Our Top 6 Places to Cool off in a North Wales Heatwave
Published on 19 Jul 2021 by Amy GreenwoodIt’s that time of year again. The sun has got his hat on and we’re all starting to melt. Here’s our Top 6 Places to Cool off in a North Wales heatwave.
Our selection includes some naturally cool and shady places where you won’t have to break out the factor 50… as well as some more traditional ways to cool off. Ideal if you’re starting to feel a little bit hot and bothered this summer.
We hope you enjoy our Top 6 Places to Cool off in a North Wales heatwave.
Go Deep Underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns
The deep mine tour at Llechwedd Slate Caverns tells the story of the men who built an industry which roofed the world – the Welsh slate industry. Experienced from the point of view of the mine workers, the tour takes you deep underground – around 500ft. – to tell the story of the slate miners’ blood and guts, determination and resilience. It’s a fascinating insight into the culture and heritage of North Wales, and as an added bonus, it’s a great way to keep cool when it’s hot up top. The temperature in the mine is a constant 7.C, all year round. Might want to take an extra layer if you try this one.
Take Refuge in Mighty Caernarfon Castle
It is Wales’s most famous – and arguably most mighty – medieval castle. Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its vast curtain walls, polygonal towers and turrets, there are plenty of cool corners for shade-seekers to explore. To extend your stay in the shade, don’t miss the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum which is housed in two of the fortress’s towers.
Visit a Nineteenth Century Fantasy Castle
You can’t knock those thick castle walls for a bit of cool relief. Even if the castle in question is a Victorian copy of a grand Norman fortress. Penrhyn Castle near Bangor is a 19th century fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations. The castle’s unique architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection sit alongside a history of sugar and slate fortunes, of social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. Its cool interior is perfect to explore on a hot summer’s day. Head outside to explore extensive grounds with spectacular views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.
Be Very Cool on a Very Fast Rib Ride
You might need to slather on the sun cream first, but this one should cool you down nicely. Head to Anglesey and jump on board the world’s fastest rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with Rib Ride at Menai Bridge, Anglesey. This amazing piece of engineering flies up and down the Menai Strait – the body of water which separates Anglesey from mainland Wales – at speeds of up to 80 mph. It’s an exhilarating ride, and you’re guaranteed to get some refreshing wind and salt spray in your hair. Buy your tickets at the Rib Ride Office near Dylan’s restaurant in the centre of town. The ride is suitable for adults and children age 10+.
Find some Shade in the Gwydir Forest
Ever driven down the Conwy Valley and admired the rather magnificent forest that accompanies you right into the heart of Snowdonia? That’s the Gwydir Forest Park. It’s a place where you’ll find cascading waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, awe inspiring mountain vistas and – it goes without saying perhaps – lots of trees. For all these reasons, it’s a great place to explore if you want to stay cool on a hot summer’s day. There are plenty of waymarked trails through the woods, and the trees provide a decent amount of shady cover during the heat of summer. Plenty of parking and picnic spots near Betws y Coed and Llanrwst.
Head to a Gorgeous North Wales Beach
With 250 miles of coastline to explore, beautiful beaches aren’t hard to come by in North Wales. And if you take a parasol for some shade, a good supply of factor -50, a day sloshing around in the sea is a great way to stay cool when the heat is on. Whether you’re holidaying in Snowdonia, on Pen Llŷn, or on Anglesey, you’ll find a fantastic variety of beaches on our shores. Why not check out team Dioni’s favourite Anglesey Beaches, our top Blue Flag Beaches in North Wales, and our favourite secret sandy hideaways in Snowdonia.