Locations: Penrhyn Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Capel Curig, Beaumaris, Llanfair PG, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Beddgelert, Trawsfynydd and Gwrych Castle
Penrhyn Castle has to be seen to be believed. It towers over the nearby University City of Bangor like something from a gothic fairy tale. And if the outside is breathtaking the inside borders on the surreal with Queen Victoria's one ton slate bed and a kitchen full of fake food topping the weirdness stakes.
As a World Heritage Site, Caernarfon's castle and town walls ranks alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef in the historical significance stakes. Back in the modern world the town has recently become a bit of a cultural Mecca with local and international artists, poets, musicians and filmmakers packing them in at the newly opened Galeri arts centre on the town's old Victoria Dock.
The mountain village of Capel Curig is a firm favourite with hill walkers from all over the world as a gateway into the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia. It is also home to the 'Ty Hyll' or 'Ugly House' though that may be a little harsh - beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all!
Beaumaris attracts visitors thanks to its Gaol and Castle and the world famous museum of childhood. But this laid back Georgian seaside town harbours some of Anglesey's and even Wales' best culinary hot spots. Café's and Gastro Pubs litter the town and the Ye Olde Bull's Head Inn has an old world pub charm, modern brasserie and formal restaurant all under one historic roof.
Llanfair PG is the little village with the very big name - that's Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwilllantysiliogogogoch to you!
There is no escaping the fact that slate plays a big part in the make up of Blaenau Ffestiniog!
But despite the foreboding façade of a town built almost entirely from the grey stuff Blaenau is actually a very modern, vibrant community with its own strong cultural scene. An annual Stomp 'Stiniog music and arts festival pulls in the crowds every June. Lively crowds spill out on to the streets from the bar of the Queen's Hotel to listen to a whole host of local rock bands in the blazing summer sun (yes its true they do have sun in Blaenau Ffestiniog despite popular misconceptions!)
Beddgelert is famous for the legend of the faithful hound who gave the village its name. According to legend Gelert was the faithful hound of Llywelyn who was a 13th Century prince of North Wales. One day Llywelyn went out hunting leaving Gelert to guard his infant son's cradle. On his return The Prince was horrified to discover the cradle empty and Gelert rushing to greet him with blood dripping from his jaws. Fearing the worst Llywelyn plunged his sword into the dog whose dying whimpers were answered by the cries of an infant. Llywelyn looked behind the crib to find his son unharmed and the body of a great wolf Gelert had slain. Llywelyn buried his faithful hound on the spot where the village of Beddgelert (Literally Gelert's Grave) now stands. The Prince was inconsolable and it is said he never smiled again.
But today this macabre tale of dog murder is not the only thing one of North Wales' most picturesque villages has going for it. The abundance of brightly coloured window boxes on display has won Beddgelert a series of national awards for the general loveliness of the place. And visitors with a sweet tooth can indulge at the famous Glaslyn Ice Cream shop.
The village of Trawsfynydd came to international attention when a Welsh language film about the life of its most famous son, the poet 'Hedd Wyn' who was killed during the First World War, was made into an Oscar nominated film.
Trawsfynydd was also the location for the Richard Gere and Sean Connery epic First Knight when the stunning scenery around the village was transformed into Ancient Briton and hundreds of locals were dressed up to play the part of King Arthur's courtiers.
Gwrych Castle, although sadly in a poor state of repair, still provides one of the most dramatic sky lines along the A55 as it rises from the rock face. In its heyday Gwrych was a stupendous, fairytale style Victorian folly famous for its 18 turrets and enchanting woodland setting. During World War II Gwyrch became home for 200 Jewish refugees and during the 1950s served as a training camp for World Middleweight Boxing Champion Randolph Turpin.
The Castle has been uninhabited since 1989 and consequently has fallen into a state of disrepair. But Gwrych could still see a return to its former glory days with a sale of the property to take place in 2006.
Further Information
Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust