Gladstone Memorial

Perched on the clifftops between Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, this towering Victorian monument cuts quite a figure against the North Wales sky. The memorial commemorates William Gladstone, the Liberal Prime Minister who had strong connections to this corner of Wales, and stands as one of the more impressive tributes to a political figure you'll find anywhere.

Climbing up to see it properly is well worth the effort - the views across the Menai Strait towards Anglesey are absolutely cracking on a clear day. History enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship of the stonework and the significance of the location, though don't expect detailed interpretation boards or visitor facilities. It's essentially an outdoor monument that you can walk around and photograph.

Families staying at nearby parks like Craiglwyd Hall or Trwyn yr Wylfa will find it makes for a decent short walk, though little ones might lose interest after twenty minutes unless they're keen on scrambling over rocks. The walk up from the coastal path is moderately steep but manageable for most.

Best visited on a day when you're exploring the coast between Conwy and Bangor - it slots in nicely with a trip to Penmaenmawr's beach or the Roman fort at Caerhun. Allow about an hour including the walk, and bring a camera for those coastal views.