Easy

Here are some charming old towns within about 90 minutes’ drive from Holyhead, Anglesey, each with history, character, and scenic beauty:

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1. Caernarfon (~40 min drive)
• Highlight: UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle, medieval walls, and harbour.
• Vibe: Historic royal town, strong Welsh identity, cobbled streets.
• Good for: History, scenic walks, pub lunches, and boat tours.

⸻

2. Conwy (~1 hr 15 min)
• Highlight: Well-preserved Conwy Castle and nearly intact medieval town walls.
• Vibe: Compact walled town, pretty waterfront, traditional shops.
• Good for: Castle visits, antique browsing, quirky places like Britain’s smallest house.

⸻

3. Beaumaris (~35 min drive)
• Highlight: Elegant Georgian architecture and Beaumaris Castle.
• Vibe: Coastal charm with a touch of sophistication.
• Good for: Seaside strolls, cafes, galleries, and views over the Menai Strait.

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4. Llanrwst (~1 hr 10 min)
• Highlight: 17th-century Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tea room, stone bridge, and market square.
• Vibe: Quaint riverside town with historic charm.
• Good for: Teas, river walks, and photography.

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5. Dolgellau (~1 hr 25 min, pushing the limit)**
• Highlight: Stone buildings, narrow streets, gateway to Cadair Idris.
• Vibe: Rugged and traditional, nestled in Snowdonia.
• Good for: Walks, local food, and a very authentic Welsh feel.

⸻

6. Criccieth (~1 hr 10 min)
• Highlight: Criccieth Castle on a headland between two beaches.
• Vibe: Peaceful coastal town with a vintage seaside feel.
• Good for: Cream teas, beach walks, and slow pace.

⸻

7. Beddgelert (~1 hr)
• Highlight: Picturesque stone village, Gelert’s Grave, and river.
• Vibe: Possibly the prettiest village in Snowdonia.
• Good for: Walking, myth and legend, ice cream by the river.

Posted By: Old Git on July 18th 2025 at 13:06:47

Message Thread

If you were driving to Holyhead but wanted to stop off for a day (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 11:16:36
- Betws-y-Coed is great... also (General Chat) - Worthing Yellow, Jul 18, 14:38:22
  - Have they got a mixed boys and girls school in Betws-y-Coed (n/m) (General Chat) - Augustus Pablo, Jul 18, 16:49:33
- Chester (n/m) (General Chat) - Jumbo1, Jul 18, 14:26:22
- Just stay in Holyhead. Last time I was there, (General Chat) - CB41, Jul 18, 13:38:45
  - Has some nice beaches (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 13:51:58
- Betwsy Coed (n/m) (General Chat) - Tony Martin, Jul 18, 13:10:35
  - Saw this recommendation elsewhere (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 13:40:12
  - Betswy Single Sex much better (n/m) (General Chat) - Old Git, Jul 18, 13:35:48
    - Don’t knock it (n/m) (General Chat) - APB, Jul 18, 14:05:45
  - Seconded. Only downside is that you won’t want to leave (n/m) (General Chat) - DH Yellow, Jul 18, 13:33:48
  - Bless you (n/m) (General Chat) - Knitted Jesus, Jul 18, 13:19:04
- Easy (General Chat) - Old Git, Jul 18, 13:06:47
  - Old Gpt (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 13:38:25
    - ChatOAP was better (n/m) (General Chat) - Old Git, Jul 18, 14:05:17
- Bristol…… (n/m) (General Chat) - Helveg the Phoenix, Jul 18, 12:37:06
  - Not within 1.5 hours (n/m) (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 12:41:55
- Angelsey coast is spectacular... stay at Bangor and visit Narborough Forest, walk to Holy (General Chat) - Pixelman, Jul 18, 11:25:15
  - Will check it out, ta (n/m) (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 11:49:58
- Conwy is nice but is go with Chester (General Chat) - Kangol Canary, Jul 18, 11:18:52
  - Yeah we did Chester overnight en route to Holyhead (n/m) (General Chat) - Yellalee, Jul 18, 12:09:06
  - Have been to Chester once and agree that it's 👍🏻 (n/m) (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 11:48:15
- Steve Marsh always worth a watch.... (General Chat) - DrDublin, Jul 18, 11:18:36
  - Will give that a watch later, thanks buddy (n/m) (General Chat) - Charles21, Jul 18, 11:49:35

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