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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Must visit beaches/places North Wales

48 replies

Atstritchsitchmitch · 29/06/2025 16:52

We have 6 nights in 3 locations, Amlwch, Caernarfon and Aberdunant Hall. Is there anywhere you would have on your list for must visit places/beaches/restaurants/food places?

So far I'm thinking a boat trip to Puffin Island, Trearddur Bay, Greenwood Family Park, Portmeirion, Barmouth.

Any other suggestions?

OP posts:
TonstantWeader · 29/06/2025 17:50

I'm assuming by the fact that you've mentioned Greenwood that you'll be with DC? And that you have your own transport? If so, I'd recommend Caernarfon Castle and Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) which is right next door and has lovely cafes. You can also drop into the Welsh Highland Railway station and see steam trains. There are loads of nice places to eat in Caernarfon but would recommend Wal on Palas St and the cafe on the Maes opposite the castle. Dinas Dinlle is a lovely beach about 5 miles away from Caernarfon with good cafes and gorgeous views. Newborough beach on Anglesey is also pretty as is Church Bay.

I'd also suggest Beddgelert where Glaslyn Ices do the best ice-cream in N Wales IMO. There's a walk down by the river and you're not far from the Sygun Copper Mine. You might find Barmouth a bit far tbh but Harlech is a bit closer and has a nice sandy beach as well as its castle. Also have a look at Criccieth which has castle & beach plus Dylan's restaurant and Cadwaladr's icecream. Have fun!

Atstritchsitchmitch · 29/06/2025 18:41

Perfect - thank you so much, I'm busy googling all of these places! We're travelling with DC + own transport 😊

OP posts:
Funf · 30/06/2025 10:06

Its a fantastic area you are going to, Caernarfon is at the top of the Llyn Peninsular which has some fantastic beaches and plenty to see and do.
Another vote for Criccieth, like stepping back in time but in a good way.
Llanbedrog, great beach with a nice beach restaurant, The Ty Coch inn voted in the top 10 beach bars in the world, its a 20 minute walk across a golf course from the car park but well worth it.
Our favourite eating place is Caffi Largo in Pwllheli, nice people and traditional home made food, Dog and child friendly too, it's best to book though.

Useyourfork · 30/06/2025 10:24

The Black Boy in Caernarfon has a play area directly opposite where you can let the children play in full view if you get a table outside.
We enjoyed Beaumaris in Anglesey too.

TallulahBetty · 30/06/2025 10:25

Llandudno - the Great Orme cable car is brilliant

CissOff · 30/06/2025 10:28

Portmeirion was the biggest waste of time and money in my experience. It’s a case of ‘oooh pretty’ for 10/20 mins and that’s it. You can’t even go in the properties and they have signs telling you to not peer through the windows (because they are rentals).

Barmouth has a lovely beach and I also recommend Criccieth for a wander.

We did the bounce below at the slate mines which the DC enjoyed for an hour but they are older and soon got bored. The zip lines looked good though!

Atstritchsitchmitch · 30/06/2025 12:49

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate all the replies, I'll definitely be looking at the places suggested.

Interesting you say that re Portmeirion, I always thought it was a must-do.

I'm now thinking as pretty as Barmouth looks, we maybe concentrate a little higher up as there seems to be so many places there to visit. I'll have to go back and do all the areas we don't get to!

I've booked a Puffin Cruise, apparently we need to get there very very early to find parking, so hopefully we can find somewhere nice for breakfast, if anyone has any suggestions?

OP posts:
Atstritchsitchmitch · 30/06/2025 12:49

Also wondering about visiting the jail there..

OP posts:
KimHwn · 30/06/2025 12:56

Barmouth is a long trek and though bits of it are lovely, the amusements etc have a definite air of a seaside town having seen better days. Harlech is nicer imo, though not much to do if it rains.
Portmeirion is marmite! I don't really get it tbh, though some go mad for it.
I'd go to Cwm Idwal- it's really very very rugged and beautiful. Otherwise, there are so many amazing places to walk that the tourists don't bother with! Llyn Cwm Dulyn is amazing.

Funf · 30/06/2025 18:57

Atstritchsitchmitch · 30/06/2025 12:49

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate all the replies, I'll definitely be looking at the places suggested.

Interesting you say that re Portmeirion, I always thought it was a must-do.

I'm now thinking as pretty as Barmouth looks, we maybe concentrate a little higher up as there seems to be so many places there to visit. I'll have to go back and do all the areas we don't get to!

I've booked a Puffin Cruise, apparently we need to get there very very early to find parking, so hopefully we can find somewhere nice for breakfast, if anyone has any suggestions?

Barmouth is a very nice place, we tend to go there Via llangollen, Llandegla Fishery then Bala lake makes the journey in to a day out
Then head North to the Llyn peninsular or South
Machynlleth ( Market Day is fab)
Borth small but nice ok for surfing too
Aberystwyth
Aberaeron
New Quay
and one of the best but don't tell any one
Aberporth.

chattyness · 30/06/2025 19:05

Harlech and Cricceth. both have castles and beaches , long time since I visited so not sure what else they've got. Conwy... another castle and also the smallest house in the UK

27pilates · 30/06/2025 19:08

Newborough and Benllech /Red Wharf bay are beautiful beaches to visit.

KittyPup · 30/06/2025 19:18

Also following all of the fab recommendations. Could anyone recommend any nice places to stay in those areas? I’ve googled holiday parks etc. but there are so many to choose from.

Notreallyme27 · 30/06/2025 19:22

I’ve never seen a more beautiful beach in the UK than Newborough. Definitely worth a visit.

Lisbeth50 · 30/06/2025 19:28

Ffestiniog railway at Porthmadog. Harlech Castle and beach. Criccieth. Caernarfon Castle. Beddgelert. Llanberis. Beaumaris.

MedievalNun · 30/06/2025 19:40

Atstritchsitchmitch · 30/06/2025 12:49

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate all the replies, I'll definitely be looking at the places suggested.

Interesting you say that re Portmeirion, I always thought it was a must-do.

I'm now thinking as pretty as Barmouth looks, we maybe concentrate a little higher up as there seems to be so many places there to visit. I'll have to go back and do all the areas we don't get to!

I've booked a Puffin Cruise, apparently we need to get there very very early to find parking, so hopefully we can find somewhere nice for breakfast, if anyone has any suggestions?

Beaumaris: park on the green on the front, I think it’s now £5 for the day & there’s plenty. If you want to do the Jail get the duo tickets that let you into the old Courthouse on the square opposite the castle. The castle is amazing and if you’re there in August then the Medieval Fayre over the Bank Holiday is fantastic - it’s full of all sorts, as well as a mini medieval village in the inner bailey which will have a bowyer, barber surgeon, forester & quite a few others.

Don’t get chips in Beau, use Sea Wave in Menai Bridge, far better and cheaper. And you can ring the orders in.

Afternoon tea in the Bulkeley is good & they often have craft fairs there on a Sunday; there’s often a craft fair outside the library on a Sunday too.

Wal in Caernarfon is fantastic, the medieval walls in the back are part of the old town.

Harlech is great; there’s a lovely little ice cream shop just up the hill from the castle & a deli / pie shop opposite that does amazing pasties as does the one at the top of the hill.

Portmeirion is pretty but definitely overrated; Barmouth is quite a drive from Caernarfon even with the new bypasses and is basically a long street with the admittedly nice beach and fair behind it. There’s more to see in Harlech / Criccieth tbh. If you want a run down the Llŷn Aberdaron is pretty and has a nice beach but parking can be an issue. Dinas Dinlle has the (stony) beach, the hillfort, and an air museum so is also worth a visit.

if you’re intending doing the castles, I’d suggest a Cadw membership as you’ll make it back even if you only visit Beau / Harlech / Caernarfon and it gives you access to loads of other places, including the Tudor House in Conwy.

hope this helps.

TimothyIsNotAnArmardillo · 30/06/2025 19:41

I love Portmeirion, but with young children I can see how it may not have enough to be worth it
Llanfair Slate Caverns are great - it's a self guided tour so you aren't truing to keep up with a group
Sygun Copper Mines
Ffestiniog Railway
Harlech Castle

user2848502016 · 30/06/2025 19:47

Had nice food in The Anglesey in Caernarfon recently, you can sit outside if it’s nice and you’re directly on the quayside. Also if you walk across the footbridge and up the wooden steps you get to a lovely big playground.

Depending on your DCs ages Pili Palas and the sea zoo on Anglesey are good to visit.
Llanddwyn beach is stunning

Redburnett · 30/06/2025 19:53

A long time since I visited but we used to go to Stone Science (fossils etc), Anglesey Sea Zoo and the farm park next door. Might be a bit far from Amlwch though.

TonstantWeader · 30/06/2025 20:05

Atstritchsitchmitch · 29/06/2025 18:41

Perfect - thank you so much, I'm busy googling all of these places! We're travelling with DC + own transport 😊

Edited

You’re v welcome 🤗 also, forgot to mention Black Rock Sands beach at Morfa Bychan just outside Porthmadog, which is our second favourite beach in that neck of the woods. Though it doesn’t have any cafes, so take a picnic.

Agree on Portmeirion btw. DH and I had a gorgeous overnight dinner, B&B package there which got us free entry. Not sure I’d have thought it worth the entrance fee.

ErrolTheDragon · 30/06/2025 20:17

Be aware with Puffin Island that if you’re going in the school holidays it may be just that bit late for them, depending on how the season is this year. We went on the Puffin Island boat ride on a visit near the start of the school hols some years ago and saw precisely one, briefly, in flight. I think we probably saw a few other birds and enjoyed the boat ride, but don’t get your kids excited that they’ll definitely see puffins.
https://discovernorthwales.com/puffins-on-anglesey/

North Wales is brilliant though - one of the best areas of the U.K. imo for having activities and attractions for all weathers.

Puffins on Anglesey

Where Can You See Puffins on Anglesey Island? | Discover North Wales

Today, viewing puffins on Anglesey has become a rite of passage for many visitors to the island. These cute little birds, distinguishable by their bright…

https://discovernorthwales.com/puffins-on-anglesey/

Atstritchsitchmitch · 30/06/2025 20:20

Thank you so much everyone for all of your replies, I'm googling and AA route planning (plus menu reading!) everything right now and narrowing down our route, its been so helpful.

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Saisong · 30/06/2025 20:37

As you are based in Amlwch you should do the Copper Mountain walk - it's an old copper mine, it's like a lunar landscape, the colours are amazing. There are gorgeous beaches all over Anglesey - Cemaes (great rockpools), Moelfre, Benllech, Lligwy, Newborough, Cable Bay, Rhosneigr, Trearddur and more....
I'd really recommend Penrhos Country Park - walk through the woods and find the secret beach - it looks like the Caribbean (see pic).
Also Penmon Point is lovely with views over Puffin island and the lighthouse, there is a cafe and a very old Priory that is sometimes open with an interesting stone dovecote. Can combine with a visit to Beaumaris.
Look out for Cadnant Hidden Gardens also on way to B'maris. And the walk up to Aberlleiniog castle - a hidden motte & bailey ruin.

Must visit beaches/places North Wales
LizaRadleywasonthespectrum · 30/06/2025 20:55

Its called Parys Mountain not the copper mountain walk. There is also a copper mine on the Great Orme in Llandudno.

jmh740 · 30/06/2025 20:59

Beddgelert is worth a visit, she'll island, Criccieth, Conway, railway at Llanberis