AS a little girl, my family would often holiday in North Wales — the likes of Rhyl and Prestatyn.

So I was looking forward to going further into Wales and seeing what treats awaited me in Snowdonia.

It was a fantastic stay and here's my lowdown of the best sights to explore and enjoy.

1) Get wet and wild on a RIB Ride

RIB Ride, Porth Daniel, Menai Bridge, Anglesey

The name RIB Ride does not exactly give a clear picture of what this fabulously exhilarating – not to mention wet and windy – thrill of a boat ride really is.

Boarding our boat, a sort of oversized speedboat, our knowledgeable and friendly captain Jason took us out on the choppy waters around Anglesey.

Spending two hours out on the RIB (rigid inflatable boat), we saw fantastic sights - at speeds of up to 30 knots – and also got a soaking as the waves swept overboard.

It’s the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away, just remember to wear suitable warm and waterproof clothing.

2) Play king – or queen – of the castle

Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon

Edward I’s Caernarfon Castle is hailed as one of the most impressive in Wales and it’s easy to see why. The imposing medieval fortress is all huge towers overlooking the pretty town on one side and the shoreline on the other.

Spend an hour or so exploring the grounds of the impressive structure, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history.

You’ll need some power in your legs and a head for heights as you climb winding stairs to the top of the towers, including the mighty Eagle Tower.

3) Refuel with Welsh rarebit and a pint of Snowdon

Caffi Maes, Castle Square, Caernarfon

Just a stone’s throw from the castle is a great little café called Caffi Maes, where they serve the traditional dish of Welsh rarebit.

But it’s just cheese on toast, I hear you cry. Well this was a delicious, mouth-watering take on cheese on toast – all mustardy loveliness, topped off with bacon for good measure.

Weather permitting, you can sit outside and watch the world go by with a drink or two. We discovered Snowdon Lager – clean, crisp, fresh and made from soft water from Snowdonia. What’s not to love?

4) Switch off and immerse yourself in some beautiful surroundings

Bodnant Garden, Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay

Most of us live hectic and fast-paced lives, rushing from one place to the next and always on the go.

What better way to step away from the grind of everyday life than one of the most spectacular and admired gardens in Britain.

Heck, these stunning National Trust gardens don’t even have phone signal so step away from WhatsApp and Snapchat.

They really are gorgeous, tranquil and packed with stunning flowers with an array of colours and scents, as well as waterfalls and even Britain’s tallest tree.

5) Grab yourself an ice cream (I recommend the Ferrero Rocher flavour) and take a trip up a giant chunk of rock

Great Orme Tramway, Church Walks, Llandudno

Take in stunning views as you climb the Great Orme aboard Britain's only cable-hauled public road tramway.

The views really are stunning as you meander up The Great Orme headland — a massive chunk of limestone rising 679ft straight out of the sea.

It was given its name by the Vikings, meaning sea monster.

Take in the views once you reach the summit and, on a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man, Blackpool and the Lake District.

Parking was a little tricky and we ended up with a 90 minute on-street spot. This meant there was no time to explore Llandudno, which was looking glorious in the summer sunshine.

6) Absolutely exhaust yourself by climbing to the top of Mount Snowdon

Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park

If I could offer one word of advice, it would be to pick the day you tackle this beast wisely. As time was not on our side, we decided to do it on the last day and before a 2.5 hour drive back to Manchester.

Climbing the steep mountain, I said to my husband on more than one occasion: "Are you sure this is the easy route?"

At the summit, the weather changed drastically and I felt like we had been plunged into J. R. R. Tolkien's Mordor.

We had a quick pit stop in the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre where I had a cup of tea while getting the feeling back in my fingers.

Nine miles and 5.5 hours later and we had climbed to the top and made it back down again — a mix of exhaustion, elation and 'are we mad?'

But I've got the bug and I'm already planning my next mountain climb....

Where to stay

Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon

4* Hotel

www.celtic-royal.co.uk/

B&B rate from £97.50

For best rates, contact the hotel directly on 01286 674477 or at reservations@celtic-royal.co.uk

This hotel is the perfect location for exploring all of the above and conveniently located near shops, pubs and restaurants. The main foyer was busy on the Friday and Saturday nights with jolly guests as the hotel doubles up as a wedding venue but we had a lovely, big room tucked away in the corner of the large hotel.

We started each day with lovely, full cooked breakfasts — perfect fuel for exploring beautiful Snowdonia.

For more: www.attractionsofsnowdonia.com/ www.snowdoniapass.co.uk