Cwt y Gwenyn

Conwy Castle, a medieval riverside fortress, is one of several highlights in Conwy. Walk on top of the town’s well-preserved defensive walls, which are punctuated by 21 towers; admire the elegant construction of the 19th-century Telford Suspension Bridge (open to pedestrians); then head to Conwy Quay for views across the river and to check out the Smallest House in Great Britain. Y Gogarth Great Orme Country Park (15 minutes’ drive) occupies the headland north of Llandudno. Take the Great Orme Tramway to the top, perhaps stopping en route at the copper mines, where you can explore a replica Bronze Age village and see a range of archaeological artefacts. Once known for its slate mining, Blaenau Ffestiniog (45 minutes) has reinvented itself as a state-of-the-art activity centre, with its open-air quarries now housing attractions like Zip World Llechwedd and hair-raising mountain-biking trails. There are also underground features, including trampoline nets and an 18-hole golf course.