Attractions in North West Wales
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Undercover all-weather aquarium. Get up close to conger eels, lobsters, seahorses and lots of other aquatic species. An important research and marine education centre for the west coast.
Opening times: Feb
to Nov, daily, from 10am to 4.45pm - Admission
Charge
Location: Brynsiencyn, Llanfairpwll LL61 6TQ
Tel: 01248 430411
Website: angleseyseazoo.co.uk
Beaumaris Castle
Impressive 13th-c fortress, built by Edward I. Its impenetrable layered defences include a massive central keep, surrounded by turreted curtain walls and a water filled moat.
Opening times: all
year, daily from 9am
- Admission Charge
Location: Beaumaris, Anglesey, LL58 8AP
Tel: 01248 810361
Website: cadw.wales.gov.uk
Beaumaris Gaol
Early Victorian Goal, which remains virtually unaltered since its closure. Now open to the public, it is a fascinating museum of dimly lit corridors and spartan cells. Learn about early 19th-c draconian punishment methods and horrible histories of some of the unfortunate inmates, including Richard Rowlands, who was executed here for the murder of his father in law in 1862.
Opening times: Apr
to Sep: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat & Sun from 10.30am
- Admission
Charge
Location: Steeple Ln, Beaumaris LL58 8EP
Tel: 01248 810921
Website: anglesey.gov.uk
Basingwerk Abbey
Romantic ruins of a ancient abbey set in peaceful surroundings. Founded in 1131 by Ranulf de Gernon (Earl of Chester) initially for Savignac Monks, later becoming Cistercian. The outline of the cloisters, church and chapter are still visible, along with other sections of crumbling walls, windows and arches.
Opening times: all year, daily, 10am to 4pm - Free Entry
Location: Greenfield, Holywell, CH8
7GH
Tel: 01352 714172
Website: cadw.gov.wales
Bodnant Garden
Situated above the River Conwy with beautiful views over Snowdonia. This delightful garden has Italian style terraces, rich plantings of shrubs and herbaceous plants and a large pond carpeted with water lilies. Particular noted for its magnificent collection of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and spectacular Laburnum Arch. Run by National Trust.
Opening times: all
year (exc. Xmas),
daily from 10am to 5pm - Admission Charge
Location: Bodnant Rd, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay LL28 5RE
Tel: 01492 650460
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber
Prehistoric circular burial chamber, located on the site of a former henge monument. Excavated in 1928–29 and partially restored.
Opening times: 1 April - 31 March, 10am to 4pm - Free Entry
Location: Anglesey, Bryncelli DDU
Tel: 01443 336000
Website: cadw.wales.gov.uk
Image Credit: Paul Allison (CC2)
Caernarfon Castle
Protected on two sides by the River Seiont and the Menia Straits, Caernarfon Castle is a formidable fortress. It was said that with just a few men it could defend it against any attack. Restored to its present grandeur in the mid-1500s, it's walls have withstood many assaults, including one by the French in 1404. Edward I built the castle and town walls from 1283 to 1328. Edward l's son and heir was born and presented to the Welsh people here, setting a precedent for all British Royal first born sons. At the inland end of the castle, near the town square, is a slate platform where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.
Opening times: all
year, daily from 9am - Admission Charge
Location: Caernarfon LL55 2AY
Tel: 01286 677617
Website: caernarfon-castle.co.uk
Harlech Castle
The formidable defences of Harlech Castle sit high on a bluff, with a sheer drop to the sea. One of a string of fortresses erected by Edward I, circa 1283-89, to subdue the Welsh. There are two main entrances one at the bottom of the cliff which requires a long climb up and the other at the top. Visitors can climb the 100+ steps up the main tower for spectacular coastal views.
Opening times: all year, daily from 9:30am - Admission Charge
Location: Gwynedd LL46 2YH
Tel: 01766 780552
Website: harlech.com/
Portmeirion
A dream like fairy-tale village created by architect Sir Clough Williams, with flamboyant castles, follies, grottoes and cobbled squares. Includes acres of gardens and woodland, famed for its sub-tropical flora, rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas.
Opening times: daily from 9.30am - Admission Charge
Location: L48 6ER
Tel: 01766 770000
Website: portmeirion-village.com
Plas Newydd - Anglesey
Elegant 18th-c Classical and Gothic mansion built by James Wyatt with a 1930s restyled interior. Exhibition on Rex Whistler, whose largest painting is exhibited here. Lovely gardens and arboretum, with shrubs and wild flowers. Scenic woodland walks and spectacular views over the Menai Strait. Run by National Trust.
Opening times:Apr-Oct, Sat-Wed .House 12-5, Garden 11-5.30 - Admission Charge
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6DQ
Tel: 01248 715272
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Image Credit: National Trust Images
South Stack Nature Reserve
Mighty stacks and dramatic sea cliffs topped with heathland, provide a rich haven for a range of wildlife. Telescopes provided. Large screens relay live feed images of the seabirds, including puffins.
Opening times: daily
- see website for details.
Location: Plas Nico, South Stack, Anglesey, LL65 1YH
Tel: 01407 762100
Website: rspb.org.uk
Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.