We all know North Wales by now. Adventure playground for the world and it only gets better when you discover the hidden gems of Wales. For Year of Discovery in Wales we have listed the help of the Travel Lab to find the 9 most unusual things to do in North East Wales…some you will have done and some that I am sure will make you think “Www i haven’t done that!”
See below the 9 unusual things on your next trip in North Wales…how many can you tick off in 2019?
See the full blog
1. Walk, canoe or crawl across the ‘Stream in the Sky’
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is situated in the county of Wrexham and spans across the Dee valley near the town of Llangollen. It is a highlight of the 11 mile world heritage site that spans all the way from Horseshoe Falls across the length of North East Wales whilst finishing in our country’ neighbour England. If you can walk across the aqueduct and make it to the middle you will be greeted with a stunning view of the Dee Valley from the front and back…and you the only way you will be disappointed is if you didn’t make yourself walk across!
2. Ruthin Craft Centre
Ruthin Town is a heaven for artists. As all you need to do is walk around the town and you will be greeted with stunning landscape, historic buildings and a beautiful market town. All this is encapsulated in the Ruthin Craft Centre where local artists showcase there work to the public. Along with the Cafe R restaurant where you can indulge in some delicious main courses and small bites in order to make a day out of Ruthin.
Not sure what to do with the kids when they are off school? Have a look at the arts schedule of the centre as they run workshops and activity days for all ages.
3. Rhyl Beach
The seaside town of Rhyl has gone through some big changes over the years and the reward is a more clean and modern look to a stunning part of Wales. From the new SC2 water-park to the new hotels and revamped coast walk. Now is the time to visit Rhyl and make the most of your time in North Wales. The best feeling is to reset the batteries with a walk along the coast and seeing and hearing the sea crash against the Welsh shore. And to finish the day off why not dine at the beautiful 1891 restaurant and get a real taste of Wales whilst enjoying the beach view.
4. Ride the Rhyl Miniature Railway
We are sure most of you have ridden on a train before…however have you ever been on a miniature train? Well it’s a really unusual experience and you can do this whilst you are visiting Rhyl and take the train around the beautiful Marine Lake Reserve. It is a fantastic activity to do with the little ones as they will get to see the beauty of the area and also will love the thrill of the tracks. The railway can accommodate to all needs as well so that no one is left out.
5. Meet the Mold Markets
Mold in Flintshire is a highlight of North Wales that can’t be missed. With a weekly market that literally shuts down the main street, you can get your hands on bargains and local produce that you can show off when you get back home. Walking around the town is a great way of seeing the history of Wales as well because Mold is full of historic and listed houses that are being used today. The town is situated in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so all you have to do is face any direction and walk and we are sure you will be greeted by some stunning scenery and landscape for your camera to enjoy.
6. Chirk Castle
Wales is the land of the castles. And it takes some doing to stand out amongst the rest but Chirk Castle does that with ease. Some of the things you can enjoy are dressing up as a medieval knight, stroll through vegetable patches for some inspiration and a relaxing amble through the beautifully looked after grounds an forests that surrounds the castle. Young, old or ‘always stuck to their phone’ people can escape to a state of peace whilst also gaining an insight into some of Wales’ rich history.
7. See the first Welsh Bible
St Kentigern built his Church here in AD560. When he returned to Strathclyde in AD573 he left Asaph as his successor. Since that time the Cathedral has been dedicated to Saint Asaph and the Diocese bears his name.
The present building was begun in the thirteenth century and is reputed to be the smallest ancient cathedral in Great Britain. It is the home of the William Morgan Bible and as such provides a vital link with Welsh culture and literature.
Many of the visitors describe the Cathedral as a ‘Hidden Gem’…why not go and discover it for yourself?
8. Ty Pawb-ing
Tŷ Pawb is a cultural community resource, bringing together arts and markets within the same footprint. This coexistence will celebrate the significance of markets within Wrexham’s cultural heritage and identity.
Tŷ Pawb presents a contemporary programme of welcoming and inclusive exhibitions, socially engaged projects and live performance. The programme emphasises skills and craft, working with emerging and established artists from all backgrounds.
9. Walk across the 11 miles of World Heritage
As mentioned above North East Wales is home to 11 miles of World Heritage Site. From the beautiful falls at the Horseshoe, through the town of Llangollen, across the ‘Stream in the Sky’ and past the beautiful castle at Chirk. It is the perfect weekend walk as it takes in everything about Wales; it’s history, culture, food and stunning landscape.
Whatever you do in North Wales you will not be disappointed and the only advice that we will give you is to make sure you pack the camera!
