When you look for a holiday you often seek a place that can hold something special for everyone. North Wales is one of those extra special holiday destinations that has all bases covered, from mountains for the hikers and peak-baggers, winding trails and forests for the mountain bikers, runners and ramblers, and miles of beaches for the sand-seekers and sea-swimmers. But did you also know that North Wales is a hub of exciting water sports and relaxing water activities, making it the ultimate spot to make a splash on your next holiday!
Jump right in and try surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or coasteering and put North Wales at the top of your list this summer!
Surfing
For budding wave-riders or pros, discover the seaside village of Rhosneigr and the beach, Traeth Llydan, near Holyhead in Anglesey – a popular surf spot and a haven when the weather is on your side. It’s advised to venture out at low tide as there are rocks to avoid at the southern edge of the beach, and a rip tide to be aware of.
For more surfing options, the Llŷn Peninsula to the west invites you to enjoy the Atlantic swells and a chilled surfing vibe. At Porth Neigwl, beginners will appreciate the clean, consistent waves and sandy shore, but if it gets wild there, head to the shelter offered at Traeth Penllech (Porth Colmon).
Wild swimming
For a more chilled water activity, in all the ways, discover the llyns (lakes) and beaches of North Wales. Our seafront hotel is just steps away from your first dip. Whilst there are also plenty of peaceful places to find in and around Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). From Gorge Walking and Scrambling the Afon Ddu to swimming near the lonely tree at Llyn Padarn or discovering the tidal Llanddwyn Island, on Anglesey’s southern coast, at Newborough, offering sheltered coves and sandy beaches.
If you love a wild dip or are hoping to dive into your first wild swim but would like to go with qualified guides, you may want to book a day of swimming with Explore Wild Wales, who will take you to ‘iconic spots, secret spaces, waterfalls, rivers, lakes.’
Coasteering
Explore our stunning coastline from the very edge of the sea cliffs… Coasteering adventures take you climbing, scrambling, swimming and jumping, with experienced and qualified instructors.
The adventures begin at sea level and build up to jumps of around 30ft, but they are optional. (Being able to swim 50 metres comfortably is essential for this activity.)
Stand up paddleboarding
Test your balance and find wonderful SUP (stand up paddleboarding) spots near our North Wales hotel, from the West Shore in Llandudno, offering a beautiful beach launch to Rhos on Sea Harbour.
Or go with a guide and get out on the water at Llyn Padarn with a qualified paddle sports coach.
White water rafting
For those looking for something a little faster, visit the National White Water Centre and embrace the white water on a thrilling rafting adventure, from canyoning and ‘rapid sessions’ to safaris and longer ‘Orca sessions’ for those who have experienced white water before. ‘The only pre-requisites are that you are able to swim and are physically fit.’
Cable wakeboarding
At Glasfryn Cable Wakeparc not only can you try your hand at cable wakeboarding, but they promise ‘all weather fun’ with paddleboarding, kayaking, and an aquaparc equipped with a water assault course and a ‘Blob Tower’ to throw yourself onto.
Windsurfing, wingsurfing & windfoiling
Whichever kind of windsurfing you’d like to try, you can find it at Plas Menai, Felinheli. Blending surf and sail, learn to harness the power of the wind for a thrilling ride. Book a Family & General Windsurfing – Half Day experience and get gliding!
Sailing
If sails on the horizon on a sunny day looks idyllic to you, what about a taster session or some sailing lessons. Plas Menai is an officially recognised RYA (Royal Yachting Association) centre offering sailing lessons. Level 1 is the perfect introduction giving you the basic fundamentals including sailing up, down and across the wind as well as how to recover from a capsize, while Level 2 teaches you about rigging, launching, sailing in all directions and basic sailing theory.
Boat tours
But if it’s simply getting out on the sea you’re after, try Llandudno Boat Trips from the jetty on the pier. No booking is necessary, a lovely 25-minute journey takes you past sea caves, coves and a lighthouse, and gives you a spectacular view of Llandudno with its Eryri backdrop. For those keen to spot local birdlife, one hour-long trip takes in both the Great Orme and the Little Orme (a registered bird sanctuary), during which you can spot various and rare species and the chance to spot some seals too.
Not all water activities need to be fast and furious but the option is there if it’s a wild ride you seek! Our Llandudno hotel is the ideal base, allowing your thrilling water activity break to start and finish beside the sea, with delicious, nourishing food to refuel you after exciting days out and comfy beds for tired bodies to climb into after long, glorious seafaring adventures.