North Wales

North Wales delivers pure adventure with Snowdonia's dramatic peaks and the spectacular coastal beauty that made it Wales' first World Surfing Reserve. The North Wales Way scenic route connects UNESCO World Heritage castles at Conwy, Caernarfon, and Beaumaris with mountain passes like the breathtaking Llanberis Pass. Families can experience the world's fastest zipline at Zip World Velocity, explore underground trampolines in slate mines at Bounce Below, or take steam trains through Snowdonia's heart while kids hunt for red kites overhead.

Couples find romance at Portmeirion's Italianate village, Llanddwyn Island's spectacular sunsets, and medieval Conwy's intimate harbor walks. The region's culinary treasures include Conwy mussels from the Menai Strait, hearty Welsh cawl stew, and proper Welsh rarebit that puts English versions to shame. Don't miss hiking Pen y Fan on clear days for views stretching to Ireland, or discovering hidden waterfalls in the Ogwen Valley.

Mountain roads require careful navigation but offer the dramatic views such as via Llanberis Pass. Spring through early autumn offers the best weather, though winter brings snow-capped mountain drama and cozy pub evenings. The region's compact size means you can experience everything from surfing at Anglesey's beaches to conquering Wales' highest peaks, all while sampling the world's best Welsh rarebit and discovering why this corner of Britain has inspired poets for centuries.