North Wales, a region in the northwest of the UK, is a place that my wife and I recently visited and fell in love with. It’s a hidden gem with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and friendly people.
Getting There
To get to North Wales, we took a train from London, which took about two and a half hours. The train ride was comfortable, and the scenery along the way was beautiful. The cost of the train ticket was around 50 pounds per person.
Accommodation
We stayed at a bed and breakfast in the town of Conwy, which was a great location for exploring the region. The room was cozy and comfortable, and the hosts were friendly and welcoming. The cost of the bed and breakfast was around 80 pounds per night.
North Wales has a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, you may want to consider staying at one of the many high-end hotels in the region. For example, the Palé Hall Hotel in Llandderfel is a five-star hotel with stunning views of the Welsh countryside. The hotel features elegant rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and a spa. The cost of a room per night is around 300 pounds.
For those on a tighter budget, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. For example, the YHA Snowdon Llanberis is a hostel located at the foot of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms, a self-catering kitchen, and a lounge area. The cost of a bed in a dormitory-style room per night is around 20 pounds.
Another budget-friendly option is the Travelodge Llandudno, which is a chain hotel located in the seaside town of Llandudno. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. The cost of a room per night is around 50 pounds.
Food
North Wales is known for its fresh seafood, and we had some of the best fish and chips during our visit. We also tried the local specialty, Welsh rarebit, which is a savory dish made with melted cheese and mustard on toast. The cost of food in North Wales is relatively affordable, with a meal for two costing around 20 pounds.
In addition to seafood, North Wales boasts traditional Welsh dishes. One such dish is Welsh rarebit, a savory treat made with melted cheese and mustard on toast. Another dish is cawl, a hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables. Both of these dishes are widely available in restaurants throughout North Wales.
If you’re a fan of cheese, you’ll be happy to know that North Wales is home to several cheese producers. One such producer is the Snowdonia Cheese Company, which produces a range of award-winning cheeses. You can visit their shop in Rhyl to sample and purchase their cheeses.
For those with a sweet tooth, North Wales has plenty of options as well. The region is home to several bakeries and sweet shops, where you can find traditional Welsh cakes, which are a type of sweet flatbread. You can also find Bara Brith, which is a sweet bread made with tea and dried fruit.
Attractions
One of the must-visit attractions in North Wales is the Conwy Castle, which is a medieval fortress overlooking the town. The castle was built in the 13th century and is well-preserved. The entrance fee is 10 pounds.
Another place that we visited was the Snowdonia National Park, which is a beautiful park with mountains, lakes, and forests. We hiked one of the trails, which offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is free to enter.
If you’re a fan of trains, you’ll enjoy riding the Ffestiniog Railway, which is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that runs through the mountains of Snowdonia. The train ride is a scenic journey through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The cost of a ticket is around 20 pounds.
Tips
Here are some tips for visiting North Wales:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring cash, as some places don’t accept credit cards.
- Learn some basic Welsh phrases, as not many people speak English.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the rain, especially during the winter months.
Health and Safety
North Wales is a safe region, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are some health and safety tips:
- Bring any necessary medication with you, as it may be difficult to find in North Wales.
- Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Avoid drinking tap water, as it may contain bacteria that your body is not used to.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Keep your belongings close to you, and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
Conclusion
North Wales is a hidden gem with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and friendly people. We had a wonderful time there, and we can’t wait to go back. If you’re planning a trip to the UK, be sure to add North Wales to your itinerary.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to help.