Steeped in heritage and history, North Wales is one of the UK's most picturesque regions. It has a stunning coastline, boasting beautiful beaches and rugged cliffs. Inland, you'll find scenic rolling hills giving way to dramatic mountain peaks and the lakes of Snowdonia. Add to that the numerous fun adventures, and that should be enough reason to visit this region. But if you need more, here are the top five reasons you should visit North Wales.

1. To Shop in the Local Businesses

One of the reasons to visit North Wales is to enjoy its local shopping scene. The region has numerous inspiring and unique independent shops that have become synonymous with their towns. For instance, everyone knows that Hay-on-Wye is the best place for book shopping. You will also find lesser-known options that are equally inspiring.

A walk through one of North Wales' high streets will reveal an incredible choice of shopping options. And since many of these shops are independent, you can expect a more personalised service. If you're after designer fashion, the best places to visit are Bangor and Wrexham. Meanwhile, Llandudno and Broughton offer excellent shopping options, home to the region's best independent shops and high street chains. 

Check out the many designer outlets in North Wales, which offer good value for money and excellent food and drink facilities. One of the most famous shopping outlets in the region is Tweedmill Shopping Outlet. Here, you'll find top household names and locally produced goods. 

Of course, North Wales has its share of bustling local markets that offer the perfect setting for soaking up the local scene while shopping for locally produced fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheeses. Others have stalls selling household goods, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. If you only have time for one or two markets, visit Colwyn Bay's Local Market and Llangefni Market in Anglesey.

2. To Try Excellent Eateries

Another reason to visit North Wales is to discover its incredible dining scene. Whether it's visiting local wineries to sample Welsh wines and ciders, gorging on a stack of homemade Welsh cakes in Anglesey, or feasting on fresh fish and seafood at Colwyn Bay's Porth Eirias, your gastronomic adventure in North Wales will leave you craving for more.

Welsh boasts some of the best quality seafood, and the best place to feast on freshly caught fish and seafood is Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in the seaside resort town of Colwyn Bay. Here, you'll be surrounded by stunning ocean views as you enjoy its mouth-watering specialties, such as the Menai Strait mussels and the roasted prawns with chilli, garlic, and seaweed mayonnaise.

The Boathouse in Anglesey is another local eatery worth a stop on your visit to North Wales. It's a beachside restaurant with friendly and efficient staff who are happy to suggest recommendations from their menu of classics, such as the fish pie loaded with mozzarella topping and their delightful homemade cakes.

North Wales is also renowned for its organic restaurants offering farm-to-table dining. For instance, the Rhug Estate in Corwen is home to the Bison Grill, a Michelin-recognised eatery famous for its organic beef and lamb sourced from the farm.

3. To Explore the Canals

Many visit North Wales for its scenic canals, which you can best explore by boat. If you wish to try this activity, consider renting a boat along the Llangollen canal, which is a great opportunity to explore and take in the natural beauty of the area. Aside from the views, your canal boat holiday will take you on a journey through history as you float along the region's waterways, many of which date back to the dawn of industrialisation. 

The Llangollen Canal was created as part of the Ellesmere Canal by wealthy businessmen who excavated coal and worked in the ironworks industry. They believe linking the mining area to the River Mersey and River Severn makes distributing their goods fast and easy.

Nowadays, the Llangollen Canal is drawing visitors who want to experience a relaxing canal boating holiday in North Wales. The journey will take you to the picturesque countryside, passing through the quiet towns of Whitchurch and Ellesmere.

4. To Visit the Nature Reserves

Whether you're fond of outdoor adventures or not, the nature reserves of North Wales are enough reasons to visit. These reserves feature diverse habitats and landscapes and are home to fascinating wildlife. Aimed at protecting the environment and allowing nature to thrive while promoting the area to visitors interested in learning about nature and wildlife, your visit to North Wales will allow you to appreciate nature even more. 

One of the nature reserves worth visiting in North Wales is Greenacres Nature Reserve, about a mile from Porthmadog town. The coastal nature reserve features an impressive dune system with an incredible diversity of inhabitants, from seabirds to wildflowers and insects. 

The Gwaith Powdwr Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve is another fantastic park to visit. It's close to Penrhyndeudraeth town and sits on the site of a former industrial factory. You could stumble upon bats, owls, polecats, and numerous species of birds and insects.

5. To Enjoy the Sports

With excellent venues and facilities, North Wales has long been a hotbed for sporting events. Some of the country's most important sporting events have taken place in the region. So, if you enjoy rugby, cricket, or football, North Wales is a must-see destination.

The Principality Stadium in Cardiff stages international football and rugby events, and the Welsh National at Chepstow Racecourse is the hub for Welsh horse racing. 

Aside from the sporting venues, you will find many bars and pubs across the region that offer live coverage of some of the world's most popular sporting events. Aside from having massive HD TVs, these establishments have a good selection of beers and food.

North Wales also hosts triathlons such as the Snowdonia Slateman Triathlon. Every year in May and thousands of racers put their endurance to the test on the magnificent course.