13August 2021
Join Jones Executive Coaches as they celebrate the beauty and history of wonderful North Wales.
Being based in the North West of England, Jones Executive coaches are only a short distance away from the Welsh border and have vast experience in taking visitors to this beautiful part of the United Kingdom.
And of course, there is a giveaway connection to Wales in the company name with it’s founder, Hugh Jones.
North Wales. A place of history, mystery and magical moments.
Travelling west from Manchester, and the home of Jones Executive Coaches brings you to Chester and the border with North Wales.
From the moment you cross over the border and see the sign “Croeso i Gymru” (Welcome to Wales), you know that you are in a special place.
North Wales is one of Britain’s most established tourist regions offering the delights of the Victorian era, to incredible journeys back through time into the underground world of slate mines, to the awesome technology of “Electric Mountain”, and of course some of the most stunning countryside to be found anywhere in the UK.
So let’s take a brief peak at a very small part of what North Wales has to offer with 5-top places to visit.
1- Caernarfon Castle.
Construction of Caernarfon Castle began around 1283. Instructed to be built by the English King, Edward I, it was to be the seat for his eldest son, Edward of Caernarfon, pronounced the first Prince of Wales.
The castle took almost 37 years to complete with 13 towers and 2 gates, and symbolized the power and might of the English monarchy.
It’s overall size and powerful structure creates awe when gazed upon by its visitors, and must have struck fear and imposed authority over those living under its rule at the time.
The castle has withstood many sieges over its lifetime, and in recent years (1969) it celebrated the investiture of Prince Charles as the current reigning Prince of Wales, which is celebrated by a special exhibition.
Another noteworthy attraction within the castle is the awe inspiring Queen’s Tower, which is now the home of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regimental Museum.
And of course, let’s not forget the symbol of Wales, the dragon. Just for the kids, there is a fun 3D experience called “Legends of the Sky”. Here you can take control over a virtual dragon and make it swoop down on the castle and breathe fire!
For more information visit the official website at: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle
2-Victorian Llandudno.
Of course, no tourist top 5 would be complete without a mention of the Victorian jewel in the North Wales crown, the seaside resort of Llandudno.
Blessed with two sandy beaches either side of the resort, Llandudno offers something for everybody, including its connections to the author Lewis Carroll.
The North shore with its Victorian façade and preserved Victorian pier is a beautiful place to walk along the sea front. While the quieter Western shore is a more peaceful experience with stunning warm sunsets over the sea and on to the western face of The Great Orme.
LLandudno is blessed with two attractions at either end of the bay. The Great Orme, and The Little Orme.
While the Little Orme is something of a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, The Great Orme is a huge tourist attraction offering stunning walks, an Alpine ski centre, the only cable tramway in the UK to get passengers up to the summit, a high level cable car system offering unbelievable views across the bay, and recently discovered Bronze Age mines that are now a visitors site.
For more information about Llandudno and the surrounding area of Conwy visit: https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/
3-Portmeirion.
Located overlooking Tremadog Bay between Porthmadog and Harlech, Portmeirion is famous throughout the world for a number of reasons.
First off, it is a replica of a picturesque Italian village commissioned by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (1884-1978) who’s desire was to recreate an Italian village with its own mansion house in a beautiful wooded area overlooking the sea in Wales. The mansion house is now a hotel and sits in stunning manicured gardens.
The village is where the famous Portmeirion Pottery originates from which can be found by collectors the world over.
The location, grounds and buildings have been the back drop to many TV programmes and films, including the famous 60’s/70’s cult series, “The Prisoner”.
For visitors, there are a number of boutique shops and dining facilities with a tearoom, café, and restaurant. And for those on an overnight stay at the hotel, once the gates get locked at closing time the guests get to enjoy the privacy of the grounds, streets and church all to themselves.
For more information on Portmeirion visit: https://portmeirion.wales/visit/plan-your-visit/welcome-centre
4-The isle of Anglesey.
The Isle of Anglesey located at the tip of the North Wales coastline is separated from the mainland by a strip of water almost a mile wide called the Menai Strait.
Anglesey is a magical island and famous for many things including the longest village place name in the world: (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllandysiliogogogoch.) Which translated to English means “Church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel trees, near the fierce whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio, by a red cave”
Other attractions include Beaumaris Castle and Holy Island, which is a smaller island linked to Anglesey by a bridge, and is a popular holiday destination.
There are many beautiful bays which are popular with jet skiers, water skiing and other sailing activities. The miles of rugged coastline is also popular with walkers and conservationists, with Puffin Island at Penmon Point a popular destination for bird watchers.
To discover more about Anglesey visit: https://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/en/
5- Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is one of the country’s most popular treasures, not just in Wales, but in the whole British Isles.
It’s known for its hiking and climbing, offering plenty of rugged and scenic mountain views. The park also boasts many secluded sandy beaches, post card style villages, and countless lakes and water sides.
The park covers a vast area of North Wales, with the centre piece being the summit of Snowdon itself which can be hiked up(warm clothing recommended), or it can be reached by the popular mountain railway which has its station in Lanberis.
You will find history stretching back covering the Roman period, the Druids, prehistoric circles and ancient monuments.
To discover more, visit: https://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visiting/local-information
The beauty of Wales in the summertime.
Of course, this is only a tiny representation of the different areas available to explore in Wales. There are many more magical places to visit, explore and wonder at.
At Jones Executive Coaches, Number #1 for Coach Hire in Manchester, we have over 50 years experience in coach travel, sightseeing, business travel, and group travel.
If you or your organisation require coach travel or advice, please speak to one of our friendly experts, or see our Coach Hire page to discover more.
