Once autumn arrives, there is an air of serenity that’s settled across North Wales, making it the perfect time for visiting the attractions, taking in a show or enjoying a walk along a sandy beach or in the countryside.
Here are out top five things to do this autumn:
4 ways to Storm the Orme
There is no disputing that the Great Orme in Llandudno is worth a visit but how you get to the summit depends on how adventurous you feel:
- If you’ve a head for heights then you’ll enjoy a ride in the Cable Car, the longest passenger cable car system in the Britain which takes you 679 feet up in the sky! The brightly coloured cars carry up to four passengers and in just under ten minutes take you from Happy Valley to the Summit giving you breathtaking views over Llandudno Bay to Little Orme.
- If you’ve lots of energy then you could take to the road and hire a bike – either non-electric or electric for a bit of extra pedal power to help you on your way. Even with an electric bike this is a good work out but very rewarding especially when you can free wheel most of the trip back down!
- Another leisurely mode of transport is the Great Orme Tramway. This is Britain’s only cable-hauled street tram and takes you on a picturesque journey to the summit, or maybe your return journey down having travelled up by Cable Car.
- Put your fitness to the test by taking a scenic walk up the Great Orme and then enjoy one of the many trails around the summit including the Summit Trail, an Historical Trail that takes you around many of the 400 known sites of archaeological and historical interest or the Nature Trail to discover the native and rare flora that has made the Orme so unique.
Warm Up With Afternoon Tea
The seaside should be enjoyed whatever the season, and after what’s likely to be a windy walk along the shore, there’s nothing better than some hot tea and tantalising treats to revitalise you for the afternoon. Take a stroll along the promenade in the morning, then stop by for a traditional Imperial Afternoon Tea to indulge in freshly cut finger sandwiches, a baked homemade fruit scone, a selection of miniature cakes of the day and a pot of steaming tea. It’s the ultimate autumn indulgence!
Take in a Show
Venue Cymru is the focal point for local, regional, national and international shows of award winning repute and it’s right on our doorstep. The autumn programme offers plenty of choice, from an electrifying 80’s symphonic show and an Alfie Boe concert to Dawn French on her latest comedy tour.
Appreciate Art
Whether you’re a budding artist or not, there’s a host of attractions where you can appreciate fine art. Dissolutions is an exhibition by the French artist Diane Dal-pra at Mostyn Gallery, the contemporary art gallery in Llandudno, running until 7th October. The exhibition presents the first solo UK institutional exhibition by this artist, an ascending star of contemporary painting.
Family Arts Festival is on from 31st October to 5th November. It is a free, full-on week arts festival held at Venue Cymru, with puppet making workshops, sensory story sessions, a Lego cafe, acting workshops, dancing sessions for families, and live music.
Open Doors is Wales’ largest annual celebration of architecture and heritage with several buildings opening their doors for free until the end of September.
Plas Newydd on Anglesey is home to the famous Whistler Painting that measures 58 feet long and is a fantasy landscape with a few twists which are easy to miss, so we recommend joining one of the guides to learn more. And if you fancy staying and exploring for longer, why not visit the ‘All that was left’ exhibition which runs daily until 5th November. It tells the story of Henry Cyril Paget and the 1904 Great Anglesey Sales which saw all he had owned, sold to pay his debts. The ‘Great Anglesey Castle Sales’ were said to be one of the biggest sales in Great Britain, with up to 18,000 lots up for sale, including luxury clothing, jewels, toy dogs and more.
Great Country and Beach Walks
The region’s diversity makes it a popular walking destination with acres and acres of picturesque countryside and miles and miles of breath-taking sandy beaches.
Snowdonia National Park has to be top of the list for great walks – it offers scenic forests, mountains, streams and rivers and has a very good network of footpaths with graded walks to suit everybody, while Conwy Valley with the River Conwy flowing through it is noted for its variety from farmland and forests to heather moors and woods. Conwy Valley is also home to the National Trust’s world famous Bodnant Garden with expansive lawns, grand ponds and impressive terraces, a steep wooded valley and stream as well as awe-inspiring plant collections, and at this time of the year it’s a continually changing display of glorious colours.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches and coastlines for a revitalising walk in the bracing sea air, but we recommend walking part of the Wales Coastal Path up to the Little Orme, a stroll along West Shore’s large sandy beach or a trip to Newborough on Anglesey for a beach walk with stunning views across to Snowdonia.
Whatever you decide to do in North Wales this autumn, make the most of the season with one of our Special Breaks.