Off course: North Wales

• Tuesday, 25 May 2010
• Calum Forbes
• 0 Comments

North Wales is characterised by stunning coastlines and, subsequently, the most beautiful of beaches. Arguably the most picturesque of these is the Llanfairfechan Beach. Awarded Blue Flag status, Llanfairfechan Beach is the ideal place for a day out for a picnic, watersports or paddling with the kids. The nearby Traeth Lafan Nature Reserve offers wildlife lovers a haven of various colourful birds.

There's plenty of tradition, spectacular views and family fun to be sampled in North Wales, and Llangollen heritage railway most certainly provides all three. Running for over seven miles, the line takes visitors along the banks of the River Dee from Llangollen to Carrog, showcasing some of the best photo opportunities in the UK.

If you are looking for summer activities then you will be hard pushed to find anywhere better than the North-east town of Prestatyn, where attractions like the Loggerheads Country Park bring walkers of all abilities. Added to this, are the famous ghost tours of the town given by local historian Harry Thomas. Cycling is also a major attraction at Prestatyn with two designated routes taking in Dyserth Waterfall, as well as the Barkby and Ffrith beaches.

However for biking alone then the Coed Llandegla Forest is the place to be. Situated only seven miles from Wrexham, the forest holds over 40km of mountain biking trails suitable for all standards, as well as a number of picturesque walking trails and dedicated horse tracks.

Wales has 641 castles and if you head to the North coast, you'll find one of the most historic ones in the country, Conwy Castle. Built in the 1280s and used by King Edward I to secure his hold on North Wales, Conwy Castle is a truly outstanding piece of medieval architecture, overlooked by the Snowdonia mountain range. History lovers will also be left breathless by the tranquil Flint Castle, which lies on the picturesque Dee Estuary, further east, close to the English border.

Stepping into modern Wales, the Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold is the country's major drama-producing centre. The summer months at the theatre give motion to the most dramatic shows relating to drama, dance, music and festivals.

And finally, if you want to get centrally involved in Welsh culture then you must visit the Mold Street Market. This bustling market takes place on the first Saturday of every month, and with a farmers market close-by, a wide range of locally-sourced produce is available for very reasonable prices.

To learn more of outstanding opportunities like these, go to the Visit Wales Website.

Where next?

Wales golf courses
Wales golf packages
Wales golf course galleries
Wales off course activities