and it's not too far from major cities you may be arriving from, such as Liverpool or Manchester. Panorama Cottages and The Chainbridge Hotel are a good option all year round, and Penvale Lake Lodges are a great stay during the summer months.

• Llandudno: Llandudno is well-located between North East and West Wales, and has tonnes of hotels to choose from. It has The Great Orme for amazing views over the coast, cable cars, a pier and lots of boutique shops. Not to mention the fish & chips - delicious! I would recommend staying at St George's Hotel or The Imperial Hotel for the best stay.

• Barmouth: If you fancy a stay in a quaint seaside town, look no further than Barmouth. With tonnes of cafes, country pubs and a golden sand beach, it's a great place to spend some time in summer. I would recommend staying at Tŷ’r Graig Castle to stay in something quite traditional, or this cottage for some phenomenal seaside views.

• Harlech: Another stunning seaside town with delicious eateries and fantastic coastline, it's a very popular tourist stay. Hotel Portmeirion is an amazing stay and is something I would highly recommend doing. You can also stay in Castell Deudraeth if you want to stay near Portmeirion! Hafan Artro is a good budget option here.

• Betws-y-Coed: Betws is a fantastic base to stay at if you are doing some hiking in Snowdonia. The Royal Oak is a beautiful stay here - one which I would highly recommend. If you're more of a budget traveller, consider Glan Aber Hotel.

• Anglesey: Home to beautiful beaches, water sports and lots of outdoor activities, it's a great place for families, couples and more. Tre-Ysgawen Hall & Spa is our top pick here. Château Rhianfa is another beautiful stay too, albeit more in the luxury price bracket! Castle Court is a great budget option and is well-located to see Beaumaris Castle.

4 day, 3 night long-weekend itinerary for North Wales

Day 1: Llangollen & Llandudno

An early start in North East Wales today, and you should start by visiting Llangollen. Upon arrival, take some time to cross over the bridge and walk through the town centre - this is a great opportunity to take some pictures of the beautiful traditional Welsh buildings. You can walk down the path next to The Corn Mill pub to walk along the river, where you can also get views of the steam engine trains leaving the station from this pathway. If you are feeling fit and active, you could spend around 1 hour walking up to see Dinas Bran Castle ruins which also gives you unparalleled views of the surrounding area. If you have time, a visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to see this incredible structure where Peaky Blinders is being filmed (as of 2025!) is a must. The Corn Mill pub in Llangollen is a great place to grab lunch before you move on.

Llangollen in the summer

After lunch, drive over to Llandudno. You can park in The Victoria Centre Car Park which is here on Google Maps. Once you've arrived, take a walk along the front of Llandudno and walk down the Victorian pier. You can then get a cable car up to The Great Orme for spectacular views over the Welsh coastline and beyond.

For dinner tonight, it's fish & chips time! Llandudno is a great place to try this dish as being a coastal town, the fish is very fresh here. I personally like the fish and chips at Enoch's Llandudno or Tribell's. If you'd like a bit of evening entertainment, head to The Snowdon Pub for a drink.

I would recommend staying at St George's Hotel or The Imperial Hotel on this night.

Day 2: Conwy Castle & Portmeirion

After breakfast at your hotel, head to Conwy Castle. Tickets cost £11.90 for adults and £8.30 for children, which you can buy there and they accept card or cash. This offers a fantastic insight into Welsh history and is very well preserved. Afterwards, it's worth walking into Conwy for a cafe lunch - I personally like Cantin Cafe. Be sure to try some Welsh cakes while you are here - Popty Bakery do great welsh cakes. You can also visit the smallest house in Britain in Conwy - it's quite a quirky way to spend 20 minutes.

After lunch, head to Portmeirion. You can park up right outside, and you can pre-book tickets here. It's a beautiful village with Italianate-style architecture; essentially a piece of the Mediterranean nestled in the Welsh countryside. There are lots of shops, beautiful buildings and eateries for a quick afternoon snack if you fancy - I recommend grabbing an ice cream or some bara brith here!

Portmeirion

In the evening, I would recommend staying in Barmouth for a nice relaxing evening and some seaside views. I would recommend staying at Tŷ’r Graig Castle in Barmouth on this night, or staying at this cottage for seaside views. For dinner, consider eating at The Fanny Talbot or The Captain's Table. The Tilman pub is a good option for an evening drink.

Barmouth in winter

Day 3: Snowdonia National Park

For Day 3, I've given an option for those who fancy being super active, and those who fancy a little more of a relaxed day.

For the active visitor: It's time to get your hiking boots on and hike Snowdon. It should take you around 5 hours to get to the top and back, climbing around 1085m in the process. The views are unparalleled on a clear day, and it's a great challenge for those that like that sense of achievement! You should use some hiking boots if you can, but the easier paths are very well established so you can probably use sports trainers on a dry day in all honesty. I would recommend the Pyg or Miners track for spectacular views and a good experience. Try to begin your hike by 9am so that you can skip any long queues later in the day. Also bring plenty of snacks and lunch in your backpack, just in case the cafe at the top of Snowdon is closed! If you're a little more of a rogue traveller and prefer something off the beaten path, consider hiking Tryfan as an alternative - the views are even better than Snowdon in my opinion, and if you're lucky you'll see British Air Force fighter jets training BELOW you at the summit - super cool!

For those who prefer a little more relaxation: You can start your day with a stroll along Barmouth beach, taking in the views and breathing in that fresh sea air. Afterwards, it's time to jump aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway - tickets cost £45 for an adult return and you can buy tickets online here. To board the train, head to Llanberis station by car. This will provide stunning views over Snowdonia as you are taken up Snowdon. Spend some time at the café at the top of Snowdon if you can stomach a short walk, else absorb the views and head back down on the train when you are ready.

This evening, I would recommend The Royal Oak which is a beautiful stay here. If you're more of a budget traveller, consider Glan Aber Hotel.

Day 4: Pistyll Rhaeadr & home

It's time to head home. Boo. However, before you do it's worth calling in at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. The waterfall itself is the highest single-fall waterfall in the UK, and it the surrounding scenery is stunning. It's not too much walking, but walks are available for people of all abilities should you wish to stretch your legs. You can park up nearby and entry is free. Afterwards, it's time to head home and leave what I believe is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Important tips for your visit to North Wales

We have outlined a few important tips for your visit to North Wales.

• Book a hotel that serves breakfast. North Wales is quite rural, and it can end up that you're having to drive 15 minutes to get to a café which slows your day down a lot.

• Get plenty of petrol if you're taking a car - petrol stations aren't as dense as when you're in a city.

• Don't be the tourist that calls Wales "England" or the Welsh "English" - we're not English! A bit persnickety perhaps, but in all seriousness, Welsh people will find this quite offensive on the whole - so don't do it, if you want to make friends!

• The weather is very unpredictable so make sure you layer up with waterproof coats, fleeces and lighter clothing. It really does change across the day, so prepare for all conditions.

Best time to visit North Wales

Overall, UK summertime is the best time to visit North Wales, between May-August. The weather is generally best in these months, with less rainfall and hotter temperatures. That said, these months are also very busy and peak tourist season, so September can be a great time to visit when the schools have returned and tourist attractions typically become a little quieter. The winter months will typically bring snowfall - whilst this makes for some beautiful scenery in Snowdonia, it does make driving nearly impossible (and dangerous).

Food in Wales

North Wales is home to some delicious foods, some of which you'll struggle to find outside of Wales. Here are some of my top recommendations to try when you visit:

• Welsh cakes: These are small Welsh treats served at most cafes. They are somewhere between a scone and a cake, and are filled with currants and dusted in sugar. Delicious with a cup of tea!

• Bara brith: This is another delicious sweet treat. It's like a fruit cake, but it is flavoured with tea and local spices. Again, fantastic with a tea or coffee as an afternoon snack.

• Welsh rarebit: Also called Welsh rabbit, but it does not contain any rabbit whatsoever. Local cheese served with mustard, (sometimes) ale and local sauce, served on bread and grilled. A delicious lunch option!

• Conwy mussels: Fresh mussels caught locally and served fresh. It's some of the best seafood the UK has to offer and a must try.

• Welsh lamb: We have 9 million sheep in Wales, and only 3 million people - so when it comes to lamb dishes, we know how to do it best! Any local roast lamb will be your best bet to try some of this delicious meat. Lamb Cawl is also a traditional Welsh dish in which Welsh lamb is slow cooked with vegetables and potatoes - it's a hearty dish best suited to winter months.

• Fish & chips: At the beach, this is a must try in the summer months. It's a key part of not just Welsh but British culture. Make sure you get it from a popular fish & chip shop (not just a café or restaurant) for the best experience.

Safety in Wales

North Wales is an incredibly safe part of the UK; it has one of the lowest rates of crime and you're very unlikely to run into any issues on this front whatsoever. The roads can be a little narrow and do get icy in the winter months, so be careful when driving.

How hard is Snowdon to hike

Snowdon is very accessible and achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It should take 4-5 hours for someone with a moderate level of fitness for a return hike (from the bottom to the summit and back). If you are struggling for fitness or don't fancy the walk, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Rail up most of the way. It can be tricky to get Snowdon on a clear day even in the summer months, so it really is pot luck if you get the views on the day you choose to hike.

How long should I spend in North Wales?

I would recommend spending 3-4 days in North Wales. If you prefer a leisurely pace, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained for 1 week. There are lots of hikes you can opt to do other than Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park - see our other North Wales hiking blog!

Best way to travel around North Wales

In short, you will need a car. North Wales is very rural and public transport is infrequent. You can rent a car through companies such as Hertz or EuropCar.