North Wales

Area guide

Dazzling mountainous views, a vibrant Welsh culture and beautiful coastlines; North Wales is truly one of the most breathtaking places in the UK.

Welcome to the North Wales area guide where we will be taking you through some of the key characteristics of the area as well as information on education, properties and transport.

North Wales is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, expect to experience views of vast beaches, rolling hills and mountainous peaks. In between these vistas are an abundance of properties including town houses, cottages, manors and castles. Strutt and Parker’s properties in the North Wales area are managed by our team nearby in Cheshire who offer a great range of services such as residential sales, planning, building surveying and land management.

North Wales is a place of varying terrain, making the search for the right area an important one – whether it be the countryside, the coast, the mountain regions or the towns, there’s something here for everyone. Much of the North Wales area is made up of natural spaces including the Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin Forest Park and Gwydir Forest Park.

Things to do

The variety in North Wales’ landscape boasts a huge variety of activities to get involved in, and a rich culture and history to uncover.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the UK, partly made up of mountainous regions and partly comprised of sprawling coast – it holds the best of both worlds. Hills of the greenest green roll throughout the breath-taking landscape which is populated with a buzz of activities and natural highlights where you can truly uncover and experience the rich Welsh culture. The surrounding villages of Snowdonia are full of charm and Welsh culture, for instance, Portmeirion is home to its own steam railway which truly transports visitors to another time.

Experience History!

North Wales is steeped in a rich, intriguing history which is tangible to those visiting and living in the area. Many castles litter the mountainous and coastal regions which make up what’s known as the ‘Ring of Steel’; a ring of fortresses in the North Wales territory built by Edward I to exhibit military power. Dolbadarn and Dolwyddelan Castles are located in Snowdonia, whereas other forts such as Flint, Conwy and Cricceth line the Northern coast.

Why we love North Wales

The adventure – North Wales is an enthralling and enchanting environment for activity and adventure. There are plenty of places to dust off the walking boots for, such as the Isle of Anglesey Coast (an area of outstanding natural beauty!) and the Mynydd Hiraethog and Denigh Moors footpath which offers terrific scenes of the breath-taking moor and lakes.
The culture – As well as all the rural and isolated charm North Wales has to offer, there is also a creative and cultural buzz around the area; Festival No. 6 takes place in Portmerion every September and the Consuming Conwy Festival finds many foodies joining together bask in some culinary delights.

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Properties for sale in North Wales

Key villages & towns in North Wales

Wrexham

Wrexham is the largest town in the North Wales region, the town is littered with an abundance of historical sites which have all fed into the rich Welsh identity present in the streets. Visit the ruins of the Valley Crucis Abbey which dates back to the 13th century and Erddig Hall operating under the National Trust for a taste of the history on offer. Not only is it a beautiful town visually, but it also holds all the amenities you need – the high street has many shops, pubs and restaurants. Additionally, the town is situated near to the rolling Welsh hills meaning residents are never that far away from a touch of natural beauty.

Bangor

Bangor is situated on the coast opposite the Isle of Anglesey which is surrounded by the magnificent Irish sea; this means you not only get stunning mountainous views, but you also grand oceanic vistas too. Bangor is in fact classified as a city and is renowned for being the smallest city in the UK and the oldest city in Wales. Bangor is home to Bangor University, with lecture halls and campuses scattered throughout the town, the presence of a university brings a youthful energy to the town and is responsible for much of the bustling culture.

Rhyl

Rhyl is one of North Wales’ most popular seaside towns, originally finding its place as a Victorian holiday destination for those in the Northern regions of Liverpool and Manchester. A number of theatres, arts centres and shops are located around the town as well as other historical sites a little further out. A breath-taking walking trail is also situated near Rhyl at Offa’s Dyke Path – take a stroll along here to be greeted with the stunning views of the Prestatyn Hillside and town below.

Colwyn Bay

An extremely popular holiday destination in the North Wales area, and it’s not hard to see why – an awesome range of beachside and water activities is on offer here including fishing, jet skiing, swimming and sailing. These amazing attractions all neighbour a thrilling coastal cycle path and promenade offering views of the captivating Irish sea.

Llandudno

The town of Llandudno, otherwise known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts’, is a captivating town full of charming seaside town activities amongst classic Victorian buildings and structures. The Great Orme Country Park is within reach via cable car allowing visitors to take in the spectacular views of the coast below and copper mines. The strip along the beach comes alive in the night time where a huge amount of theatres, clubs and pubs operate and entertain the locals.

Schools in the area

North Wales is renowned for its reputation as a great area for educational facilities, schools (public and private) and universities.

Some of the top primary schools include Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, Golftyn Primary School and Westwood Primary School. The St Gerards School Trust in Bangor is an independent school for all ages from primary education to sixth form. There are also a number of secondary schools including Rydal Penrhos School (a boarding and day school) which is situated in the beautiful Colwyn Bay. Elsewhere, the likes of Alun School, St Brigid’s School and Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen School all are considered to be among the best in the North Wales area.

North Wales is also incredibly accommodating to those pursuing higher and further education, Bangor University is one of the biggest establishments in the area with lecture halls and campuses being spread over several spots of Bangor town.

For a more comprehensive guide to schools in the area, head to the Good Schools Guide.

Transport links

By train

There are many train stations littered throughout the North Wales region, many of these destinations can be reached directly or via nearby Liverpool which is connected to many nationwide destinations. Bangor and Llanfairpwll are the main stations in the North West region, whereas Rhyl, Flint cover the coastal regions. London is easily accessed with a 3 hour journey time.

By train

The M6 runs along North Wales' Eastern borders which gives those travelling via car an easy route to Liverpool in the North as well as Birmingham and the more Southerly regions of Wales. In North Wales itself, the A55 runs across the coast through the most popular towns in the region and cuts off into Snowdonia via the A5.