Bangor Cathedral

The Diocesan Centre, Cathedral Close
Bangor LL57 1RL

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The site of the present building of Bangor Cathedral has been in use as a place of Christian worship since the 6th century. The cathedral is built on a low-lying and inconspicuous site, possibly so as not to attract the attention of Viking raiders from the sea.

Caernarfon Castle

Castle Ditch
Caernarfon LL55 2AY

wales.gov.uk

With its seven polygonal towers (including the great Eagle Tower), two gatehouses, and walls of colour-banded stone, King Edward I intended the castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for north Wales. Begun in 1283 under the direction of Master James of St George, the King's mason-architect, and continuously in Crown possession since.

Conwy Castle

Rose Hill Street
Conwy LL32 8LD

conwy.com

Conwy castle is a gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. Conwy wasconstructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh.

Criccieth Castle

Castle Street
Criccieth LL52 0DP

wales.gov.uk

Beguiling from afar, this castle is perched on a headland with the sea pounding below. Get close however and its gatehouse intimidates prospective attackers.

Dinorwic Quarry & Quarry Hospital

Gilfach Ddu
Llanberis LL55 4TY

goo.gl

Covering more than 700 acres, Dinorwic was one of the largest slate quarries in the world. One of its inclines has now been restored to pristine working condition. Since 1972 Dinorwic has been home to the National Slate Museum, Llanberis. The Vivian Slate Quarry is now home to a rock-climbing and diving centre, but visitors today may still see the huts or gwaliau (literally 'lairs') where blocks of slate were split and dressed. Another site of interest is the old Quarry Hospital, built in 1860 to offer quarrymen medical care. Now open to the public, it features a display of the innovative equipment used there, including amputation tools and an X-ray machine.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Harbour Station
Porthmadog LL49 9NF

festrail.co.uk

The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world. On our trains you can travel by steam through the spectacular scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines

Great Orme
Llandudno LL30 2XG

greatormemines.info

Uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape an area of the Great Orme, the copper mines discovered below the ground represent one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of recent times. Dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, they change our views about the ancient people of Britain and their civilized and structured society 2,000 years before the Roman invasion. Over the past 21 years mining engineers, cavers and archaeologists have been slowly uncovering more tunnels and large areas of the surface landscape to reveal what is now thought to be the largest prehistoric mine so far discovered in the world.

Penmaenmawr Museum

4, New York Cottages
Penmaenmawr LL34 6LE

conwy.gov.uk

Built in the 1840s these were amongst the first properties built in Penmaenmawr to house quarry workers. Recently restored, the ground floor of No. 4 houses a small museum on the quarrying industry and the growth of Penmaenmawr in the 19th century.

Penrhyn Castle - National Trust

Penrhyn Castle
Bangor LL57 4HN

nationaltrust.org.uk

This enormous neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. Built by Thomas Hopper between 1820 and 1845 for the wealthy Pennant family, who made their fortune from Jamaican sugar and Welsh slate, the castle is crammed with fascinating things such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria.

Plas yn Rhiw - National trust

Rhiw
Pwllheli LL53 8AB

nationaltrust.org.uk

The house was rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the three Keating sisters, who bought it in 1938. The views from the grounds and gardens across Cardigan Bay are among the most spectacular in Britain. The house is 16th-century with Georgian additions, and the garden contains many beautiful flowering trees and shrubs, with beds framed by box hedges and grass paths.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Welsh Highland Railway Ltd, Gelert's Farm Works, Madoc Street West
Porthmadog LL49 9DY

whr.co.uk

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a small, friendly railway where the train ride is just part of the experience. Our vintage train also stops at the sheds, where you can get off for a free guided, hands on tour.