Top 10 Things to do in North Wales
If you have booked a stay at Marine Holiday Park, then you will be delighted to hear that our resort is conveniently located close to some of the very best things to see and do in North Wales.
The ever expanding list of North Wales attractions includes something for all ages, with unique historic landmarks, awe inspiring natural wonders and adrenaline pumping attractions such as the world famous Zip World.
We’ve utilised our knowledge of the local area to put together a definitive list of what we consider to be the top 10 things to do in North Wales. You’ll notice that we have purposefully tried to keep the range of attractions in our list as varied as possible so that we can ensure that we recommend a North Wales attraction that is right for all members of the family. Without further delay, let’s get to number one…
1. Snowdonia Mountain Walks
You can’t visit this part of the country without paying a visit to the glorious Snowdonia Mountain Range. This historic natural wonder contains 15 mountains in total, the tallest of which 3,560 feet tall.
The challenge of attempting to climb to the top of Snowdon is a popular one, with there being six different walking routes to choose from depending on the level of difficulty you are willing to face. The Llanberis Path is the most popular of these routes as it tends to be the easiest, making it the ideal choice for families with small children.
If you aren’t quite up to the challenge of climbing to the top of the mountain under your own steam, then you can always catch a ride on the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway.
2. ZipWorld
Of all the brand new attractions that have been created in North Wales over the past decade, ZipWorld is unquestionably the one that has made the biggest splash.
Now spanning over three different sites in the North Wales region you can take on the world’s fastest zipline in Penrhyn, take a ride on a toboggan style rollercoaster in Betws-y-Coed or enjoy the underground trampolines and crazy golf course at Llechwedd.
The Llechwedd site is probably the most appropriate for families with young children and is located just over 40 miles away from Marine Holiday Park.
3. Portmeirion
The stunning village of Portmeirion is a true architectural wonder which was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 who based the aesthetic on that of the Italian Riviera. This is immediately apparent from the moment you step foot in the village which will make you feel like you have been transported to the Mediterranean. The stunning architecture has resulted in Portmeirion being grade II listed in the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Portmeirion is perhaps most famous for being the namesake for the Portmeirion Pottery company which was established by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’s daughter Susan. You will be able to purchase a selection of their famous creations on-site.
4. Llandudno & The Great Orme
Llandudno is your quintessential North Wales seaside town with a beautiful promenade and pier which affords a relaxed seaside vibe and beautiful coastal vistas.
The pier itself is also home to a variety of eateries and family attractions including traditional seaside arcades, children’s fairground rides and the impressive new ferris wheel which is even dog friendly! There really is something for all members of the family here.
However, the town is perhaps better known for being home to the only remaining cable operated tramway in the UK. You can ride this all the way to the top of the glorious Great Orme where you can marvel at the stunning views overlooking the North Wales coastline.
5. Conwy Castle
Just a 30 minute drive away from Marine Holiday Park is the iconic walled marked town of Conwy which is centred around an impressive 13th century castle. It is the walls of the castle that surround the town itself which was built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 1200s.
You can enter the castle itself and marvel at these mediaeval ruins which have been exceptionally well maintained over the years. In fact, the castle is home to the most complete set of royal apartments in Wales.
Perhaps the best part of any visit to Conwy Castle though are the views overlooking the wider Conwy region which are provided from the top of the chapel tower.
6. Greenwood Family Theme Park
Recently named the best family visitor attraction in North Wales, Greenwood Family Theme Park is the ideal destination for keeping the little ones entertained during those long summer holidays.
Your kids will be spoiled for choice, with the park offering a thrilling roller coaster, enchanted river ride, soft play areas and some of the largest slides that we ever did see. This is in addition to fun activities such as den building and craft workshops. Even the adults will be kept happy thanks to the on-site cafe which is well worth a visit on your next trip.
7. Welsh Highland Railway
North Wales is a bit of a train enthusiasts paradise with a wealth of great attractions including the aforementioned tramway in Llandudno and Snowdon Mountain Railway. However, perhaps the most thrilling railway based attraction is to be found in Ffestiniog in the form of the Welsh Highland Railway.
Here you can enjoy a ride aboard an old fashioned steam locomotive that will leave you feeling like you have travelled back in time. Whilst onboard you can enjoy exceptional views as you pass through miles of open countryside, quaint Welsh towns and the UNESCO slate quarry which alludes to the region's industrial past.
8. Welsh Mountain Zoo
One of the great things about staying at Marine Holiday Park is that our resort is located less than a 45 minute drive away from Chester Zoo; one of the most famous in the world. However, slightly closer to home is the nearby Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay which is massively underrated as a family attraction.
If you are looking for things to do in North Wales for animal lovers, then there really is nowhere better. Spread over 37 acres, here you will have the opportunity to meet over 80 different species made up of everything from tigers and chimpanzees, to penguins and sea lions.
Perhaps the most enchanting of the experiences on offer at the zoo is the daily Penguin parade which really is a must see!
9. Manorafon Farm Park
If you are looking for a bit more of a personal experience where you get to pet and handle the animals, then you may prefer to pay a visit to Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele.
This is a great destination for a fun family day out with children given the opportunity to meet and even feed many of the animals which are made up of a plethora of more conventional domestic species including rabbits, pigs and donkeys.
However, there are plenty of other attractions at Manorafon Farm Park to keep the little ones entertained with soft and outdoor play areas, a JCB digger zone, electric mini tractors and much more.
10. Bodnant Gardens
Horticultural enthusiasts have been sadly overlooked in this list so far, but there are plenty of great things to do in North Wales for them too. Top of this particular list has to be the nearby Bodnant Gardens in Colwyn Bay.
This National Trust owned estate is spread over 80 acres and is made up of beautiful gardens and enchanting woodlands. Established in 1874, the original proprietors collected countless samples of plant life and trees during expeditions across the globe. It takes a good five hours to walk around the entirety of the gardens and is also dog friendly, meaning that you can admire these beautiful surroundings with your best friend by your side.