Come and join us as we explore some of the best hidden gems in North Wales. We have done the research so you don’t have to! North Wales is full of spectacular landscapes, wildlife and areas of outstanding natural beauty. With so much to see and do within the region it’s no surprise that certain “gems” slip between the net when we are planning a trip out. Below we have highlighted 5 hidden gems in North Wales you may never have heard of or visited before. Next time you’re in the area it is definitely worth checking out one or more of the following.

Ewole castle – the castle hidden in the woods of north wales

Hidden deep within Wepre Park, Ewole Castle is a relic of the brief and short lived victory that the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd had over the Anglo-Norman Marcher Lords. The strategic position of the castle, near to the English border, allowed the Welsh to control the road to Chester whilst commanding the lands of North East Wales. Today Ewole Castle is open to the public without admission and is under the care of the Welsh Heritage agency.

Talacre lighthouse – the haunted lighthouse

Although Talacre Beach Lighthouse is famous for its ghostly sightings it is often overlooked during a visit to the wonderful North Wales. Located on the sand dunes of the lovely Talacre Village in Flintshire the lighthouse provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to enjoy. The ‘hidden gem’ lighthouse was built in 1776 and is a must see for every visit to the region.

Dyserth falls – limestone 60ft waterfall

Situated near to the ancient village of Dyserth, Dyserth Falls is an impressive natural landmark for you to visit. Visitors are able to get up close to the waterfall and there is also a path which will take you up to the top. Dyserth Falls is free to visit but donations are welcomed and can be placed in clearly signed ‘honesty box’ (the suggested amount is 40p). It is a lovely location for a family picnic whilst you enjoy the unrivalled views of North Wales from this ‘hidden gem’.

Prestatyn roman bath house – hidden ruins

This is a small but highly interesting ruin of a Roman Bathhouse situated in the North Wales town of Prestatyn. According to sources the bath house was built around 120 AD and extended in about 150 AD. Excavations between 1984- 85 unearthed the Roman settlement, which can now be visited by the public.

Talacre ancient sand dunes – the natterjack toads

This area of ancient dunes is of special scientific importance due to its rare colony of Natterjack toads. According to the BBC, the Natterjack are claimed to be Europe’s noisiest amphibian so you are more likely to hear them than physically see them, especially as they are most active at night. These little guys can live up to 15 years and feed on insects, worms and small reptiles. Back in 2012 new ponds have been created in the Talacre Sand Dunes to safeguard the future existence of the Natterjack toad in North Wales; these hidden gems maybe the hardest to find!

Have you ever watched a film and thought I recognise that place? Well you might be right, because many famous Hollywood Movies were shot in the stunning region of Cornwall. Offering a plethora of activities many of which are completely free. Whether it is visiting famous film locations or simply taking the children for a day on the beach, the South West has something for you.

Most people do not realise just quite how popular Cornwall is as a location for many top films. Its unique scenery has attracted classic pirate films such as Treasure Island as well as modern day comedies such as Jonny English. The hit comedy was partly filmed on St Michaels Mount, which is just down the coast from Mullion Cove. St Michael’s Mount is a small rocky island featuring a mediaeval church and castle. You can visit the island by boat or, when the tide is out, walk across the rocky causeway. Famous for being a place of prayer, not many will know that it was on this mount that the first beacon was lit in 1588 to warn of the arrival of the Spanish Armada.

Those who appreciate a classic war film will be delighted to hear that Where Eagles Dare had a number of filming locations in Cornwall. The ‘Bell and Dragon’ pub served as the Piers House Hotel with the rest of the town portraying occupied Alderney. Charlestown Harbour has also recently featured in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Those of you who love the British spy hero franchise James Bond will be thrilled to know that a large portion of Die Another Day was filmed in Holywell Bay and at the Eden Project, which are both just a short drive away from Piran Meadows. The Eden Project hosts our beloved British hero infiltrating Gustav Graves’ (Toby Stephens) high security lair.

His daring abseiling entrance into the centre of the Eden Project emphasises that it is the perfect location for a high-tech villain’s hideout.

Port Isaac hosted Martin Clunes’ film Saving Grace, which set the scene for his later TV series Doc Martin, which is also filmed in Port Isaac and continues to be filmed around Cornwall. The Bay Hotel features heavily in the recent 4th series as Wenn House.

The BBC’s new Drama Poldark is based entirely in Cornwall. Charlestown Harbour is the perfect location for hosting the Tall Ships of Poldark whilst Church Cove Beach on the Lizard Peninsula provided the setting for one of Poldark’s most dramatic scenes. This weather beaten coastline outlines the sheer beauty of Cornwall’s natural wonders.

The Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to visit. Be it for a short break, or a 10 day holiday, there is so much to see and do on this glorious island. Famous for its sailing, royal history and its spectacular views, there are many brilliant and wacky things to do. Here we have highlighted our top attractions on the Island. The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the biggest music festivals in Britain.

It used to be a 60’s counterculture show. It was discontinued in 1970, but reintroduced in 2002. It has been held annually since that year, progressively extending itself northwards beyond Seaclose Park, along the fields of the eastern Medina valley. Many notable artists have performed since its revival including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Muse, Stereophonics, David Bowie, Manic Street Preachers, The Who, R.E.M., Coldplay, Bryan Adams, The Police, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon. It is a festival that can be enjoyed as a group, and as a family, with quirky tepee accommodation, as well as fair rides and shows. It is a fantastic weekend away, and a great chance to see some of the world’s best bands and music talent. It is held in the summer, normally in June. Tickets can be purchased through the Isle of Wight Festival website.

cowes week

Cowes week is one of the biggest sailing regattas in the world. Competitors come from all around the world to test their skills against the best professional and nonprofessional yachtsmen. Typically Cowes Week comprises up to forty starts a day for classes of cruiser-racers, one designs and keelboats; with up to a thousand boats and 8,000 competitors taking part from every level, Olympian to amateur. During this time the Solent, which is a busy commercial waterway, is filled with boats of all classes, shape, size and colour. Afternoons and evenings are filled with live music, restaurants, shows, discos, cocktails and much more entertainment. It is an incredible way to spend a long weekend or a day trip with children. Cowes week is normally help in the first week of August.

osborne house

Osborne house is a former Royal Residence in East Cowes on the Island. Osborne House is one of the best-visited locations the Isle of Wight and ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’ was how Queen Victoria described it. The house is under the care of English Heritage and is open to the public. Osborne house hosts picnic concerts on the lawn during the summer, which this year will feature the likes of Tom Jones and Little Mix. It is a truly beautiful place to visit and is dripping in history. It is a superb day out, and is one for the whole family; entry is only £37.20 for a family of four.

fishing

One of the best things to do on a day out on the Island, is a day spent fishing. But not just any fishing, you can go sea fishing or visit various course fishing lakes. There are many course fishing lakes. Rookley Country Park, for example, has fishing equipment for hire, and a fully equipped shop for their two lakes. Carp are abundant in their waters, but also Rudd, Roach and Trent have been know to be caught. The sheltered Solent and the Channel provide fantastic arenas to catch Bass, Conger, Plaice and Rays to name a few. This of course is all year round for the sea fishing, but mostly picks up in the Spring and Summer. You can join a group, or you can hire out your own charter. It is a delightful way to spend the day, and with 64 miles of coastline, fishermen are really spoilt for choice.

st catherine’s lighthouse

St Catherine’s Lighthouse is on the southern most tip of the Island. The light has been active in one form or another since 1323. Festooned in history, St Catherine’s Lighthouse is a fantastic way to spend a morning. It has everything from a guided tour, to wonderful views and a sublime walking spot to view the English Channel and the incredible beach. St Catherine’s Point is ultimately a perfect place to chill and to spend a relaxing time.