Our blog

Articles about anything & everything to do with North Wales!

 

Visit North Wales in 2017

Why booking a holiday to North Wales is a great way to beat those back-to-work blues!

With the start of the New Year comes

FOUR reasons to spend a weekend in the fourth best region in the world!

With the region around a 2 hour drive from much of the North West and only a 3 hour train ride from London; why not kick back and let the train take the s

#mymenaiholiday

Our guests have been capturing and sharing spectacular shots of scenery, wildlife, family adventures and even four-legged friends enjoying their time in North W

My North Wales

I grew up in Dyffryn and Talybont - between Harlech and Barmouth - and spent my teenage years working in our family museum - so anything anyone needs to know ab

Our Islands

There are more than a thousand islands around the United Kingdom and some of the most beautiful are off the coast of North Wales (not that we're biased!).

Spotlight on Caernarfon

Why should I visit Caernarfon?

Well, this harbour town in Snowdonia has got a lot to offer visitors, that's why! Edward I's imposing an

Peta's Day trip

Bardsey Island, also known as the legendary island of 20,000 saints, is a place I had been longing to visit for many years. We set off from Porth Meudwy early i

Soak up the magical Christmas atmosphere in North Wales!

I've always had a sense of wonder and magic surrounding Christmas (likely because I was born on Boxing Day). I love wrapping up warm in a wooly hat and scarf an

Watch the sky light up this November

Ever since I was a child I've found something entirely wonderful about the lead up to Christmas. October is delightful with all the fun that Halloween brings (h

Winter breaks in North Wales

When thinking of places to venture in the coming winter months, North Wales may not be your first thought. However, I'm here to tell you why it should be! Not o

Spotlight on Conwy

What's so special about Conwy?

I've lived in North Wales for 8 years now and whilst many non-natives tend to gravitate towards Anglesey

Who says summer is the cut off for enjoying all that North Wales has to offer?

When September rolls around each year, there's a common misconception that it's no longer the time of year for exploring or holidaying at home in the UK. In rea

Escape the humdrum by booking a festive break away!

Always thought heading away from home during the festive period would be a headache We're here to dismiss the myths and let you see how easy and magical it can

Things to consider when taking your dog on holiday

Guest Blog by Animal Friends Pet Insurance

We here at Animal Friends have been daydreaming of a holiday ever since the first fall of an

Manadwyn - a holiday cottage with a hidden history!

You may not know this house by name but I am sure you will recognise it when you see it. Perched on the banks of the Menai Strait, alongside the iconic Menai Su

She Sells Sea Shells from the Sea Shore…

When hunting the beach for beautiful shells to put in your pocket, look a bit closer and you'll find something a bit more extraordinary. Katie from Harlech tell

Group Getaways

We know it can be hard gathering together large groups of friends and family in the same place at the same time. Especially when you think about combining calen

'Spotlight On' Beaumaris

Can you picture it - the famous coloured houses? If you have been to Beaumaris then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! The pretty pastel painted

Holiday in North Wales this October half term!

North Wales can be split into three main regions; Snowdonia, the Lleyn Peninsula and the Isle of Anglesey. All of which are amazing destinations for family adve

Take a Break This Bank Holiday

With the Bank Holiday fast approaching and the annual school shopping frenzy almost upon us; we think everyone deserves a break. 

We'v

‘Spotlight On’ Menai Bridge

Menai Bridge, nestled right on the Menai Straits, can be seen as a gateway to Anglesey and is the perfect place to put on your 'to visit' list. There really is

My summer so far...in snaps!

I moved to North Wales eight years ago now (I went to uni, met a boy - you can guess the rest of the story!); when it's bathed in sunshine, I don't feel the dra

Our top tips for making the most of your self-catering break

So you've decided on your place to stay, you know the basics you need to pack but the difference is this time you have the car (not just one suitcase) and you'r

Something for the Bank Holiday weekend?

"The best memories are often those of spontaneous trips and unusual experiences."

Over this August Bank Holiday there's plenty of things for you to see

North Wales - a summer holiday must see!

Don't miss the chance to see a sunrise or sunset this summer!

Seeing a sunrise or sunset in a stunning setting such as North Wales real

‘My North Wales’ – Luke Edwards

I am a born and bred "North-Walian"! My family have always lived on Anglesey, so you can say I have North Wales running through my veins. Apart from a short sti

Calling all Foodies - Four food festivals to make you flock to Wales!

For a great family day out, here are four food and drink festivals you do not want to miss!

Read More

What's On! Summer 2016

With summer now in full swing our 'What's On' guide can provide you with all the dates you'll need for your diary! From Lifeboat days to craft fairs; regattas t

Spotlight on Moelfre

Spotlight on Moelfre

Moelfre is a former fishing village on the North East coast of Anglesey, with a long maritime history. It's also s

Last minute summer breaks - it's not too late!

With summer fast approaching, here's our pick of some brilliant cottages perfect for that last minute getaway! Whether you're looking for adventure or just the

Summer in Snowdonia and #FindYourEpic

Zipworld

In Wales' year of adventure there is nowhere else better to bre

Private Chef? Don’t mind if I do!

If you want the freedom of a private property but don't really want to be cooking for you and your guests, or if you want to celebrate a special occasion in the

To the lighthouse...

South Stack is one of Wales' most visited and spectacular lighthouses, it's located about 2-3 miles west of Holyhead, on a tiny islet just off Holy Island on th

Discover North Wales: Abergele

A small market town nestled close to the coast, Abergele is also just a stone's throw away from the countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia - making it a bri

5 Awesome facts about Snowdonia

In this, Wales' year of adventure, it seems fitting to share some fascinating facts about Snowdonia that may inspire you to  Read More

Our ‘how to’ guide to pronunciation

Our 'how to' guide to pronunciation

Helping you get your head, or rather your tongue, around the Welsh language!

Read More

A Spotlight on Rhoscolyn

A Spotlight on Rhoscolyn

Nestled on the coast between its busier neighbours of Rhosneigr and Trearddur Bay, the village of Rhoscolyn on

Top Beach Cafes in North Wales

Pilot House Cafe

 Penmon

The  Read More

'My North Wales' - Jen Horn

Where do I start..I have recently moved; swapping the rainy delights of Manchester for the picturesque sights of Anglesey. What has brought me over a hundred mi

Bodnant Garden's famous Laburnum arch!

The laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden is a spectacular sight but it needn't be the only reason you visit, you could enjoy so many other excellent walks, a

Soap far, SO Good! Cole & Co. - the sweet smell of success.

If you've not had a chance to pop into Cole & Co. in Beaumaris, be sure to make time when

Day out - Anglesey Vintage Rally

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Anglesey Vintage Equipment Society, a self f

Spotlight on Llanberis

Did you know that for somewhere with a modest population of 1,954 residents, Llanberis is jam-packed with an array of attractions, eateries and leisure activiti

Best pubs in North Wales

Chris Holyfield is our guest blogger this week; he works for Conwy Brewery who have been pr

Walk on! The Anglesey Walking Festival 2016

The Anglesey Walking Festival provides us with a unique opportunity to get to know all sorts of things about this fantastic Island. The huge range of walks and

Secret Beaches Wildlife Walk - Rhoscolyn

Looking for a circular coastal walk on Anglesey with stunning views and not too long?  Caroline, our resident walking & wildlife expert has a great rou

Top 10 | Facts about Anglesey

As we all know, Anglesey is a hugely popular tourist destination.  Whilst most people who visit an area research the best pubs or attractions, I personally

10 Fantastic Locations for a Spot of Photography in North Wales

10 Fantastic Locations for a Spot of Photography in North Wales

I'm a keen amateur photographer myself, and although I don't know

Jennie Maizels: An Illustrator’s love of North Wales

We spend all of our time extolling the virtues of North Wales - when that place is your home and is as varied and beautiful as North Wales is, it isn't a hard j

Spotlight on Criccieth

The nitty gritty:


Criccieth is a friendly seaside town, popular with people o

Menai Mussels AND Mussels, alive, alive oh!

Both oysters and mussels are farmed in the intertidal waters of the Menai Strait, between Anglesey and mainland Wales. The waters here are said to be amongst th

Dive in! Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

Want to relax in your own hot tub or enjoy a morning dip?  Choose from one of our North Wales' holiday cottages with it's very own water feature.

<

2016...The Year of Adventure in Wales

From North to South, East to West, Wales has a year's worth of activities up it's sleeve that have something to offer everyone! When the campaign's official 'Ad

High & Low | How do I find the paintings?

We're absolutely delighted that we're able to bring you another one-of-a-kind art exhibition during 2016, Wales' 'Year of Adventure'. In keeping with this theme

Top 5 | History & heritage sites

North Wales isn't all sandy beaches, impressive mountains and adrenaline activities - we also have some incredible heritage sites. As a self-confessed 'history

Cooking up a Storm: Unleash your inner-Masterchef

With Masterchef returning to our screens this week for it's 12th season, here are five cottages where you can enjoy a holiday and release your inner-chef. Each

So why is Spring a great time to visit North Wales?

The Easter Holidays are a wonderful time to visit North Wales. With self-catering cottages available for weekly, as well as short breaks, even those of us with

Top 5 | Mother’s day treats

I'm one of those people that absolutely loves to put a big smile on someone else's face, so I'm always trying to think of new and exciting things to do for peop

Our top 6 running routes

From cycle races to triathlons, North Wales plays hosts to some great sporting events throughout the year - many are going from strength to strength with partic

Top 5 Dog Friendly Beaches in North Wales

Many dog owners loathe the idea of holidaying without their beloved furry friend, but there's no need to go away and leave them behind! North Wales is one of th

Majestic Maentwrog

Ahhh, Snowdonia. It's the mountainous skylines of North Wales that are awe-inspiring to me. Maentwrog is exactly what I imagined 'up North' to look like before

Top 5 Family-friendly Winter Weekend Attractions

North Wales has a great selection of all-weather attractions open year round, where you and your children, young or old, will all be entertained.  Perfect

Top 5 Family-friendly Winter Weekend Attractions

North Wales has a great selection of all-weather attractions open year round, where you and your children, young or old, will all be entertained.  Perfect

Garden Breaks in North Wales: 6 Places to Visit

While the horticultural fanatics amongst you may already know about locations such as Bodnant Gardens in North Wales, there are many lesser known, but no less w

The Coast is Clear - Lighthouses on our coastline

This beautiful part of the world that I am lucky enough to call home has some of the most stunning coastline that I have ever encountered. With an abundance of

'10 places to go eggstravagant this Easter'

This time of year when the evenings are dark and the mornings not much better, it's nice to think about the spring. I checked my plant pots the other day and be

Top 5 | High Adrenaline Activities

2016 is the 'Year of Adventure' for Wales. If you're seeking your next thrill fix, here's a run down of my top 5 things to do on your holiday this year

It’s on the tip of my tongue!

Did you know that salt can taste more than just salty? Neither did I until our afternoon 'school trip' to Hal

Say ‘I Love You’ With A Romantic St Dwynwen’s Day Break

Nothing says 'I love you' more than whisking a partner away on a surprise break to a romantic North Wales' holiday cottage and there's no better time to choose

Why I always chose to spend Valentine’s Day in North Wales

For me, I always find planning something to do for Valentine's day really difficult. It's even more troublesome when you're Welsh, as we celebrate a 'day of rom

Fulfill your New Year’s Resolutions

Fulfill your New Year's Resolutions


As the chimes of Big Ben fade, the last firework fizzes away and you warily eye up the left