Top 10 unusual tours and activities in North Wales in 2022
Published on 10 Mar 2022 by Amy GreenwoodWe all know North Wales is an incredible hub for activities and things to do. There’s Snowdonia for hiking, beautiful spots for paddle boarding, plenty of mountain biking options and more than our fair share of adrenaline fuelled sports! But if you’re looking for something a little different during your holiday then we’ve got 10 unusual tours and activities in North Wales to try while you’re here.
Many of these unusual tours and activities in North Wales have popped up over recent years as entrepreneurial locals have realised they have incredible skills and experiences to offer. Social media has made it easier than ever to promote activities, allowing small businesses the chance to shine.
The Covid-19 pandemic was tough for tour guides and activity providers but it did give them the opportunity to try new things. Tours were limited to small groups of just 4-6 people. So those quirky activities that weren’t viable in big groups suddenly became possible! It opened up a whole new world of unusual activities!
Business owners have also had to diversify during these difficult times. So we’re seeing artists, farmers, health professionals and food producers teaching their skills as well as selling their wares.
There’s also been a huge increase in people visiting Wales. Looking for unusual things to do that allow them to relax and reconnect with nature. Activities like growing vegetables, flower arranging, bush craft, beekeeping and weaving have had a huge revival. There are plenty of places to learn more about these in North Wales. We’re also seeing a huge increase in mindful activities such as yoga and meditation in tranquil locations like wildflower meadows and next to gently bubbling streams.
We’re so lucky to have so many unique things to do in North Wales and here are some of our favourites.
Watercolour Painting in Snowdonia
Best for: Budding artists
Dates: Most Fridays and Sundays from April to September
Need to know: It’s a short, gentle walk to the painting locations
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the beautiful villages of North Wales in a watercolour painting then this is the activity for you. Snowdonia’s landscapes have inspired many artists and now it’s your turn. One of the calming tours and activities in North Wales…
Hosted by Chris Hull, a professional landscape watercolour artist, who will take you to a scenic location to show you the ropes.
Chris has over 25 years experience and hosts classes and workshops around Snowdonia. He also takes his groups to the most spectacular painting locations in North Wales so you’re in for a treat!
During the four-hour class you’ll have the opportunity to watch Chris paint and learn from an expert. He will then guide you through the process to create your own watercolour masterpiece.
This is a wonderful experience to develop your painting technique, whether you’re an experienced painter or have barely held a brush since your school days. Chris provides all the equipment you will need, you just need to bring your creativity with you!
Alpaca walk in Snowdonia + farm visit at Snowdonia Alpacas
Best for: Animal lovers
Dates: Lots of weekday and weekend dates throughout the year
Who doesn’t love a fluffy alpaca!?
If you love animals then this one of our tours and activities in North Wales is for you. In this unusual experience you’ll get the chance to meet the alpacas, feed them and learn how to handle them. Your host, Gayle, is extremely experienced when it comes to working with animals. The safety of both the animals and humans is paramount to her. She’ll teach you more about alpacas as you lead them around the farm during your alpaca walk.
Gayle’s farm is filled with wonderful animals. Depending on the time of year, you could have the chance to bottle feed lambs and goats. And see the pedigree pigs, cattle, sheep and other lively farm animals.
Gayle will teach you more about the animals and answer any questions you may have about the benefits of free range farming and how she protects the land and wildlife. She will also be pointing out other highlights during your walk such as the mountains, peat bog and ancient oak woodland.
SOARI weaving in Bangor at SOARImor
Best for: Crafty types
Dates: The studio is open Tuesday – Saturday. Contact Rosie to book.
SOARI is a Japanese style of weaving which encourages creativity with a freestyle, intuitive approach. SOARImor is the only SOARI weaving studio in Wales and will give you a glimpse into Japanese culture whilst remaining between the sea and the mountains of North Wales.
This is a fun and easy class suitable for all abilities. There are no rules and no mistakes with SOARI weaving, so feel free to express your creativity and enjoy this colourful, unique craft.
Your host, Rosie, has years of experience in selling, exhibiting and teaching handloom weaving. Her gentle and supportive approach to teaching is inclusive to all and she’s passionate about passing along her skills.
Within just a few hours you’ll be able to create something to take home, whether it’s a piece of decorative art to hang on the wall, something you can wear or a unique gift for a loved one.
Nordic Walking in Capel Curig
Best for: Those looking for a new outdoor hobby
Dates: Contact Jenny via Facebook to book
This unique experience in North Wales will take you from beginner walker to a Nordic Walker in no time!
Following the steps laid out by the International Nordic Walking Federation, you’ll learn a new skill which could keep you fit and give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy North Wales’ countryside.
Nordic walking is an enhanced walking technique using specially designed poles to use your upper body and core muscles alongside your legs. It’s an extremely effective workout as well as being a fun, sociable and relaxing activity for all ages.
Your host, Jenny, is a keen Nordic Walker and hosts the experience on her farm in Snowdonia. The farm is home to cows, sheep and ducks so there is an opportunity to meet the animals if it’s of interest, making this an exciting experience for the whole family. Jenny offers taster sessions, half day experiences and more in depth lessons for intermediate Nordic Walkers.
Beekeeping Experience in Anglesey with Anglesey Bees
Best for: Anyone with an interest in bees
Dates: Various dates with flexibility for private courses
Need to know: Dafydd can adapt his courses for those taking part, whether it’s a young family with a sweet tooth or someone wanting to set up their first hive.
If you’ve ever dreamt of keeping bees but you’re not sure where to start then this is the perfect opportunity to learn. Dr Daf the Bee Doctor is ready and waiting to teach you everything you need to know about beekeeping!
Dafydd was a research scientist and teacher and now keeps bees at his beautiful, bee-friendly home on Anglesey. His beginner course is a fascinating introduction into beekeeping. Whether you genuinely want to start your own hive or you’re simply curious about these incredible creatures.
You’ll learn more about bees before donning protective gear and visiting the hives. Under careful supervision you will look for the Queen Bee and see the other bees working hard.
Following your visit to the hive you will have the chance to do a blind honey tasting workshop to see if you can taste the difference between locally produced artisan honey and imported supermarket honey. Spoiler alert: It’s harder than you might think but it’s a delicious and interesting way to end your experience.
Dr Daf is fascinating and his course will give you a whole new appreciation for the humble bee and the delicious honey they produce.
Growing your own vegetables in Denbigh
Best for: Gardening and self sufficiency enthusiasts
Dates: Contact Isa
If you’re interested in self sufficiency and growing your own produce then this unique experience with Isa Lamb is both fascinating and invaluable.
Isa is based in Denbigh and from the comfort of her impressive garden she will teach you everything you need to know about self sufficiency. Begin with a cuppa surrounded by herbs and flowers, fruit trees and all kinds of wonderful wildlife before getting a full tour of the abundant vegetable patch. Isa’s overflowing greenhouse is filled with tasty treats. You’re also free to help yourself to the plums tumbling from her trees. At the back of the garden you’ll meet her hens and learn more about keeping chickens and their important role in the garden.
Isa can tailor her workshops depending on your interests and gardening knowledge. She simplifies the process of growing your own produce and can teach you about preserving fruit and vegetables too.
Isa also works on a Grow4it project, bringing the restorative benefits of gardening into hospitals and care homes.
Pick spring blooms at a flower farm and mindfulness yoga
Best for: A peaceful escape
Dates: 15th May and 24th July (other events available)
Ok so maybe not the most adrenaline fuelled of our tours and activities in North Wales. But if you need a peaceful escape from the bustling world then this is the activity for you.
Run by Chelsea, a yoga and mindfulness teacher, you’ll take part in gentle yoga beneath an oak tree on Cae Derw Farm. The beautiful farm in the Vale of Clwyd grows fruit, vegetables and cut flowers so you’ll also have the chance to pick flowers directly from the abundant flower fields.
Arrange your blooms while you enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments within the beautiful setting of the farm.
Other events are available on the farm, such as ‘Mini Growers’ for green-thumbed little ones or ‘Flowers and Photographs’ to combine flower picking with a mini photo session.
Fire Lighting and camp crafts in the woods in Rhiwlas, Snowdonia
Best for: Outdoorsy families and groups
Dates: Various Sundays
Need to know: Children must be aged over 10 to take part
This wilderness and fire-craft experience will teach you the basics to build a simple shelter and various ways to light a fire. You’ll build your camp within a private woodland and once your fire is crackling you’ll prepare a meal to enjoy around the flames.
Your host, Tom, will teach you the ancient bow-drill technique to light a fire. This is one of the many things he’ll teach you to reintroduce you to the wild. Tom has been an outdoor educator for over 10 years and is passionate about helping people connect with nature and enjoy the still tranquillity of the forest.
The experience takes place on Tom’s smallholding in the village of Rhiwlas. The private woodland is secluded yet accessible so it’s great for the whole family.
A food tasting tour of Conwy
Best for: Foodies
Dates: Contact Amanda for availability
This is one of my favourite tours and activities in North Wales and you’ll see why. During this foodie tour you’ll visit some of Conwy’s best independent artisan retailers and create your own basket of local goodies.
Your host, Amanda, will lead you around the mediaeval streets of Conwy while pointing out places of historical and foodie interest. You’ll taste sweet and savoury treats from this walled town and visit historical sights too. Visit the smallest house in Great Britain and Conwy Castle, an incredible World Heritage Castle.
You’ll have a Welsh lunch featuring traditional, local dishes before two factory tours and tastings. You’ll sample locally produced whiskey and the famous Halen Mon salt from the pristine waters of the Menai Strait.
But you haven’t had your fill just yet! You’ll end the tour with a local afternoon tea as you drive through Snowdonia and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Amanda is a knowledgeable guide and knows all the best places to eat in the area, so she’ll be sure to give you plenty of recommendations for the remainder of your holiday in North Wales.
Pedal for Pizza in Anglesey
Best for: An active adventure
Dates: Contact Eli to book
Is there anything better than ending a long bike ride with a freshly baked pizza? Eli from Green Lane Bike tours has discovered it’s the perfect snack during a ride so she’s made a tour around it.
Eli’s guided cycling tour takes in some of the most beautiful scenery Anglesey has to offer. You’ll begin in the pretty town of Beaumaris and end at Anglesey’s easternmost tip at Penmon Point. It’s here you’ll enjoy a delicious pizza at the Pilot House Cafe where you’ll sit and appreciate the views to Penmon’s iconic lighthouse and across to Puffin Island.
Eli is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide and will point out places of historical and natural interest, whether that’s a Neolithic axe factory, ruined monasteries, native birds or impressive mountains.
Eli has a variety of bike tours on offer with another visiting a church on a tidal island and ending with a proper Welsh tea!
