Best places to visit in North Wales for families

North Wales is bursting at the seams with things to do for all the family, whether the kids are small enough to still enjoy puddle jumping or they're a little bigger and need something more adventurous. With an abundance of activities available and several different regions in North Wales easily accessible by train, the hard part will be choosing where to visit first!

Luckily for you, we've put together a list of the best places to visit in North Wales for families, along with how to get there and what you can do when you arrive.

How long does it take to get to Wales?

The length of time it takes you to get to Wales will largely vary on where you're travelling from and which part of Wales you're travelling to. For example, it takes between four and four and a half hours to travel from London Euston to Bangor, but from Birmingham New Street, this journey would take around three hours.

Our journey planner can show you how long it will take to travel to your choice of destination from your closest station, along with how many stops you can expect along each route. 

Where to stay in North Wales

Choosing places to stay in North Wales for families will depend on what activities you have in mind while you're there and how far north you wish to travel. The approximate land area of North Wales is over 6,000 square kilometres, and with a coastline spanning 400 kilometres, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which region you want to visit.

At Avanti, we travel to eight stations in North Wales, ensuring you can reach your chosen destination with ease.

Best places to visit in North Wales

With six regions in the north occupying 29% of Wales' total land area, there are multiple places you could choose to visit with the family. It all depends on what you'd like to do when you get there. Are you an adventurous family looking for fun and thrills? Or perhaps you're keen to explore Welsh heritage and enjoy a more peaceful break.

Here's our list of the best places to visit in North Wales for families.

Bangor

Bangor is the oldest city in Wales, but today it's best known for being a university city with more amenities than you might expect from a small city. This makes it a great destination for families looking for a slightly more bustling location. Plus, it's easy to get to, with Avanti trains travelling right into the heart of the city.

Penrhyn Castle is a must-visit for families with children of all ages when travelling to Bangor. Situated on the Menai Strait, this National Trust location offers impressive architecture, stunning gardens and a whole lot of history, as well as breath-taking views of Snowdonia's summits.

In the centre of Bangor, you can take a stroll along Bangor Garth Pier and take in the spectacular views of the Isle of Anglesey, Snowdonia, Llandudno and the Menai Strait. While it's not a pier filled with arcades or multiple things for the kids to do, it's a great place to unwind and relax after a busy day exploring.

For those seeking more adventure from a trip to Bangor, Greenwood Forest Park is an essential day out. This eco-adventure park offers something for everyone, with thrill rides for the big kids, fun activities for all ages and friendly playgrounds for the little ones. This famed tourist attraction is also home to the world's only people-powered rollercoaster and the UK's first solar splash-powered water slide.

If you're up for exploring more of North Wales while staying in Bangor, you can catch a train to Caernarfon in less than 30 minutes. Visit one of the world's greatest buildings of the middle ages, Caernarfon Castle, and learn everything there is to know about this stunning medieval fortress.

Snowdonia

One of the first locations people think about when considering travel to North Wales is Snowdonia. While this incredible area of natural beauty is famed for its hiking, walking and other outdoorsy pastimes, there is plenty more to do here when travelling with the family.

For those that are keen to explore Snowdonia National Park in all its natural glory, you can reach the national park via Llandudno Junction and a connection on the Conwy Valley line. If you're into walking and hiking, there are nine mountain ranges to choose from, as well as cycling, paddle boarding and canoeing. If you're feeling even more adventurous, navigate your way to Llanberis and take a trek up Mount Snowdon to view Snowdonia's other peaks from 3,000 ft.

If you're looking for a thrilling and fun day out for all the family, Zip World Forest in Snowdonia National Park is the place to be. Choose from zip lines and adventure courses high in the trees, journeying through the forest on the UK's only alpine coaster or getting a real thrill on Europe's highest giant swing.

Another Zip World location in the heart of Snowdonia is located in Llechwedd, where you can also explore the Llechwedd Slate Caverns if you're willing to travel a little further.

Anglesey

If you're seeking a relaxing time with the family, the island of Anglesey is the perfect place. It's easy to get to and benefits from multiple accommodation options to suit every family, from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering holiday homes.

A highlight of any trip to Anglesey is the unmissable Menai Suspension Bridge. The first modern suspension bridge in the world, it connects the mainland to the island and it's highly likely you'll travel across it if you're venturing out via taxi or bus while in Anglesey.

The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is another must-do if walking and taking in the local scenery is on your agenda. Spanning 140 miles around the island, there are plenty of things to see and do on every route, whether you stop for a coffee, visit some local shops or bring a picnic along to enjoy the views.

Of course, any trip to Anglesey wouldn't be complete without spending time on the beautiful beaches that adorn the coastline of the island. Bring a bucket and spade for the kids and look out for local wildlife including dolphins, or if you get a nice breezy day, why not try your hand at kitesurfing?

Colwyn Bay

With many Avanti routes to North Wales stopping in Colwyn Bay, it's a great opportunity to explore what this seaside resort has to offer. The blue-flag beaches and three-mile-long promenade are perfect for family days out, whether you plan to swim, fish or enjoy water sports with the whole family. If the sandy stuff isn't for you, you can always enjoy a cycle or walk around the coastal paths here.

For a fab kids' day out, the Welsh Mountain Zoo should be on your list. Opened in 1963, this 37-acre zoo is uniquely set within lush mountains overlooking the Colwyn Bay coastline and is home to around 100 species of animals.

If you're happy to travel out of Colwyn Bay, hop on a train or grab a few bikes and cycle up to Llandudno to see the Great Orme and explore Wales' longest pier, with plenty of activities for the kids to get involved with.

You could even go a little further afield to Conwy, which is still only around 15 minutes by train from Colwyn Bay, and visit Conwy Castle, or you could head into Snowdonia National Park to the beautiful and lively village of Betws-y-Coed.

Family-friendly destinations for your North Wales adventure

No matter where you decide to go in North Wales, we're sure the whole family will enjoy the time you spend there. And while our list only calls out a few of the best places to go, there is an abundance of exciting Welsh destinations along many of our routes just waiting to welcome you and your family. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your family trip to North Wales now!