North Wales or Lake District?

Both areas have something to offer travelers.

North and for that matter South Wales has lots of history, castles and scenic places.

The Lake District is very scenic and many people go there for the out of doors. Hiking is huge. In the Summer there is a riverboat on the lake that you might like.

Having been to both places, I would go with Wales.

I agree both are wonderful for diff reasons. I have visited both and N. Wales has a more varied landscape and charmingly picturesque. It is quite unique imo with villages, mountains , castles, beach, waterviews and country beauty.

I would keep the one that logistically fits better with the rest of your itinerary.

I would head to Wales, which is a more varied landscape. If I were to head to the Lakes, it would be to the quieter, beautiful Eskdale, not the exceedingly busy Keswick, which doesn’t feel like the true Lakes.

I like the area around the Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, if you have time.

I love both areas too but North Wales is my favorite place in Britain. It sort of depends on if you mind crowds (Wales is much quieter) and where you are traveling from in the country. I'd also think about what you are interested in, while they both have spectacular scenery, Wales is famous for its castles (Conway, Caernarfon, Harlech) and has a rich history. The Lake District is famous for its authors (Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth, Coleridge).

Will you be renting a car?
North Wales would win hands down if you are.

Hi CZ -

I guess it all depends on what you especially want to see.

Cards on the table, I have a huge soft spot for Wasdale in the Lakes, and especially the Wasdale Inn and the attached Ritson’s Bar. But, and it’s a big but, there’s nothing else there except some of the Lake District’s finest peaks and scenery and it’s deepest, loneliest lake (no boat trips). So unless you were desperate to go hiking, then there’s not much else to detain you. It is also difficult to get to - the best way is via the west coast road (A595) and in via Santon Bridge. The journey from there to Keswick would also be long and complex, no real straight through way and the shorter routes will involve some hair raising driving on narrow roads (masterful understatement!).

There is more of interest in North Wales with the coastal castles and it has the mountains in the Snowdonia peaks if scenery is what you are after. So while I would choose Wasdale over Wales as a personal choice, as a first time visitor to these shores, North Wales might well be your best choice. Also in my view the Lake District rewards detailed exploration, especially if you are into hiking, and perhaps a return to the Lakes later for a less hurried trip would be the thing!

Neither the Lakes or Snowdonia are at their brilliant best if the weather is unkind, but that is the one thing you cannot pre-book or plan ahead for. Fingers crossed on that front!

Have a great trip whatever you decide!

Ian

Wow, thank you so far for all who have replied!! I truly appreciate your valuable input! It seems to be a clear picture thus far, that North Wales is a slightly more preferred destination. I will highly take this into consideration and plan accordingly! I love castles, quiet countryside and history, along with being able to hike and view amazing scenery, which it sounds like North Wales has that all in one package.

Thanks again!

Tough call. The highlight of our last trip was a stay in Conwy, hotel right near the castle. We walked the town walls and inside the castle. We stayed several nights. You will not experience the best of this town unless you stay a couple of nights.
We took a day trip to Caernarfon Castle, which is slightly more intact than Conwy. Easier to walk around on the upper ramparts of the castle. If we had had more time, we would have spent a couple of nights in the town of Caernarfon, just to walk around the small town and explore.

The highlight that comes in second place was Keswick. Bustling with hikers, yes. But a very special place with a beautiful lake, great hiking, and even a theatre by the lake where you can see a play at night.

Tough call, but I would choose to explore North Wales and its impressive castles.

Wasdale is wonderful if you love lonely hikes through the fells. It is the finest location in the Lakes for scenery. My highlight was running up and down England's highest peak Scafell Pike.
If you have a car then driving over Hardknott Pass and stopping at Eskdale first then to Wasdale.
Not sure why Keswick is in the mix. Nice enough town and Castlerigg Stone Circle is worth a visit if you are thereabouts. But really if you want the best of the Lakes it isn't it.

Snowdonia is lovely and yes of course I also ran up and down Snowdon the highest peak in Wales. If you aren't a hiker or runner you can cheat and take a train up there ( except the day I ran up ot was too windy for the train).
Plenty of lovely wild country across the area.

Didn't get to Conwy.
Caernarfon Castle was one of mine and my wife's highlights of 7 weeks in UK/Ireland. If you are doing Snowdonia I would've thought it to be a better option than Conwy.
Harlech is also impressive and in a lovely location not too far from Caernarfon and Snowdonia.

Oddly enough one of my favourite places in Wales was South Stacks at Holyhead where the ferry heads off to Ireland. Probably not on your radar though.

What to choose?
For wild mountain scenery Wasdale, Scafell Pike, Wastwater, Eskdale, Hardknott Pass etc is my winner. Great pubs too.

But those castles in Wales are just WOW!!