Snowdonia and North Wales 100+ attractions map

Located above Colwyn Bay with splendid views onto the seaside town, the coast and sea, the zoo is Colwyns' prime atttraction and highly rated. It has a range of animals including brown bear, sumatran tiger and snow leopard; and regular animal performances/events: sea lion training, chimp encounter, bird and penguin displays. Also reptile house, aviary, cafes, gardens, educational programs, family facilities and media centre. The zoo has over 150 species and is oriented towards families and children.

The house is Georgian and the home of the local landed aristocrats (Lord Aberconwy). The gardens were created in the 19^thC and donated to the NT in 1949. A must-visit for anyone of horticultural/botanic inclinations.

Left: Pin Mill. Above: Laburnum arch.

The Carneddau are Snowdonias northern mountain range, separated by the Ogwen Valley (pic: Llyn (lake) Ogwen) from the Glydyrs, which is then divided on its S. side by the Llanberis Pass from the Snowdon Horseshoe.
All offer splendid walking and scenery described in innumerable guidebooks and websites. "The Segontium Roman fort was an auxiliary fort built by the Romans when they spread their conquest of Britain into Wales, and dates back to 77 AD. Although it was a remote outpost, it is one of the most well known Roman sites in Britain and attracts thousands of visitors each year." (website) Estate of the Marquess of Anglesey (1st marquess was second in command at Waterloo under Wellington and his tall commemorative column by LlanfairPG is well worth a visit), Plas Newydd (lit. "New House") originates in 14^thC, current structure 18th C., and is notable for Rex Whistler mural. National Trust since 1949. This was the last of the original magnox design to be built. Whatever your opinions of nuclear power, the stations themselves are impressive and the visitor centre is educational and has a cafe. A beautiful spot but to be honest a bit of a tourist trap. But with a little effort it's not difficult to get away from the crowds in the magnificently scenic river (Conwy, Llugwy and Lledr) valleys confluencing at Betws y Coed.
The Fairy Glen just to the east of Betws-y-Coed is a good alternative.
Just west is Tŷ Hyll - The Ugly House - a quaint historical cottage now converted into a visitor centre. The reserve was established during the contruction of the A55 and is a splendidly scenic spot with views across the estuary to the Castle. The estuary is a prime spot for waders and other species that favour wetlands environment.
Cafe and visitor centre.

Ticket or RSPB membership required for entry to the main part of the reserve.

This is one of the most imposing of Edward I's castles and in conjunction with the town wall is one of the best preserved sites of medieval military architecture in Europe.
Also in Conwy: Plas Mawr tudor home (15th C.; National Trust), old Conwy Bridges (suspension bridge by Telford was prototype for his bridge over the Menai Straits; and rail bridge by Stevenson). Llandudno West Shore left, Conwy Morfa below. "The prehistoric copper mines are a unique industrial complex of international importance. They are evidence for some of the earliest and most extensive metal mining in Europe."
The only Bronze Age mine open to the public in the world: self guided tour. The "Queen of Welsh resorts" is a classic Victorian seaside town with amongst its many attractions the sweep of the North Shore with its beach, promenade and hotels, a fine pier and the Great Orme headland. Its Victorian heritage is celebrated with a very popular annual May bank holiday festival with rides, steam engines, games, events.
A regular host of conferences due to its modern conference centre and facilities. The large limestone headland offers walks, numerous points of interest and fine views towards the mountains, over the sea and over Llandudno. It is a nature reserve and SSSI, with evidence of human habitation going back to early stone age.
The summit complex buildings (L, arrival point of cable car and tram) were originally a telegraph station, now house a visitor centre, cafe, hotel, shops.
The Marine Drive is the scenic road that circles the headland (toll) - I recommend a bike. Most of the coastal towns have active sailing clubs, including Llandudno. Beaumaris is home to the prestigious Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, and hosts the important Menai Straits Regatta.
Marinas local to TyF are at Conwy and Deganwy.
Plas Menai, the National Watersports Centre, is near Port Dinorwic. A charming (easy - 2½ miles) walk leads to this well known beauty spot.
On your way see if you can spot Pen-y-Mwd mound, aka "Abergwyngregyn Castle" although there is no castle any more just a motte. This is near the road in the village. A still working slate mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog that has been active since 1836. A visit offers a fascinating insight into the regions main industry during the 19th century, offers two underground tours for visitors (top tip for rainy day!). Also Victorian Village. The railway runs from Caernarfon to Porthmadoc and is the big recent development in the railway and tourism scene in N Wales, opening in 2010.
Porthmadog is the 'centre of the universe' as far as the Welsh small railways are concerned: the Festiniog and Heritage railways are also here. The latter offers visits to the engine sheds and a museum. This rugged glacial valley offers some of Snowdonia's most dramatic scenery and is a world renowned rock climbing venue.
Plas y Brenin, the National Mountaineering Centre, is in Capel Curig. This is the UK's only cog railway and runs from Llanberis all the way to the summit. A splendid ride on a fine summers day and the new, architecturally cool summit station ("Hafod Eryri") is a vast improvement on the tacky old shed. Not all visitors are capable of walking to the top, however I'm not the only local who avoids the top of Snowdon and its tourist hordes during the season. The Dinorwig pumped storage hydro-electric scheme was constructed in the 1970's by the then CEGB and is still one of the worlds biggest. I remember being impressed by the underground construction during open day tours at the time and recommend a visit. The visitor centre in Llanberis is free.

Snowdonias' other pump storage power station at Tanygrisiau is no longer open to visitors.

The slate quarrying was a huge industry in its heyday, employing thousands of local Welsh workers, prompting the construction of the railways and making the fortunes of eg Lord Penrhyn (of Penrhyn Castle near Bangor) as well as having an enormous (today unacceptable) environmental impact. This is the place to gain a fascinating insight into the industry.
Lake Railway station adjacent (narrow guage steam railway). This enormous 19th-century neo-Norman mansion (only bits of the original 15th-century manor survive), built by the Pennant family off the profits of slate quarrying and sugar plantations, is crammed with fascinating items such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. Also dolls museum, railway museum, extensive grounds. National Trust since 1951. Beaumaris Castle was built as one of the 'iron ring' of North Wales castles by Edward I to stamp his authority on the Welsh, but was never finished. Its ingenious and perfectly symmetrical concentric 'walls within walls' design, involving no less than four successive lines of fortifications, was state of the art for the era.
Also of interest in Beaumaris is the Victorian Gaol, and the town itself has plenty of olde world charm. Benllech and adjacent vast Red Wharf Bay are one of the regions prime seaside venues. Sandy beaches sheltered from the prevailing westerlies, fine coastal scenery.
Moelfre (see icon) is just up the coast. This historic and photogenic bridge was built by the renowned Thomas Telford and completed in 1826 - the worlds first!
The Britannia Bridge to the west was built by R.L. Stevenson (opened 1850) and was a unique tubular rail bridge. Following a fire in 1970 the bridge was reconstructed with arches and a road deck above the rail deck.
In Menai Bridge town is Menai Heritage bridges museum (ticket entry). Probably the best preserved of the Edwardian fortresses and also the best known due to the televised investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales here in 1969.
Houses the museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

©www.stay-in-wales.co.uk

A special seaside destination: sand dunes, forestry, miles of sandy beach, views across the sea to the mountains of Snowdonia - and a nature reserve and SSSI. At the north end Llanddwyn Island (actually connected to Anglesey by a spit) has the remnants of an historic chapel, a lighthouse, delightful coves on each side and fascinating geology. They say that Nelson's men'o war were clad with Parys Mountain copper. This was certainly the most important copper mine around at the time. The legacy is an extraordinary 'lunar lndscape' of ochre coloured rocks and tailings. Another fascinating piece of geology and industrial archeology (and environmental eyesore!) and a contrast to walking the rural paths, glades and lanes elsewhere in Anglesey.
Check out the visitor centre and the historic port in Amlwch. Anglesey is well known for its antiquarian remains with over 120 scheduled monuments. Notable sites include (left to right) the neolithic Bryn Celli Dhu burial site, Barclodiad y Gawres burial site, Bodowyr cromlech and Din Llugwy iron age village. Trearddur Bay has a fine beach and is also popular with surfers. This notable lighthouse was completed in 1809 and a tour of it is well worth while - its position next to the pre-cambrian sea cliffs overlooking the Irish sea is terrific. Top sunset-watching location too. Thousands of seabirds nest at South Stack cliffs. From Ellin's Tower visitor centre you can observe puffins, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills; with on screen live feeds. Also admire the pre-cambrian geology of the sea cliffs and the climbers derring-do on them.
Keen 'twitchers' will also be interested in the Valley Wetlands Reserve by RAF Valley airfield, and Malltraeth Marsh reserve in SW Anglesey. One of the original and best known of the 19th century industrial narrow guage steam railways now become heritage attraction thanks to the determination and devotion of railway buffs and local activists. It was originally built to serve the slate quarries, but became redundant for that purpose with their decline and closed after WW2. Rebirth began in the fifties and now the railway is one of Snowdonias' prime attractions. Valley is the RAF's main rescue training base.
Give Prince William a wave if he happens to fly by... "Winner of the Prince of Wales award for tourism, Sygun Copper Mine is ... a remarkable and impressive example of how our precious industrial heritage can be reclaimed, restored and transformed into an outstanding attraction."
Self guided audio-visual tours along winding tunnels and large, colourful chambers, magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations and veins of ore. The Italianate village designed and built by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 and made famous by the cult tv series "The Prisoner" (aired 1967-8). Now a tourist attraction run by the Clough Williams-Ellis trust.
The family home Plas Brondanw in Croesor is also open to visitors. The Gwydyr Forest offers a multitude of outdoor opportunities. The main mountain biking area is here in the northern part between Betws y Coed and Llanrwst. Pic shows the "Marin Trail". Anglesey is flat and low lying - highest point 700'/220m. The Anglesey Coastal Path (200km/124mi) circumnavigates the Isle and is almost all in the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Particularly of interest to walkers who like coasts, birdlife and non-mountainous terrain! The reservoir is a nature reserve and SSSI and is noted for its trout fishing - visitors can purchase a day permit. It is also noted for waterfowl and has a bird sanctuary with hides. Visitor centre open year round.
Walking and biking in the area recommendable. A popular family day out. Rides, karts, boats, ropes course, activities. Treetops high ropes adventure offers the bold and energetic an entertaining through the trees challenge. This is a recently (2006) established long distance walk. It runs for 91 miles from Caernarfon to Uwchmynydd and is now (as of May 5th 2012) part of the all-Wales coastal path (I have belatedly noticed that the pic is almost certainly of Llanddwyn Island, Newborough, on Anglesey). A village charmingly situated in the Conwy Valley, best known for the 16th century bridge over the river (the National Trust tea house at the west end of the bridge is to be recommended). In the village St. Grwst Church (14th C.) houses a richly carved rood screen, adjoining Gwydir Chapel the stone coffin of Llewellyn the Great and the 16th century almshouses and museum are of historic interest. Gwydyr Castle is a fine 16th century Tudor mansion with grade one listed gardens. It is privately owned by artist Peter Welford and his wife, author Judy Corbett, but open to the public April-September.
Nearby Gwydir Uchaf Chapel was built in 1673 and is noted for its fine painted ceiling. Criccieth Castle is a native Welsh castle situated on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay. It was built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd but it was heavily modified following its capture by English forces of Edward I in the late 13th century. This is another of the fortresses built by Edward I during his 13th century conquest of Wales. The castle, which stands on a rocky promontory above the Welsh market town was built upon an earlier Welsh stronghold. Substantial parts of the town walls also survive. Llangollen is a charming town in the Clwyd hills (just off the edge of this map) by which runs the eponymous canal. The famous viaduct (Thomas Telford 1805) over the Dee is 4 miles further east.

In town is Plas Newydd, the regency home and gardens of the "Ladies of Llangollen", now a museum.

North of Llangollen are the evocative ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, a Cistercian monastery dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537. Popular visitor spot due to its idyllic position at the confluence of the Nant Gwynant and Nant Colwyn valleys at the southern tip of the Snowdon massif. The Glaslyn river then runs south through the scenic Glaslyn Gorge to the Bay of Tremadog. Of interest to visitors are Gelerts' Grave and the village church which dates from the 6th century. This reservoir has a scenic location in the Clwyd hills and is particularly noted for the fly fishing.
There is a modern interpretive visitor centre, lakeside cafe, childrens adventure playground, nature and archeology trails, circular walk around the lake.
The Alwen reservoir just to the west also has fine fishing and walking opportunities. National White Water Centre. The water released from the dam provides the white water action. If you're not a boater yourself have a go in a raft with a guide. Plas Tan y Bwlch is another of the 19th century mansions built on the profits from slate. Today it is the Snowdonia National Park study centre and its attractive gardens and conservatory are free to visit. Only (approx) 20 miles by 20 miles yet the geology of Anglesey spans an incredible half a billion years of time and is remarkably diverse: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, the whole referred to in academia as "the Mona Complex". Highlights include the deep sea smoker type mineralisation of Parys Mountain (see icon), the pre-cambrian quartzites of South Stack (see icon), the fossiliferous Carboniferous limestone on the east coast (Benllech icon), the pillow lavas of Llanddwyn (Newborough - see icon) - a Site of Special Scientific Interest - and Carmel Head (thrust plane). It's an area of international importance now branded as the Anglesey Geopark, or GeoMôn, under the auspices of Unesco. SSSI and National Nature Reserve.
This hanging valley is a deservedly hugely popular spot of particular interest: dramatic glacially carved scenery; geology of folded rock strata in the cliffs; fauna and ecology. A comfy half a day to walk in, explore and out for the casual visitor. Many visitors will be part of field studies and educational parties, others serious walkers and climbers. Aberlleiniog Castle is an interesting 11th century motte and bailey castle with a rich history. Its attractive location is free to visit, has maintained paths and adjacent Lleiniog beach has good sand and splendid views of Snowdonia. Visit Penmon for an insight into Christianity's early days around here. According to legend St. Seiriol (Penmon) and St. Cybi (Caergybi = Holyhead) founded (6th C) their respective monasteries at opposite ends of the island and would walk to meet in the middle every week.
Penmon Priory dates primarily from the 12th century; also check out St Seiriols' well and the dovecote.
Puffin Island is the ticket for... guillemots and razorbills, also cormorants, terns, ducks, seals, dolphins, porpoises.... The puffins, alas, are having to slowly recover from the depredations of rats. The RSPB runs cruises from May to August, departing Beaumaris Pier.

Tŷ Mawr Wyrbrnant (and Tŷ'n y Coed Uchaf)

National Trust properties. The first is an authentic 16th century upland farm in the hills south of the Lledr valley that was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan who translated the bible into welsh. The latter - 2½ miles east in the Machno valley - is a 19th century farmhouse also being preserved in an authentic condition. Open year round, a popular tourist atraction for families. Tractor rides, rare breeds, birds of prey. Also steak house restaurant. One of the first of the Edwardian Castles to be built, construction started in 1277. Prior to that Rhuddlan was an important centre for the Welsh princes with various fortifications. Then the Normans built Twthill Castle, of which the motte remains.
Rhuddlans church St. Marys celebrated its 700th anniversary in 2001. Foel Farm park offers tractor tours, opportunities to feed the animals, pony rides, bistro and cafe. Pili Palas - the "Butterfly Palace" - has butterflies naturally, living and flying in their large greenhouse. Also insects, birdhouse, snakes and lizards and, recent addition, meerkats. One of the most popular family outings. Trefriw Woolen Mill is an authentic working 19th century mill powered by hydro-electricity. A tour is an educational insight into wool weaving.
Trefriw is a good walking centre and has a Victorian spa (on the site of an original Roman spa). A few miles north is Dogarrog, site of a now demolished aluminium smelter and location of the devastating flood of 1925, caused by dam failure. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest point in Wales (and England): 1085m/3560'. Yr Wyddfa means "the tumulus" while the English name derives from old english for "snow hill".
I describe British mountains to my foreign mountaineering friends as big in character. They are typically close to coasts so you get maximum value for the elevation and maximum difference in weather (many are the tourists who have been caught out by that!).
If you only have time for one major walk then this is probably the one to do - the "Horseshoe" circuit of the magnificent glacial cirque. Not to be underestimated, it's not far on the map but typically takes around 6 hours. If you're passing through Corwen consider checking out Rug Chapel. This 17th century private chapel with it's elaborate decorative (anti-puritanical!) flourishes was built by Royalist Col. W. Salesbury and is said to have influenced Luytens.
Nearby Llangar Church is 15th century with original wall paintings. This, just east of Betws y Coed, is a particularly interesting example of these neolithic burial sites. Located in the Nant Gwynant valley, this was built by Welsh prince Llywellyn the Great in the 13th century. The imposing keep is in a fine scenic location. Padarn Country Park Nature Reserve, by Llanberis, is centered on Llyn Padarn (home to Arctic Char) and the ancient sessine oak tree clad south-west facing slopes on its north side. As well as woodland walks and scenery, specific points of interest are (L to R): Vivian Quarry (diving school); old Dinorwig Quarry Hospital (museum); Lake Railway; giant waterwheel; "Ropes and Ladders" activities; also lake cruises ("Snowdon Star"), nature trail. Llanystumdwy is where Lloyd George retired to and is now buried. The museum celebrates the life of this brilliant 20th century statesman who rose to be prime minister from such modest beginnings in rural Wales.
The house dated from 1550 and was inherited by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, creator of Portmeirion (the house needed to be rebuilt after a fire in the 1930's). Some consider the italianate gardens he created here to be superior to his famous village. Ynys Enlli, 3½ miles off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, is a Nature Reserve, SSSI and place of pilgrimage ("the island of 20,000 saints"). It is noted for Manx shearwaters and choughs and is a good place to see dolphins, porpoises and grey seals. It also has a cachet as an artistic retreat.
The island is owned and managed by the Bardsey Island Trust. The Bala Lake Railway runs alonside the south side of Llyn Tegid - Bala Lake - for 9 miles from the charming little market town at its head. Home of Britains smallest ancient cathedral. The current structure dates mainly from the 14th century, with extensive remodelling during the Victorian era. It is one of the main venues for the well regarded annual North Wales International Music Festival that St Asaph hosts. The town has nestled in the Vale of Clwyd with its castle since the 13th century.

A main attraction is Ruthin Gaol, subject of a recent major revamp into a museum, education and archival centre. In town is Nantclwyd y Dre townhouse, oldest in Wales (c.1435).

The castle was razed during the civil war, but parts rebuilt are now incorporated into a hotel. Just north east of Ruthin is Moel Famau park, part of the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, through which runs Offa's Dyke long distance path. This runs from Prestatyn on the N. Wales coast to the Severn Estuary, following the 8th century earthwork for much of its length. A mountain bike trail has also been established.
On top of Moel Famau are the foundations of the Jubilee Tower, built to commemorate the jubilee of George III but knocked down during a storm. As a resort town Rhyl is, like Llandudno, of the Victorian era, but its character is that of a classic seaside town of the post war era: beach, fairground rides, amusements, entertainment. The prevalence of caravan parks along the coast from Abergele to the W to Prestatyn to the E is the legacy of that postwar popularity.
Suffered decline when everyone went to Spain instead, but the focus of some reinvestment in recent years. The Seaquarium and Sun Centre are the focal points - fun for the kids. Also has a museum, botanic gardens. Holyhead (Caergybi) is the principal port to Ireland with daily sailings to Dublin across the Irish Sea. The harbour is notable for the breakwater, the biggest in the world at the time (19th C.). The quarry from which all 7 Mtons of rock was extracted on the flanks of Holyhead Mountain (see icon) has been redeveloped into the Breakwater Country Park.
Of local interest are: Roman remains (the original Caer Gybi); the Maritime Museum; and Penrhos Coastal Park nature reserve. The Llŷn Peninsula is well known for its coves and beaches. Some of the best are Porth Oer (aka Whistling Sands due to the noise the sand makes), Nefyn, Penllech, these being all on the generally rockier and cliff bound north coast. On the other side facing Cardigan Bay are the vast Hells Mouth (pic - surfing!), Aberdaron, Pwllheli, Abersoch (water sports), Black Rock Sands (near Criccieth - one of the best expanses of sand). This Victorian gothic mansion in Llanbedrog just by Pwllheli is now an arts centre. It has various exhibitions through the year, permanent exhibition of porcelain, tea room, craft shop.

A few miles away overlooking the north end of Hells Mouth Bay is Plas yn Rhiw a 16th century manor house and ornamental gardens with Georgian additions, now a National Trust property (ticket entry).

There are too many interesting ancient archeological sites around to even begin to icon them all but here is one of the best: Tre'r Ceiri iron age hill fort on the mountain known as Yr Eifl ("The Rivals"), with still impressive ramparts. The remains of about 150 huts are visible inside. Reckoned to have been occupied from c.1000BC to Roman times.
At the foot of the mountain on the coast is the old quarrying village of Nant Gwrtheyrn. The abandoned village has been redeveloped into a Welsh Language and Heritage Centre, with residential cottages, conference centre, exhibition and cafe, the latter being just the job if you're coming down from the forts or back from an excursion along the coastal path. The museum is located at Caernarfons' local aiport at Dinas Dinlle and offers "one of the most hands-on aircraft experiences that you will find anywhere within the UK, allowing entry into most of the Cockpits".
Flight training school and Apron Bistro. The ancient cathedral city of Bangor has roots back to the 6th century and is home to the regions main institute of higher education: Bangor University. As well as activities, events sports and cultural life associated with the University the city has a fine Victorian pier, and hosts the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery. The cathedral's outward character is due to its Victorian makeover, but nevertheless holds the aura of a site used for Christian worship for at least a millenia and a half. Here is a good reason to explore the "off the beaten track" hills of middle Snowdonia: the fascinatingly distinctive bronze age stone circle of Bryn Cader Faner, at the northern end of the Rhinog range.
Further south are the famous "Roman Steps". One of the most dramatic of the great Edwardian castles (just off the map to the south). In medieval times the sea would have been lapping the hill upon which the castle stands emphasising its fantastic position. The castle has a rich history: it was Owain Glyndwrs' seat of government during his revolt, and the 7 year siege during the War of the Roses is said to have inspired the song "Men of Harlech". Llynon Mill, the only working windmill in Wales, is an original 18th century windmill revamped into an agricultural museum. Buy your stone ground flour here!
A prehistoric settlement has also been re-created - typical of what existed on Anglesey around 3,000 years ago. This victorian mansion, gardens and grounds on an estate whose history extends back to the 15th century is currently run by a Trust as an historic house and museum. Part of the castle is run as a hotel and it hosts numerous events. Notable portraiture in the rooms due to a partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. The 'Marble' Church - erected by Lady Willoughby de Broke (of Bodelwyddan Castle) in the 1850's in memory of her husband - with its soaring spire is a fine sight even just passing by on the expressway. The church is dedicated to St. Margaret. It is well worth a visit to admire its (mainly actually limestone) stonework and interior. Just south of Harlech is Llanfair Slate Caverns, another example of the extent of the slate industry. Pre-cambrian geology is distinctive; self guided tour/explore with hard hats gives the visitor an authentic feel. Souvenir shop and cafe.
Adjacent is a separate farm attraction: Childrens Farm Park. The Gypsy Wood, just off the A487 south of Caernarfon, is an outdoor attraction aimed at families: "...Experience one of the UK's largest miniature railways. Befriend (and feed) the animals." Seems to suit younger and more imaginative visitors who enjoy exploring nooks and corners (and parents keen on a relatively tranquil and educational outing). Gift shop, cafe, picnic area, wetlands walk, fishing. Glasfryn Parc, just east of the A399 north of Pwllheli, is the place for Go-Karts, quad biking, wakeboarding (water skiing), trekking, archery, ten pin bowling with licensed bar, coarse fishing and other activities. Kids zone soft play area. Restaurant. Farm shop sells produce from Glasfryn Farm. Open year round. The geology of this part of Anglesey produces a rare type of wetland fed by alkaline water that drains into the fens from the pervious limestone rocks that surround them. These fens include three National Nature Reserves (NNRs): Cors Erddreiniog, Cors Bodeilio and Cors Goch (the latter two have boardwalks to facilitate visitor access).

*Ramsar Sites are Wetlands of International Importance, designation due to a convention signed in the city of Ramsar (Iran) in 1971.

The scenic Conwy Valley Railway (Arriva trains Wales) runs from Llandudno to Betws y Coed and then on to Blaenau Ffestiniog where you can connect to the Ffestiniog railway to Porthmadoc (where you can connect to the new Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon, however completing the circuit will then require a bus).
Next to the station in Betws is the Railway Museum.
Enthusiast D. Sallery describes a much bigger full rail circuit: "The Cambrian Rail Cruise" on his website penmorfa.com.
Photo ©Dave Sallery Conwy Water Gardens has three stocked fishing lakes, reptile house, aquarium, nature walk and Dutch pancake restaurant. Disabled access. Hwylfan Play Centre in Caernarfon has slides, ball pools, tubes, bridges, maze, climbing walls, net and ropes, cars..... the adults can relax in the fully licensed restaurant. Recommended by my nieces.
Other fun centres: The Den (Llanberis); Totally Ape (Colwyn Bay). Ride up the Great Orme on its original Victorian cable tram or cable car (although that's not Victorian, being built in 1969). Alternatively for the more active there are well established walking routes. This picturesque seaside village has a long maritime history and association with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, commemorated by the Seawatch Centre museum. It is well known as the site of the wreck of the Royal Charter during one of the worst storms of the 19th century (monument).
With 7 nearby beaches and a variety of historic and natural points of interest this is a wonderful area to explore. Located on the flanks of the Orme (on the site of the original Happy Valley open air theatre), the centre has a newly refurbished artificial slope - just the job for buffing your turns before Klosters. Also toboggan run and mini golf, bar and restaurant.
The other ski slope in the region is at Plas y Brenin National Mountaineering centre in Capel Curig. Anglesey's highest point (albeit a modest 220m/720') has fantastic views over the Irish Sea all the way to Ireland as well as archeological remains (reckoned to be the highest concentration of prehistoric remains in Britain!). Walks on and around its heather and bracken clad slopes encompass Caer y Twr hillfort, hut circles, standing stones, a Roman watch tower, the dramatic quartzite cliffs between North and South Stack.
Start your visit at the Breakwater Country Park: cafe, shop, visitor centre, boat pond. Between llangollen and Ruthin (just off the edge of the map), this privately owned forest has been developed for the leisure market with visitor centre, walking and biking trails, and has become a successful venue.
Bike here and you'll avoid the car park charge that is the fee. The Nant Gwynant valley runs south from the moorland near Capel Curig and the SE end of the Llanberis Pass to Beddgelert and has a justified reputation for its scenery. From stunning viewpoints at the top the A498 wends past the two lakes, farmland and old forest and a number of points of interest. A route to drive at a pace to take in the ambiance (and then you won't get frustrated by being stuck behind a coach).
Both sides of the valley offer prime walking terrain. The Watkins Path, one of the main routes up Snowdon, is well signposted. Technically proficient walkers enjoy the region between the Nant Gwynant and the Ffestiniog Valley (the Moelwyns).
Just south of the southern lake, Llyn Dinas, is Craflwyn Hall, a Victorian estate now owned by the National Trust and run as a guest house. It is at the foot of Dinas Emrys (pic), a rocky prominence that overviews this end of the valley and has been the site of fortifications since at least Roman times. This, according to legend, is where Merlin encountered Vortigern. Other local legend refers to hidden treasure. Garden Art, an upmarket horticulture and garden ornament outfit, have created what is claimed to be the worlds largest maze by Dolgarrog. Also woodland walk and world's rarest tree - Wallemi Pine. New for 2013, Europes' longest zip wire, spanning the old slate quarry. Its a swoop at ~1600m long.

Portmeirion village (Porthmadoc)
Caernarfon Castle
Conwy Castle
Bodnant Gardens (Conwy)
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
(Blaenau Ffestiniog)
Swallow Falls (Betws y Coed)
Great Orme Tramway (Llandudno)
Penrhyn Castle (Bangor)
Erddig 18^th C. manor²
Harlech Castle

¹According to Wales Tourist Board survey of ticket entry attractions. Top overall is probably Snowdon. (nearest town).

²Not on map - near Wrexham.

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Ticket entry attractions - green background.

Non-ticket entry attractions do not require payment on enter but may still incur fees eg parking, permits/tickets for activities.

Feedback? Errors? New info/attractions? Contact the webmaster at www.tremyfoel.co.uk/.

Trem y Foel holiday cottage is here in the northern corner of the National Park between Penmaenmawr and Conwy.