North Wales

travel time: September 2025

On our first day on the island, we jumped into the car and set out to explore the north-western part of Wales.

Our first stop was Valle Crucis Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in the country. We arrived early in the morning, around 9 a.m., and had the entire place to ourselves. With the soft morning sun streaming through the ruins, the atmosphere felt absolutely magical.

Next, we headed to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world. You can walk across it from one side to the other and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. While most people cross the aqueduct by boat or foot, those seeking a more unique experience can rent a canoe and paddle across it themselves.

On our way to the coast, Alex found an interesting spot on Google Maps - an old ship called The Duke of Lancaster. Since it was nearby, we decided to make a quick stop. The ship, which once served as a passenger ferry, cruise ship, and car ferry between 1956 and 1978, was beached in 1979 with the plan to turn it into a floating leisure and retail complex. Knowing this, we were quite excited to see it - but unfortunately, the ship is privately owned and completely fenced off. You can only catch a glimpse of it through the barriers, which was a bit disappointing.

Our next stop was the Point of Ayr, the northernmost point of mainland Wales. The area features a wide sandy beach, rolling dunes, and a picturesque lighthouse. The strong sea breeze was hard to miss, but it kept most people away - giving us the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery in complete peace.

We then drove to Llandudno to stroll along the pier and take in the seaside atmosphere. Unfortunately, most of the shops were already closing, and soon after we arrived, heavy rain began to pour down. We had to cut our visit short and headed back to our hotel.

Luckily, the weather cleared up later in the evening, so we made our way to Conwy. We admired its impressive castle, wandered through the charming streets of the town, and ended the day with a cozy dinner - the perfect way to wrap up our first day in Wales.

Our second day in Wales started with one of the country’s most famous adventures – a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The small train slowly winds its way up to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. The journey itself was breathtaking, offering wide views over the rolling green hills and distant lakes. Once we reached the top, though, we were greeted by thick fog. The visibility dropped to almost zero, and the wind was howling around us. Every now and then, the clouds opened for just a few seconds, giving us a fleeting glimpse of the dramatic landscape below – enough to make the trip absolutely worth it.

From there, we continued to Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 13th century by King Edward I, it was meant to symbolize English power over Wales. The massive stone walls and polygonal towers are incredibly well preserved. We admired the castle from the outside, walked along the waterfront, and explored the narrow streets of Caernarfon’s old town before heading further north.

Next, we made our way to Holyhead, to visit the South Stack Lighthouse. To reach it, you have to descend hundreds of steps down the cliffside – and of course, climb them back up afterwards! Once at the bottom, we joined a short guided tour inside the lighthouse, even climbing into the tower to see the light itself. The guide shared fascinating stories about the building’s history and its importance for ships navigating the rough Irish Sea. The surrounding cliffs are also a fantastic area for walking, with seabirds circling overhead and dramatic views of the coastline.

Before heading back, we stopped at one of Wales’s most famous curiosities: the town with the longest name in Europe - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. We didn’t spend long there, but we couldn’t resist stopping at the train station to take a picture with the sign displaying the full name.

Our next destination was Trwyn Du Lighthouse at Penmon Point, a beautiful spot for photography, especially as the tide comes in and the waves crash against the rocks. On our way back, we made a spontaneous stop at St. Seiriol’s Priory Church, an atmospheric place surrounded by an old graveyard. The owner happened to be there and kindly showed us around the small church.

After a long day filled with sights, sea air, and plenty of steps, we stopped at a cozy pub for dinner before heading back to our hotel – tired but happy after another great day exploring Wales.

Our third day in Wales began with a scenic drive to Lake Vyrnwy, a peaceful reservoir surrounded by forested hills. The lake is famous for its striking stone tower that rises out of the water like something from a fairy tale. We took a leisurely walk along the shoreline, stopping often to take photos of the reflections and the beautiful bridge that crosses the dam. It’s one of those places that feels wonderfully calm – the kind of spot where you just want to sit and take in the view for a while.

Our next stop didn’t quite go as planned. We had meant to visit Llandrindod Wells, but due to a small mix-up in Google Maps, we ended up in Llanwrtyd Wells instead – the smallest town in Britain! It turned out to be a funny and memorable detour and a good reminder to always double-check the names when travelling through Wales, where many towns have very similar (and sometimes quite tricky) names.

From there, we continued south along the scenic Black Mountain Road (A4069). This mountain pass is one of the most famous drives in Wales, winding its way through the Brecon Beacons with spectacular views at every turn. Along the way, we drove through several short but heavy rain showers - and were rewarded with a perfect rainbow arching across the valley. We stopped near the old lime kilns to stretch our legs and take a short hike.

It was a long drive that day, taking us from the north of Wales all the way down to the south, but the constantly changing landscape – from green valleys to rugged mountains – made every mile worth it.

Our three days in North Wales were filled with stunning landscapes, historic castles, and unexpected moments. From exploring peaceful abbey ruins and crossing the world’s highest canal aqueduct to riding the Snowdon Mountain Railway into the clouds, every day offered something new. We wandered through charming coastal towns, climbed down to windswept lighthouses, and even took a few wrong turns that led to unexpected discoveries. Whether it was standing in the rain beneath a perfect rainbow or watching the mist roll over the mountains, Wales amazed us at every turn – a place where even the unpredictable weather adds to the adventure.