Getting Here
Routes from Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff and London — by car (M56, A55, A470), train and coach. Journey times from major cities and tips for avoiding delays on the A55.
Getting here →At a glance
North Wales offers 412 verified attractions across seven distinct regions. Use these planning guides to choose your base, work out your budget, time your visit for the best weather and book the right activities. Ready-made itineraries from 2 to 7 days take the hard work out of planning.
Planning Guides
Getting Around
Car hire, heritage railways (Snowdon Mountain Railway, Ffestiniog Railway), the Snowdon Sherpa bus, Conwy Valley Line, Cambrian Coast Line and cycling routes.
Getting around →Where to Stay
The best base towns for each type of holiday — Llanberis for Snowdonia walking, Conwy for heritage, Llandudno for coastal, Bala for the south — plus tips on campsites, B&Bs and hotels.
Where to stay →Budget Guide
Realistic daily costs for budget (£85–£150), mid-range (£150–£250) and premium (£250+) visitors. The 60+ free attractions in North Wales make a budget week very achievable.
Budget guide →Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and what's open. May and September are the sweet spots. Summer is warmest but busiest; winter gives the emptiest mountains.
Seasons guide →Rainy Day Ideas
North Wales has 250+ wet-day options — underground slate caverns, free national museums, Portmeirion in the rain, and the best cafés to wait out a shower. Weather here changes fast.
Rainy day ideas →Ready-Made Itineraries
2-Day Itinerary
Conwy Castle and town walls, Bodnant Garden and the Great Orme — the essential North Wales weekend. Based in Llandudno or Conwy. From ~£85 per person per day.
2-day plan →3-Day Itinerary
Conwy, Snowdon and Beaumaris — two UNESCO castles and the highest mountain in England and Wales. The most popular North Wales break length. From ~£110 per person per day.
3-day plan →5-Day Itinerary
The full Snowdonia and Anglesey circuit — adds Caernarfon, Portmeirion, Ffestiniog Railway and Newborough Beach. Room for one big mountain day and one coast day.
5-day plan →7-Day Itinerary
All seven regions — Conwy, Snowdonia, Anglesey, Llŷn Peninsula, Wrexham and the Clwydian Range. Includes the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk Castle and a Glyderau mountain day.
7-day plan →Frequently asked questions
A long weekend (3 days) covers the essential Conwy and Snowdonia highlights: Conwy Castle, Snowdon and Beaumaris. Five days adds Anglesey, Portmeirion and the railway journeys. A full week lets you explore all seven regions — the Llŷn Peninsula, the Clwydian Range, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the hidden valleys of southern Snowdonia. Even two days based in Llandudno gives a satisfying introduction.
May is the best overall month: weather probability is good, all visitor infrastructure is open, crowds are manageable, and Bodnant Garden's laburnum arch is in flower. September is the best month for experienced visitors who prefer solitude and atmosphere. July and August are the warmest months but also the busiest, particularly on Snowdon and at coastal beaches. Christmas and New Year see reduced opening hours at many attractions but winter landscapes can be outstanding.
A car gives the greatest flexibility, but the main Conwy and Snowdonia attractions are accessible without one. The Conwy Valley Line (Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog) stops at Betws-y-Coed. The Snowdon Sherpa bus connects Llanberis, Pen-y-Pass, Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed seasonally. Llandudno is served by trains from Chester and Manchester. The Llŷn Peninsula, interior Anglesey, and the Clwydian Range require a car.
Budget visitors can cover Snowdonia well for £85–£120 per day (two people sharing accommodation) by prioritising free attractions — Conwy town walls circuit, Newborough Beach, the National Slate Museum, Llanddwyn Island — and self-catering. Mid-range visitors spending £150–£250 per day can add Conwy Castle, Snowdon Mountain Railway and a couple of paid activities. A premium week with hotels, the full castle circuit and Zip World activities runs £300+ per person per day.
Exceptionally so. The Snowdon Mountain Railway takes children to the summit at 1,085m without walking. The National Slate Museum is free and excellent for all ages. Bounce Below (underground trampolines at Llechwedd) and Zip World have activities from age 7. Newborough Beach, Llandudno North Shore and Rhosneigr are all superb family beaches. Over 60 attractions in North Wales are completely free. The Ffestiniog Railway steam journey delights children of all ages.