Visitor Guide to Snowdonia and North West Wales

Best known for its sweeping beaches, rugged Snowdonia, wildlife walks and imposing castles, North West Wales has something for everyone.

Discover the distant past at Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech Castles, and the more recent naturally beautiful Italianate Portmeirion village and gardens.

From nearby Bangor, the oldest city in Wales, cross the narrow Menai Straits over the stunning Thomas Telford Menai Suspension Bridge or Stephenson's Pont Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Angelsey to explore the varied shoreline, enjoy sandy beaches around Red Wharf Bay, visit Beaumaris with its castle and don't miss Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch!

Explore the rugged Llyn Peninsular Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for watersports, walks and wildlife. Take one of the daily seasonal crossings to the ancient pilgrimage site of Bardsey Island or visit the seaside towns of Criccieth, Abersoch or Pwllhelli to the south.

Visit Snowdonia National Park to walk in the breathtaking scenery, take a journey on a narrow guage railway, especially the 4.5 mile Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis to the mountain summit or visit the towns of Dolgellau and Betws y Coed. With Snowdonia mountains as its backdrop, the world famous Bodnant Gardens will not disappoint.

To the east, visit Llangollen, host to the International Musical Eisteddfod, and enjoy a trip back in time on the Steam Railway, horse drawn boat trips from the canal wharf towards the Horseshoe Falls or a narrowboat trip over the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Stay longer as part of a canal boat holiday on the Llangollen Canal.