From rural locations to coastal gems there’s an array of picturesque towns in North Wales waiting to be explored.
Discover a magnificent castle and harbour views in Caernarfon or head to Abersoch for a day at the beach! Feeling adventurous? The towns of Llanberis and Beddgelert are the ideal place to explore the mighty mountains of Snowdonia.
Keep reading to discover 14 of the best towns in North Wales…
Llanberis
Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Llanberis is the ideal base for exploring the magnificent mountains of North Wales. Take the Llanberis Path to the summit of Mount Snowdon, one of the easier, more family-friendly, routes up Snowdon.
If climbing Snowdon isn’t for you, then don’t worry – there’s plenty more to see and do in Llanberis. Step back in time and explore the Welsh National Slate Museum or take a short stroll to Dolbadarn Castle and explore its romantic ruins.
Feeling energetic? Rent a kayak and spend a morning paddling around Llyn Padarn, one of our favourite lakes in Snowdonia.
Menai Bridge
Named after the iconic bridge connecting Anglesey to the mainland, Menai Bridge is home to an array of shops, cafes and restaurants, including Dylans – one of the best restaurants in Anglesey.
Thomas Telford’s Suspension Bridge opened in 1826 and was the world’s first iron suspension bridge. You can appreciate the true scale of this remarkable structure after a short walk from the town centre to the base of the bridge.
Caernarfon
A stunning harbour town in Snowdonia, Caernarfon is one of the best towns to visit in North Wales. Home to one of North Wales’ most famous castles, this grand medieval town is a site to behold. Situated on the bank of the river, Caernarfon Castle is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Beaumaris, Harlech and Conwy creating a popular World Heritage Site.
After a morning exploring the mighty castle, why not discover the stunning North Wales countryside on board the Welsh Highland Railway, which takes you on a 25-mile journey to Porthmadog.
Morfa Nefyn
Morfa Nefyn is one of our favourite places to visit on the Llyn Peninsula and a popular seaside town in North Wales. Home to a long sweeping sandy bay, its beach is sheltered by low cliffs, creating the perfect suntrap. Plus Morfa Nefyn is within easy reach of the wonderful Eisteddfod festival held in August, and just a short walk away from Porthdinllaen, a pretty fishing hamlet home to the famous Ty Coch Inn.
Ty Coch Inn is a popular pub situated right on the beach! What else could you want? Once voted one of the top 10 beach bars in the world, Ty Coch can only be reached by foot – adding to its charm. Definitely one for the bucket list!
Porthmadog
Porthmadog is a popular coastal town in North Wales, home to a rich maritime history. Discover Porthmadog’s fascinating past at the Porthmadog Maritime Museum, before an afternoon at Black Rock Sands – a popular spot for sandcastle building and picnic goers.
Beddgelert
A charming village nestled within the mountains of Snowdonia, Beddgelert is rich in Welsh culture and history. This small but friendly village in North Wales offers beautiful scenery, traditional country pubs and a bustling calendar of events.
Discover the legend of Beddgelert as you embark on the short walk from the picturesque village to Gelert’s Grave. This popular walk in Snowdonia is a great option for the whole family to enjoy.
Base yourself in one of these Beddgelert cottages and spend a weekend exploring the Welsh countryside.
Moelfre
A small village, located on the North East Coast of Anglesey, Moelfre boasts a pretty little pebble beach and stunning views.
This picturesque fishing village in North Wales is located on the Anglesey Coastal Path, making it the perfect place to lace up those walking boots and enjoy the fabulous Welsh countryside.
Criccieth
Perched on the top of Cardigan Bay, Criccieth is a gateway to the world-class beaches and breathtaking scenery of the Llyn Peninsula. As one of the most popular seaside towns in North Wales, Criccieth radiates traditional Welsh charm and character.
Take a stroll along a section of the Wales Coast Path or visit Criccieth Castle and admire the impressive views of the famous town and Cardigan Bay.
Our selection of cottages in Criccieth will ensure you’re just a stone’s throw away from this coastal gem.
Beaumaris
Picturesque pastel-coloured houses, an iconic castle and stunning views across the Menai Strait – what more could you want? Beaumaris is a captivating seaside town in North Wales.
Beaumaris Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dominates the town. After some time exploring the mighty fortress, why not wander through the town, home to famous Georgian architecture, before grabbing an ice cream and enjoying a stroll along the seafront?
Abergele
Located on the North Wales coast, Abergele is famous for its long, white sandy beaches. The town is also home to Gwrych Castle, which hosted ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2020 and 2021.
This peaceful little town is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For those feeling energetic, you can walk or cycle to Colwyn Bay, a popular seaside resort. Or why not just grab a book and spend a relaxing day at the beach?
Harlech
Harlech may be small, but there’s plenty to see and do in this coastal town in North Wales. There is no shortage of craft shops or places to eat in Harlech, which is also home to Harlech Castle, a spectacular fortification surrounded by the rugged peaks of Snowdonia.
Harlech Beach is magnificent at low tide, stretching from the Artro estuary in the south to the Dwyryd estuary in the north. As one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in North Wales, Harlech Beach is one of the largest beaches in the area.
Rhoscolyn
Another coastal gem on Anglesey, Rhoscolyn is a popular destination for families and couples alike. Its magical scenery is what attracts most visitors. You can expect rugged coastlines, idyllic waters, and picturesque mountains.
After walking up to The Lookout to appreciate the landscape fully, head to Rhoscolyn Beach for an afternoon of swimming, building sandcastles and exploring rockpools.
Maentwrog
Heading away from the coast and into the heart of Snowdonia National Park, you’ll find the majestic town of Maentrwog.
This sleepy village is a great base for exploring the adventure capital of the UK. Head to Coed Y Brenin for great mountain biking routes or visit Zip World for a day of fun with the whole family!
Abersoch
And last, but certainly not least on our list of towns to visit in North Wales is the popular holiday destination, Abersoch. Home to a range of fantastic beaches, Abersoch is a magnet for watersport lovers and sun worshipers alike.
Take a boat trip to St Tudwal’s Island, famous for its seal population, or visit Abersoch’s Garden Centre for a cosy hot chocolate on a rainy day.
Visiting one of these North Wales towns on your next staycation? Browse our selection of North Wales Holiday Cottages. Or why not read our guide to things to do in North Wales or our ultimate guide on walks in North Wales for further inspiration!
