The mountains of Snowdonia National Park are an unmistakeable symbol of North Wales, evoking inspirational and mystical moods throughout the seasons. Millions of visitors each year are drawn in particular to Mt Snowdon, to scale its slopes and revel in the incredible scenery.
Beyond the park, there's a far greater variety of landscapes and beaches, with historic towns and cities, some of the UK's finest organic produce, steam railways and countless walking routes.
The north coast has historic gems like Llandudno, a traditional 19th-century seaside resort. Conwy and Caernarfon, further round the coast, are both superbly preserved medieval walled cities, with castles built into the city walls and parking suitable for motorhomes in the centre.
The Lleyn peninsula has some fine beaches and wonderfully windswept coastal walks. It's also home to the Nant Gwrtheyrn language school and nature trail (see 48 hour essentials).
Anglesey is less windswept. It benefits from a microclimate, so it can be sunny on the island when it's raining over Snowdonia – and can offer genuine isolation. Beaumaris on the east coast of the island is another historic gem, with at least one house dating back to the start of the 15th century.
Snowdonia can be a very popular place, as anyone who has climbed Snowdon on a sunny weekend will know, but the variety and nuances of the region's Welsh and British heritage pass many people by. If you linger for longer than a weekend you will absorb a lot from this Welsh heartland.

Rug chapel
Five miles west of Corwen on the A5, this fantastically well-preserved 17th-century private chapel is a marvel of simply crafted decoration, almost entirely made of wood (pictured, inset). Tel 01443 33 6000 Web www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Puffin Island pleasure cruises, Beaumaris, Anglesey
Spot up to 12 species of seabirds – including puffins – at the eponymous island, off Anglesey. The same operator also sails under the Menai suspension bridge. Tel 01248 810251 Web www.starida.co.uk.

Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth
This is a world-renowned centre, where volunteers live a truly sustainable lifestyle – and have done for decades, before going 'green' was trendy. Tel 01654 705950 Web www.cat.org.uk.

Visit Nant Gwrtheyrn
This Welsh language school is in a lovely setting on the Lleyn Peninsular, with fine walks in the surrounding valley. The site's heritage centre has several walking routes and an exhibition on Welsh language and culture. Call ahead to check parking availability. Tel 01758 750334 Web www.nantgwrtheyrn.org

What's NEW
Cae'r Gors, Rhosgadfan, Caernarfon
This new heritage centre is dedicated to Kate Roberts, one of the most highly regarded Welsh prose writers of the 20th century. There's a film about Roberts' life and an exhibition, both of which are in English and Welsh. Tel 01286 831715. Web www.caergors.org.
Pen-Y-Ffrith Bird Gardens, Llanarmon-Yn-Ial, Denbighshire
This is a fine place for a fine day where you will see waterfowl, owls, and pygmy goats. The setting is very relaxing, with woodland, and a lake and pools with cascading waterfalls. There's also a bluebell walk, with great views of the surrounding countryside. Tel 01824 780501 Web www.pen-y-ffrithbirdgardens.co.uk.

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks