Holiday Cottages & Homes in North Wales

With its proximity to the sea and its heather-filled pastures dotted with sheep, North Wales is a place of proud culinary traditions. Don’t miss the chance to try a bowl of lamb cawl, a rich stew made from local lamb and leeks. Laverbread, Wales’ answer to caviar, is a delicious seaweed dish that could be served with a bowl of locally-caught mussels or a dressed crab.

Welsh rarebit, meanwhile, is a decadent local version of cheese on toast and bara brith is a traditional fruitloaf. Wash it all down with a glass of locally produced whisky and satisfy sweet cravings with a Welsh cake, Wales’ currant-stuffed answer to a pancake.

As North Wales is a mountainous region and by the coast, the area has a maritime climate typified by wet, windy and mild weather. Snow is common in winter, which makes for stunning photo opportunities - especially around the highest mountain in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon.

In the summer months, daytime temperatures range from around 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. Many consider spring to be the best time to stay in a North Wales holiday cottage, with temperatures between 9 and 15 degrees Celsius. The milder weather is actually perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an impressive engineering achievement and UNESCO World Heritage site that should not be missed. The Aber Falls, located just to the south of Abergwyngregyn, is a geological delight and a perfect spot to walk around and have a picnic with the family. Another great natural site is the Aberglaslyn Pass, a narrow gorge which can be traversed by boat or on foot.

Other attractions in North Wales include the multitude of medieval castles, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These grand structures are rich in history and are perfect for a fun and educational visit with children. Described by historian Andrew Taylor as Britain's 'most perfect example of symmetrical concrete planning', Beaumaris Castle is particularly worth a visit.

You can visit North Wales with kids all year round, and there's plenty of activities to keep you active and entertained. The main attraction for outdoor activities is Snowdonia National Park, which offers countless walking, hiking, and cycling tracks to suit every age and ability, including several waterfall walks and trails up Mount Snowdon for stunning views.

If small legs aren't up for the walk, another way to see Snowdon with kids is the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. Alternatively, the quaint 19th-century Talyllyn Railway steam train line in the south of North Wales takes you through beautiful wild landscapes and past the impressive waterfalls at Dolgoch. The impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in the northeast offers boat rides on the River Dee towards the Horseshoe Falls.

There's no shortage of historic sites to visit in North Wales, with the massive imposing 13th-century waterfront fortresses of Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle bound to impress kids and adults alike. For summer beach holidays, holiday lettings in and around the promenade-lined resort town of Llandudno and its North Shore Beach are a great pick.

If you're looking for fun family outings, you'll find no shortage of options on the island of Anglesey, including ancient Neolithic Stone Age sites, the Menai Suspension Bridge connecting Anglesey to the mainland, and beautiful Beaumaris Castle. If you're coming in September, don't miss the annual Beaumaris Food Festival at the castle, which attracts famous chefs and enthusiasts from across the UK and overseas.

North Wales is home to a wide variety of gastropubs where excellent ales and delicious food can be enjoyed. The Tavern on the Bay in Pentraeth is one example, serving hearty, contemporary British fare at reasonable prices.

With a North Wales holiday cottage you also have the option of picking up some fresh local produce, such as the excellent seafood, and cooking at home. What better way to round off the day then by sharing a meal with your fellow travellers and planning the next day's adventure?

Snowdonia National Park offers a huge range of outdoor activities and is easily accessible from your North Wales holiday cottage. It's the undisputed centre of activity in the region, with a variety of sports, activities and games to keep everybody satisfied. Rent a cosy cottage or traditional log cabin in the park and you'll be surrounded by nature and breathtaking landscapes.

Of course, the hike to the top of Mount Snowdon is the most popular activity here. There are several paths to take, so you can choose one which suits your ability level. There's also a train to the summit for those who aren't able to hike, but who still want to enjoy the stunning views.

To get a taste of North Wales' stunning offshore beauty, Cardigan Bay Wildlife Cruises are a great option. The National White Water Centre and King Arthur's Labyrinth at Corris are fascinating highlights for individuals and families alike.

Each August, Beaumaris Food Festival hosts several stalls serving a variety of foods, both local and international. Other great events in the area include the Denbigh Show. This outdoor family event is held in the pretty town of Denbigh and includes a range of games, stalls and performances.

Book your North Wales holiday cottage today and start planning your visit to this ruggedly beautiful region.

If you’d rather eat in the comfort of your holiday cottage, there are plenty of options for picking up fresh ingredients. Wrexham is home to several large supermarkets and the smaller towns of Rhyl, Llandudno, Tywyn, and Pwllheli all have at least a couple of small supermarkets to choose from.

True to its traditions, North Wales has an abundance of farm shops. Buy locally-farmed meat and home-grown vegetables in shops including the award-winning Glasfryn Farm Shop in Gwynedd and Corwen’s organic Rhug Estate. And why not combine the food shop with a day out? Anglesey Farmers’ Market is held on the Menai Bridge on the third Saturday of each month and the Porthmadog Farmers’ Market takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Both markets sell local produce, from jams and chutneys to fresh vegetables.

Great Orme

Visitors can access this hunk of limestone rising out the sea by foot, car, cable car, or tramway. Its unique geography is home to wild Kashmiri goats, and it’s the perfect place for nature lovers.

Bodnant Garden

Home to manicured lawns, water gardens, and exotic plants from all over the world, Bodnant Garden is a sumptuous paradise.

Snowdonia National Park

England and Wales’s largest mountain can be reached by foot or train. Its jagged peaks offer views over Snowdonia and beyond. Enjoy hiking, cycling, water sports, and horse riding in stunning scenery.

Caernarfon Castle

This castle’s polygonal towers rising out of the banks of the River Seiont make for a daunting vision. This medieval fortress, inspired by Constantinople, houses a military museum.

South Stack Lighthouse

Boasting spectacular views over Holyhead, the lighthouse sits on South Stack Island, which is home to thousands of nesting birds and other wildlife.