The summer has arrived, and at the risk of chasing it away by tempting fate, it’s time to plan some family fun! If you live in North Wales, or are planning to visit us during the next few weeks, these are our top picks for some sunny fun!
Surf Snowdonia, Conwy Valley
This attraction, set at the heart of the Conwy Valley, is the world’s first inland surf lagoon. It offers visitors a chance to hone their skills or try their luck at staying upright along its 300m expanse! best of all, you don’t need experience to try out this thrilling watersport. There’s freesurfing for the capable surfers among you, and lessons for those age 5+ will get you confident in no time!
There’s also a fantastic restaurant and bar on site that uses the best local produce as well as picnic facilities.
Zip World, Snowdonia
If you’re exploring Snowdonia this summer, ZipWorld should be on your agenda. If you’ve ever fancied seeing North Wales from a different angle, this could be just the day out for you.
Zip World is unlike anything else. Based at several sights across the national park – Blaenau Ffestiniog, Betws-y-Coed and Bethesda – Zip World boasts the fastest zip line in the world and longest in Europe. Fly over stunning quarry lakes, reaching speeds of over 100mph! At Zip World Fforest just outside Betws-y-Coed you can channel your inner Tarzan or Jane and tackle a treetop obstacle course.
Not quite got the gumption? Fear not, spectators can relax in the Adventure Terminal which has a viewing platform for cheering on loved ones as they zoom past!
Gypsy Wood, Caernarfon
Gypsy Wood is great fun and fantastic value for money. It’s full of magic and mystery and little imaginations will run wild here. Located just outside Caernarfon, there are lots of farm animals to interact with too – great for all us big kids out there!
If you’re not frightened to get muddy, bring wellies for a Wetland Walk, where you can explore marsh lands, meadows and wooded swamps. Kids young and old will love the outdoor garden railway featuring bridges, tunnels and stations.
Bring a picnic and lose yourself in an enchanted adventure for the day.
Lyn Cwellyn, Snowdonia
Who says a great day out has to cost the earth? If you’re looking for a relaxing, budget-friendly day out, Llyn (lake) Cwellyn is a hidden gem.
This is one of Snowdonia’s most accessible lakes if you have a wheelchair user in the family, with a picturesque walking trail along the lakeshore. If you’re interested in learning more about this and other accessible walks in Snowdonia, click here.
Like many Welsh lakes, Cwellyn has a wonderful legend too. A nineteenth century history book records the story of a man abducted by fairies on its shore, so keep your wits about you!
Llanberis, Gwynedd
The number of families that flock to Llanberis year-round is testament to how many things there are to do here in ‘Snowdon’s village’ at the foot of the mighty mountain.
First up, Llyn Padarn, a beautiful glacial lake close to the village centre. At two miles long and a quarter of a mile wide, there are plenty of opportunities for watery fun here. Whether you fancy trying your hand at paddle boarding, taking a dip the the lake lagoon or enjoying the sights on a boat ride, you can do it all on Padarn.
History fans and railway buffs will delight in the National Slate Museum and the Llanberis Lake Railway, on the shores of this lovely lake. Both are really hands-on ways to learn about the history of the area but you fancy bringing things right up to date, visit Electric Mountain, home of the Dinorwig Hydroelectric Power Station.
A day out in North Wales can be magical no matter where you go, so make sure there’s petrol in the car and plenty of snacks, and you’ll have a fantastic time whatever the weather!