10 Special Things To Do In North Wales

1. Visit a beautiful Victorian town
Stroll along Wales' longest pier at the beautiful Victorian resort of Llandudno: stride out a quarter of a mile to sea and then turn back to shore to admire the town's stunning backdrop of mountains. Then visit Fish Tram Chips by the Tram Station for the best fish and chips in town.

2. Pull on your walking boots
Climb Tryfan, one of the best mountains in Snowdonia: the ritual at the summit is to jump the gap between the Adam & Eve rocks (broken ankles all round?!).

3. Explore medieval Conwy
Visit magnificent Conwy Castle and clatter up and down the medieval towers. You can also walk from the castle along the walls encircling the town, then down to the harbour to look at the boats. More information on Conwy Castle can be found on the website of Cadw (the Welsh version of the National Trust).

4. Soak up the mysterious atmosphere of Anglesey
Choose a lonely, overcast day to visit the haunting 12th century ruin of Penmon Priory. Include a visit to St Seiriol's Well behind the church, where it seems as if the druids left only yesterday. It's then a 10-minute walk up the road (be warned that there's a steep bit) to the lighthouse at Penmon Point and a close-up view of Puffin Island.

5. Indulge in a surreal sensory overload
Scurry around the lovely Italianate village of Portmeirion, imagining you're in The Prisoner. Choose a sunny day (yes, we do have them in Wales) as this sets off the ice cream colours of the buildings to best effect. Click here for the official Portmeirion website.

6. Join the surf set
Chill out in Abersoch, where you'll find beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for surfing, with a stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains. And take a trip from there to Aberdaron at the tip of the Llyn Penninsula, where it feels like you've come to the very end of Wales.

7. Explore the Great Orme
Ride the UK's longest cable car to the top of Llandudno's Great Orme. At the summit you'll find fabulous views over the sea and towards Snowdonia, along with (very randomly) a miniature golf course. Watch out for the wild Kashmir goats as you get towards the top of the Orme.

8. Enjoy a snug night at the pub
Sample a local beer at the Groes Inn, Wales' very first licensed pub. Dating from the 16th century, the Inn's beams, open fires and thick bowed walls couldn't be cosier. Details of menus and accomodation can be found on the Groes Inn website.

9. Tour magnificant Snowdonia
Drive up the Llanberis Pass for beautiful mountain views. At the top you'll find a handy carpark (it can be busy in summer if the weather's good) from which you can take the Pyg Track, one of the most popular paths to the Snowdon summit. Nearby is the 15th century Ugly House on the A5 to Capel Curig in Snowdonia. It's actually quite charming, if a little strange.

10. Pop over the border too!
Yes, I know it's just over the border in England but it's a must...Chester is the most fabulous medieval walled town. Walk around the walls and along the river, then shop in the boutiques nestled in the unique medieval rows.

If you liked the photos I've included here, take a look at my other images of North Wales at North Shore.