If it’s a bit of cultural exploration you’re after, you’ve come to the right place! People have been coming here for centuries: the Romans were here. So were the Saxons. And the Normans.
World Heritage and Biosphere Sites
Two out of three of Wales’ UNESCO heritage sites are within North Wales – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & canal, and the collective Edwardian castles and walls. The walled towns of Caernarfon and Conwy both have impressive gatehouses and towers – once for protection, now a great tourist attraction.
Portmeirion is a fascinating tourist attraction; a village built by Sir Clough William-Ellis, it now operates as a kind of holiday resort, with day visits possible for an admission charge.
The Smallest House in Great Britain exists in Conwy, and thanks to its recent refurbishment you can now enter the building – just 72 inches wide and 122 high – and learn more about its history.
Medieval Castles
Harlech Castle, built by King Edward I in Snowdonia, offers unparalleled views of the area.
Conwy Castle is a true fort, with two gateways, eight towers, a great hall and more protected by rock.
Beaumaris in Anglesey was abandoned part way through construction, and later finished by the Scots who took over. The walls-within-walls design makes for an impressive sight.
Caernarfon Castle in Snowdonia looks over the River Seiont, and was the birthplace of the very first English Prince of Wales. The polyagonal towers and co-ordinated stones make it a unique site among castles.
The Llangernyw Yew in Conwy is thought to be the oldest tree in Europe, and has a girth of over ten metres. In 2002 it was dated to between 4000 and 5000 years old, and according to local tradition each Halloween the spirit within the tree, Angelystor, foretells the names of those parishioners who will die in the next year.
Churches
We’re proud of the historical significance of our churches, and know they’re a great pull for tourists.
St Winefride’s Well in Holywell is a shrine to the curative waters that restored Winefride back to life after her decapitation – believe it or not, the well is still an enthralling site.
Bardsey Island began as a 6th century monastery and is allegedly the site of 20,000 saints’ burial places, as well as that of King Arthur.
St Dyfnog’s Chyrch is the site of a beautiful 14th century church, with a stunning 16th century stained glass Jesse window.
Gwydir Uchaf Chapel looks unassuming from the outside, but from within you can see its painted ceiling depicting the Creation, Trinity and Last Judgement.
St Asaph’s Cathedral may be the small ancient Cathedral in Britain, but still impresses with its architecture and stained glass windows. The Cathedral holds music festivals in the summer and has an interesting selection of religious art and sculpture.
We’ve got even older national treasures, too. Ancient earthworks, like Offa’s Dyke at Prestatyn and Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey. Prehistoric copper mines at Llandudno. Segontium Roman fort in Caernarfon. And a 5,000 year old Yew tree at Llangernyw. Now that’s really old. Talking of old..
The Welsh Language
In North Wales you are likely to come across the Welsh language. Although it is now a minority language, it is much more common in the north than the south, and our dialect varies from the one spoken in the south of Wales. There are actually four main dialects – Y Wyndodeg, Y Bowyseg, Y Ddyfedeg and Y Wehnwyseg.
Find out about the history and use of our language here!
Culture & Folklore
So we love a good story, too. We’ve got really old ones like the Mabinogi. Perhaps it’s our inspirational landscapes. Or perhaps we just spin a good yarn.
We love music, too. And singing. And poetry. Which could explain why almost every year since the 12th century we’ve had a big get-together to celebrate. It’s called an Eisteddfod. It roughly translates as ‘a sitting’, although there’s not much sitting going on. Mostly just having a good time.
We take really good care of our heritage here. You’ll find very old things everywhere that have stood the test of time; including our language. Come and see them for yourself!