A Long Weekend in North Wales

Have a few vacation days saved up? Do the kids have a day off from school? Get away without going to far with a short break in North Wales.

Wales has such an unmistakable character and charm that sets it apart from its neighbouring countries. The language, traditions, and way of life are all so distinct to the country that travellers are always rewarded with a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling with young children, friends, or on your own, there are plenty of places in the north of Wales that will guarantee that your long weekend is well-spent.

A short break in North Wales

Start your North Wales Adventure in Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey, home to Wales’s busiest port of Holyhead, is brimming with adventure. While you could easily spend a good month exploring the island, there are a few highlights that shouldn’t be missed during your trip.

If you’re looking for a romantic excursion, Llanddwyn Island at the south end of the Menai Strait is regarded as the most romantic spot in Wales due to its stunning beaches and the famous Tŵr Mawr lighthouse. And if you have the whole family with you, you can spend a few hours at the Anglesey Sea Zoo or the town of Beaumaris, which has an amazing castle as well as plenty of shopping and restaurants.

Drive East to Conwy and Llandudno

Just 30 minutes east of Anglesey is the coastal village of Conwy with the bustling Llandudno Pier. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Llandudno cable car, which allows passengers an aerial view of the Irish Sea Snowdonia National Park all the way to the summit of the Great Orme, which is a huge limestone headland jutting out into the sea. You can get off of the tramline and explore the Great Orme mine, which is the largest Bronze Age mine in the world.

Spend the night on the Llandudno Pier in one of the many hotels, hostels, or self-catering Bed & Breakfasts.

A Morning at Chirk Castle

Just over an hour’s drive southeast of Llandudno Pier is the world-famous Chirk Castle. Originally constructed in 1295 as one of King Edward I’s battlements, Chirk Castle has been the home to many Welsh families over the centuries up until 1988.

Today, Chirk Castle is well kept up by the National Trust and serves as a popular attraction for tourists and citizens alike. Gorgeous yew hedges and seasonal flowers give the entire place a stately feel, which allows you and your family to travel back in time for a few hours. And if you so fancy, there are even two self-catering cottages on the grounds, where you can stay for a few nights.

Head West to Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park stretches across over 2,000 square kilometres of the north of Wales and consists of a stunning variety of mountains, lakes, castles, beaches, and dozens of other natural and manmade wonders. Betws y Coed is the main village within the national park and is a wonderful place to stop for lunch, dinner, or rest, as all around the village lie plenty of things to do.

Mountain biking, hiking, swimming, and sightseeing are popular activities for the more adventurous souls, and botanic gardens, museums, and castles are plentiful for those looking for a relaxing afternoon.

A Quick Trip to the Mediterranean in Portmeirion

An Italian village in the United Kingdom? Yes, it exists! Portmeiron, located west of Snowdonia National Park, was designed in the 1920s in the style of a Mediterranean town and made famous in the 1960s by the television show The Prisoner, Today, travellers love to spend time in the shops, restaurants, gardens, and museums that are unique to the region. It’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon, and if you’re looking to stay, there are two world-class hotels and 17 self-catering cottages.

Explore the Llŷn Peninsula

West of Snowdonia’s craggy peaks lies the Llyn Peninsula, a natural land formation full of things to do and places to see. The sunny south side of the peninsula looks out on Cardigan Bay, which attracts walkers, runners, and wakeboarders throughout most of the year. Take a boat out to Bardsey Island, an ancient Christian pilgrimage site and have a picnic among the the basking seals and wildlife. You can even rent one of the few self-catering cottages on the island to enjoy a secluded and relaxing getaway.

The Royal Town of Caernarfon

Before heading back home, you really ought to try and make time for a visit to Caernarfon, which is a royal port town in the region of Gwynedd. Established in Norman times, Caernarfon has seen many conquests and kings pass through its borders, as it sits as a gateway from Anglesey to the mainland. Today, the ancient castle and town walls still stand and are protected as a World Heritage Site, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the incredible history of this port city. And there are plenty of traditional Welsh pubs and restaurants, as well as a variety of delicious international fare to ensure that you don’t go hungry!

Your Long Weekend in North Wales is Waiting

Your Long Weekend in North Wales is Waiting You don’t have to use up all your holiday time to have a nice getaway. There are plenty of things to do and see in the North of Wales over the course of a long weekend. Especially if you take a car, you can travel across the region quite easily and quickly, allowing you more freedom to explore and form your own itinerary. Let us get you and your car there safely, quickly, and without breaking the bank. Book your travel for your weekend holiday in Wales today to save even more!

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