North Wales is the new Cornwall

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North Wales is often overlooked by tourists because its capital and other popular attractions are situated in the south of the country. Don't get me wrong, South Wales is just as beautiful and Cardiff is an amazing city to visit. But I do think that there are more pure and untouched areas in the North, more places waiting to be discovered that we often forget about. Spending a week here in the summer should definitely be on your bucket list. You can almost make your own road trip out of it, depending on what you want to see. I will split it into three parts: the Llyn Peninsula, Snowdonia and Conwy/Anglesey. It is the number one destination for walkers and campers, but there are also all sorts of outdoor activities to do for anyone who appreciates the countryside and nature. If this sounds like your kind of trip, then get planning!

Conwy/Anglesey

Conwy town

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Conwy is a walled market town just off the A55, and is very popular amongst tourists. The first thing you see as you approach the town is the magnificent castle that can be seen from miles outside of the town. It is also flanked by Deganwy Quay, which offers stunning sunsets that you can enjoy from the small harbour there.

To do: visit the castle, if not, walk the walls of the town. Go for fish and chips, freshly caught from the port, go and take a look at Great Britain's smallest house. If you have time, just as you come into Conwy over the bridge, there is a Bird Reserve to the left that offers a lovely, relaxing walk where you can stretch your legs after lunch.

Bodnant Gardens

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One of the most beautiful parks full of intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland... It is a national trust site so it is quite expensive but if you want a relaxing day and a perfect picnic spot then this is the place. Bodnant Gardens is a heaven of beauty and tranquility, it is the perfect family day out. You will feel like you have just stepped into the setting of The Secret Garden.

Great Orme

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Located in Llandudno, the Great Orme is a great day out. There is a walk along the edge with views spanning over the Irish sea including Anglesey, Snowdonia and the rest of Llandudno. There is also a tramway that can take you to the summit, cable cars that offer even more impressive views and a toboggan that is so much fun for anyone who likes a little bit of an adrenaline rush. There are all kinds of different walking routes to do around the Orme, for ranging abilities, and a café where you can enjoy a well deserved drink and snack.

Anglesey

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Anglesey is Wales' largest island and offers some wonderful seaside towns and beaches. The highlights are probably Newborough beach which is a long stretch, not too busy and shallow waters. The best secret of the beach is Llanddwyn Island, which is located at the far end of the beach. It is the home of the Welsh patron saint of lovers, 'Dwynwen', which is the equivalent to Valentine's day and celebrated on the 25th January. 'Llanddwyn' means the 'Church of St. Dwynwen' and the ruins of a chapel from the 16th century are still on the island today. This chapel was built on the remains of a former chapel that was said to be Dwynwen's original chapel from the 5th century.

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Another place worth visiting in Anglesey is Beaumaris. A castle, a beach, a cobbly town, a nice place to go if you are that way.

Snowdonia

Snowdon

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Snowdonia covers almost half of North Wales' surface area and has so much to offer; lakes, rural villages, castles, gardens, rivers, activity centres, not forgetting Snowdon itself. The highest mountain in Wales, it has been described as the most popular mountain in Britain. Due to its many routes and surrounding mountains, it is also a haunt for rock climbers. The mountain offers some of the most extensive views in Britain, on exceptionally clear days, up to 24 countries can be seen. It is a tough climb, so you have to be prepared for all sorts of weathers since conditions can change so frequently. However, there is an alternative route up and down, the Snowdon Mountain Railway. It travels from Llanberris for almost 8km to the summit of Snowdon.

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Zip World

As for a totally unique experience, head to one of the three locations and do the zip line that boasts panoramic views of the whole of Snowdonia as you travel over moorland. It involves flying head-first, for just under a mile exceeding speeds of 100mph down a mountain and then straight over a cliff, 500ft above the quarry lake with spectacular views as far out as Ireland. The ride is available to do in Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog or Betws-y-coed. I would recommend the latter because then you can head into the town centre which is another beautiful, rustic and traditional Welsh town.

Llyn Padarn

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One of the largest natural lakes in Wales, you can hire a kayak, canoe or row and spend the afternoon leisurely enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the lake. A great spot for walking your dog, going camping or having a picnic. Southeast of the lake lies Padarn Country park, a wonderful woodland and quarry spanning 800 acres. In addition to this lake, there are so many more dotted all over Snowdonia.

Portmeirion

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Portmeirion is a tourist village, specifically designed in the style of an Italian Village, and built between 1925 and 1975. It was Clough Williams-Ellis' aim to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. It was built as a place people could enjoy for its own sake. He wanted it to be a place where events, concerts and exhibitions could take place. Its unique layout and design has inspired many writers and television producers. Standing over the estuary and surrounded by exotic woodland, this peaceful haven is a treasure to tourists of all nationalities.

Llyn Peninsula

Nefyn

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Nefyn is a small coastal town, untouched compared to other tourist spots in North Wales, and boasts some of the sandiest, pretty beaches in the country. 73% of the population speaks Welsh as their first language, highlighting the ruralness of the area. In 2013, the pub on the beach there was named the third best beach bar in the world, beating hotspots in Australia, Florida and the Caribbean. You can only reach it by foot or by boat, and it is starting to become famous worldwide. I would recommend camping out in a surrounding campsite and spending a sunny afternoon on the beach and visiting the pub for a refreshment.

Pwhelli and Abersoch

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Pwhelli is a bustling coastal town located at the entrance to the peninsula, which is itself protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has an open air market that takes place on Wednesdays and Sundays, and there are all sorts of independent shops, boutiques and traditional pubs and cafes in the town. There are two blue flag beaches, and are full of locals and tourists in the summer.

Abersoch is just a few miles around the bay and is a hot spot for an array of water sports, because of its great beaches and clear waters. Abersoch is home to an annual Jazz Festival, spread over a weekend, the festival attracts artistes and fans from all over the world. In July, Abersoch hosts Wakestock, an annual three-day mix of wakeboarding competition and popular music. To the west of Abersoch, at Y Rhiw, you will find Plas yn Rhiw, a 17th century Welsh manor house set in ornamental gardens with outstanding views of the bay, Plas yn Rhiw is now owned and run by the National Trust.

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