Discover the world that’s waiting for you and your children in the much-loved land of North Wales – with a little helping hand from the region’s leading family holiday provider.
North Wales, quite simply, has something to offer to everyone. Especially your children. They can climb castles and conquer coastlines where plenty of treasure troves lie. Kids can lose themselves in local legends and accelerate into adrenaline-fuelled adventures. The little ones can chase Snowdon’s steam train to the summit – and even chase the sunset on the back of a donkey on Barmouth Beach.
Whatever your kids are into, it’s a safe bet that North Wales has it. Don’t believe us? Read on to discover why your kids will absolutely love their holiday in North Wales:
1. It’s full of magic for children- literally!
In our experience, telling kids that they’re on the way to the land where dragons live is always a great way of gearing the excitement up a notch. There’s plenty of literature and activities to get those young, creative minds focused on dragons and all things magical. Why not visit the legendary lake of Llyn Ogwen where it’s said King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, lies?
The magic, wonder and colour of Portmeirion Village will feel like Disneyland in a Welsh climate for youngsters. The Mediterranean, Italianate village on the coast of Gwynedd is a must-visit for all the family.
2. Sea, sand & seashells
If there’s one thing North Wales is best known for, it’s our stunning coastline. There are over 100 beaches to choose from, each with something different to offer. Fancy skimming stones at Aberffraw Beach, or rock pooling at Rhos on Sea? See how many stones you can collect at Shell Island, or how many waves you can bob over on a bodyboard at Prestatyn Beach.
3. An abundance of animals
Another huge yes on the checklist for the kids: animals! Discover another world of creatures great and small at Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay. Make some furry new friends at Manorafon Park in Abergele, or combine the magic of fairies with the charm of animals and the rugged wilderness of 20 acres of beautiful natural woodland at Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon.
Rhyl Seaquarium will uncover a universe wet and wondrous, and Pili Palas Nature World in Anglesey is something completely different all together!
4. Cool things like trains and speedboats
Engines, real-life toys, and a bit of history? We think this one is a must for the dads, as well as the petrolheads and kids! The most noteworthy and coolest train in Wales is hands down The Snowdon Lily, in Snowdonia (you guessed it.) This beauty is a re-construction of an original carriage from 1896 and is pushed by a steam locomotive through the clouds to the summit of Snowdon.
Penrhyn Castle Railway Museum is another hidden gem within the grounds of Penrhyn Castle (also an unmissable location for a family day out!) Here you’ll see an entire museum dedicated to industrial locomotives, namely from the Penrhyn Quarry itself.
We thought we’d mention speedboats here too – because the chance of whizzing at great velocity down the Menai Straits is never one to miss. The entire isle of Anglesey is a kingdom for watersports, but definitely consider making your way to Puffin Island on the eastern tip of Anglesey for some unforgettable boat trips and nature watching.
5. Castles, Queens and Kings
We may be small, but we are might, with ancient fortresses and castles making up many acres of land. There are over 600 castles in the country – that’s more per square mile than anywhere else in the world! Some of our favourites in the region to visit are:
- Castell y Bere, South Snowdonia
- Conwy Castle
- Caernarfon Castle
- Harlech Castle
- Denbigh Castle
- Castell Dinas Bran
- Bodelwyddan Castle
6. Caves and underground adventures
Magical lands above ground: and even more wondrous below it. Wales with its deep history of mining and colliery has plenty of sub-terranean dynasties to explore and uncover. But with the help of some forward-thinking tourism groups, the world below has been transformed in places to a realm of adventure and fun.
We thoroughly recommend visiting Go Below in Betws-Y-Coed, Bounce Below in Snowdonia, Llechwyd Slate Caverns Zip World in Snowdonia, and the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre in Llanberis.
7. Funfairs: a favourite for children
Summer in North Wales historically means three things: seaside, ice cream and funfairs. The coastline is scattered come mid-June with dozens of funfairs and rides. The most well-known to our Towyn camps is the infamous Tir Prince Fun Park, which also boasts arcades and other amusements. Don’t forget about Rhyl Family Fun Fair on the promenade, and Llandudno’s Extravaganza Weekend which is unmissable for all the family!
Year-round family days out need not be a problem with GreenWood Family Park in Y Felinheli and Knightly’s Fun Park in Conwy.
8. Picnics and plenty of pics
Would it be a British summer holiday without a picnic, complete with plastic cups and mum’s old blanket? Fear not, because North Wales is rife with beauty-spots perfect for pitching up and whacking the ham butties and thermos flask tea out.
Here are our favourite snacking spots that are 100% child-friendly which adults will love to:
- Afon Glaslyn Pools, off the Watkin Path, Snowdon
- Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
- River Llugwy, Betws-y-Coed
- Llyn Mair, Maentwrog
- Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd
- Llandudno West Shore
9. Waterparks and waterfalls
We’ve finished this list with a combination of natural and man-made wonders which will equally wow the kids. Most children love splashing about, but we know the sea can be a bit scary. Visiting the Nova in Prestatyn should definitely be on the cards for water babies, as well as the amazing indoor and outdoor waterpark SC2 in Rhyl.
For the more adventurous young spirits, Surf Snowdonia offers a variety of activities and taster-sessions. On the way back to Lyons Holiday Parks, stop off at Abergwyngregyn Falls to admire the 120ft chute just outside of Llanfairfechan. Venture to Rhaeadr Dyserth in Rhyl too – or even Pistyll Rhaeadr in Oswestry!
Owners: don’t forget your Owners Select Passes will entitle you to great discounts off entry at some of these amazing tourist hotspots. Stay tuned to find out more next month!