Top Five Days Out By Coach To North Wales From Liverpool

One of the best destinations to visit that is within easy reach of Liverpool is north Wales. With the comfort of coach hire, you can be amid some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK within an hour or two  —  and if you plan your visit for August, you might even avoid the rain! 

Here are some suggestions for group excursions, family outings or corporate away days in north Wales. 

What’s so special about north Wales?

Where to start? Probably with the stunning natural beauty of the area. You will have easy access to miles of coastline full of hidden coves and sandy beaches, from the elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno to the more remote shores of Anglesey. 

Then there are the mountains: the Snowdonia (now officially known by its Welsh name “Eryri”) range is impressive yet accessible, with good driving routes such as the Llanberis Pass, and attractive towns geared towards tourists such as Betws-y-Coed. 

The area is often referred to as the UK’s outdoor adventure playground, because you can partake in almost any outdoor activity you want, from surfing and rockclimbing to zipwires and mountain biking. What’s more, it’s rich in cultural and historical interest, with ancient castles, charming villages and archaeological sites. 

Top day trips and weekend trips from Liverpool

Llandudno

Llandudno is a traditional Victorian seaside tourist town with a proper pier, often referred to as the “Queen of Welsh Resorts”. It is a classic choice for a weekend away from the city, offering a wide choice of high quality hotels and restaurants amid grand period architecture and a sweeping coastline.  

The town is dominated by the Great Orme, a towering section of limestone headland that offers fantastic views over the North and West Shore beaches, and to the sea and mountains beyond. You can climb up for a refreshing bout of exercise, or alternatively take the historic Great Orme Tramway, which dates back to 1898. 

Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is a large village that stands at the gateway to Snowdonia, alongside the River Llugwy and surrounded by the Gwydyr Forest. There are many accessible walking routes along the river and winding forest trails, and the more adventurous can explore the mountains beyond. 

If outdoor adventures are really not your thing, there’s plenty of charm to be found in the village, with an excellent range of independent shops selling local crafts, clothing, gifts and handmade produce. You can also enjoy fresh local produce at the many pubs, restaurants, bistros and cafes. 

Portmeirion, near Porthmadog

Portmeirion is a colourful Italian-style village on the estuary of the River Dwyryd, surrounded by mature sub-tropical gardens. It was developed between 1925 and 1975 by the Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams Ellis, reportedly influenced by the Mediterranean fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. 

The village has inspired generations of artists and writers, and also been used as the location for several film and television productions, including The Prisoner (1966-67) and an episode of Doctor Who. Explore the quirky buildings, and over 70 acres of gardens and exotic woodlands with 19 miles of pathways. 

Conwy 

Conwy is dominated by the mighty castle and its Mediaeval walls that look out over the estuary and to the straits beyond. It’s one the best-preserved ancient towns in Europe, with an impressively complete castle, and historic buildings and winding streets whichever way you turn. 

It’s certainly worth climbing the spiral stone staircase of the castle to the battlements, where you can take in sweeping views of the Snowdonia Mountains and the Conwy estuary. In the streets below you will find the officially Smallest House in the UK, as well as the country’s best preserved Elizabethan town house. 

Llangollen 

Just over an hour’s drive from Liverpool is Llangollen, a historic town on the River Dee surrounded by rolling hills. The town is brimming with charming independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and it’s an extremely pleasant place to while away an afternoon. Take a stroll along the river, or even a trip along the canal in a horse-drawn boat.

Llangollen is also part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This amazing feat of Industrial Revolution engineering carries the canal 126ft above the River Dee, supported by iron arched ribs and 18 stone masonry pillars. You can walk across the footway, or even travel by barge!