North Wales

United_Kingdom

North Wales (Welsh: Gogledd Cymru) is in the United Kingdom.

North Wales has many picturesque towns. Below is a list of the most notable. For others, please see specific county articles.

  • Bangor. (Gwynedd) Small city with cathedral dating back to the 6th century.

Bangor. ([[Gwynedd]]) Small city with cathedral dating back to the 6th century.

  • Blaenau Ffestiniog. (Gwynedd) — Slate mining town where visitors can take a train underground at Llechwedd Caverns. Also the northern terminus of the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway.
  • Caernarfon. (Gwynedd) — dominated by its castle and medieval town walls. A symbolic seat to represent English power in North Wales.
  • Colwyn Bay. (Welsh: Bae Colwyn) (Conwy) — a former resort town that has a small zoo, a twice weekly market, some antique and book shops, a terrific sweeping bay and a dilapidated pier. Hosts under-21s' International Rugby in a lovely park.
  • Conwy. (Conwy) — medieval, fortified town with impressive castle and quaint shops.
  • Dolgellau. (Gwynedd) — a picturesque market town with gold in its surrounding hills and an annual World Music Festival.
  • Denbigh. (Welsh: Dinbych) (Clwyd) — a pretty market town and one of the most historic towns in North Wales.
  • Llandudno. (Conwy) — genteel Victorian seaside resort.
  • Llanfairfechan. (Conwy) — unspoilt seaside resort between Penmaenmawr and Bangor.
  • Tywyn. (Gwynedd) — popular seaside resort with miles of sandy beach. Home to the famous Talyllyn Railway.
  • Wrexham. (Welsh: Wrecsam) (Clwyd) — a county and the largest settlement in North Wales; it is over 5 times the size of the only city in the region, Bangor.

Blaenau Ffestiniog. ([[Gwynedd]]) — Slate mining town where visitors can take a train underground at Llechwedd Caverns. Also the northern terminus of the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway.

Caernarfon. ([[Gwynedd]]) — dominated by its castle and medieval town walls. A symbolic seat to represent English power in North Wales.

Colwyn Bay. (Welsh: Bae Colwyn) ([[Conwy_(county)|Conwy]]) — a former resort town that has a small zoo, a twice weekly market, some antique and book shops, a terrific sweeping bay and a dilapidated pier. Hosts under-21s' International Rugby in a lovely park.

Conwy. ([[Conwy_(county)|Conwy]]) — medieval, fortified town with impressive castle and quaint shops.

Dolgellau. ([[Gwynedd]]) — a picturesque market town with gold in its surrounding hills and an annual World Music Festival.

Denbigh. (Welsh: Dinbych) ([[Clwyd]]) — a pretty market town and one of the most historic towns in North Wales.

Llandudno. ([[Conwy_(county)|Conwy]]) — genteel Victorian seaside resort.

Llanfairfechan. ([[Conwy_(county)|Conwy]]) — unspoilt seaside resort between Penmaenmawr and Bangor.

Tywyn. ([[Gwynedd]]) — popular seaside resort with miles of sandy beach. Home to the famous Talyllyn Railway.

Wrexham. (Welsh: Wrecsam) ([[Clwyd]]) — a county and the largest settlement in North Wales; it is over 5 times the size of the only city in the region, Bangor.

  • Snowdonia National Park. (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) – great hiking territory, which includes Wales' highest mountain. Eryri (Snowdonia in Welsh) is the second largest National Park in England and Wales. This area has links with Arthurian legend. For example, the wizard Merlin's dragons supposedly lived at Dinas Emrys, a place name which means "Emrys' City" ('Emrys' being an alternative Celtic name for Merlin).

Snowdonia National Park. (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) – great hiking territory, which includes Wales' highest mountain. Eryri (Snowdonia in Welsh) is the second largest National Park in England and Wales. This area has links with Arthurian legend. For example, the wizard Merlin's dragons supposedly lived at Dinas Emrys, a place name which means "Emrys' City" ('Emrys' being an alternative Celtic name for Merlin).

Three of Wales' five AONBs are in North Wales.

  • The Isle of Anglesey. (Welsh: Ynys Môn) – Is one of the most distinctive, attractive and varied landscapes in the British Isles. Anglesey was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in order to protect the aesthetic appeal and variety of the island's coastal landscape and habitats from inappropriate development. The AONB is predominantly a coastal designation, covering most of the island's 125 miles coastline (including Ynys Llanddwyn, a tidal islet off the main island). It contains rocky headlands, golden beaches, dunes, heaths and fine green countryside. Some of the beaches are recognised as being among the best in Europe. The AONB supports a wealth of wildlife such as choughs, grey seals, sea lavender and silver studded blue butterflies. There are also many areas protected for their nature conservation value, such as Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
  • Llŷn. AONB (Welsh: Penrhyn Llŷn) – The peninsula sticking out westwards into the Irish Sea, beyond Snowdonia, in the north-west of the country.
  • Clwydian Range. AONB (Welsh: Bryniau Clwyd) – A range of hills running southwards from the coast at Prestatyn to Llandegla, in Denbighshire in the north-east of the country, close to the border with England. The highest and best known hill is Moel Famau, and many of the hills are the sites of Iron Age hill forts.

The Isle of Anglesey. (Welsh: Ynys Môn) – Is one of the most distinctive, attractive and varied landscapes in the British Isles. Anglesey was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in order to protect the aesthetic appeal and variety of the island's coastal landscape and habitats from inappropriate development. The AONB is predominantly a coastal designation, covering most of the island's 125 miles coastline (including [[Ynys Llanddwyn]], a tidal islet off the main island). It contains rocky headlands, golden beaches, dunes, heaths and fine green countryside. Some of the beaches are recognised as being among the best in Europe. The AONB supports a wealth of wildlife such as choughs, grey seals, sea lavender and silver studded blue butterflies. There are also many areas protected for their nature conservation value, such as [[Newborough (Anglesey)|Newborough]] Warren National Nature Reserve, and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Llŷn. AONB (Welsh: Penrhyn Llŷn) – The peninsula sticking out westwards into the Irish Sea, beyond [[Snowdonia]], in the north-west of the country.

Clwydian Range. AONB (Welsh: Bryniau Clwyd) – A range of hills running southwards from the coast at [[Prestatyn]] to [[Llandegla]], in [[Denbighshire]] in the north-east of the country, close to the border with [[England]]. The highest and best known hill is Moel Famau, and many of the hills are the sites of Iron Age hill forts.

North Wales is bilingual. While almost 100% of the people you meet can speak and understand English, you are also quite likely to hear Welsh being spoken, especially as you travel further west within the region. According to the census of 2005, 68.7% of the people in Gwynedd can speak Welsh. You're least likely to encounter Welsh speakers on the north coast east of Conwy.

There are a number of castles from the 12th and 13th centuries spread across North Wales. These date back to the time of the battles by the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd to resist the rule of King John, and more significantly, King Edward I of England. Most of the castles are in the care of Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government.

  • Beaumaris - at the eastern tip of Anglesey. The final part of Edward I's "Ring of Steel" around North Wales, provocatively located immediately across the narrow Menai Strait from Garth Celyn, the seat of the Princes of Gwynedd.
  • Caernarfon - planned seat of Edward I's power in Wales. Located in the town of Caernarfon
  • Castell y Bere - Last stronghold of the Welsh Princes, and their most impressive fortress. Stunning location in Bro Dysynni.
  • Chirk - Built in 1295, this National Trust Property is located in the Wrexham County.
  • Conwy - built by Edward I to control the strategically significant town and river of the same name.
  • Criccieth - Welsh-built castle near the eastern end of the Lleyn Peninsula
  • Dinas Bran - atmospheric ruin on a hilltop near Llangollen
  • Dolbadarn - Welsh-built castle situated between Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn lakes, close to the town of Llanberis
  • Dolwyddelan - Welsh castle, in the village of the same name on the main A470 road between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Reputed birthplace of Prince Llywelyn the Great. The Disney film Dragonslayer was filmed here.
  • Flint - Edward I's first castle in Wales, in the far north-east close to the English border in Flintshire. Part of William Shakespeare's play Richard II is set within Flint Castle.
  • Harlech - Another of Edward I's "ring of steel". Looks menacingly across Tremadog Bay at Criccieth Castle.
  • Rhuddlan - in the small town of the same name, south of Rhyl. The remains of an older Motte and Bailey castle, Twtil, can still be seen in the grounds of Rhuddlan Castle.

[[Beaumaris]] - at the eastern tip of [[Anglesey]]. The final part of Edward I's "Ring of Steel" around North Wales, provocatively located immediately across the narrow Menai Strait from Garth Celyn, the seat of the Princes of Gwynedd.

[[Caernarfon]] - planned seat of Edward I's power in Wales. Located in the town of [[Caernarfon]]

Castell y Bere - Last stronghold of the Welsh Princes, and their most impressive fortress. Stunning location in [[Bro Dysynni]].

[[Chirk]] - Built in 1295, this National Trust Property is located in the [[Wrexham]] County.

[[Conwy]] - built by Edward I to control the strategically significant town and river of the same name.

[[Criccieth]] - Welsh-built castle near the eastern end of the [[Lleyn]] Peninsula

Dinas Bran - atmospheric ruin on a hilltop near [[Llangollen]]

Dolbadarn - Welsh-built castle situated between Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn lakes, close to the town of [[Llanberis]]

Dolwyddelan - Welsh castle, in the village of the same name on the main A470 road between [[Betws-y-Coed]] and [[Blaenau Ffestiniog]]. Reputed birthplace of Prince Llywelyn the Great. The Disney film Dragonslayer was filmed here.

[[Flint (Wales)|Flint]] - Edward I's first castle in Wales, in the far north-east close to the English border in [[Flintshire]]. Part of William Shakespeare's play Richard II is set within Flint Castle.

[[Harlech]] - Another of Edward I's "ring of steel". Looks menacingly across Tremadog Bay at Criccieth Castle.

[[Rhuddlan]] - in the small town of the same name, south of [[Rhyl]]. The remains of an older Motte and Bailey castle, Twtil, can still be seen in the grounds of Rhuddlan Castle.

  • Plas Newydd - National trust property located in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, Wales
  • Erddig Hall - National Trust property located on the outskirts of Wrexham

Plas Newydd - National trust property located in [[Llanfairpwllgwyngyll#Q7201721|Llanfairpwllgwyngyll]], Anglesey, Wales

Erddig Hall - National Trust property located on the outskirts of [[Wrexham#Q5385260|Wrexham]]

For many visitors to North Wales, the main draw is the number of historic steam railways in the area. Some, such as the Bala Lake Railway and Llangollen Railway, run on stretches of lines that were part of the national railways network until the infamous "Beeching cuts" closed many lines in the 1960s. Others, including the Talyllyn and Ffestiniog Railways, were built by mine or quarry owners to transport their goods (usually slate) down to a port or to a mainline train station. Most of the railways are owned and run by societies of volunteer enthusiasts.

  • Llangollen

  • Bala Lake Railway
  • Corris
  • Ffestiniog Railway, runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog
  • Llanberis Lake Railway.
  • Snowdon Mountain Railway Runs from Llanberis all the way to the summit of Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain
  • Talyllyn Railway Tywyn. The world's first heritage railway and inspiration for the Ealing comedy film The Titfield Thunderbolt. Features in the popular Railway Series of childrens books by Rev. W Awdry as the "Skarloey Railway".
  • Welsh Highland Railway Porthmadog - Caernarfon

  • Conwy Valley Railway Museum, Betws-y-Coed
  • Fairbourne Railway
  • Rhyl Miniature Railway, The oldest miniature railway still running in the UK.
  • Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon - UK's largest miniature G Scale garden railway.

  • Local Adventure Activities. Why not enjoy the rugged natural surroundings by trying out some Sea Kayaking, Rock Abseiling, Cliff Jumping, Sea Level Traversing, Gorge Scrambling or even Mountain Horse Riding. Some local instructors include Shaggy Sheep Wales Activities or ComeAndTry.com.
  • Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon - An outdoor attraction well worth a visit on a sunny day. Its a relaxing attraction, with the UK's largest miniature G Scale garden railway and a great family day out with children who love animals.
  • Indoor Karting, Caernarfon - If the weather isn't up to much you could always visit the Redline Indoor Karting centre at Cibyn Industrial Estate.

Local Adventure Activities. Why not enjoy the rugged natural surroundings by trying out some Sea Kayaking, Rock Abseiling, Cliff Jumping, Sea Level Traversing, Gorge Scrambling or even Mountain Horse Riding. Some local instructors include Shaggy Sheep Wales Activities or ComeAndTry.com.

Gypsy Wood Park, [[Caernarfon]] - An outdoor attraction well worth a visit on a sunny day. Its a relaxing attraction, with the UK's largest miniature G Scale garden railway and a great family day out with children who love animals.

Indoor Karting, [[Caernarfon]] - If the weather isn't up to much you could always visit the Redline Indoor Karting centre at Cibyn Industrial Estate.

The Wales the True Taste campaign has been very successful in promoting the use of local ingredients in recent years, and even fairly low-key restaurants and pubs will often have a sign telling you where all of their ingredients are sourced.

Perhaps the most high-profile local ingredient is lamb, and you certainly won't spend long in North Wales before you see your first sheep! Artisan cheeses abound, look out for the Snowdonia Creamery range, among others. Fresh, local seafood can be excellent, especially on the Lleyn.

There are a number on independent breweries across North Wales, brewing a range of traditional ales. Porthmadog based microbrewery Purple Moose (Bragdy Mws Piws) is well worth looking out for.

Wrexham Lager has re-launched after over a decade and the owners have re-introduced the much loved recipe, which was discontinued when Carlsberg-Tetley took over the brewery. The owners of Wrexham Lager are hoping to bring back the original logo as soon as they possibly can.

  • The wild mountains and moorland of Mid Wales, and it's spectacular west coast.
  • Liverpool and Manchester, two bustling cities in North West England, are both within very easy reach of North Wales.