Best Places to Visit in North Wales: A Llandudno Guide

The best places to visit in North Wales include Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the UNESCO World Heritage castle at Conwy, the Italian-style village of Portmeirion, Bodnant Garden, and the world's fastest zip line at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry — and all of them are within an hour's drive of Llandudno. The seaside town makes the ideal touring base, with its Victorian pier, the Great Orme, and a great choice of restaurants. For places to stay in Llandudno, The Esplanade is a family-run hotel right on the promenade, offering bed & breakfast and dinner, bed and breakfast rates, plus free parking — perfect for exploring North Wales by car.

North Wales packs castles, mountains, beaches, and world-record adventures into one small corner of Britain. Even better, you don't need to keep moving to see it all. Base yourself in Llandudno, and almost everything on this list is within an hour's drive. Here are our favourite day trips — chosen by the team at The Esplanade, your seafront home on the promenade.

Conwy Castle and Town Walls

Just 10 minutes from Llandudno, Conwy is home to one of Europe's finest medieval fortresses. Built for Edward I in the 1280s, Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the towers for views over the estuary, walk the complete town walls, and don't miss the Smallest House in Great Britain on the quayside.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

No list of the best places to visit in North Wales is complete without its highest peak. At 1,085 metres, Yr Wyddfa crowns Eryri National Park. Hikers can choose from six main paths, while the famous mountain railway from Llanberis offers a gentler route up. Set off early, pack layers, and check the forecast — Welsh weather likes surprises.

Portmeirion

Dreamed up by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion looks like an Italian village that drifted ashore on the Welsh coast. Pastel towers, subtropical gardens, and estuary views make it one of the most photographed spots in Wales. Fans of cult TV will know it as the setting for The Prisoner.

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry

Craving adrenaline? Zip World in Bethesda is home to Velocity 2 — the fastest zip line in the world. You'll fly over a bright blue quarry lake at speeds of over 100mph. Prefer to stay closer? There are dry ski slopes and a toboggan run on the Great Orme, right above Llandudno.

Bodnant Garden

One of Britain's most beautiful gardens sits just 20 minutes from our door. Bodnant Garden spills down a hillside in the Conwy Valley, with 80 acres of terraces, meadows, and waterfalls. Come in early summer for the famous laburnum arch, or in autumn for fiery colour — ideal if you're planning autumn breaks in Llandudno.

Anglesey and South Stack

Cross the Menai Strait, and you'll find beaches, coastal paths, and the dramatic South Stack Lighthouse perched on sea cliffs alive with puffins and razorbills in early summer. Beaumaris, with its moated castle and pastel seafront, is a lovely lunch stop.

Llandudno Itself

Save a day (or two) for the Queen of Welsh Resorts. Ride the tramway or cable car up the Great Orme, stroll the longest pier in Wales, follow the Alice in Wonderland trail, and relax on North Shore Beach. When hunger strikes, the town is full of great places to eat. Llandudno restaurants serve everything from fresh seafood to hearty Welsh classics, most of which are within a short walk of the promenade. Ask our team for their favourite spots — they love sharing local tips.

The Perfect Base: The Esplanade, Llandudno

Touring North Wales is easier with the right base, and that's where we come in. Among hotels in Llandudno, The Esplanade offers something rare: a seafront location and free parking. Park once, then explore by car, bus, or train each day — and come home to sea views every evening.

Our independent, family-run hotel has welcomed guests since the 1920s, when five Victorian townhouses were joined into one. Since the Morgans family took over in 2020, we've refurbished throughout, so you get period character with modern comfort. Choose a classic bed & breakfast Llandudno stay, or upgrade to our dinner, bed and breakfast rate and end each adventure with a relaxed evening meal.

Looking for places to stay in Llandudno, Wales? Make The Esplanade your home on the promenade.

Book your North Wales adventure at The Esplanade today — seven unforgettable day trips, one perfect seafront base.

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