North Wales with young children

[Welshwishes]

I’m trying to plan a family holiday to Wales for 5-6 days in August. Children will be 4, 2 and 4 months old. Ideally looking at North Wales as its most accessible from where we live. But I’ve never been, and Google is bringing up all sorts of lovely ideas, and I can’t narrow it down!

I’d like for us to stay somewhere that we can use as a base for several days out to beaches, villages or towns, (short-ish, toddler-friendly) walks, etc. The days out can’t really be more than a 20-30 min drive away from our base as the bigger two children are very travel sick and the middle one is prone to falling into a deep sleep for 3h… Recommendations for some nice cafes/pubs would be gratefully received. Proximity to rock pools would be bonus!

Please help! Thank you.

I live in north wales but on the east side. I am a huge fan of Anglesey, it’s absolutely gorgeous with stunning beaches all over. Lovely food in the oyster catcher and Dylan’s. Beaumaris is close and lovely to visit and greenwood forest park which is fab for a family day out with young kids

The Ffestiniog and/or Tallylyn railways should keep them happy

The Tallylyn looks like the return to Twywn of every train is a miracle and they do want to encourage even the smallest children to take in interest

Second Dylans we loved it and went two nights in a row. They have a few locations in that area.

Black rock sands!

Llandudno. Two beaches (North and West Shore, with a land train ride between the two), pier, amusements, go up the Orme on a tram, lots of restaurants and soft play for a rainy day… go to Conwy for the day (only ten mins away), walk the walls, visit the castle, go crabbing, jet boat ride, more beaches…
Welsh Mountain Zoo ten mins away in Colwyn Heights, Rhos on Sea (5 mins from Llandudno) is a lovely town to visit with a lovely beach, cafes and shops.

I would go for Anglesey Benllech area on the East coast. Apart from Beaches you have Pili Palas (butterfly park/farm type place), Tacla Taid (small transport museum), Greenwood park about 20 mins drive over on the mainland, Caernarfon and Llanberis just about within 30 minutes drive.

Go for Caernarfon. Lots to do in Caernarfon itself, castle, boat trips, steam train, scoops pancake / ice cream cafe, coed Helen park, crabbing. Gypsywood is ideal for this age and less than 5 minutes away. Greenwood forest park good too and again 5 minutes away. Llanberis has the lake, mountains, little train and is 10 minutes drive. Dinas dinlle beach is 10 minutes away and there’s a little airport you can watch planes and helicopters from (even a pleasure ride if you want), plus cafes, park, big hill to explore. Over in Anglesey you have pila pala and foel farm. Bangor has a nice pier and a walk up to Roman camp / stone circles. What kind of accommodation are you after?

Trearddur Bay, Anglesey

Anglesey or the areas on the straits, around the Menai Bridge. Going over the bridge itself a lot in the car was really enjoyable. Stayed in Y Felinheli, but mostly drove out to places from there.
Greenwood Parc was an unexpected hit, didn't know it was there but as it was close, went on the last day, which even was rainy off and on, but it went down well. Rhosneigr was our favourite beach, especially towards evening, where many rock pools and interesting sea life was revealed. Very quiet at that time even in holidays.

It's a difficult one. I love the area.
No I am going to disclose some of the area hidden gems as its such an important holiday.
If you like Fish Chips and Bingo then one of the holiday camps near Towyn, Rhyl etc would be great.
This Cafe is a 10 minute drive away, just off the A55 we use it when passing as its so good, but you would never find it unless told about it.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g663600-d19859961-Reviews-The_Flowerpot_Cafe-St_Asaph_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html

Llandudno is also another good base slightly more upmarket, but it also has some hidden gems this beach is often deserted in the summer.
https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/things-to-do/conwy-morfa-beach-p293451
Conwy is nearby it's a medieval walled town you can tell the kids all about the knights and dragons etc.Good fro Crab Fishing too
Best Chippy is a short drive at llandudno Junction.
https://www.enochs.co.uk
Rhos on Sea is a 10 minute drive from llandudno, it has a good kids play area and a paddling pool but just check.
https://rhosonsea.com

Now for something a little and only a little further away
The Llyn Peninsular is a fantastic location nothing is too far away.
I have heard good things about this caravan park, but plenty to choose from.
https://www.haven.com/parks/north-wales/hafan-y-mor

Criccieth, like stepping back in time in a good way, beach rock pools etc
Llanbedrog
Fantastic beach walk up the headland, and a quality restaurant on the beach but best to book.
https://aquabeachbar.co.uk

Abersoch
I find it snobby and not dog friendly so not really a fan but it's nice and loads of people love it.
We have Pizza here and watch the expensive boats being towed across the main road back in to storage.
http://crust.wales

Another gem, voted as one of the Top 10 Beach Bars in the world, its not cheap but what a location.
Get yourself a trolly for the kids its at least a 20 minute walk from the nearest carpark ( Golf Club £5) You can sometimes see seals from the headland.
http://www.tycoch.co.uk

The best Cafe in the area is Caffi Largo in Pwllheli, its on the beach too, but open all year the cakes are fantastic, best to book, very dog and kid friendly too.
We always take cake home.
https://www.facebook.com/CaffiLargo/

Let me know where you are travelling from as I might know a few good stop off points.

Excellent advice

I have been to Greenacres haven nearly every year since my kids were babies. The youngest is now 10. Loads to see nearby and black rock sands is a fantastic beach. You can drive onto it which means you can pack the car with everything and kids can have a nap and you don't need to leave.
Caernarfon is also great with loads to see as is Anglesey.