There is so much to see and do in North Wales in 2026. Take a look at the list below for ideas of when and how to spend your time in this beautiful corner of the world.
Spring is a time of renewal, making it one of the best times to visit North Wales. The countryside comes alive with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and milder weather – perfect for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Popular attractions such as Eryri National Park begin to bustle again, and local food festivals and Easter events make it an ideal time for a refreshing countryside escape.
🐝 Conwy Seed Fair
26 Mar • The 700-year old Honey Fair is Conwy’s oldest and most sociable event. A “bee-rilliant event” according to stallholders The Snowdonia Society. It’s perfect for a gander with the little ones, pick up some bee-friendly seeds, try Welsh cakes, and enjoy the entertainment, all in sight of the castle.
🎵 Wales Harp Festival
31 Mar – 1 Apr • Celebrate traditional Welsh music and culture near Eryri. Harpists of all ages and levels are encouraged to register for the one-day harp course – a fantastic opportunity to receive one to one and group tuition by experienced teachers and to take part in a variety of workshops and performances.
🏔️ Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS)
15 – 17 May • One of the world’s most scenic trail running festivals. A feast of technical trails through mythical landscapes, UTS is part of the UTMB® World Series — ‘Beautiful beyond belief. Savage beyond reason’.
🐑 Trefriw Walking Festival
15 – 17 May • Discover woodland trails and valley paths around Conwy and the foothills of Eryri with “Snowdonia’s Premier Walking Festival!”.
“Spring’s a good time to get active in Wales. The daffs are out, birds are singing, and spring lambs are bouncing in the fields. The sun’s out, and the mountains and beaches have been scrubbed shiny clean. So let’s get out and do something great.”
Summer is peak season in North Wales, and for good reason. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s the perfect time to enjoy coastal towns like Criccieth and Pwllheli, as well as beaches across Anglesey. Expect a lively calendar of events, including music festivals, agricultural shows, and family-friendly activities. It’s the ultimate season for seaside holidays, hiking, and making the most of the great outdoors.
🌄 Love SwimRun & Slateman Triathlon
13–14 Jun • Epic racing in the heart of Eryri. Water and running events set amid lakes and peaks around Llanberis and Padarn Country Park.
🏴☠️ Conwy Pirate Festival
13 – 14 Jun • Pirate parades, cannon demos and family crafts beside the castle. An annual celebration of the town’s historical and maritime legacy. This fun family event attracts re-enactors and enthusiasts from around the world, growing in popularity each year.
⛵ Waverley Paddle Steamer Cruises
19 – 22 Jun • Classic paddle steamer excursions along the North Wales coast from Llandudno. Only aboard the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer can you cruise along dramatic coastline, visit popular seaside resorts, or steam round remote islands. Waverley offers a truly unique experience as you step back in time for a nostalgic trip the whole family can enjoy.
🏃 Big Welsh Swim
4 – 5 Jul • Water events on lakes near Llanberis and community gatherings. With the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdon mountain range, the historic Dolbadarn Castle and Welsh slate quarries you can choose to swim the length of the lake, either once, twice or three times! There is also a mid length and 500m option too!
🐑 Anglesey County Show
11 – 12 Aug • The Anglesey Agricultural Show is an annual two-day event event held during August at the Mona Showground. The Show offers superbly presented animals and livestock, shopping and exhibition pavilion, competitions, craft exhibitors, food hall, produce exhibitions, machinery and vehicle stands as well as much more. It is North Wales’ premier agricultural event features competitive classes for shire/light horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fur and feather, horticulture, cookery and crafts.
“Wales has an incredible variety of things to do and places to visit this summer – from lazy family beach holidays to adrenaline fuelled adventure breaks. “
Autumn offers a quieter, more relaxed experience, with stunning splashes of deep reds, warm yellows and oranges across the landscapes. It’s a fantastic time for scenic walks, photography, and cosy getaways. Areas like Beddgelert are particularly beautiful during this time. Food festivals, local markets, and cultural events continue into the season, making it perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds while still enjoying everything North Wales has to offer.
🏰 Cadw Open events
1 – 30 Sep • This September, more than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry, events or guided tours. It’s all part of Open Doors — Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative, which invites heritage organisations, private owners, local authorities and others to open their doors or offer activities to the public free of charge during September.
🍯 Conwy Honey Fair
12 Sep • A historic fair dating back over 700 years, filling Conwy’s streets with stalls selling honey, bee products, plants, and local produce. It’s free to attend and has a strong traditional Welsh atmosphere.
🍴 Mold Food & Drink Festival
19 -20 Sep • One of the biggest food festivals in North Wales, featuring local producers, street food, live music, and cooking demonstrations across the town.
🍽️ Llangollen Food Festival
10 -11 Oct • A lively weekend of food tasting, chef demos, live entertainment, and family activities set around Llangollen’s town centre and riverside.
🖼️ Welsh Museums Festival
25 Oct -2 Nov • The Welsh Museums Festival offers a variety of free events in museums across Wales. In addition to a range of fantastic events organised by museums themselves, including lots of Halloween activities, many of our museums will be taking part in the Wales History Trails Passport Challenge.
🎆 Bonfire Night Celebrations
5 Nov • Firework displays and bonfires take place across coastal towns such as Llandudno, Harlech and Bangor, often with fairs and community events.for shire/light horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fur and feather, horticulture, cookery and crafts.
“Autumn in Wales is full of events for you to enjoy in the autumn-coloured countryside. There are lots of food festivals to visit, sports events to watch and music festivals to dance at.”
Winter in North Wales is all about cosy escapes and festive charm. From Christmas markets to New Year celebrations, the region transforms into a magical retreat, as exemplified by the beautiful country house Maes Y Neuadd. Enjoy crisp coastal walks, quiet mountain views, and relaxing evenings in welcoming pubs and hotels. It’s the perfect time for a peaceful getaway, with fewer crowds and a truly relaxing atmosphere.
🎄 Portmeirion Christmas Fair
4 – 6 Dec • A major festive highlight set in the Italian-style village of Portmeirion, featuring over 100 artisan stalls, local food and drink, live entertainment, and a Christmas grotto.
🎅 Abersoch Christmas Festival
Nov/Dec • A festive seaside celebration with Santa’s arrival, parades, music, lantern-making, and family-friendly activities throughout the village.
🎁 Llandudno Christmas Fayre
Nov/Dec • One of the region’s largest Christmas markets, featuring over 150 stalls selling gifts, crafts, and festive food, alongside seasonal entertainment.
🛍️ Snowdonia / Betws-y-Coed Christmas Markets
Nov/Dec • Smaller, cosy markets offering handmade crafts, local produce, and gifts in a scenic mountain setting.
🎇 Winterfest Light Trail
Dec • Just beside the resident pigs, rabbits and llamas, Manorafon Farm Park’s Christmas light trail is back – and it’s not just twinkling displays you’re in for. Think dazzling, a magical meet-and-greet with Santa in his Grotto and an enchanting snowfall moment that’ll have the kids wide-eyed. Round things off with a tipple at the Elf & Reindeer Pub and marshmallow toasting around the fire pits. Festive perfection.
“There are plenty of places to visit in Wales during winter. If you’re looking for short winter breaks, wrap up warm to enjoy a cosy winter getaway in Wales.”
