Free days out

Free for all!

September is a great time of year to get back on top of your budget but, as Bethany Birch discovers, that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice a jolly good day trip as North

Wales has an abundance of great free days out…

Conwy Walls

Conwy Walls are a Word Heritage site and are considered one of the finest and most complete sets in Europe. The walls were built as a medieval defensive structure, looping around the town, and were constructed between 1283 and 1287. Spanning almost three-quarters of a mile (1.2km) around the medieval market town; and featuring 21 towers and three gateways. Walking these town walls is a fantastic free experience for the whole family (as long as you’ve got a head for heights!) – gifting you with plenty of historical knowledge while providing you with beautiful, uninterrupted views of Conwy’s majestic castle, the scenery of Snowdonia and across Conwy’s estuary.

National Slate Museum

The National Slate Museum is surrounded by steep slate mountains and is located at Gilfach Ddu in Llanberis. The National Slate Museum is a living working museum housed in the Industrial Victorian Workshops, full of history and interesting mining machinery, equipment and artefacts. The Industrial Workshop was once used to service and cater for all of the maintenance of the expansive Dinorwic slate quarry, and once employed over 3,000 men. It’s a fascinating day out for the whole family and offers a unique opportunity to peek into and understand the past lives of the slate workers and their families.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an impressive sight to see, the navigable aqueduct spans across the River Dee in the Valley of Llangollen. Either enjoy the view by foot, or take a boat trip in order to take in the incredible views! Consisting of 18 arches and constructed of stone and cast iron, it was created to be used by narrowboats, and carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. The 18-arched stone and cast iron structure is for use by narrowboats and was completed in 1805 having taken ten years to design and build.

Gelert’s Grave

Found in the charming town of Beddgelert is the grave of Gelert. This statue and tombstone is a well-visited tourist attraction, and is dedicated to ‘Gelert’, the faithful hound of the medieval prince Llywelyn. Legend has it that one day Llywelyn went out hunting, and upon returning he found Gelert smeared with blood. Rushing to his son’s crib-side, Llywelyn found his cot to be empty; assuming that Gelert had killed his son, the father plunged his sword into the hound, but Gelert’s dying yell was met by a baby’s cry – the Prince searched and found his child alive and unharmed, nearby lay the body of a wolf which Gelert had killed to protect the baby. The folk tale says that the Prince, filled with remorse, was never to have smiled again!

Mostyn Art Gallery

Mostyn is a free, public contemporary art gallery in the seaside town of Llandudno. The gallery was rebranded 11 years ago and is now known as the leading gallery of international contemporary art in Wales. Thanks to this impressive reputation, Mostyn is often compared to the high art gallery standards of those located throughout Europe. It’s a great place for a day out with family or friends, and is the perfect place to experience both art and architecture – and while you’re there you can enjoy a bite to eat in their café in order to fuel your inner art critique.

Gladstone’s Library

Branded as ‘the UK’s finest residential library’, Gladstone’s Library is another day-trip worthy destination. Nestled in the small North Wales village of Hawarden in Flintshire, the Library is a Grade I listed building, boasting beautiful architecture both externally and internally. The library was known up until 2010 as St Deiniol’s Library and is Britain’s only Prime Ministerial library. It is also the national memorial to the Victorian statesman and four times Prime Minister, William Gladstone – hence the name. The library also offers on site accommodation, events and courses, as well as food and drink.

Alice in Wonderland Trail

Follow the white rabbit and explore the town of Llandudno by taking part in the Alice in Wonderland Trail by following the e-digital tour via the ‘Follow the white rabbit’ mobile app. Along the trail you’ll pass many sites of the Victorian seaside town that inspired the creation of Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ classic; the area is deeply connected to the 1865 children’s tale as you’ll come to learn. Allow your imagination to run wild while discovering the town’s heritage by following markers cast across the town and meet some iconic characters along the way including Alice, the Cheshire cat and the mad hatter.

Seal Spotting in Angel Bay

Bring your binoculars, a camera and a sense of excitement and curiosity along to Angel Bay near Llandudno. The nature reserve can be found on the end of Little Orme on the Penrhyn Bay side. It’s a popular spot for seal spotting (and sometimes dolphins too) making it a fantastic day out! Their breeding season is during the winter months, and it’s generally best to spot the seals at low tide as the adult seals will often head out to hunt for food at high tide. Just make sure to stay at a safe distance and to watch the seals responsibly and respectfully.

Geocaching in Coed y Brenin

Coed y Brenin is a popular destination for walking and cycling trails as well as orienteering and geocaching trails. Geocaching is a great way to get outdoors and explore more of the local, natural area. Throughout the park there are several hidden boxes containing treasure to be found along your geocaching expeditions. The Forest Park, located near Dolgellau, offers two circular geocache trails, meandering through forest roads and footpaths. They lead along a variety of interesting and historical sites throughout the forest including the Sarn Helen Roman road, a medieval iron works and disused gold mines.

Stargazing in Snowdonia National Park

Awarded the International Dark Sky Status in 2015, Snowdnonia is one of the best places in the UK – and possibly even the world – to lay beneath a canopy of stars and take in the amazing Milky Way. There are plenty of places within the area to enjoy a date beneath the night sky, some of the best including: Capel Garmon and Llyn Crafnant near Betws-y-Coed, Penmon Point – Ynys Môn on the Isle of Anglesey, Llyn y Dywarchen near Beddgelert, Llynnau Cregennen near Barmouth and Porthor (Whistling Sands) on the Llŷn Peninsula. So grab a flask, some warm attire and take in the impressive nightime view!