Just a short hop over the border from Shropshire is North Wales, which features world-renowned scenery and superb opportunities for sightseeing and tourism. The landscape features everything from mountains and valleys, to stunning coastline, forests and rivers. There’s a multitude of things to do and places to visit in North Wales, but here are five really good reasons to spend some time in the area:
The Vale of Llangollen
This famous tourist destination attracts visitors whatever the time of year. Its centrepiece is the picturesque town of Llangollen, which is tucked in a valley on the River Dee. The town itself offers great dining and a range of shops, from outdoor clothing to local crafts. But Llangollen is all about the great outdoors and there’s something for everyone – the wild river for water sports like white-water rafting and canoeing, the grandeur of the Horseshoe Pass, gentle canal trips, and walking routes for every capability and age. It’s clear to see why it’s part of a wider Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
On the way to Llangollen from Ellesmere you’ll pass by Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 11 miles of canal and countryside across two countries, navigated by a network of aqueducts, tunnels and viaducts. Pontcysyllte is pronounced ‘Pont-ker-sulth-tay’ and means ‘the bridge that connects’. UNESCO has described it as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius’. As well as the aqueduct itself, the first 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal also feature 31 other listed structures. An unusual way to explore the canal and aqueduct is to enrol on a Canoe Aqueduct Tour, where you can paddle your way across the aqueduct whilst enjoying the breath-taking views.
To the seaside
When people talk about the North Wales coast, the first places that spring to mind are the well-known holiday resorts, like Conwy, Rhyl, and Llandudno. But there are many beaches dotted along the coastline that are lesser-known. At Pensarn, you can drive your car onto the pebble beach for a picnic, while Talacre allows you a great close-up look at the Point of Eire lighthouse. Prestatyn offers three sandy beaches along its coastline – Barkby Beach, Central Beach and Ffrith Beach. A promenade joins the three beaches. It’s about four miles long and is popular with walkers and cyclists. Like much of the North Wales coast, the route has been incorporated into the National Cycle Network. These beaches are a mixture of long, flat beaches, and more intriguing grasslands and dunes.
Visit Wrexham
Wrexham is the largest town in North East Wales and features everything you’d need for a day out. There’s an arts hub, Ty Pawb, which offers a community space to showcase the best in local creatives in many artistic fields and a forum for them to pool their talent. The centrepiece of the town is St Giles Parish Church, a Grade I listed building. The 16th century tower can be seen from miles around and is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’. Wrexham County Borough Museum provides insight into the area’s historical past and, thanks to a Hollywood buy-out, it also has a rather famous football team, Wrexham AFC, which play their home games at the Racecourse stadium. Booking in advance for matchdays is essential for a daytrip at the moment, as tickets are at a premium.
A day at the races
From one Racecourse to another. If you fancy a change of pace, not far from Ellesmere is Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse. First opened in February 1859, it’s a left-handed racecourse over jumps that also hosts point-to-point events. It doesn’t have a grandstand, but does have a full range of amenities on site, including the Weighing Room restaurant. The course also offers a range of private spaces for corporate entertaining, or if you just fancy a day out, there are restaurant packages for groups of family and friends. All the course’s catering is delivered by award-winning chefs and there are a variety of chalets and marquees available to book to, with great views of the racetrack. You can try your luck with a bet, or just enjoy the country atmosphere.
North Wales has so much to offer and when you stay at Woodland Park Lodges, it’s not far to drive to explore it all for yourself. Planning a trip to one or more of these places and activities is sure to make your stay even more fun and memorable with us. Find out our woodland lodge availability to book your perfect holiday getaway.