North Wales Holidays: 9 Reasons to Visit North Wales

North Wales has been overlooked for too long. From mountain biking to hiking, and coasteering to foraging, if you’re looking for an adventure, this stunning part of the country has it in all shapes and sizes!

In this article, we dive into why North Wales is such an incredible holiday destination and the best things to do while visiting this picturesque part of the UK.

Is Wales Worth Visiting?

With so many epic things to do in Wales, it is absolutely worth visiting. Though often overshadowed by its neighbours, this region boasts some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the whole of the UK and is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures.

Most people have heard of the UK, but not everyone realises that Wales is one of the four nations that make it up – alongside England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.

North Wales is the most northerly region of Wales and is also the most mountainous. It’s home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in England and Wales, which stands at an impressive 1,085m.

The beauty of Wales is on full display in the north of the country. Alongside incredible mountainscapes, you will find deep forests, raging rivers, an incredible coastline and breathtaking islands teeming with wildlife.

The Top 9 Reasons to Holiday in North Wales

We could go on all day about why North Wales is such a fantastic holiday destination. Below are just a few of the top reasons why it’s worth a visit!

1) Home to 9 mountain ranges

It may be a small country but it sure packs in the mountains! In the 9 mountain ranges of Snowdonia, there are 9 mountain ranges with peaks standing over 900m high. Although access is restricted to ensure Snowdon remains protected for future generations to enjoy, at certain times of the year it’s possible to mountain bike from the very summit!

The Ogwen Valley offers some of the most beautiful places in North Wales with iconic mountains like Tryfan and the Glydererau providing challenging climbs and spectacular views. For those seeking solitude, the Carneddau range provides remote hiking experiences where you’ll often spot wild ponies roaming free.

When planning North Wales holidays, Eryryi (Snowdonia) National Park should be at the top of your list of places to visit in North Wales. The park offers trails for all abilities, from gentle family walks to challenging scrambles for experienced hikers.

2) Views from the Top of the World

At least it can feel that way! On a clear day from the top of Snowdon, you can see as far as Ireland on the other side of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man and even as far north as England’s Lake District. You can also see up to 18 lakes and 14 other summits. It’s a stunning hike and with different routes to its peak, it can be as challenging as you want to make it.

You can tackle Snowdon, along with all of the other highest and toughest peaks in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, on the 14 Peaks Experience.

For those who prefer picking up the pace, you can explore more of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park on the Spring Trail Running and Autumn Trail Running camps which offer guided running adventures through some of North Wales’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

3) Europe’s longest and world’s fastest zipline

Since 2013, North Wales has been home to an incredible collection of ziplines, including Velocity 2, the fastest zipline in the world. Situated high above the old slate mining quarries of Bethesda, a ride on this will have you flying through the air at speeds up to 160kph!

This adrenaline-pumping experience is one of the top things to do in North Wales for thrill-seekers. The zipline travels over the stunning blue waters of Penrhyn Quarry, offering a unique perspective on this historic industrial landscape.

If you’re holidaying with the kids and looking for things to do in North Wales for families, there are also less extreme zip adventures suitable for younger adventurers. The Fforest Coaster at ZipWorld offers an exciting forest roller coaster experience that’s perfect for all ages.

4) Wales has its own language

There are four surviving Celtic languages that are still officially recognised in the UK today: Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic and Breton. Welsh is by far the most widely used of all of these. With 19% of the Welsh population able to speak it, Wales is officially recognised as bilingual. In fact, in an area of North Wales called the Llŷn Peninsula, over 70% of people still use it as their first language.

The Llŷn Peninsula extends 30 miles into the Irish Sea and offers some of the most scenic sections of Wales’ beautiful coastline. If you’re looking for the best places in north Wales to visit, you can head to the Llŷn Peninsula on the North Wales Adventure, while also ticking off stunning nearby forests, rivers and coastlines.

Wherever you explore on North Wales holidays, you will definitely encounter the Welsh language, whether it be on road signs, in shops, or in conversation. Learning a few basic Welsh phrases can enhance your experience and is always appreciated by locals. Try “Bore da” (good morning) or “Diolch” (thank you) to start.

5) Tallest aqueduct in the world

Designed and built by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, the Pontcysyllte (meaning ‘bridge that connects’) aqueduct is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most amazing places to see in Wales.

The impressive feat of engineering was completed in 1805 and stands at an incredible 38.4m high and holds 1.5 million litres of water.

If you have a head for heights, it’s possible to cross the aqueduct by kayak. Would you dare look down?!

Located near Llangollen, this architectural marvel is one of the most magical places in North Wales. You can walk across the aqueduct on a narrow towpath or take a more relaxing canal boat trip. The surrounding area offers excellent walking opportunities with spectacular views of the Dee Valley.

For history enthusiasts, North Wales is dotted with impressive castles including Conwy, Caernarfon, and Harlech – all part of King Edward I’s “Ring of Iron” UNESCO World Heritage site. These medieval fortresses tell the story of Wales’s turbulent past and are really nice places while holidaying in North Wales.

6) North Wales would fit into Australia 1223 times

North Wales is a real powerhouse when it comes to breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures and world-firsts. Yet its mountains, rivers, forests and coastline are compact enough to squeeze into Australia 1222.89 times!

This compact nature makes it really easy to travel around North Wales. You can tick off conquering mountains, beach days, castle tours and adventure activities all within a short drive of each other.

In fact, you can tick off many of the top things to do in the region, like the fastest zipline in the world and the legendary Menai Suspension Bridge, all in one Bucket List Weekender!

7) World-class Mountain Biking Trails

North Wales is the best place to go mountain biking in the UK. Whether you’re experienced or a newbie, this region has an incredible network of purpose-built MTB trails and natural routes that cater to riders of all abilities.

In fact, Coed y Brenin Forest Park in North Wales was the UK’s first dedicated mountain bike centre and is known as the birthplace of MTB in the UK. With trails ranging from gentle green routes perfect for beginners to technical black runs that challenge even expert riders, it’s a mountain biker’s paradise.

For a truly epic adventure, the Traws Eryri route offers one of the most spectacular long-distance mountain biking experiences in the UK. This 225 km-long two-wheel adventure takes you along Snowdonia’s newest mountain biking route and is the perfect challenge for experienced riders.

Soar along deep-sided valleys, conquer challenging climbs with views of the highest mountains in the country, and enjoy some of the best single track the UK has to offer.

8) Spectacular Coasteering Adventures

Coasteering is another of the best things to do in North Wales because it provides an exhilarating way to explore the region’s breathtaking coastline. It combines swimming, climbing and scrambling into one unforgettable, action-packed seaside adventure.

Anglesey’s coastline provides the perfect playground for this exciting activity as you can discover the island’s stunning sea cliffs, hidden caves and crystal-clear waters that are inaccessible by land.

Coasteering is a fantastic experience to include in a tailor-made family adventure holiday , traversing along the beautiful coastline of Trearddur Bay, scrambling across rocks, diving into the water and climbing rock arches, all the while learning about the exciting local wildlife and ecosystem.

9) Adventure Activities for Every Interest

North Wales is easily the adventure capital of the UK. Beyond ziplining, mountain biking and coasteering, you can also set off:

White water rafting on the River Tryweryn
Underground adventures in former slate mines
Rock climbing on historic crags
Surfing at Rhosneigr beach or even try kitesurfing!

With so many thrilling activities to do in North Wales, it is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for an adventurous getaway.

Summary

Is North Wales worth visiting? Without a doubt! With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exciting adventures around every corner it’s hard to beat a holiday in North Wales.

Keen to discover the wild landscapes of North Wales for yourself? Check out our epic range of small group and self-guided trips across the region that cover everything from mountain biking and hiking to running adventures. Alternatively, kick up your feet with scenic train journeys and road trips across the region’s most picturesque landscapes. Get in touch today and start planning your perfect North Wales holiday.