North Wales

Written by the Wales.org Destination Team | Fact-Checked for 2026 | Local North Wales Experts

The fastest zip wire in the world. The tallest mountain in Wales. Over 250 miles of unspoilt, dramatic coastline. Whatever you’re hoping to find on your next UK staycation, you’re guaranteed to discover it when searching for the best things to do in North Wales.

Comprising the distinct regions of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham, and the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn), North Wales is a land of myth, magic, and adrenaline. It is a place where sandy Blue Flag beaches lie just a short drive from deep glacial lakes and imposing UNESCO World Heritage castles. It stands as one of the most geographically and culturally varied areas in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Whether you are looking to squeeze into the smallest house in Britain, scale the magnificent battlements of medieval fortresses, or summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), this region is a playground for all ages. Read on for our ultimate, deeply researched 2026 guide to the very best things to do in North Wales.

The 25 Best Things to Do in North Wales

From the bustling Victorian seaside resorts of the north coast to the serene, mythic landscapes of the Isle of Anglesey, here is our ultimate list of attractions, complete with 2026 pricing, dog policies, and insider secrets.

1. Summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri National Park

Pen y Pass Car Park, Llanberis, LL55 4NY

No trip to North Wales is complete without acknowledging the highest mountain in England and Wales. Yr Wyddfa stands at an imposing 1,085 metres. Adventurous hikers can tackle the famous Pyg Track or Llanberis Path, while those seeking a more leisurely ascent can book the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which chugs its way to the summit café.

• 2026 Pricing: Hiking is free. Mountain Railway tickets are approx £42 return for adults. Pre-booking Pen y Pass parking (£20/day) is legally required in summer!
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on the hiking paths (must be fit and kept on leads due to sheep). Dogs are not allowed on the Mountain Railway.
• Children Allowed? Yes, but choose your path wisely. The Llanberis path is best for fit, older children.
• EV Charging: EV points are available at the Nant Peris park-and-ride facility nearby.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Instead of the crowded summit, hike to Llyn Llydaw, a stunning glacial lake halfway up the Miners’ Track, steeped in Arthurian legend.

2. Fly on Velocity 2 at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry

Bethesda, Bangor, LL57 4YG

Ready to fly? Zip World has transformed the historic slate landscapes of North Wales into the adventure capital of Europe. Velocity 2 is the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. You will fly head-first over a bright blue quarry lake at speeds reaching up to 100mph!

• 2026 Pricing: From £90 – £110 per person depending on the season.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome in the spectator viewing areas and the Blondin Restaurant terrace.
• Children Allowed? Yes, but strict height, weight, and age restrictions apply (usually 10+ years for the main wire).
• EV Charging: Dedicated EV charging bays are available in the main visitor car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Try the Quarry Karts! It’s the UK’s only mountain cart experience, racing three-wheeled karts down the steep slate tracks.

3. Step Back in Time at Conwy Castle

Rose Hill Street, Conwy, LL32 8AY

Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, Conwy Castle is among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. The huge, dark stone towers look incredibly imposing against the backdrop of the Eryri mountains. Walking the incredibly well-preserved town walls gives you a magnificent vantage point over the estuary.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £11.90, Children £8.30 (Managed by Cadw).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are only allowed on the ground floor levels on short leads, not up in the towers.
• Children Allowed? Yes, kids love exploring the dark spiral staircases.
• EV Charging: Available in the nearby Mount Pleasant pay-and-display car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: After the castle, find Plas Mawr on the high street. It is the best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Great Britain.

4. Ride the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno

Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, LL30 2NB

Llandudno is the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts.” To get the best view of its sweeping Victorian promenade, hop aboard Britain’s only cable-hauled public road tramway. Operating since 1902, the restored vintage tram carriages take you to the summit of the Great Orme, a massive limestone headland.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £10.50, Children £7.50 for a return ticket.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the trams for a small fee (£1.50).
• Children Allowed? Absolutely, a massive hit with young children.
• EV Charging: Multiple chargers are available along Llandudno promenade and at the nearby Asda.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Halfway up, jump off at the halfway station and visit the Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines—the largest prehistoric copper mine in the world!

5. Wander the Italianate Village of Portmeirion

Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

You’ll rub your eyes in disbelief when you arrive here. Portmeirion was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. With its pastel-coloured Riviera-inspired houses, ornamental gardens, and Mediterranean piazza, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Amalfi Coast.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £20, Children £11 (Pre-booking online saves 10%).
• Dog Friendly? Strictly NO dogs allowed (except registered assistance dogs) to protect the sensitive flora and roaming peacocks.
• Children Allowed? Yes, great for families.
• EV Charging: Six fast 22kW Porsche destination chargers available in the main car park for guest use.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Don’t just stay in the village plaza! Walk the “Ghost Garden” trail through the 70-acre subtropical forest known as The Gwyllt.

6. Walk the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Wrexham)

Station Road, Trevor, Llangollen, LL20 7TY

Known as the “Stream in the Sky,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering by Thomas Telford. Carrying the Llangollen Canal 126 feet above the River Dee, you can walk the towpath or hire a narrowboat to glide across it. Warning: there is no railing on the boat side, resulting in a terrifying, sheer drop!

• 2026 Pricing: Completely free to walk across! (Boat tours cost approx £18).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, on a short lead (keep them close, the path is narrow).
• Children Allowed? Yes, but hold their hands tightly near the edge!
• EV Charging: Limited points available in the Trevor Basin visitor car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: After crossing, take the 3-mile towpath walk into the vibrant, independent town of Llangollen for a pint by the river.

7. Watch Puffins at South Stack Lighthouse (Anglesey)

Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, LL65 1YG

Set on a dramatic, sheer sea cliff on the far western edge of the Isle of Anglesey, South Stack is an amazing location. The descent to the lighthouse involves 400 steep stone steps, but the views of the churning Irish Sea are worth it. In spring and early summer, the cliffs are packed with nesting seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and the iconic puffins.

• 2026 Pricing: RSPB Reserve is free. Lighthouse tours are £12 for adults.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are allowed on the cliff paths on leads, but not inside the lighthouse itself.
• Children Allowed? Yes, but the 400 stairs back up are exhausting for little legs!
• EV Charging: Nearest chargers are in Holyhead town centre (3 miles away).
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Visit the nearby ancient Hut Circles (Tŷ Mawr), the remains of a 4,000-year-old farming settlement just up the road.

8. Discover the Legend of Llanddwyn Island

Newborough Beach, Anglesey, LL61 6SG

Ynys Llanddwyn is arguably the most romantic spot in Wales. Accessed via a walk through the Newborough Warren pine forest and across a vast sandy beach, this tidal island is dedicated to Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. It features a stunning white lighthouse, ruined chapels, and wild ponies.

• 2026 Pricing: Access to the beach/island is free. Toll barrier for the forest car park is £7 per day.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are banned from the main beach from May to September, but allowed on the adjacent forestry paths.
• Children Allowed? Yes, one of the best beach days out in Wales.
• EV Charging: None in the forest. Top up in Menai Bridge before driving down.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Check the tide times! The island gets completely cut off at high tide. The best time to visit is two hours before low water.

9. Marvel at Beaumaris Castle

Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey, LL58 8AP

Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece of Edward I. It is considered the most technically perfect castle in Britain due to its symmetrical, concentric “walls within walls” design. Surrounded by a water-filled moat complete with swans, it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £9.50, Children £6.70.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor levels and the outer ward.
• Children Allowed? Yes.
• EV Charging: Available at the nearby Beaumaris Green pay-and-display car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Take a short walk down to Beaumaris Pier after your castle visit and book a boat trip to Puffin Island to see the resident seal colony.

10. Get Wild at the Welsh Mountain Zoo

Colwyn Bay, LL28 5UY

Set high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views of the coast, the National Zoo of Wales is a brilliant family day out. It is renowned for its conservation work and features snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, chimpanzees, and a colony of incredibly entertaining Humboldt penguins.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £18.50, Children £14.00.
• Dog Friendly? No dogs allowed due to animal welfare.
• Children Allowed? Yes, a fantastic family destination.
• EV Charging: Two EV chargers available in the zoo car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Download the zoo’s app before you arrive to get alerts for the daily sea lion feeding and chimp talks.

11. Squeeze into the Smallest House in Great Britain

Lower Gate Street, Conwy Quay, LL32 8BE

Painted a brilliant, unmissable red, this tiny property on Conwy Quay measures just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high. It was occupied right up until 1900, famously by a local fisherman who was 6 feet 3 inches tall! It takes less than 5 minutes to see, but it’s a brilliant quirky photo opportunity.

• 2026 Pricing: £1.50 per person.
• Dog Friendly? No, you wouldn’t fit a dog inside anyway!
• Children Allowed? Yes, kids find it hilarious.
• EV Charging: Use the Conwy town centre car parks.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Grab a pint of local ale from the legendary Albion Ale House just a 5-minute walk away into town.

12. Explore the Deep at Zip World Llechwedd

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB

Blaenau Ffestiniog is the historic heart of the Welsh slate industry. Zip World has turned these massive underground caverns into a playground. Bounce Below features massive trampoline nets suspended deep in the illuminated caves, while the Deep Mine Tour plunges you 500 feet underground via a steep cable railway to learn about the harsh lives of the Victorian miners.

• 2026 Pricing: Bounce Below from £25. Deep Mine Tour from £22.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome in the cafe, but not underground.
• Children Allowed? Yes, Bounce Below is suitable for ages 7+.
• EV Charging: Available in the main Zip World car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: The cheese! Cave-aged Cheddar is matured deep within these mines. You can buy it at the gift shop.

13. Ride the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Porthmadog Harbour Station, LL49 9NF

Experience the golden age of travel on these world-class heritage steam railways. The Ffestiniog line winds 13 miles into the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog, while the Welsh Highland Railway takes a spectacular 25-mile journey past the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) right to the walls of Caernarfon Castle.

• 2026 Pricing: Approx £45 for a full-line adult return.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs are very welcome in third-class carriages for a small £3 fee.
• Children Allowed? Yes, a magical experience for train lovers.
• EV Charging: Chargers available at Porthmadog public car parks.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Book a First Class Pullman carriage for an afternoon tea experience served while steaming through the Aberglaslyn Pass!

14. Stroll the Colours of Bodnant Garden

Tal-y-Cafn, near Colwyn Bay, LL28 5RE

Maintained by the National Trust, Bodnant is arguably the finest garden in Wales. Spanning 80 acres, it features sweeping lawns, terraced gardens, and a spectacular valley filled with towering Champion Trees. It is globally famous for its 55-metre Laburnum Arch, which turns into a vibrant tunnel of golden flowers every May and June.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £15, Children £7.50 (Free for NT Members).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on short leads are welcome on “Wag Tail Wednesdays” and Thursdays, and daily during the winter months.
• Children Allowed? Yes, with plenty of woodland paths to explore.
• EV Charging: EV points are available in the main visitor car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Head down to the far end of the garden to find The Dell, a deeply shaded, romantic valley featuring a rushing waterfall and an old mill.

15. Feel the Power of Aber Falls

Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan, LL33 0LP

Located just off the A55 expressway, this spectacular 37-metre waterfall is surprisingly easy to access. The gravel path from the village car park takes about 45 minutes of gentle walking through beautiful oak and birch woodland before the valley opens up to reveal the roaring falls.

• 2026 Pricing: The walk is free. The Forestry Commission car park is £5 (coins only!).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, a highly popular dog-walking route.
• Children Allowed? Yes, the main path is accessible for sturdy off-road pushchairs.
• EV Charging: None at the remote car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: After your walk, stop at the nearby Aber Falls Distillery in the village to taste their award-winning Welsh Gin and Single Malt Whisky.

16. Sleep with Books at Gladstone’s Library

Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire, CH5 3DF

Here is a hidden gem in North East Wales. Founded by Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone, this is the UK’s only residential library. It houses over 250,000 printed items in a stunning, silent reading room. It feels exactly like stepping into Hogwarts.

• 2026 Pricing: Access to the building and cafe is free. Reading Room access requires registering as a Reader (free, but must be done in advance).
• Dog Friendly? No dogs allowed.
• Children Allowed? The reading rooms are strictly for silent study, so not suitable for young kids.
• EV Charging: Yes, chargers are available in the library car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: You can actually book a boutique hotel room here and sleep in the library overnight! Guests get extended evening access to the reading rooms.

17. Eco-Adventures at GreenWood Family Park

Y Felinheli, Gwynedd, LL56 4QN

Regularly voted the best family attraction in North Wales, GreenWood is entirely eco-powered. It features the world’s only people-powered roller coaster (the Green Dragon), massive barefoot walking trails, enchanted river rides, and huge woodland play areas.

• 2026 Pricing: Approx £22 per person (Cheaper online in advance).
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on short leads are welcome everywhere except the indoor play areas and cafe.
• Children Allowed? This entire park is built for children aged 3 to 12.
• EV Charging: Yes, multiple charge points available.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Challenge your kids to find the centre of the massive outdoor slate maze!

18. Get Spooked at Ruthin Gaol

Clwyd Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1HP

Discover the dark and fascinating history of the Victorian penal system. This purpose-built prison has been brilliantly restored into an interactive museum. You can explore the cells, learn about the harsh punishments, and hear the stories of the inmates who lived (and died) here.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £7.00, Children £5.00.
• Dog Friendly? Registered assistance dogs only.
• Children Allowed? Yes, the interactive exhibits are great, though very young children might find the dark cells spooky.
• EV Charging: Available in the nearby Ruthin town centre car parks.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Look out for the cell of William Hughes, the last man to be hanged at Ruthin Gaol in 1903.

19. Experience Harlech Castle’s Dramatic Setting

Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2PU

Crowning a sheer rocky crag close to the Irish Sea, Harlech Castle is arguably the most spectacular of Edward I’s fortresses. It famously withstood a seven-year siege during the Wars of the Roses (inspiring the song “Men of Harlech”). A stunning modern “floating” footbridge now connects the castle to the brand-new visitor centre.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £9.50, Children £6.70.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs on leads welcome on ground floor levels.
• Children Allowed? Yes.
• EV Charging: EV charging available in the Bron y Graig lower car park.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Walk down Ffordd Pen Llech next to the castle. Until recently, it held the Guinness World Record for the steepest residential street in the world!

20. Admire Plas Newydd House & Gardens

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, LL61 6DQ

Set right on the shores of the Menai Strait with stunning views across to the mountains of Eryri, Plas Newydd is an elegant National Trust country house. It is famous for housing the largest masterpiece ever painted by Rex Whistler, an incredible 58-foot mural in the dining room.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £13, Children £6.50.
• Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome in the gardens and woodland on a short lead, but not inside the historic house.
• Children Allowed? Yes, features a brilliant frisbee golf course on the lawns!
• EV Charging: Not currently on site.
• Lesser Known Thing to Do: Take the woodland walk down to the marine walk along the strait. It is one of the best places in Wales to spot native red squirrels!

Off the Beaten Track: 5 Hidden Gems in North Wales

If you want to escape the summer crowds at Conwy Castle and Yr Wyddfa, North Wales is hiding some spectacular secrets. These five lesser-known sites offer ancient history, abandoned ruins, and complete tranquillity.

21. Explore the Abandoned Village of Nant Gwrtheyrn

Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6NL

Hidden at the bottom of a plunging, dramatically steep valley on the Llŷn Peninsula, “The Nant” is a former Victorian quarrying village that was completely abandoned in the 1950s. Today, it has been beautifully restored into a Welsh language and heritage centre. The drive down the hair-raising zig-zag access road is an adventure in itself, and the private pebble beach at the bottom is spectacular.

• 2026 Pricing: Free entry to the village and beach. Parking is £3 for the day.
• Dog Friendly? Yes, very dog-friendly on the beach and outdoor trails.
• Children Allowed? Yes, they will love exploring the restored quarrymen’s cottages.
• EV Charging: Two EV charging points are available in the main car park.
• Quirks & Info: The on-site Caffi Meinir serves some of the best traditional Welsh cakes and Bara Brith on the peninsula, with uninterrupted views over the Irish Sea.

22. Discover the Porth Wen Brickworks

Llanbadrig, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, LL67 0LN

If you love atmospheric, industrial ruins reclaimed by nature, this is a must-visit. Located on a rugged, isolated stretch of the Anglesey coast, these abandoned Victorian brickworks feature crumbling beehive kilns, rusted machinery, and old chimneys standing defiantly against the crashing waves. It looks like a film set for a dystopian movie.

• 2026 Pricing: Completely free (but access is rugged).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, but keep them on a tight lead as there are sheer drops and sharp rusted metal among the ruins.
• Children Allowed? Older, sure-footed children only. It is not suitable for toddlers or pushchairs.
• EV Charging: None. You must park in a small rural layby and hike in.
• Quirks & Info: There is no official car park or signpost. You access it by hiking roughly 20 minutes along the Anglesey Coastal Path from the nearest lane. Wear sturdy hiking boots!

23. Step into the Iron Age at Din Lligwy

Moelfre, Isle of Anglesey, LL72 8NH

Tucked away in a quiet, leafy woodland on the east coast of Anglesey, Din Lligwy is an incredibly well-preserved Romano-British ancient settlement. You can freely wander among the stone foundations of roundhouses and rectangular barns that date back to the 4th century. Because it is so secluded, you will often have this magical, ancient site entirely to yourself.

• 2026 Pricing: Free (Managed by Cadw).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, dogs on leads are welcome.
• Children Allowed? Yes, a great place for kids to play hide-and-seek among the ancient stones.
• EV Charging: None on site.
• Quirks & Info: Just a 5-minute walk down the same lane, you can also find the Lligwy Burial Chamber (a Neolithic tomb) and the ruined 12th-century Capel Lligwy. It’s a historical hat-trick!

24. Experience the “Lourdes of Wales” at St Winefride’s Well

Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7PN

Hidden in the town of Holywell, this is the oldest continually visited pilgrimage site in Great Britain. According to legend, a healing spring erupted here in the 7th century when St Winefride was beheaded by a local chieftain (she was miraculously brought back to life!). The magnificent vaulted crypt covering the bubbling spring is a marvel of late-Perpendicular Gothic architecture.

• 2026 Pricing: Adults £3.00, Children £1.00.
• Dog Friendly? Assistance dogs only.
• Children Allowed? Yes, though it is a quiet place of pilgrimage and prayer.
• EV Charging: Not on site, but public chargers are available in Holywell town centre.
• Quirks & Info: Pilgrims still travel from all over the world to bathe in the freezing shrine waters, which are said to hold miraculous healing properties.

25. Find Peace at Llangelynnin Church

Henryd, Conwy Valley, LL32 8LJ

If you want true isolation, seek out Llangelynnin Church. It is one of the oldest and highest churches in Wales, dating back to the 12th century. Sitting at 900 feet above the Conwy Valley, this tiny, rudimentary stone building is surrounded by wild moorland and wild ponies. It has no electricity and is lit only by candles.

• 2026 Pricing: Free (Donations to the church upkeep are welcome).
• Dog Friendly? Yes, in the churchyard (must be on a tight lead due to roaming livestock).
• Children Allowed? Yes.
• EV Charging: Absolutely not—you are miles from the nearest plug socket!
• Quirks & Info: Look in the corner of the churchyard to find the Holy Well of St Celynin, which was historically used to cure sick children. The drive up the single-track mountain road is very steep and requires confident driving/reversing skills!

Major 2026 Events in North Wales (Book Early!)

If you want to experience the true culture and community of North Wales, time your 2026 visit to coincide with one of these massive regional events. Be warned: The best accommodation in Snowdonia and North Wales in the surrounding areas books up months in advance for these dates!

• Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza (May Bank Holiday 2026): The main streets of Llandudno are taken over by vintage steam traction engines, traditional fairground rides, and thousands of people dressed in full Victorian attire. It is a brilliant, completely free street festival.
• The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (July 2026): A globally renowned festival of music, song, and dance. Over 4,000 performers from across the world descend on this small Welsh town, turning it into a vibrant hub of international culture.
• Gottwood Festival, Anglesey (June 2026): An independent, boutique electronic music and arts festival hidden deep in the woods of the Carreglwyd Estate. It is highly sought-after by young adults and always sells out.
• Conwy Honey Fair (September 13th, 2026): A 700-year-old royal charter fair! The high street of Conwy is packed with beekeepers selling local honey, beeswax candles, and traditional crafts.

Keep Exploring: More North Wales Guides

Looking to dive a little deeper into your 2026 holiday planning? Whether you want to tear up the trails on a mountain bike, find the perfect pitch for your caravan, or wake up to the sound of roosters on a traditional Welsh farm, we have you covered.

Check out our highly detailed, niche travel guides below to build your perfect North Wales itinerary:

Frequently Asked Questions: North Wales Travel Advice

Do I need to pre-book parking for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?

Yes, absolutely! If you plan to park at the famous Pen y Pass car park during the main season (April to October), you must pre-book your space online well in advance. If you arrive without a booking, you will be turned away. Alternatively, use the excellent Sherpa’r Wyddfa park-and-ride bus services from Llanberis or Nant Peris.

Can you wild camp in North Wales?

Wild camping is not legally permitted anywhere in North Wales (including within the Eryri National Park) without the express permission of the landowner. However, there are dozens of fantastic, remote campsites that offer a “wild” feel with basic facilities, protecting the delicate local ecosystem.

Which is the most accessible castle in North Wales?

Beaumaris Castle on the Isle of Anglesey is widely considered the most accessible of the major Edwardian fortresses. Because it is built on completely flat ground surrounded by a moat, the ground floor wards and inner courtyard are very easy to navigate for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

Is it safe to wild swim in the lakes and waterfalls?

While wild swimming is incredibly popular at spots like the Watkin Path pools or Llyn Padarn, the water in Eryri is extremely cold year-round. Hidden currents and sudden deep drops are common. Only swim if you are experienced, fully acclimatised, and never swim alone.

Are there midges in North Wales?

Yes. Similar to the Scottish Highlands, North Wales experiences biting midges during the warmer, calmer months (typically June to August). They are especially prevalent near lakes, damp forestry, and on the west coast in the early evenings. Packing a good insect repellent (like Smidge) is highly recommended for summer camping!