A Guide to North Wales in the Summer Holidays

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Beautiful beaches, a wealth of culture and miles of open roads to roam. Here’s all you need to know about visiting North Wales during the summer holidays…

The global pandemic did one thing for North Wales – it put it on the map. Due to fears surrounding foreign travel, millions of Brits are planning on holidaying at home during this year’s summer holidays. And the number one place to visit (well, in our book anyway)…North Wales!

Use this comprehensive guide to find out all you need to know about this beautiful part of the world. Looking for fun places to take the kids, or perhaps somewhere remote to enjoy a long romantic walk? We’ve got you covered. Make the most of the summer holidays with Lyons Holiday Parks.

Things to do in the summer holidays with the kids – in the sun!

zoo

North Wales is known for its many attractions which cater for families and people of all ages. Here are our top five child-friendly activities:

1. Conwy Treasure Trail

Solve the sneaky clues lying around this ancient fort town while soaking up the medieval lessons and culture.

2. Dyffryn Clwyd Footgolf Centre

Two great sports come together in Ruthin to offer a fun and utterly unique activity for all the family.

3. Welsh Mountain Zoo

Enter the magical kingdom of monkeys, flamingos, penguins and even lions from a panoramic hillside location.

4. Manorafon Farm Park

Meet, greet and even feed the animals at this Abergele-based petting zoo, home to pigs, pooches goats and more!

5. Puffin Island Pleasure Cruise

Explore Pennon lighthouse, Puffin Island, and the Snowdonia Mountain Range in a different way while getting your outdoor thrills on a boat trip/ guided tour.

Keeping the kids entertained when it rains

As beautiful as North Wales is, the region can often be blighted by the typical Welsh rain! No need to worry, we’ve listed our top five things to do when you’re looking for an indoor activity:

1. Spavens sweet shop

A child’s heaven: hundreds of jars of retro sweet-shop style treats! Paint your own jar, mug or vase before tucking into a homemade crepe with ice cream.

2. World War II Homefront Museum

Experience the sights and sounds of civilian life during WW2 at this unique indoor attraction.

3. Pili Palas Nature World

Visit this hands-on zoo with tropical butterflies, meerkats, reptiles and farmyard animals with indoor and outdoor play areas.

4. Llandudno Chocolate Experience

Follow the 5000-year-old journey of chocolate-making with this mouthwatering Llandudno-based museum.

5. Sygun Copper Mine

Youngsters will love this Indiana Jones-style cave, which contains real traces of copper, silver and gold.

Summer holidays are the time for adrenaline

ropes

For the thrill-seekers, adventurers, and those with lots of energy! Here are the ultimate five adrenaline-inducing hotspots to hit this summer holidays:

1. Zip Word

Zoom over Snowdonia’s quarries and mines on the world’s fastest velocity zip line.

2. Go Below

An adrenaline-inducing activity that personally guides participants through authentic abandoned mines in the heart of Snowdonia.

3. Ropeworks Active

Try climbing, gorge scrambling, coasteering, underground adventure and hill walking with this exciting Snowdonia-based course.

4. Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Say hello to surfing on a spectacular inland lagoon, an award-winning Ninja assault course, or try paddleboarding, mountain biking, or freshwater swimming.

5. Llandudno Ski & Snowboard Centre

Fly full-speed down part of the Great Orme on a pair of skis, snowboard or even toboggan!

Self-care in the summer holidays (something for the adults!)

spa

The kids are sorted for the summer holidays: now it’s time to look after yourself! Relax, unwind and take some much-needed ‘me time’ with these top five North Wales locations:

1. Beauty on the Sqaure

Relaxing beauty treatments in calm and elegant surroundings from this Ruthin-based luxury parlour.

2. White House Rhuallt

Boasting a brand new spa and wellness centre offering the very best in luxury facilities and top

3. OM Yoga North Wales

Find your zen with a range of classes, workshops and events at this prestigious venue in the heart of the Conwy Valley.

4. Mermaid Spa 

The Mermaid Spa at Portmeirion has a wide range of treatments including body wraps and facials, aroma massages and manicures.

5. Jeniosa Salon

Treat yourself to some grooming time at this luxury hair salon overlooking the stunning Welsh coastline of Rhos-on-Sea.

Food & drink in the summer holidays

summer holidays

1. Gresham Tapas

Planning a date night or wanting something different for the family? Visit one of Llandudno’s best-kept secrets for delicious Spanish food in a relaxed central location.

2. Betty Berkins

Stroll among the beautiful Welsh hills before stumbling on this gorgeous cafe which offers homemade cakes, drinks, all-day breakfasts and afternoon tea.

3. L’s Coffee & Bookshop

Nestled among Conwy’s ancient walls, this cosy and quiet bookshop caters to both kids and dogs, with takeaway or seating options available.

4. Dylan’s

A must-have in any coastal town is local seafood: and Dylan’s never fails to deliver mouthwatering & eyecatching fresh seafood in a nautical setting.

5. Nant Hall

Family-friendly, quality food and drinks at this authentic Grade II listed Prestatyn gastro-pub– with a huge play area and bar!

Somewhere else in mind you’d recommend to a friend? Let us know in the comments below!

A group of Zebras is called a Dazzle, and ZeZe certainly Dazzles with her hip dance moves and rocking smusic taste

The latest member of the Beach Buddies is ZeZe! After Leo, Milo and Hetty enjoyed the delights of Mombasa Beach and the Chalbi desert on their backpacking trip through Kenya, they made a friend in ZeZe, the sassy, rockin’ and dazzling Zebra. ZeZe has a natural flair for playing any instrument available to her and she loves writing songs for her friends. Much to the delight of Hetty who loves a boogie.

You can catch ZeZe at ZeZe’s Eco Fashion, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and ZeZe’s Birthday Party. Check the events calendar for more details.

Milo loves to tell jokes… “Why did the monkey take its banana to the doctors? It wasn’t peeling good.”

A cheeky-chappie who loves to joke, Milo is enthusiastic about EVERYTHING! You will often see Milo bounding around park, full of energy. Milo absolutely loves all things bananas; Banana bread, banana
cookies, banana milk! Milo’s favourite dance move is the “banana split!”, letting his creativity shine when he’s rapping and dancing, Milo loves joining Hetty in making up new, cool moves. The laughter never stops when Milo is around with his funny jokes, friendly pranks and infectious chuckle! Milo’s good-nature and zest for
life, means you just want to be around him all the time.

You can catch Milo at Milo’s Make a Mess, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and Milo’s Birthday Party. Check your parks event calendar for more details!

Cool and smart, Leo is definitely, the “mane” man!

Full of energy, Leo is a probably the coolest guy you’ll ever meet and he loves making new friends! You will often find Leo socialising with all his friends and hosting the best parties. Keeping active is Leo’s favourite way to spend his time! Leo will try any sport or activity from playing basketball and football to archery, becoming a master of them all! Smart, logical and grounded, Leo leads his Buddies, always thinking of games and exciting activities. You can’t help but smile when Leo is around.

You can catch Leo at Leo’s Sports Day, Beach Buddy Pap Call, Beach Buddy Showtime and Leo’s Birthday Party.

Hetty always says, “I’m gonna hippo-pot-a-miss you!” When it's time to say goodbye

The quietest of all her friends with a big imagination, Hetty always has the most fantastical, creative ideas and believes that all dreams can come true! Hetty can often be found dancing around park and making up new moves with Milo for her friends to join in all her dances. Hetty loves all things colourful and covered in sparkles, her favourite colour is pink… all shades of pink! Baby pink, bubble-gum pink, flamingo… She loves them all! Kind-hearted and loveable, Hetty loves to meet new friends and giving them all a big hippo hug. You can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy when you meet Hetty.

Come and see Hetty at Hetty’s Sensory Play, Beach Buddy Showtime, Beach Buddy Pap Call and Hetty’s Birthday Party. Check your parks event calendar for more details.