For guests travelling from Ireland and further afield
Attractions in North Wales
A few simple ideas for a spare morning, afternoon or day around North Wales: ferry-friendly stops on Anglesey, easy places along the A55, coastal wanders near Criccieth, mountain villages and practical shops for the weekend.
Overview map
For Holyhead ferry arrivals
Attractions on Anglesey / Ynys Môn
A relaxed island loop works well for guests arriving from Ireland: beaches, coastal towns, easy walks, food stops and a couple of good drinks options before heading towards Criccieth.
Freckled Angel, Menai Bridge
A well-regarded small-plates restaurant in Menai Bridge. It is a lovely dinner option after exploring Anglesey or crossing the Menai Strait.
Beaumaris
A pretty seaside town with a castle, pier, mountain views and places for lunch or a drink. Best for a relaxed wander rather than a full-day activity.
Parys Mountain
A dramatic former copper mine with colourful, otherworldly landscapes. There are short walking routes and excellent views, so it is an easy add-on to an island drive.
Newborough Beach, Forest & Ynys Llanddwyn
One of Anglesey’s best beach-and-walk spots, with forest trails, dunes and wide sandy beaches. Ynys Llanddwyn is especially scenic, with views across to Eryri / Snowdonia.
The Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr & nearby beach
A good coastal food stop near Rhosneigr. The nearby beach is sandy and popular for a walk, watersports and sunset views.
Bragdy Cybi, Holyhead
A small Anglesey craft brewery with a taproom and bottle shop in Holyhead. Very handy for anyone arriving or leaving by ferry.
For guests coming along the A55
Conwy and the A55 route
These are good stops for anyone driving across North Wales or flying into north-west England and travelling in by car.
Bodnant Garden
A beautiful National Trust garden near Conwy, known for terraces, woodland walks and seasonal planting. It is a peaceful stop, especially in spring and summer.
Conwy Castle and town walls
A classic North Wales castle with impressive medieval walls and views over the estuary. The town itself is also lovely for a short wander, coffee or lunch.
Betws-y-Coed
A pretty village in Eryri / Snowdonia, surrounded by woodland, rivers and waterfalls. Good for cafés, short walks and mountain scenery if you want to go a little further inland.
North Snowdonia from the A55 side
North Snowdonia
If you fancy a mountain detour, Llanberis is a good base for lake time, Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa and plenty of classic Eryri walks.
Llanberis & the lake
Llanberis sits beside Llyn Padarn and makes an easy stop or half-day out. You can hire a paddleboard, take a swim, or simply enjoy the lake views and village setting.
Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa
The tallest mountain in Wales, with a variety of walking routes for different abilities, including options starting from Llanberis. If you would rather not hike, the mountain railway runs up from Llanberis in season.
Other mountains and walks
There are numerous other routes across Eryri, from gentler lakeside walks to bigger mountain days. If you enjoy the scenery around Llanberis, there is no shortage of other walks nearby.
Close to where many guests will stay
Criccieth area
Criccieth is a gentle seaside base close to Talhenbont Hall, with beaches, castle views, cafés and easy access to Porthmadog.
Criccieth
A small seaside town with a relaxed feel and lovely views across Cardigan Bay. It works well as a base for exploring the coast before or after the wedding.
Criccieth Castle
A ruined castle set dramatically on a headland above the sea. It is worth visiting for the views as much as the history.
Beaches near Criccieth
Criccieth has beaches on both sides of the castle, with sand, shingle and rock pools. Good for a gentle walk, paddling or a quiet coastal afternoon.
Purple Moose Brewery / Brewery Shop
A well-known North Wales brewery based in Porthmadog, close to Criccieth and Beddgelert. The brewery shop is an easy stop for anyone exploring this side of the coast.
Eryri / Snowdonia near Criccieth
Snowdonia near Criccieth
For a change from the coast, these are easy mountain-side and slate-heritage options from Criccieth and Porthmadog.
Beddgelert
A charming mountain village with riverside walks and easy access to Eryri / Snowdonia scenery. It is a lovely place to stop for lunch or a short wander.
Sygun Copper Mine
A historic mine near Beddgelert where you can explore old tunnels and caverns. A good slightly different activity, especially if the weather is poor.
Inigo Jones Slate Works
A historic Welsh slateworks near Caernarfon, originally founded in 1861. The self-guided tour, craft showroom, gift shop and café make it a gentle cultural stop between Criccieth, Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
Slower coastal exploring
Llŷn Peninsula
The Llŷn feels quieter and more remote, with beaches, cliffs, villages and winding coastal lanes. It is best for a relaxed scenic drive rather than trying to rush everything in one day.
Llŷn Peninsula
A scenic coastal area with beaches, cliffs, villages and quiet lanes. It is great for a slower drive, with plenty of places to stop for sea views.
Aberdaron Beach
A lovely sandy beach at the western end of the Llŷn Peninsula. Good for walking, swimming in calm weather and enjoying views across the bay.
Other Llŷn beaches
The peninsula has several beautiful beaches, from quiet coves to longer sandy stretches. Good options include Porthor / Whistling Sands, Nefyn, Porthdinllaen and Abersoch.