North Wales Coast

Day 1

Start your tour in Aberdyfi, a thriving little harbour resort in Snowdonia National Park. With four miles of sandy beach it boasts some of the finest beaches in Britain. The estuary is ideal for watersports. Take a boat trip out into the bay, and if you’re lucky spot some bottlenose dolphins. Or perhaps take a stroll up into the hills for some spectacular views of the Dovey Valley.

Travel a few miles north and take the historic narrow-gauge Talyllyn Steam Railway from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, passing through Dolgoch Falls – there are some excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. Overnight Aberdovey area.

Day 2

Travel north for the peace, tranquillity and wonderful scenery, of the Llŷn Peninsula. Visit the picturesque seaside resort of Criccieth. Its now ruined castle, once a stronghold of one of the Welsh princes enjoys an enviable location looking out on Tremadog Bay. Try Cadwalader’s ice cream shop, it’s been parading its knickerbocker glories on Castle Street since the 1920s.

On the northern coast of the peninsula is the tiny shoreline hamlet of Porthdinllaen, now owned by The National Trust. Have a beer in the Tŷ Coch Inn, voted one of the best places in the UK to have a pint. It boasts the biggest lounge bar in Wales – the whole beach! You can literally drink your beer with your feet dipped in the sea.

Just a few miles north is Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language and Heritage Centre, located in a former quarrying village. Visit the Heritage Centre and discover more about the ancient Welsh language and culture. There is also an on-site shop and restaurant. Overnight Porthmadog or Caernarfon areas.

Day 3

Start your day at Beaumaris Castle, with its perfectly symmetrical concentric walls within walls design. Even though construction lasted 35 years it was never actually finished. However it has survived in amazing condition, and is regarded by many as the best example of military architecture in Britain today. The nearby Beaumaris Gaol is also well worth a visit, providing a fascinating insight into the life of prisoners in Victorian times.

Just along the coast is the seaside town of Llandudno. Stroll along the sweeping promenade, lined with elegant Victorian buildings. Take a ride on The ‘San Francisco style’ Great Orme Tramway – one of only three still in existence in the world today. Views from the 207 metre (679 feet) summit are fantastic, stretching as far as the Isle of Man. Overnight Llandudno area.