Adventure, culture, history - things to see and do in North East Wales

Covering Conwy, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrecsam (Wrexham), North East Wales has plenty to do for all ages.

Stay in traditional seaside resorts including Llandudno and Prestatyn, or enjoy a city break in Wrecsam (Wrexham). Base yourselves in historic market towns like Rhuthun (Ruthin), outdoors hub Llanrwst or cultural Llangollen.

Our guide to things to see and do in North East Wales includes heritage and history, outdoors adventures and unique places to eat and drink. 

Overlooking the Welsh Marches, Chirk Castle's imposing walls, built by the English, have been around since 1310. The same family lived there for over 700 years in the opulent rooms before the castle became a National Trust property. Explore award-winning gardens or book on a guided tour around the lavish interior. Nearby Erddig is a great spot for a day out as well, with woodlands to explore and regular family-focussed events.

Hidden away amongst trees and full of atmosphere, Castell Ewloe is a small ruined castle built by Welsh princes. Combine a trip to the castle with a stroll around beautiful Wepre Park's ancient native woodland. And if you love mysterious ruined castles, Castell Dinas Brân above Llangollen, and Flint Castle are also well worth exploring. 

Denbigh Castle is an impressive English-built stronghold situated in Dinbych (Denbigh). The 13th century castle stands on a rocky hilltop above the town and has amazing views of the surrounding landscape. During your visit, explore the mysterious ‘sally port’ - a secret doorway that allowed defenders to sneak in and out of the castle. Plus play spot-the-difference between the round and polygonal towers, which were built in separate phases around 1282 and 1295.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a piece of architectural wonder built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, carrying the Llangollen Canal 125 feet (38 metres) above the River Dee. Not only is it a Grade I listed building and a World Heritage Site, it also has lots of odd quirks, such as the use of ox blood in the making of its mortar. You can walk over it or take a canal boat trip to enjoy the gorgeous views over the Dee Valley. 

The whole family will enjoy a trip on the heritage Llangollen Railway, a nostalgic and relaxing way to see the beautiful Dee Valley from your carriage window. 

Explore acres of outdoor space at Greenfield Valley Museum in Treffynnon (Holywell). The huge site includes historic buildings, a museum, an outdoor adventure playground and a family-friendly farm. 

From the first records of mining in the mid-13th century to the Tudors and beyond, Minera Lead Mines (near Wrecsam) have an amazing industrial past. Take the dramatic mines as a starting point, then see 300 years of artefacts in the museum, admire the engine and boiler houses and enjoy the 53-acre park.

Follow in the footsteps of the dozens of prisoners holed up at Rhuthun (Ruthin) during the 19th century with a visit to Ruthin Gaol. Once used as the prison for the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Merionethshire, it opened as a heritage site in 2002. It's a great place to learn about the gruesome stories of the past and admire imposing architecture.

Llangollen Motor Museum is a brilliant place to visit, thanks to the passion of its curators and the character of its exhibits. Whether you’re impressed by swish design or old spare parts, these pedal cars, carriages, canal vehicles and classic motorbikes offer an inspirational jaunt down memory lane. Find out more about the area at Llangollen Museum.

Llandudno Museum & Gallery features interactive exhibitions and collections covering the long history of the resort. They hold regular entertaining crafts events, especially during school holidays. Children will love meeting Blodwen's skeleton as well. 

Read more: All-weather indoor things to do in North Wales

Opened in 1926, Theatr Stiwt Theatre, just outside Wrecsam (Wrexham), was originally financed with a subscription of twenty pence a week from the hardworking local mining community. After dodging demolition in 1977, it reopened as a state-of-the-art performing arts centre in 1999, and these days it’s a grand historic setting to enjoy modern theatre.

Catch a big show at the modern Theatr Clwyd in Yr Wyddgrug (Mold) or Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The traditional Pavilion Theatre Rhyl is on the seafront and provides an exciting evening out after a day at the seaside. 

Wrecsam's Tŷ Pawb is a vibrant community-led arts hub, with the added bonus of an indoor market full of independent traders. Check out the live music or comedy nights, catch a film or book on a craft workshop. 

Head to St Winifride's Well in Treffynnon and you’ll be following in the footsteps of pilgrimages dating back to Richard the Lionheart in 1189. A place of folklore across 13 centuries, these days it’s been modernised to include a library and museum among extraordinary gothic architecture dedicated to the seventh century saint. Nearby, ruined Basingwerk Abbey is the start of the North Wales Pilgrim's Way, a multi-day hiking trail visiting many places of faith along the challenging route to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island).

St Asaph Cathedral is a beautiful historic building in tiny Llanelwy (St Asaph) near the Elwy river. It is a place of prayer, history, and architectural beauty. The cathedral is the main church of the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales. Head to the St Asaph Cathedral website for more information about the variety of events and concerts throughout the year.

Read more: Churches, chapels and places of faith in North Wales

We can recommend several places to try out Denbighshire's local produce, and definitely check out the must-visit local foodie spots around Llandudno. Here's a couple of our favourite food places to whet your appetite.

The Bodnant Welsh Food farm shop sells many delicious, seasonal Welsh products and locally-made crafts. They also run regular farmers' markets, and hold events including craft workshops and cookery schools. Enhance your visit with a walk around the absolutely stunning National Trust owned Bodnant Garden.

Award winning Vale Vineyard - Gwinllan Y Dyffryn offer tours and wine tasting during the summer months. The boutique vineyard produces still and sparkling wines. Learn how the wines are made, taste a selection and enjoy a delicious cheese platter. Vouchers are available.

The region's food and drink is celebrated in several annual food festivals. Check out Mold Food Festival, Llangollen Food Festival, Denbigh Plum Feast and the Conwy Seed Fair and Honey Fair.

Inspired? Take a road trip and enjoy more food tours and wine tastings on The North Wales Way.

While North East Wales has loads of lovely beaches and holiday resorts, Talacre is definitely worth going out of the way to visit. Numerous tales of ghost stories surround it, making the iconic white and red Point of Ayr Lighthouse an unbeatable place to daydream on a bright day. It's also dog-friendly all year round. Stroll across the soft beach, go for a stomp in the nature reserve and surrounding hills, and gaze out to the Irish Sea. Uplifting and invigorating.

Loggerheads Country Park is a family favourite, with rare flowers, birds and butterflies to spot along the woodland paths. Nearby Moel Famau is a popular peak to hike up to see the wide-ranging views. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, WalkAbout Flintshire and Natural Resources Wales websites have a great selection of places to visit and walks to choose from, including quieter routes.

Longer, more challenging routes include the circular Llangollen History Trail and the Clwydian Way. The Wales Coast Path and Offa's Dyke Path National Trail routes also pass through North East Wales.

• Adventure Smart UK has plenty of safety advice on how to ‘make a good day better’, and we recommend you read it before heading out walking.
• Please follow the Countryside Code, and the Dog Walking Code if you take your dog with you. 

North East Wales' mountains and ancient forests are a hub for mountain bikers of all abilities. The variety of graded trails means you can go for an adrenaline rush, or explore at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Top MTB spots include Coed Llandegla, Llyn Brenig, Penmachno Trails, the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley National Landscape.

If you’re keen to sharpen your BMX skills, the national‑standard Marsh Tracks in Y Rhyl offers a thrilling, professional‑grade circuit that welcomes riders of all levels.

Paved sections of the Wales Coast Path, or the Prestatyn-Dyserth Way, are ideal for family cycling with lovely views, while the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has several more challenging road routes to explore.

Using Ride North Wales’ interactive map, uncovering your next favourite ride is all part of the adventure. 

The Dee Valley, centred around Llangollen, is one of North East Wales’ biggest outdoor adventure hubs, offering everything from tranquil canal paddling to world‑class white‑water thrills. 

Betws-y-Coed is another great base for getting outside - nearby activities include Zip World Fforest and climbing/abseiling with qualified providers.

At Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, you can hire a kayak, canoe or SUP, followed by a sauna and dip to recover. Not far away, you can also try out exhilarating Husky dog sledding.

Read more: Exploring the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley