The best places to visit in North Wales for families almost all have one thing in common – adventure. Soon you’ll know where to find the highest giant swing in Europe, one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys and many other great family attractions found among the beautiful mountains, caverns, forests, rivers, and beaches of North Wales.
On Top of the Mountains
Little legs might not find the same enjoyment in walking up and down long, steep trails as grown up legs. But anyone can enjoy scaling a mountain aboard an open carriage pulled by a steam train.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Watch valleys unfold and rows of rocky peaks emerge and stretch further into the distance as you gently steam past ramblers and cliff-perched mountain goats on your way up towards Snowdon’s summit.
A café waits at the final stop where you can reward your leisurely efforts with a Welsh pasty and a freshly baked cake. From there, you can walk the final ascent to the top of the highest mountain in Wales in under a minute. Views from the peak stretch all the way to the emerald coast of Ireland.
When you and your family have absorbed the magic of the experience, you can write about it on a postcard which you can then post in the summit post box.
It’s best to book tickets in advance.
Beneath the Mountains
“A slate museum? How boring!” Your kids might say.
So tell them instead you’re going to ride a military truck up mountain tracks then descend 500 feet below ground on the steepest cable railway in Europe to explore vast man-made caves and a subterranean lake.
White Water Rapids
What could make for a more exhilarating family day out than white water rafting? And where better to go white water rafting than a national white water centre?
The Tryweryn National Whitewater Centre is just outside Bala and is one of the best places to visit in North Wales for families looking for pure excitement.
The centre welcomes children aged 12 and older and remains open almost all year round. If you’re up for joining in, strap on a lifejacket and a helmet then prepare yourself for the primal thrill of crashing down a frothing river.
Another exciting activity on offer here is canyoning. Choose this if you and your family like the sound of whizzing down natural slides of water smoothed rock in the base of an awe-inspiring canyon.
When back on dry land, head to the café and picnic areas to tuck into food and relax after all that excitement.
There’s plenty on offer here too for family members who get more enjoyment from a soft beating heart than one pounding with adrenaline. The riverside walk guides those who follow it past a beautiful montage of the foothills that fringe the southeast of Snowdonia.
Among the Treetops
Treat your little monkeys to a day of treetop adventures in the forests of Northeast Snowdonia.
Activities at Fforest include a toboggan style rollercoaster that dips, darts, twists and turns through the trees along a 1 km track. It is also the proud home of the longest net walkway in Europe, which is open to children aged three and older, and the highest giant swing in Europe.
Test your skill and nerve while taking in views of the Conwy Valley while you navigate the rope bridges, balance boards and ziplines of the treetop assault course. A smaller version designed for young children is also available.
Enjoy hot drinks and meals cooked with locally sourced produce inside or outside the café.
Beside the Sea
Lying surrounded by mountains, sea and the Afon Mawddach estuary is the charming seaside town of Barmouth.
The town’s large sandy beach is the most southerly of many that stretch along the coast of Snowdonia. Thanks to its size, this is among the best places to visit in North Wales for families that want space to swim, sunbathe and build sandcastles in peace.
Along with independent shops, pubs and restaurants, Barmouth also has amusement arcades, two museums, a summer funfair, a harbour, a pier and a slate-roofed old town. Looping Barmouth is the Panorama Walk, which offers magnificent views over the town, estuary, and coast. The early section of this trail is suitable for elderly people and young children.
The best way to round off a day in Barmouth is by watching the sunset streak Cardigan Bay in orange and gold.
Holiday Accommodation in North Wales
Our all-ground-floor holiday cottage is dog-friendly and perfect for family members of all ages.
If you want to make North Wales your long-term family retreat, browse our static caravans for sale in North Wales.