Holiday Cottages In North Wales

Made up of North Snowdonia, South Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd was an independent kingdom until it was brought under English rule in the late 1200s. Edward I may have left his mark all over the region in the form of incredible castles, but despite his best efforts, he couldn't erase the Welsh language or strong sense of identity which exists today. Towns in Gwynedd include Bala, Dollgallau, Betws y Coed, Aberdyfi, Corris, Porthmadog and Phwelli. It also contains Snowdonia National Park.

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Snowdon is, if not the biggest reason to come to North Wales, certainly the highest. The Snowdonia National Park is one of three national parks in Wales and covers more than 820 square miles of mountains, lakes, farmland and villages. More than half the population speaks Welsh, which is testament to how strong the sense of Welsh identity is.

Outdoor activities include mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and golf. There's a steam train that runs up Snowdon all year round and a sherpa bus which collects and drops walkers at the start of the most popular walking routes. Blaenau Ffestiniog was once the heart of Welsh slate mining, but is now a mecca for mountain bike enthusiasts who come to pit their skills against superbly designed and built trails in the area, including the Antur Stiniog mountain biking centre.

Snowdonia National Park has 200 miles of protected coastline. Clean waters and safe beaches attract families, particularly to Barmouth and Nefyn. Abermouth hosts an annual wakeboard music festival every summer and Dinas Dinlle is good for kite boarding.

Don't miss seeing some of the best preserved castles in Britain, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Harlech, Caernarvon and Conwy.

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Separated from mainland Wales by the Menai Strait, Anglesey is an island haven and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). Wildlife flourishes in the undeveloped landscape, which ranges from beaches and sand dunes, to marshes, lakes and shaded woodland. It's a genuine pleasure to sink into a relaxed chair and admire the view, which walkers can appreciate up close from the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and numerous other trails.

Anglesey is a very family friendly area. As well as clean, safe beaches there is a superb marine aquarium, opportunities to go diving or sea-kayaking, museums, castles, parks and attractions like Llynnon Mill, the only working windmill in Wales. Beaumaris has been a popular seaside resort for generations and boasts a long Victorian pier, a UNESCO World Heritage listed castle and lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants serving fantastic local food. Remember to have your photo taken next to the sign at Llanfair-pwllgwyngyll-gogery-chwyrn-drobwll-llan-tysilio-gogo-goch, commonly referred to as Llanfair. It has the longest single world place name in Europe and the second longest in the world.

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Conwy's enormous medieval castle dominates the town. It's one of Edward I's finest fortresses and still has the ability to invoke a sense of awe more than 700 years after it was constructed. The town itself is surrounded by nearly a mile of thick wall, which once afforded views of approaching enemies, but which you can now use to appreciate stunning sea and mountain views. The quality of the castle, battlements and towers, has led to the town being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The people in Conwy know that size doesn't matter because as well as looking after the huge Conwy Castle, they are also the caretakers for Britain's smallest house which is just 1.8 metres wide! While you're in town, be sure to visit Plas Mawr, a beautifully preserved Elizabethan town house on the High Street and the Conwy Suspension Bridge which was designed by Thomas Telford.

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Denbighshire is in the North East of Wales. It has a fantastic array of attractions to keep you happy no matter what the weather. If it's nice, head north to the coast at Prestatyn and Rhyl. You could white water raft along the River Dee, or take a more gentle tour of the canals in a barge drawn by a horse walking on the tow path. Getting to the ruined castle of Dinas Bran is a hike, but worth the effort for the views, while the Valle Crucis Abbey at Llangollen is wonderfully peaceful.

Bodelwyddan Castle Park is a great day out whether it's wet or dry and Dyserth Waterfall looks even better in the rain. Perhaps a visit to the Llangollen Motor Museum or Ruthin Jail is more your cup of tea.

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Visitors to Wrexham are blown away by the charm of this vibrant Welsh town, and there are remnants of the wealth in the region's mines visible in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and some of the area's impressive architecture. It may technically be in Wales, but Wrexham's location on the English border has seen its governance and loyalties alter over the centuries to leave it with a character that is independently unique.

There is an excellent variety of things to do in and around Wrexham. You can easily spend a pleasant day or two indulging in some retail therapy at both the huge Eagles Meadow retail park as well as the myriad of independent shops and boutiques lining Town Hill, Temple Row and Bank Street in the old part of town.

Wrexham's countryside is a delight. Although Snowdonia National Park is 30 miles to the west, you don't have to go that far to enjoy the beautiful scenery that is typical of this part of North Wales. Favourite places to walk and cycle include Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley, the Clywedog Valley Trail, and parts of the Dee Valley Way. It doesn't matter if your idea of a perfect holiday is shopping all day, walking or cycling through the countryside, or discovering the beauty of days gone by, Wrexham lets you do it all.

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