Anglesey Coastal Path
Anglesey
Gwynedd
United Kingdom
The Anglesey Coastal Path is walking trail that encompasses the perimeter of the island. The path follows the coast for 120miles, the majority of which encompasses Anglesey’s designated Area of Natural Beauty and allows hikers to experience a range of different habitats. The trail officially starts at Holyhead, and can be walked in its entirety in a under a fortnight, taking in Anglesey’s tranquil villages, heritage sites and the island’s flora and fauna.
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Brynsiencyn
Anglesey
Gwynedd
LL61 6TQ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01248 430411
Anglesey Sea Zoo is located just over the Menai Bridge, and is the largest aquarium in Wales. The displays illustrate the marine habitat of the North Wales coast. The Sea Zoo promotes conservation as well as an interest in the range of species found in the waters off Gwynedd. A family attraction, additional facilities here include the Lighthouse Bistro and a great gift shop.
Beaumaris Castle
Castle Street
Beaumaris
Anglesey
Gwynedd
LL58 8AP
United Kingdom
Tel: 01248 810361
Beaumaris Castle is an imposing 13th century structure that was commissioned by Edward I. It was the last of the forts built by the king as part of his domination of North Wales, but it was never finished. Despite this it is an outstanding example of an Edwardian castle and a striking highlight to the Beaumaris scenery. A tour of the –although incomplete - castle shows how difficult it would have been to invade the stronghold.
Beaumaris Gaol and Courtroom
Steeple Lane
Beaumaris
Anglesey
Gwynedd
LL58 8EP
United Kingdom
Tel: 01248 810921
Beaumaris Gaol has changed little since it was constructed in the 1830s. The Victorian jail is chillingly atmospheric, where visitors can see the various cells and punishment methods, including the last intact treadmill in the UK and the gibbet where the prison’s two recorded hangings took place. The historic court dates back to the 17th century. Located opposite Beaumaris Castle, visitors can purchase a joint ticket for the gaol and court and experience an afternoon of Victorian justice.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL55 2AY
United Kingdom
Tel: 01286 677617
Caernarfon Castle is the most famous, and probably the most iconic, of Welsh castles. Dating back to the 13th Century, Caernarfon Castle was one of Edward I’s seats of power, built in an attempt to subdue the Welsh. It was designed along the same lines as the great walls of Constantinople. It has over the centuries seen a turbulent and fascinating history and today still towers majestically over the town of Caernarfon and is one of the country’s most well preserved castles, as well as a popular visitor site.
Centre for Alternative Technology
Machynlleth
Powys
SY20 9AZ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01654 705950
The Centre for Alternative Technology is tucked away in the beautiful surroundings of the Snowdonia National Park, and offers an intriguing day out in which the possibilities of alternative energy sources are explored. The visit commences with a 180ft climb aboard a water-powered railway, and goes on to reveal interactive exhibitions and displays that demonstrate the power of wind, water and the sun. There are also working examples of buildings, and organic growing and composting methods showing how we could minimise our impact on the environment.
Ffestiniog Railway
Harbour Station
Porthmadog
Gwynedd
LL49 9NF
United Kingdom
Tel: 01766 516000
The famous Welsh Highland Railway transports passengers under steam power through the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia National Park, between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog. It was originally built in 1832 as a narrow-gauge gravity railway to carry slate, then officially closed down in 1946. It was re-opened in 1955 under the dedicated organisation of enthusiasts. A great way for the whole family to take in the fabulous scenery of Snowdonia, the Ffestiniog Railway also has a programme of special events running throughout the year.
Foel Farm Park
Brynsiencyn
Anglesey
Gwynedd
LL61 6TQ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01248 430646
Foel Farm is a working farm on the Anglesey coast, and is an interactive family destination. Visitors can spend an hour feeding the animals, enjoy a children’s pony ride, or take a tractor tour around the grounds. There are is a café on site, a gift shop, and a chocolate workshop where you can watch delicious sweet treats being made before you buy yourself a truffle from the chocolate shop.
Greenwood Forest Park
Y Felinheli
Gwynedd
LL56 4QN
United Kingdom
Tel: 01248 671493
Greenwood Forest Park is set just back from the Menai Strait, close to Snowdonia. It is a family destination filled with rollercoasters, children’s rides and adventure playgrounds. There is an amphitheatre where summer events are held, arts and crafts opportunities, a pets corner, and a toddlers’ play area. Additional facilities include a café and giftshop, free parking, and disabled access.
Harlech Castle
Harlech
Gwynedd
LL46 2YH
United Kingdom
Tel: 01766 780552
Harlech Castle stands looking over the Welsh town of Harlech, as it has done since the 13th Century when it was built as part of Edward I’s extensive network of defensive castles. Despite its formidable appearance, the castle fell to Owain Glyndwr in 1404, and a parliament was established here. Harlech Castle was also besieged during the War of the Roses, and was the final Royalist stronghold to fall during the English Civil War. Today Harlech Castle is remarkably well preserved and makes a fascinating family day out.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Gwynedd
LL41 3NB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01766 830306
Llechwedd Slate Caverns are located close to Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales, and represent one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions. Here you will find a hands-on and entertaining representation of how life was for the people who worked in the slate industry. There are ten spectacular audio-visual displays in the caves telling the story of the Victorian slate miner, as well as Britain’s steepest passenger railway, while at the surface is a faithfully recreated Victorian village and the famous Miners Arms Victorian pub.
Portmeirion
Gwynedd
United Kingdom
Portmeirion is a unique village and resort destination in North Wales. Designed by Clough Williams-Ellis over 50 years, starting in 1925, Portmeirion is an Italianate village, reminiscent of a Genoese harbour town. The settlement is a resort, meaning that many of the buildings are exclusively guest accommodation, and day visits to the town are available for a small charge. There are visitor attractions, beautiful Mediterranean architecture and souvenir shops. Portmeirion has become something of a cult venue, due in no small part to it being the setting for the 1960s Patrick McGoohan classic ‘The Prisoner’.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Llanberis
Gwynedd
LL55 4TY
United Kingdom
Tel: 0844 4938120
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is the UK’s only rack and pinion mountain railway still in operation, and provides an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia, from Llanberis Station to the summit of Snowdon itself. The four and a half mile journey features a climb of over 3000ft, and has since 1896 been the most leisurely way of climbing the highest peak in Wales.
Snowdonia National Park
C/o Snowdonia National Park Authority
National Park Office
Penrhyndeudraeth
Gwynedd
LL48 6LF
United Kingdom
Tel: 01766 770274
Snowdonia National Park encompasses over 800 square miles of North Wales, dominating much of Gwynedd. The park incorporates a number of mountain ranges including Cadair Idris Mountain and the eponymous Snowdon, climbed as part of the Three Peaks Challenge. There are also a number of charming village destinations in the confines of the park boundaries and many family days out and activities.
See Our Feature on
Snowdonia National Park
Sygun Copper Mine
Beddgelert
Gwynedd
LL55 4NE
United Kingdom
Tel: 01766 890595
Sygun was originally a Victorian copper mine when Wales was at its industrial height. Today, this heritage site has an audiovisual tour describing how the copper was extracted from the mine as well as a display of naturally occurring stalagmites and stalactites. There is also a historical museum on site. Keen-eyed film fans may also be interested to know that the mountain into which the mine is set was used as a location for the Ingrid Bergman film ‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’.
Welsh Slate Museum
Padarn Country Park
Llanberis
Gwynedd
LL55 4TY
United Kingdom
Tel: 01286 870630
For centuries the people of Snowdonia relied on slate quarrying as a source of income, and the Welsh slate industry was one of the most extensive in the world. The Welsh Slate Museum is set amidst stunning Snowdonian scenery, and provides a fascinating insight into the history of slate quarrying. A remarkably ‘hands-on’ and entertaining approach is taken, and the museum is home to beautifully recreated buildings, as well as one of the largest working water wheels in the world.