Nothing can beat a day out and having the time to sit back to enjoy a picnic, and we thought we’d give you our top al fresco eating spots in North Wales:
Top 4 Coastal Picnic Spots
West Shore, Llandudno
Llandudno is fortunate to boast two beaches – North Shore with its sweeping promenade of hotels and West Shore which offers holidaymakers a large sandy beach to soak up the sun, enjoy a swim and while away the hours playing beach games or reading a good book.
Porth Dinllaen, near Morfa Nefyn
Although this is a drive from Llandudno it’s one that we feel is definitely worth it as Porth Dinllaen is such a pretty little sandy bay which is also renowned for its pub, the Ty Coch which sits right on the beach. It is also very peaceful as only residents have vehicle access so visitors either park at Morfa Nefyn and walk along the sands or walk over the golf course, and after lunch children will love exploring the many rock pools. During the Summer holidays there are Paddle boarding taster sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm. Sessions last 1½ hours and cost £25 per person, (20% reduction for National Trust members). And on Friday 18 August, 11am to 4pm there’s a beach fun day.
Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Rhosneigr is a great family beach offering a vast expanse of golden sand so it’s perfect for sandcastle building and exploring rock pools at low tide. It is also a popular spot for watersport enthusiasts.
Newborough on Anglesey
Newborough offers the best of both so it’s the perfect picnic location for the family that wants a bit of everything! The National Nature Reserve of Newborough Warren is one of the largest publicly accessible forests in Wales offering winding paths through the soaring pine trees, but there’s also a clear path straight over sand dunes to miles of beautiful sandy beach. Picnic tables are scattered through the forest while the beach is popular with families as the sea is safe for children as it’s quite shallow.
Top 4 Countryside Picnic Spots
Bodnant Garden
Grand terraces, views of Snowdonia, a valley of giant conifers and cascading water, open grassy wildflower glades – Bodnant Garden is the perfect country escape for a picnic.
Betws-y-Coed
The picturesque town of Betws-y-Coed has an Alpine feel and is known as the gateway to Snowdonia. Situated in a valley where the River Conwy is joined by the River Llugwy and the River Lledr against a backdrop of the Gwydyr Forest it offerings plenty of magical settings for picnics. Enjoy a scenic walk beside the River Llugwy or head along the River Conwy for the Fairy Glen, the Conwy Fish Pass and waterfalls including the Conwy Falls or head upstream for the famous Swallow Falls. Nearby there’s also Llyn Elsi reservoir which has a wide range of footpaths providing access to the lake.
Llyn Geirionydd
On the other side of Gwydyr Forest is Llyn Geirionydd, a mile long stretch of beautiful lake with plenty of picnic facilities which are perfect for soaking up the tranquillity of one of North Wales’ finest lakes.
Craflwyn, near Beddgelert
The 2,000 acre Craflwyn Estate is set in the heart of Snowdonia with a landscape steeped in history and legend. There are a network of paths and woodland walks to explore and tumbling waterfalls to discover. If you’ve lots of energy after your picnic, you can venture up Dinas Emrys, the legendary birthplace of Wales’ national emblem, the red dragon.
Enjoy one of our recommended picnic spots with ease this Summer by ordering a Packed Lunch from reception the night before your trip.