The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in North Wales
Having grown up in Colwyn Bay, I'm lucky enough to call North Wales home and I visit family there in most of the school holidays. Call me biased, but it's a fantastic place with golden beaches, beautiful countryside and so many activities to enjoy (my youngest says North Wales is up there with his top holidays—second only to Majorca!). In this post, I'll be sharing my top insider tips on the best beaches, the prettiest walks, fun family activities and recommendations on where to eat and stay. This post is a bit different from my usual design-focused content and while the focus is on family-friendly activities, I’ve included a few architectural gems and design-inspired spots that I think you'll love!
Coastal Adventures
Wales's north coast is truly breathtaking, with so many pretty beaches to relax on and coastal towns to wander around.
Conwy
There aren't many UK locations as picturesque as the historic town of Conwy, with its pretty quayside, crumbling castle and stunning scenery. It has a relaxed feel and a lovely mix of independent shops that reminds me a bit of Hebden Bridge - one of my favourite Yorkshire towns.
Visit Conwy Castle
Built in the 13th century and perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Conwy estuary, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts soaring stone towers, well-preserved battlements and breathtaking views across the town, the river Conwy and surrounding mountains.
Walk along the castle walls
Take a stroll along Conwy’s remarkably preserved medieval walls for sweeping views of the town, estuary and mountains. With 21 towers and three original gateways, the walls offer a unique perspective on the town’s rich history and impressive 13th-century design. To be honest, my boys much prefer this walk than looking around the actual castle, and it's free!
The Smallest House in Great Britain
This tiny red cottage on Conwy’s quayside measures just 6 feet wide and 10 feet deep. Once home to a 6'3" fisherman, it’s now a quirky tourist attraction where visitors can peek inside and learn about its unique history.
Go crabbing at Conwy Quay
Conwy Quay’s jetties are the perfect spot for crabbing! It's best to visit around high tide when crabs are most active and you can find crabbing kits in the quayside shop to get started.
Explore Plas Mawr
Located on the main street which leads down to the Quayside, Plas Mawr is a stunning Elizabethan townhouse, built in the 16th century by merchant Robert Wynn. Known for its amazingly detailed plasterwork and meticulously preserved interiors, it offers a glimpse into Tudor life and is one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain today.
Walk up Sychnant Pass
A scenic mountain pass located between Conwy and the village of Penmaenmawr, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and coastline. It's a popular spot for walkers, with trails that lead to dramatic viewpoints and picturesque landscapes.
Llandudno
This charming seaside town is perfect for a family day out with its sandy beaches, Victorian architecture and fun attractions. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Llandudno Pier and Promenade
Take a relaxing stroll along the North Shore promenade with stunning views of the bay and the Great Orme. Lined with classic Victorian architecture, hotels and ice cream stalls, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and take in the scenery. At the end of the long promenade, you'll find the classic Victorian pier that stretches into the Irish sea, with great views of the bay and the Great Orme. It’s packed with funfair rides, arcades, cafes and amusements. Although there's more going on at the North Shore, it's a shingle beach so if you're after a relaxing beach day, I'd recommend the West Shore beach.
The Great Orme
The view of North Shore from Haulfre Tea Rooms
The Great Orme is a dramatic limestone headland rising 679 feet above Llandudno, offering stunning panoramic views of the coast and countryside. There are so many pretty walks and activities to enjoy at the top and on its lower slopes:
The Great Orme Tramway - Take a trip up to the summit in the only cable-hauled tramway left in the UK, with great views along the way. It's open seasonally from March to October.
The cable cars - The Great Orme Cable Car takes you from Happy Valley Gardens to the summit of the Great Orme. It's the longest passenger cable car in the UK and operates seasonally from Easter to October, depending on the weather.
Happy Valley Gardens - includes terraced gardens, woodland walks, formal lawns and a quarried cave. It’s also home to a Victorian camera obscura, with plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the views.
Llandudno Snowsports Centre - located just above Happy Valley, activities include skiing, snowboarding, toboganning and mini-golf.
Haulfre Gardens - Over on the opposite side of the Orme, these peaceful gardens have panoramic views of Llandudno and the surrounding coastline. See if you can spot the mountain goats and stop off at Haulfre tearooms for a delicious lunch or cream tea. The gardens are about a 20 minute stroll from the town centre or if you'd prefer a shorter walk, park at West Shore.
Bronze Age Copper Mines - Great for rainy days, the Great Orme Copper Mines in Llandudno are one of the oldest known mines in the world, dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. You can explore underground tunnels and learn how prehistoric people mined copper using stone tools - it's like stepping back in time!
The view of West Shore from Haulfre Gardens
The Alice in Wonderland Trail
This fun walking route inspired by Alice Liddell, who holidayed in Llandudno and inspired Lewis Carroll’s stories, features sculptures of characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts dotted around town, from Happy Valley to Haulfre Gardens. You can follow the trail using a map or an interactive app. Great for keeping the kids entertained while you walk!
Colwyn Bay & Rhos-on-Sea
The beach & promenade
Colwyn Bay beach has been significantly restored in recent years when it had tonnes of sand imported from the sea bed to create a much bigger soft-sand beach - one of the best on the North Wales coast. The regeneration programme also saw the restoration of the promenade and the creation of Porth Eirias, with amenities including a playground and a restaurant.
Wander along the promenade from Porth Eirias to Rhos-on-Sea, enjoying a game of mini-golf along the way or relaxing with an ice cream in one of Rhos's many coastal cafes.
Mini golf on Rhos promenade
Bryn Euryn
Walk up this limestone hill and enjoy fantastic views of the coast and surrounding countryside - you might even spot Snowdon on a clear day! The hill is part of a nature reserve, popular for its walking trails and wildlife. At the summit is the site of an ancient hill-fort and you can also see the ruins of Llys Euryn, a 15th century manor house, on its lower slopes. It takes about an hour to walk up the hill and back.
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Located in Upper Colwyn Bay, this delightful zoo is set in beautiful hillside gardens overlooking the sea and mountains. It’s home to animals like snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees and sea lions. I spent many childhood days here in the '80s! There are lots of engaging exhibits like the Lemur Walkthrough and Chimpanzee World, and kids will love the playgrounds too! The zoo also plays an important role in conservation, helping to protect endangered species and native wildlife like the red squirrel.
Portmeirion
Definitely one for us design lovers! Located further south than the rest of my recommendations, Portmeirion is a unique coastal gem that combines stunning architecture with breathtaking views. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this vibrant Italianate village offers a unique blend of colourful buildings, beautiful gardens and charming streets to explore. It’s a must-visit if you love design and architecture.
Inland Escapes
North Wales' inland escapes offer a peaceful retreat with scenic gardens, picturesque villages and serene lakes perfect for exploring and unwinding.
Bodnant Gardens
This stunning National Trust property in the Conwy Valley is known for its beautifully landscaped grounds. The famous labernum arch reaches its peak bloom in late May to Early June. With formal terraces, woodland walks and vibrant plantings year-round, it’s a peaceful paradise for garden lovers and nature fans. There's also a range of activities for kids, including a willow maze, den building and a play park, as well as seasonal activities like easter Egg hunts.
Betws-y-Coed
A picturesque village in Snowdonia National Park, surrounded by mountains, forests and waterfalls. It boasts charming cafes, local art galleries and scenic riverside walks.
Llyn Geirionydd
My favourite Welsh lake is tucked away in the Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed. Surrounded by trees and hills and with a grassy shoreline, it's the perfect scenic spot for relaxing picnics, peaceful strolls, paddleboarding and wild swimming. It also has a car park and clean toilets!
Aber Falls
A spectacular waterfall near Abergwyngregyn, where the Afon Goch river cascades 37 metres into a rocky pool below. This is an easy, family-friendly walk through beautiful countryside, with picnic spots and the chance for a paddle at the base. The waterfall is about an hour's stroll from the car park.
Mountains and Slates
If you're a fan of a mountain, or indeed a slate, you won't go far wrong in North Wales.
Snowdon
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Although popular with hikers, it also has a railway that takes visitors to the top. I've only climbed Snowdon once, when I was 14, but it's definitely on my list to do again with the boys!
Llanberis
This picturesque village at the foot of Snowdon has beautiful scenery and serves as a starting point for the Snowdon Mountain Railway and hiking trails to the summit.
National Slate Museum
Set within the original Victorian workshops of the Dinorwig Quarry, this museum tells the story of the North Wales slate industry. With live demonstrations, giant machinery and restored buildings, it brings to life the craftsmanship and culture that once shaped the region.
Llanberis Lake Railway
Take a scenic train ride along the northern shore of Llyn Padarn, with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, including Snowdon. This heritage railway operates vintage steam locomotives and the kids love it.
Penrhyn Castle
A striking 19th-century neo-Norman castle built with wealth from the local slate industry, featuring lavish interiors and ornate detailing throughout. Set within expansive grounds near Bangor, it offers dramatic views and a rich collection of art, furnishings and industrial history. There are also two adventure playgrounds and seasonal activities like Easter trails.
Adventure Spaces
Greenwood Family Park
An absolutely brilliant theme park for younger kids, this award-winning eco-adventure destination is nestled in the woodlands of Snowdonia National Park. It features unique attractions like the world's only people-powered roller coaster, the UK's first solar-powered water ride and lots of nature-inspired activities like the barefoot trail and the enchanted river ride. My boys really loved it here up until the age of about 11.
Zip World
Great for older kids, teens and adrenaline junkies! Although most of the adventures have a minimum age requirement of 3 years, some have higher ones so make sure you check the Zip World website before booking. Across their North Wales locations you’ll find a mix of thrilling activities: Zip World Fforest in Betws-y-Coed offers the UK’s only alpine coaster and treetop adventures; Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda is home to Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line; and at Llechwedd in Blaenau Ffestiniog you’ll find underground trampolining, zip zones and historic slate mine tours.
Eat and Drink
Conwy area
The Mulberry, Conwy Marina - a lovely place to stop for a drink or a pub lunch. Afterwards, take a stroll alongside the pretty marina.
Conwy Marina
Parisella's Ice Cream, Conwy High Street - a quaint cafe serving delicious ice cream in all kinds of flavours, as well as lovely crepes, cakes and coffee. They also have a kiosk on Colwyn Bay promenade.
Dylan's, Conwy High Street - a family friendly restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes in a beautifully restored 1930s building within Conwy’s town walls.
Johnny Dough's Pizza, Conwy - the best place for wood-fired pizza to eat in or take away. They also have restaurants in Colwyn Bay and Llandudno.
Signatures Restaurant, Aberconwy - an award-winning restaurant located within the Aberconwy Resort & Spa, offering a modern British menu with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Colwyn Bay area
Pen-y-Bryn Restaurant, Upper Colwyn Bay - a lovely gastropub offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with oak floors and open fires - a great place for panoramic views of the sea and the Great Orme.
The White Lion, Llanelian - a historic country gastropub located just outside Colwyn Bay with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, serving traditional home-cooked food using local Welsh produce. They also have a wide range of local and national real ales.
The sunset from Llanelian
The Toad, Colwyn Bay - a popular seafront pub and restaurant situated on the promenade. With a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the coast, it offers a menu of traditional British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Marmalade Kitchen, Rhos on Sea - with an all-day menu featuring freshly prepared dishes with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Forte's Cafe, Rhos-on-Sea - a lovely cafe and ice cream parlour located opposite Rhos promenade. The ice cream is delicious and you can eat in or take away.
Llandudno
Carlo's Restaurant - a warm and friendly restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine.
Osborne House Hotel - an elegant bistro/cafe with opulent decor, offering a set-price three-course menu, including a glass of house wine, for £26.50 per person.
Haulfre Tea Rooms - serving homemade cakes, sandwiches and light meals with beautiful views of the town and Snowdonia.
The Loaf Coffee & Sandwich Bar - this cosy cafe is a great place for breakfast or a light lunch.
Where to Stay
Mazbur, Colwyn Bay
Originally belonging to my nanan and grandad, this lovely 1954 three bedroomed house is now owned by my parents and was interior designed by me! Featured in Style at Home magazine and in a Houzz room tour, it's located a stone's throw from Nant-y-Glyn Valley with its beautiful woodland walks, and a ten minute stroll from Colwyn Bay beach. With three bedrooms (sleeping 6) and a large garden, it has such a happy, uplifting feel - a real home away from home! you can book a stay through AirBnb.
Bryn Holcombe Holiday Apartment, Colwyn Bay - For a more traditional place to stay, try my aunty and uncle's AirBnB! With lots of period Edwardian features, it has two cosy bedrooms and sleeps four. Interesting fact - it used to be a hotel where I had my very first weekend job as a washer-upper and later a waitress!
St George’s Hotel, Llandudno - A luxury Victorian seafront hotel which opened its doors in 1854, with contemporary decor and rooms that sleep up to four.
Castle Hotel, Conwy - A historic 300-year-old coaching inn located on the High Street, offering elegant rooms with period features, an on-site restaurant and bar.
And that’s my travel guide to North Wales! Whether you're after sandy beaches, scenic walks, design inspiration or adrenaline-fuelled days out, this beautiful area has something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure and if you visit any of the spots I’ve mentioned, I’d love to hear what you think! p.s. I haven’t even touched on Anglesey—it's another gem with some incredible beaches and places to explore, but it definitely deserves a post of its own. Watch this space!
