Inspiration for holidays in north Wales

Snowdon is Wales’ highest mountain and the Snowdonia landscape offers soaring peaks and deep valleys.

(pic courtesy Visit Britain/JoeCornish)

Walking in the area will reward you with stunning views from on high and picturesque villages scattered down below. Whether you want to conquer the 1,085m peak of Snowdon on foot or take a leisurely train ride to the summit, the weather can change quickly here and no two days (or views) are ever the same.

With a host of walks of different levels and taking several hours you can spend many a full day here exploring and still stumble upon something new each time. If leisurely walks are more your pace then stay closer to the ground and wander the pretty villages and towns, browsing the shops and watching the world go by from cafés.

(pic courtesy Visit Britain/Lee Beel)

One such café that should be visited is Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tearoom set in the market town of Llanrwst on the northeast edge of Snowdonia National Park. A picture-postcard location, the award-winning tearoom lies on the west bank of the River Conwy, its name meaning ‘beyond the bridge’ and dates from 1480. Covered in ivy and leased by the National Trust, this traditional Welsh tea room serves up delectable tasty treats, with the secret scone recipe remaining the same for over 50 years.

For evening relaxing and a spot of culture head to Llandudno on the north Wales coast in Conwy, where you’ll find Venue Cymru. This large theatre, arts and conference centre plays host to a number of events and productions throughout the year including theatrical shows such as Guys and Dolls and Fiddler on the Roof, along with snooker championships, music concerts and film screenings.

The north of Wales is also home to many a castle. Three are worthy of mention here.

• The first is Penrhyn, near Bangor. This 19th-century fantasy castle has opulent interiors, unique architecture and a fine art collection. Outdoors there are extensive gardens, walking trails and a ‘bog garden’.
• Castle number two is just 20 minutes away, on the Isle of Anglesey. Reached by road from the Wales mainland, Anglesey is known for its beaches and ancient sites. Beaumaris Castle dates from the 13th century and was a bit of a marvel in its time (and still is). The castle has a unique and perfectly symmetrical concentric ‘walls within walls’ design involving four successive lines of fortifications which was state of the art at the time. It’s just a shame the castle was never completed – money and supplies ran out before it could reach its full height!
• Last but by no means least is the brute of a fortress at Caernarfon with its polygonal towers of colour-coded stones arranged in bands. King Edward I created an intimidating monster in masonry on the banks of the River Seiont. This castle is so impressive it was deemed worthy of World Heritage Status.

(pic courtesy Visit Britain/Lee Beel)

Depending on how you holiday, we have a magazine to suit you:

• MMM magazine is Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine and is packed with inspiring tours to help you get the most from your motorhome
• Campervan magazine is, as its name suggests, dedicated to helping those who prefer to seek their adventures in a campervan
• Camping magazine is for everyone who loves to sleep under canvas
• Caravan magazine inspires those of us who love to tour with a caravan and car
• Park and Holiday Home Inspiration magazine is written for people who love to holiday in purpose-built holiday accomodation or are lucky enough to own their own holiday home