Fifteen fun places to go in North Wales this Easter Weekend

Luckily, North Wales has a wide range of attractions and destinations to enjoy.

And, as sunshine is expected to bathe most parts of the UK as people enjoy a four-day break from work, there is no better time to get out and enjoy the region.

READ MORE: 

• Conwy, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Easter weekend Met Office weather forecast
• Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele Easter weekend Met Office weather forecast
• Gwynedd and Anglesey Easter weekend Met Office weather forecast

As well as coastal towns that have welcomed visitors for generations, there are lots of historical buildings as well as modern and exciting attractions to visit this Easter Weekend.

Here is our top pick of places to go:

1. Zip World (Penrhyn Quarry)

Zip World have announced they will be open across four sites over the Easter holidays in April, including Zip World Fforest, Penrhyn Quarry and Llechwedd in North Wales.

As an adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventure park, Zip World offers a hassle-free family day out. With a range of activities to choose from, including zip lines, treetop adventures, a roller coaster and underground exploring, the parks include a huge variety of activities for all ages to make the perfect day out over the holidays.

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is home to Velocity 2, the fastest zip line in the world. Consisting of four parallel zip lines, families can travel through the air together at speeds of over 100mph while taking in spectacular Snowdonia scenery. For younger children, the Quarry Flyer offers a slightly less speed-fuelled alternative and prices start reasonably at £15 for entry during Easter.

Andrew Hudson, Commercial Director at Zip World, says: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming families to our outdoor adventure centres across Wales this Easter. With the warm weather arriving and restrictions finally easing it feels like the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some much needed fun with the family. The sites offer loads of activities suitable for different ages and are close to popular holidays destinations, such as Swansea, Cardiff and Llandudno, so make a great spot for an Easter break. We do book up quickly though so check availability on our website to avoid disappointment.”

For more visit https://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventures

2. Erddig (Wrexham)

Visit Erddig for an Easter adventure in nature where you will discover a family-friendly trail with fun activities for you to do along the way.

Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg at the end.

Erddig also has much to offer this Easter, with the 13.5-acre walled garden which comes to life each spring with pretty fruit blossoms and late-flowering daffodils on the west front and along Moss Walk. Tread carefully as you go, snake's head fritillary blossom at Easter time, with delicate nodding pink-and-purple or white flower heads.

Explore the walled garden to find ten nature-inspired activities. Hop to it, be an eagle eye and spot a cosy home are just some of the challenges to complete to earn your chocolate egg. Erddig’s Easter trail, will run between April 11 - 18, from 10am - 5pm (last entry 4.30 pm).

Every National Trust Cymru Easter adventure in nature trail, incuding those at Erddig, Bodnant and Chirk, ends with a chocolate egg, made in the UK using cocoa responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms (alternative non-chocolate reward available if requested). Trails cost £3 per child, plus normal admission charges.

Booking is required at some places and opening times vary, so head to the website to plan your visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/easter-in-wales

3. Denbigh Castle’s Medieval Weekend

Families are invited to hop along to Denbigh Castle this Easter as the site’s Annual Medieval Egg-stravaganza returns for 2022.

The event will feature an array of fun family activities, including birds of prey displays with Albion Historical Falconry — who will explain the role that birds of prey played in medieval Wales. Plus, visitors can enjoy an Easter Trail and even medieval combat displays — courtesy of the Princes’ Retinue Living History group.

Medieval Easter Egg-stravaganza takes place at Denbigh Castle on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17, 10am - 4pm.

Standard admission fees apply. No prior booking required.

More information available at https://cadw.gov.wales/easter-eggstravaganza-0

4. Valle Crucis Abbey (Llangollen)

This Easter, visitors are invited to enjoy two fun-filled days of Easter Egg trails and scavenger hunts at Valle Crucis Abbey — with colourful eggs hidden within the majestic ruins. Can you answer all the historical clues to win a delicious reward?

Easter Eggstravaganza at Valle Crucis Abbey takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17, 10am - 5pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available at https://cadw.gov.wales/easter-eggstravaganza-1

5. Zip World Llechwedd, including Bounce Below

At Zip World Llechwedd, the Deep Mine Tour allows groups to travel 500ft underground to explore the historic 19th-century slate mine. The light projection and explosive special effects give a glimpse of how experiences in the mine would have been for the Victorian workers of the past.

Zip World Llechwedd also offers Titan 2, a two-hour zip line and tour experience for anyone aged seven and over. Tours are available where visitors can learn about the history of the mine whilst travelling 1400ft above sea level in an ex-army truck. The tour ends with a 1km journey through the air on a four-person parallel seated zip line, with breath-taking views of the quarry and Blaenau Ffestiniog before visitors land back on solid ground.

Alternatively, families can keep cool on Bounce Below, an underground activity that will see you exploring the cavern on the vast bouncy nets. Six trampolines combine within an area twice the size of St Paul’s cathedral for children to bounce across. Adults can choose to join in or simply watch from the side-lines.

New to Zip World Llechwedd this Easter is Big Red, Zip World’s famous mobile zip line that’s been touring the UK from Cardiff Castle to the Trafford Centre. Now it’s back home in North Wales and ready to send kids aged 3 and over speeding down its lines. 2 goes on Big Red can be enjoyed for just £10 this Easter.

To book tickets across the Easter holiday period for any of the Zip World sites, visit www.zipworld.co.uk/adventures to check availability and secure a spot.

6. Plas Mawr (Conwy)

Chocolate eggs will be hidden at Plas Mawr this Easter Sunday, offering hours of fun for all the family.

Scour the many rooms of this beautiful Elizabethan townhouse to see if you can solve the puzzle and win a chocolatey prize.

Plas Mawr is an Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy, dating from the 16th century. The property was built by Robert Wynn, a member of the local gentry, following his marriage to his first wife, Dorothy Griffith.

The Easter Egg Hunt at Plas Mawr takes place on Sunday, April 17, 10am- 4pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available at https://cadw.gov.wales/easter-egg-hunt-0

7. Chirk Castle

National Trust Cymru locations are creating an adventure in nature with Easter egg trails.

Easter is just around the corner, and National Trust Cymru is inviting the whole family to enjoy Easter egg trails and spring adventures.

The Easter trail at Chirk Castle will take place from April 11 - 24, from 10 am-4 pm.

The Pleasure Ground Wood and gardens at Chirk are carpeted with drifts of late daffodils, wild garlic and the rhododendrons in the shrub garden smell beautiful after a spring shower.

Follow the Easter adventure in nature trail around the garden to discover what makes Chirk Castle special. Find the birds, insects, trees, and plants that make the castle’s estate their home, and which ones are just waking up for spring.

Plan your visit at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/easter-activities-and-events-in-wales

8. Beaumaris

A ferris wheel dubbed the ‘Beaumaris Eye’ has made a return to the town for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The popular attraction returned to Anglesey on Friday, April 8, on the green outside The Bulkeley Hotel where it will remain until Monday, May 9.

The Eye stands at 35 metres in tall with 24 gondolas, each taking six passengers, offering incredible views of the Menai Strait, Anglesey, the Great Orme and Snowdonia.

The wheel is open daily from 11am to 6.30pm.

Standard tickets are £6 with discounts available for children and group bookings.

A spokesperson for Beaumaris Town Council said: "The ‘Eye’ was a huge success in 2019 when it gave local residents and visitors a chance to see the stunning local views from a different perspective."

Meanwhile, visitors can step back into medieval Wales at Beaumaris Castle

Across the Easter weekend, visitors can experience medieval life at Beaumaris Castle - with appearances from warrior knights, circus performers, medieval musicians, falconers, and much more.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on both days, followed by an epic battle between Gerard de Rhodes and Captain Nicholas Horton — accompanied by their men and archers. Children aged 13 and under will be invited to join the Captain’s ranks to help defeat Sir Gerard and his knights.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Beaumaris Castle takes place on Sunday and Monday, April 17 and 18, 10am - 5pm.

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available at https://cadw.gov.wales/beaumaris-castles-easter-eggstravaganza

9. GreenWood Family Park (Y Felinheli)

This Easter, unleash your inner explorer with GreenWoods’ adventurous eggsplorers trail!

Eggsplorers will have to work out the clues from their trail guide, and track down the hidden eggs which have been hidden across the Forest Adventure Park. Each eggsplorer who finds every egg and solves the winning password will receive a yummy chocolate prize.

Plus, don’t miss a ThrillFunning show of magic and mystery, where the Giant of Greenwood slumbers peacefully in the forest… but where is his forest treasure and who is looking after it?!

There are also rides and experiences, from rollercoasting to splashing and mega crafting.

Amongst the more than 30 rides and activities at GreenWood, you can find the world’s only people powered coaster, the first solar powered ride in the UK, and the longest sledge run in North Wales.

You can save 15% on admissions when booked online in advance! Plus dogs are also allowed.

GreenWoods’ Easter Eggsplorers Trail runs from the April 9 - 24, available in Welsh and English.

Visit the website at www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk

10. Llandudno

Llandudno has been a destination for holidaymakers and daytrippers for generations, with its beach, prom, Great Orme, and famous pier.

And after its successful re-opening earlier in March, the Llandudno Pier’s Ferris Wheel is in place to offer beautiful views of the town and coastline this Easter.

The £1million custom-made 69-foot-tall structure began rolling again on Friday March 11, having proved a real hit following its grand unveiling last August.

READ MORE: Victorian Extravaganza and Transport Festival set to take Llandudno by storm

Llandudno Pier owner, Adam Williams, commissioned Italian manufacturer Lamborghini to design the wheel, which comprises 18 gondolas carrying up to six people each.

Painted all-white and fitted with modern lighting, the wheel can be seen for miles when illuminated, with picturesque, 360-degree views of Llandudno and its coastline to take in.

11. Caernarfon Castle

Members of the Red Dragon Archers and Red Dragon Garrison will greet Caernarfon Castle visitors over the Easter Weekend — inviting them to watch as they practice archery, test their trebuchets, and display their falconry skills.

Younger guests can even join the Red Dragon Archers on an Easter Egg Quest around the castle grounds.

Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone.

Red Dragon Archers and Garrison at Caernarfon Castle takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17, 11am - 3pm

Standard admission prices apply. No prior booking required.

More information available at https://cadw.gov.wales/red-dragon-archers-red-dragon-garrison#times

12. Zip World Fforest (Betws-y-Coed)

Zip Safari 2 at Zip World Fforest in Betws-y-Coed, offers a combination of 21 zip lines, rope bridges, balance beams and even a treetop coaster kart! The course can take up to three hours in total and sits next to the Snowdonia mountain range with plenty of incredible views available.

Standing at 60ft tall and stretching 250 metres, Treetop Nets at Zip World Fforest has the longest net walkway in Europe and offer children (and adults) aged 3 and over an opportunity to bounce, jump or hop along the numerous walkways.

Or, to challenge stamina even further, the Tree Hoppers assault course, suitable for kids aged 5 and over, has 12 zip lines in total and numerous rope bridges, platforms and balance beams, and works great introduction to zip line courses.

Nestled within Zip World Fforest is a roller-coaster with a twist; riders have their own toboggan complete with an independent brake so passengers can choose how slow or fast they want to ride. This provides the option to travel at any speed through the woodlands of Zip World Fforest.

For more visit https://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventures

13. Welsh Moutain Zoo (Colwyn Bay)

One family favourite destination in the region is Welsh Mountain Zoo, and they have added a fun 'eggs-travaganza' timetable of events from April 9-24.

Eurasian brown bear at Welsh Mountain Zoo. Photo: Shaun Wilson

The Golden Egg Hunt - April 15, 16, 17 and 18. Can you find the golden egg? The hunt will take place twice a day, at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Everyone gets a prize at the end of each hunt!

READ MORE: Family ticket up for grabs for the Welsh Mountain Zoo

Please note the Egg Hunt is free of charge but places need to be booked in advance as there is a 10 children limit per session. For more information or to book a place on the Egg Hunt, please email marketing@welshmountainzoo.org.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, occupying some 37 acres of lush green landscape overlooking Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales.

Sumatran tiger at Welsh Mountain Zoo. Photo: Shaun Wilson

The zoo is home to over 140 species, including some big cats - Sumatran tigers and margays - and Eurasian brown bears.

Your own cheeky monkeys will love to check out the zoo's primates, including chimpanzees, spider monkeys, lar gibbons and cotton top tamarins.

For more details, visit www.welshmountainzoo.org

14. Bodnant Garden (Conwy)

All around us nature is coming to life with colourful spring displays at Bodnant Garden.

The family-friendly Easter trail runs from from April 15-18, between 9.30am – 5pm (last entry to the garden 4pm). The trail costs £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end of your adventure.

When you arrive, pick up your activity pack to find the bespoke trail you're going to follow around the garden. Enjoy nature-inspired activities that are hiding along the way to complete the trail and collect your Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg or an allergen-free alternative at the end (where available).

15. Llangollen Railway

A 66-year-old shunting locomotive is taking centre-stage at the Llangollen Railway this Easter, giving visitors a 'childhood dream' experience.

The Class 08 diesel-electric Shunter No 13625 will be allowing visitors to try their hand at being a train driver and for just £5 a go, in the Driver-for-a-fiver experience.

The experience will run in Llangollen station and allow those over 12 (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) the chance to drive the locomotive for a short distance along the platform and back.

READ MORE: Top-three spot in UK study for iconic Denbighshire road

The 08 will also be working a new and shorter shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will run in-between the three daily steam and diesel trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station in the scenic Dee Gorge. There is a station tearoom, and visitors can take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return to Llangollen on a later train if desired.

The events will run on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10; Saturday - Monday, April 16-18, Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24 and Saturday, April 30.

For more information, visit https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/