What to do in North Wales

Your next great trip starts right here, right now! Escape the everyday and experience the magic of North Wales. A place abundant in stunning scenery, where mountains meet coastlines. We’ve pulled together our top recommendations for an unforgettable visit and easily accessing these incredible locations by train and bus. Get ready to explore.

Why visit North Wales?

Natural beauty and outdoors: Get ready for stunning scenery, from the mighty mountain ranges and national parks to the golden sands of the coastline. You’ll find world-class hiking, beautiful gardens and endless opportunities for coastal adventures and wildlife spotting.

History and heritage: Explore history brought to life through majestic medieval castles and ancient fortifications. You can also discover incredible industrial engineering marvels and enjoy scenic journeys on heritage railways.

Adventure and activities: This is where the adrenaline is! You’ll find epic challenges like high-speed zip lines and unique experiences inside deep underground quarries. For water fans, we’ve got thrilling options including canyoning and white water rafting.

Charming towns and culture: Discover unique and colourful villages and enjoy the Victorian elegance of traditional British seaside resorts. These welcoming towns and cities are perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after your journey.

Why not use our app? It lets you see all our budget-friendly travel deals in one place.

Top five things to do in North Wales

We've picked five of the best things to do in North Wales that are easy to access by train or bus:

1. Conwy Castle: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. You can easily reach it by train, with Conwy station right on the doorstep. While you’re there, don't miss the smallest house in Great Britain!

2. Hike or ride Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): Whether you take the scenic Mountain Railway to the summit or choose a hiking trail, the views from Wales' highest peak are simply incredible. Look for bus services which connect directly from Betws-y-Coed and Bangor railway stations.

3. Experience a touch of Italy at Portmeirion: A truly unique and colourful destination. Take the train to Minffordd station and the village is just a short walk away.

4. Zip wire adventures: For the adrenaline junkies, places like Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (home to the world's fastest zip line) and Zip World Llechwedd offer unforgettable thrills. Regular bus services from Bangor and Llandudno connect to the nearest towns.

5. Stroll the Llandudno Promenade: A classic Victorian seaside resort with a charming pier, perfect for a relaxing day out with plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat.

Cities to visit in North Wales

North Wales boasts vibrant cities and charming towns that are perfect to explore by train. We’ve picked out some of the best that you can easily reach on our network:

Wrexham: Discover the largest town in North Wales, recently granted city status. It’s famous for its thriving university, football club and historic sites like St Giles' Parish Church.

Bangor: One of Wales’s oldest cities, Bangor offers a mix of urban life and stunning natural beauty. Explore the Victorian pier and enjoy the fantastic views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey.

Llandudno: Though often called a seaside resort, this town has the elegant feel of a major destination. It's a classic Victorian getaway with a famous pier and the magnificent Great Orme headland.

Chester: While technically in England, this historic cathedral city is an essential part of the North Wales experience and easily accessible via our trains. You’ll love wandering along the unique medieval streets and exploring the beautiful Roman walls.

History in North Wales

North Wales is a perfect destination for history lovers, filled with plenty of unusual things to see.

Castles galore: We’ve got a selection of Edward I’s ‘Iron Ring’ castles. You can wander through the colossal Caernarfon Castle or explore the impressive symmetry of Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey. Reach both via bus links from Bangor and Llandudno Junction railway stations.

Engineering wonders: Don't forget the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and incredible feat of Industrial Revolution engineering. Take a train to Ruabon station and connect with bus services for easy access.

Ancient sites: The region is full of heritage, from the Bronze Age Great Orme Copper Mine to the medieval Valle Crucis Abbey. The Great Orme is near Llandudno station and the Abbey is accessible by bus from Ruabon.

Outdoor attractions in North Wales

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, here’s what to do in North Wales for you.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park: A huge area perfect for hiking, cycling and taking in breathtaking scenery. Look for bus services which connect directly from Betws-y-Coed and Bangor railway stations.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo: Overlooking Colwyn Bay, it's home to around 80 species, including tigers and lemurs. Take the train to Colwyn Bay station and it's a short bus ride or walk from there.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia: If you’re looking for an active day out, this place offers climbing, caving and more, suitable for all ages! Hop on a train to Dolgarrog station, just a short distance from the site.

Bodnant Garden: Prepare to be amazed by this stunning, world-famous garden. It’s beautiful in all seasons. Take the train to Tal-y-Cafn station; the garden entrance is close by.

Things to do in North Wales for kids

North Wales offers the perfect family day out, with plenty of things to do for kids.

Bounce Below (at Zip World): Jump on huge trampolines inside a vast, illuminated underground cavern. Super unique and lots of fun for all ages. Take a bus from Blaenau Ffestiniog station to the site.

Heritage train rides: Kids adore trains! Enjoy a scenic journey on the Ffestiniog Railway through forests and mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! The Ffestiniog Railway is accessible from the main line at Blaenau Ffestiniog station.

Manorafon Family Park: A farm park in Abergele with animals, indoor play and pedal go karts. It’s a short walk from Abergele & Pensarn railway station.

Explore slate caverns and mines: Take the family deep underground to explore the heritage of Welsh slate mining, a thrilling educational experience for all ages. Look for local bus connections from Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog railway stations.

Things to do in North Wales for couples

North Wales offers stunning, romantic backdrops for a memorable trip for two.

The Anglesey Coastal Path: Enjoy a walk along the stunning coastline with gorgeous views. Access the path easily from several stations along the North Wales coastline, including Holyhead.

Romantic heritage train journey: Enjoy a scenic and nostalgic trip together on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. It’s a fantastic, relaxing way to share the dramatic mountain scenery and forests of Snowdonia. Connect to the railways directly from the main line at Blaenau Ffestiniog station.

Discover the Great Orme: Take the historic Great Orme Tramway or cable car together for incredible, sweeping coastal views over Llandudno. It’s a unique way to enjoy the Welsh coastline and take a memorable selfie. Llandudno station is just a short walk to the start of the Tramway.

Visit Swallow Falls: Explore this stunning cascade near Betws-y-Coed. It’s one of the most famous natural sights in North Wales and a perfect spot for a romantic woodland walk. Regular bus services run to Swallow Falls from Betws-y-Coed railway station.

Ready to experience North Wales? Plan your journey now using our website or download our handy app to buy your tickets and find our lowest-priced fares with no booking fees.