Why visit north Wales?
Majestic mountains
With jaw-dropping Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd making up much of the scenery in this pretty part of the world, it’s no wonder camping in north Wales is so popular. This area of glacial landforms, ragged peaks and more than 100 lakes is also a dark-sky reserve – so it’s just as glorious by night as by day. Brave the Pyg Track up to 1,085-metre Mount Snowdon, the highest point in Wales and England (it’s more scenic than the better-known Llanberis Trail). Or save your legs and chug up to the top on a vintage train.
Sweeping sandy beaches
The only scenery that rivals the mighty mountains in north Wales? The 200-mile coastline. Reach powder-soft Harlech Beach through the dunes or enjoy the buzz of Barmouth and Aberdovey, two family-friendly seaside spots. For hidden coves, head to Porth Oer, Porth Iago and Porth Ysgo on the Llŷn Peninsula, a 30-mile-long landmass that pokes out into the Irish Sea. Want to sleep close to the coast? Browse our north Wales campsites near the beach – places like Pwllheli are popular.
Thrill-seeking expeditions
North Wales has carved out quite the reputation as an adventure haven. Go surfing at an artificial inland lagoon, ride on the UK’s first-ever Alpine coaster, then attempt night-time paddleboarding under the stars at Llyn Padarn. There are also plenty of other adventures to be had – find north Wales camping spots near kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Compelling castles
Wales has more castles per square metre than any other country in the world. And two of the best – Conwy and Caernarfon – still stand intact in the north despite being more than a whopping 1,700 years old. For standout views over the sea, climb up to the tall towers of either castle.
Essential north Wales attractions
Overwhelmed when it comes to choosing between all the things to do in north Wales? Here’s a cheat sheet:
*Hike up to the peak of Cadair Idris – the second-best thing to do in north Wales after scaling Mount Snowdon
*Go trampolining underground in the disused Llechwedd slate caverns
*Use the kaleidoscopic Italian-style village of Portmeirion as a backdrop for your holiday snapshots
*Book a boat trip from Conwy Quay to see the seals and porpoises in the water around the Isle of Anglesey
*Swoon at the stunning coastal views from the hillside ruins of Criccieth Castle
Unexplored north Wales
Anglesey antics
OK, so Ynys Môn – as the Isle of Anglesey is known locally – isn’t exactly a hidden gem. But it is often overlooked by first-time visitors in favour of Snowdonia National Park and the Llŷn Peninsula. Drive over the two bridges connecting it with the mainland to tour the creepy Beaumaris Jail and go puffin-spotting at South Stack's cliffs. Fancy lounging on a long, sandy beach? Visit forest-backed Llanddwyn, which is hemmed in by a narrow peninsula. Another under-the-radar north Wales attraction is Parys Mountain in Amlwch, an ancient copper mine that looks more like Mars than anywhere else in Britain.
Historic houses
The tiny settlement of Conwy doesn’t just play host to what many call the best castle in Wales – it’s also home to the UK's smallest house, a two-room structure measuring a teeny-tiny 3.1 metres high. You'll also discover the larger Elizabethan-era Plas Mawr in this town, a fascinating place to learn about how wealthy people lived in the 16th century. Plas Teg (Fair Place) in Flintshire, meanwhile, doesn’t live up to its name – this Jacobean mansion is described as one of the most haunted homes in Britain. In Llandudno, pass the grand pastel-coloured Victorian townhouses lining the seafront as you trot along a two-mile promenade.
Quiet countryside
Calmer counties of this region, like Denbighshire and Flintshire, are closer to the English border and away from the coast. If you’re last-minute camping in north Wales and prefer peaceful places, consider parks in these sleepier areas. In low-key Wrexham, amble across industrial-era engineer Thomas Telford’s UNESCO-listed aqueduct – the tallest navigable structure of its type in the world.
Here’s how
There’s a range of campsites in north Wales, so how do you choose the best one for you? Begin by thinking about what type of break you want: perhaps a holiday park near Colwyn Bay with lots of amenities or a basic base with views of Mount Snowdon?
Lots of north Wales caravan sites – some with bars and clubhouses – are clustered around bigger beach resorts like Rhyl, while pitching up at places with a wilder feel is possible at laidback farm parks. North Wales glamping and camping pods are all around the countryside as well, along with campsites containing fully serviced pitches including an electrical hook-up, freshwater and a wastewater connection.
Use the filters to pick your favourite features or check out one of our popular selections below:
* Dog-friendly campsites in north Wales
* Family camping in north Wales
* North wales adults-only campsites
* Places to have a campfire in north Wales
* North Wales pitches with electricity
If this region is a little too far from you, head to south Wales instead for walks in the wild Brecon Beacons or wend your way to west Wales for brilliant beaches, theme parks.
Take a look at our camping guide too for more useful articles: it gives you the lowdown on everything from packing for a camping trip to step-by-step instructions for building a campfire.
