There are many amazing choices if you are looking for days out in North Wales. Enjoy-ability can depend on the weather especially if exploring North Wales’ stunning coastline, we’ve summed up the best of these in our recent North Wales beaches post. If you are looking for something a little different or more active to do with friends or with your family this round-up of our unforgettable days out in North Wales will give you inspiration. We have experienced many North Wales activities through the years and these are our top picks. We hope you enjoy…
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Days Out In North Wales
1. Rib Ride
Location – Anglesey
Family friendly activity – Yes, tours range from ages 4-16, 8-16 and 10-16 for the Velocity tour.
Looking for an adventurous, thrilling day out full of wildlife, nature and fun all rolled into one? Rib Ride offer a range of trips to suit all, from Puffin and Seals to Castle and Islands tours. The trips are filled with adventure and interesting information about the surrounding area of Anglesey and the Welsh coastline. Including fascinating history, nature, bridges, swells and much more. Rib Ride also has ‘Velocity’ which is a high-powered Rib designed to get you from zero to insanely fast very quickly; if its a little more of a adrenaline-fueled thrill you are after then this is the one for you. Each tour is unique so check out their website for more information and details on age ranges before deciding which tour suits you. We took the Skerries Tour with Rib Ride and loved every minute, our YouTube highlights of our epic day are just above.
2. Zip World
Location – Various locations around Snowdonia
Family friendly – Yes, although all adventures suit different age ranges but you should be able to find something for everyone there.
Second on our days out in North Wales list is a serious helping of adventure at Zip World. Split into three locations including the Zip World Fforest, Slate Caverns and Penrhyn Quarry. Each place has its own pick of exhilarating activities on site. We went for the slate caverns adventure in which you travel through an underground course (clipped safely on) through tunnels, up high walls, through elevated netted obstacles and making your way along the magnificent Welsh slate mines. At this location there is also Bounce Below, an underground trampoline adventure as well as Titan, Europe’s largest Ziplining zone! Zip world is definitely on our list to visit again to partake in the other great activities they have on offer there. Check Zip World’s website for more information.
3. Portmeirion
Location – Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
Family friendly – Yes, open to all ages. No admission fee for under 5 years.
If it is a more of a relaxed day out in North Wales you are after, the stunning village of Portmeirion located right on the coast right near Porthmadog is a visually inspiring place full of Italian architecture, bright buildings and beautiful coastline. It certainly is a place like no other. Built by Sir Clough Williams-Elllis between 1925-1975 for his wife who was missing her native Italy. Portmeirion is a great place to wander, take in some great views and relax in one of the many cafes with a drink to admire this unique place. Castle Dueraeth and the Portmerion Hotel also offer luxurious places to stay during you visit along with a great places to have lunch or dinner. More information including entrance costs can be found on the official Portmeirion website.
4. Conwy Castle & The Smallest House in Great Britain
Location – Conwy
Family friendly – Yes, open to all ages.
A world heritage site and another memorable day out in North Wales, the town of Conwy is filled with history and intrigue. Conwy Castle and its walls date back to the thirteen century. An instrumental piece of history built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, this huge castle accompanied by the revolutionary Telford suspension bridge are both pieces of significant importance of their time.
The castle which overlooks the bridge is also in close proximity to the Smallest House in Great Britain which is located on the shorefront right next to the harbour. This mini house is a great place to visit and puts in perspective how people used to mange living in such small spaces. Conwy includes an array of places to eat and drink within the town, including a few great fish and chips shops to sit and have lunch or dinner.
5. Hiking
Location – All around North Wales and Snowdonia National Park.
Family friendly – Yes, each hike or walk in Snowdonia will be of a different difficultly scale so please research the trails or hike before setting off. As the weather can also change dramatically very quickly, please check the mountain forecast before you leave.
Probably the best days out in North Wales we have had are within the Snowdonia National Park hiking and walking the magnificent trails there. Walks can be found to suit all, through forests or up mountains, a few of our favorites are:
Aber Falls
Difficulty – Easy – A couple of km walk from the car park located just through the town of Abergwyngregyn, this is a great spot to marvel at the huge Aber falls pictured above. Details of an easy family walk there can be found on Trip Advisor here.
Cwm Idwal
Difficulty – Moderate – With stunning scenery of Tryfan, Glydwr Fawr and down to Bethesda plus the gorgeous beauty of the lake and towering mountains that are surrounding you, this all makes for a visually awe-inspiring walk. More details of the loop walk can be found on the National Trust website.
Cadair Idris
Difficulty – Moderate to Hard – Great loop hike of 10km taking the Minffordd Path Route. There are 4 different routes up to the top of Cadair Idris, all of which give you uninterrupted 360 degree views around Snowdonia. You can check out our hiking guide for the Minffordd Path route here.
Tryfan
Difficulty – Hard – Expect a steep and technical scramble to reward you with breathtaking views at the top. We would only recommend this hike on a dry day. More details on this route can be found on the Walking Englishman website.
There are too many good walks around North Wales. We always use the MAPS.ME app which has all trail maps avaliable and has been invaluable on our hiking adventures both in the UK and abroad.
There are a lifetime worth of beautiful trails, walks and hikes available in the Snowdonia National Park but always be sure to do your research before heading out, check the mountain forecast and pack accordingly.
Some other great walk ideas around Snowdonia and North Wales can be found here on walkupsnowden.co.uk.
6. Surf
Location – Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth) or Surf Sonwdonia
Family Friendly – Surf Snowdonia – yes. Suitable for all the family. Where as surfing at Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth) is only advisable for boarders and surfers with experience. Surf lessons can be arranged in Abersoch with some of the surf schools there.
The two best places for a day out in North Wales surfing are undoubtedly Hell’s Mouth along with Surf Snowdonia. Porth Neigwl or Hell’s Mouth is located 4km from Abersoch, this beach is a great place to surf all year round. Board rental and surf lessons are available in Abersoch as mentioned, always make sure you check the weather and surf forecast before heading out. Taking a dip in the Irish Sea will most definitely make you feel alive. More information about the beach can be found our North Wales Beaches – The Top 6.
Surf Snowdonia is a man-made inland surf lagoon, which is the only guaranteed surf in the UK! With waves for all abilities and expert tuition available, its technology allows both beginners and pros to surf together. Surf Snowdonia also boasts a surf side cafe and bar serving food and drink all day as well as a soft play shack for toddlers. With glamping pods and hook-ups for campervans this could be the perfect place to spend a day out in North Wales or even two. Groups such as stag and hen doo’s along with kids parties in North Wales can also be booked here as a great group booking idea. Check out the Surf Snowdonia website here for more details.
7. Dolbadarn Caslte & The National Slate Museum
Location – Llanberis, Gwynedd
Family friendly – Yes, Dolbadarn Castle is a short uphill walk from parking nearby.
A stones throw from each other in the picturesque town of Llanberis in Snowdonia, these spots are two great things to do in North Wales. The National Slate Museum is free to enter and provides history and insight into how it shaped this great country, the way of life and the story of its industrial past.
Dolbadarn castle is another special piece of history in Wales, standing perched out with great views down to Caernarfon and into the Snowdonia National Park. The castle was built by Welsh prince Llywelyn in the 13th century as an important military structure as well as a symbol of Welsh power. You can enter and explore the castle which also gives you information and an insight as to how the castle and surrounding structures were used back then.
Also in the area are Llanberis Falls which is another great spot to visit. As well as the Snowdon Mountain Railway and a great little tea room called Pen-Y-Ceunat Isaf. This tea room is located at Llanberis, we won’t disclose too much information about it but if you are passing and looking for a good pit stop with some entertainment it is worth a stop.
8. Abersoch
Located – Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd.
Family Friendly – Yes
If you are looking for nice food, a stroll around some shops and possibly a coffee in-between Abersoch has a great range to suit all for a relaxed, easy day out. From surfing apparel to yacht and boat wear to marine chandlery stores, you can easily spend the day meandering around the shops and the harbor then heading for a bite to eat in the array of restaurants that reside in Abersoch. Checkout Abersoch.co.uk for more information and updates.
We hope you have enjoyed our round-up of the best days out in North Wales!
If you have anything to add yourself or have any questions please let us know just below.
You can also check out the rest of our Wales Adventures here or 30 photos to inspire your trip to this stunning country!
Happy adventuring,
Adam & Kelly x
Incredible photos and some places I really need to add to my list!
Thanks so much! We have had amazing days at all these places, we hope you do too 🙂
One of my best friends lives in Snowdonia so I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few of the places that you’ve listed. There are quite a few I haven’t made it to yet and they are now firmly on the list. Didn’t know about the UK’s smallest house though – that looks like a fun stop!
Ah great! Glad you’ve had a good time at some of them. Snowdonia is such great area filled with things to do! The Smallest House is a great one to see.
Great picks and a great read! This really covers a lot of different choices of activity, plus I’d not heard of Dolbadarn Castle and it looks beautiful so will have to visit it at some point (especially if there’s a museum nearby as well). I’m glad to see Portmeirion here as well – that place has always fascinated me since first seeing it in The Prisoner 🙂
Thanks so much Jeremy we have had such amazing days at all of these, North Wales is just beautiful! You will have to let us know how you get on when you go!