North Wales Travel Tips

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Bala

Lots to see and do,we went water rafting ,cannoing,walking,mountain biking,and did a bit of relaxing, in the evening we went to a small restaurant on the high street called awel yr aran,{look out for it or you will pass it}it is down by the celfi penllyn hardware store,we eat out every night and out of 12 nights we went back there 9 nights we did give the others a try but didnt compare - seymore

Bala Town Details

Barmouth

Great place for a family holiday. Lovely clean, safe beach surrounded by mountains. The kiddies loved the donkey rides on the beach - such a rare thing to see these days. Plenty of other things to occupy them too: trampolines, mini funfair with old fashioned dodgem cars, the usual ‘beach food’ stalls and even a little train up and down the rather long promenade. We will definitely be going back next year! Webb family, Birmingham.

I really cannot think of anything better to do in Britain than paddle in the sea on Barmouth beach whilst watching the sun go down. Spectacular. Jane S. ex-resident.

If you love fresh seafood you have to visit ‘the lobster pond’ down at the harbour. There we had the best fresh crab and prawns baguettes we’ve ever tasted and for under £4 each! You can also choose a live lobster to eat and they will prepare it and everything but we didn’t have the heart to do so! Ken and Kay, tourists.

Barmouth Town Details

Beaumaris

Beaumaris is well known for its castle and the beautiful views across the Menai Strait, but for family outings the pier is the best draw. There are two reasons for this. The first is the crabbing, something that even in the drizzle that spoils other activities will keep kids amused for hours. The shop at the pier sells all the kit needed – a line with some meat of unknown origin held in a net, and a bucket to fill with seawater and keep the catch in before returning it to the sea. There are common crabs and green shore crabs, and probably others besides. The sport is in landing the crabs which are drawn to the meat and cling on to it when they are raised pierwards. Most jump for it as they are pulled up, but a few are so enamoured of the feast that they can be dropped in the waiting bucket and observed with wonder by the kids. It’s a competition too, as rival parties proudly proclaim their haul. - rhys
Beaumaris is a well known historic town on the Menai Strait with its medieval castle dating back to the reign of Edward I and its Victorian pier, goal & courthouse. It is also a major centre for yachting and also boasts two golf courses within one mile of the town. There is a good selection of shops, restaurants and public houses in the town and all local amenities are within easy walking distance of the premises. plans have been approved for the building of a marina just out side the town, this will provide berths for approximately 400 boats, work is planned to commence in the near future. - Shona The second joy may take some pre-planning, but you can hit lucky too. There are sea-fishing trips that run from the pier. The straits offer some pretty sheltered marks, and it is lovely to sail around Puffin Island just for the sights. There is still very good fishing here, and the skippers know their stuff, starting with some “mackerel bashing” to ensure everyone has had a plentiful catch. They provide rods if needed, and in my experience are very helpful with the uninitiated and with kids. The mackerel attack the feathers put out for them with a frenzy, and reeling them in is amazing. There are plenty of wrecks and other places for bass and pollock fishing here too, plus dogfish and tope. And for the more daring and experienced there may be congers to be had. In the extremely unlikely event of someone blanking on a trip, there is always the consolation of the beautiful countryside and the wildlife.

Beaumaris Town Details

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog ( pop 5000) sits in the centre of the Snowdonia National Park within the natural, elevated bowl of the Vale of Ffestiniog. The town hosts the National Park’s Information Centre but the actual park boundaries have been drawn to exclude poor Blaenau - seems slightly unfair ! Perhaps this exclusion is due to the huge spoil mounds - reminders of Blaenau’s proud history as centre of the slate quarrying industry. The narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway links the northern terminus at Blaenau Ffestiniog with Porthmadog on the coast travelling through breathtaking natural scenary. From Tanybwlch Halt you can follow the nature trail through Coed Llyn Mair National Nature Reserve. Discover Campells Platform – a private and exclusive halt for visitors and residents of restored medieval Plas –y -Duallt. Though major attractions at Blaenau Ffestiniog are generally linked with the past slate mining, the central Oriel Moelwen Gallery is well worth visiting. Llechwedd Slate Caverns (A470 between Blaenau Ffestiniog & Dolwyddelan.) is a major family attraction.Take the Miner's Tramway into the side of the mountain , risk the Deep Mine tour or just enjoy theVictorian mining village. Further afield visit Beddgelert or Betws –y-Coed for history, myth and craft galleries galore.

Blaenau Ffestiniog Town Details

Holyhead

The Britannia Inn (known locally as the Branch) is a friendly pub with customer age from early 20's upwards. Good standard of friendly pool played every night Karaoke every Friday evening - Alan

Holyhead Town Details

Llandudno

There are loads of B&Bs on the road up to the Gt Orme tram station – cheaper than the sea-front hotels, probably due to the on-street only parking! But all the ones I’ve stayed in have been warm, comfortable & friendly with wonderful full English breakfasts that are so generous you don’t need lunch! Cathryn …. frequent visitor

Llandudno Town Details

Llangollen

Been there seven times (from U.S.) One of the most charming and beautiful places I have EVER visited and I've traveled widely. I particularly liked the Wine Bar, the Corn Mill (both delicious food) and for shopping, NOTHING beats the unique Welsh Country Crafts Shop at 37 Castle Street. Their upscale merchandise almost destroyed my entire tour budget for lovely things to bring back to my friends and family - Rudy

Llangollen Town Details