NORTH Wales has been recognised as one of the world’s finest regions to travel.

Welsh residents are celebrating this week as the north of the country has made it on to the Lonely Planet’s Top Ten ‘Best in Travel 2017’ list – the only destination in the UK to do so.

Described as “a playground for thrill seekers, a haven for foodies, a hideout for stargazers and a goldmine for heritage seekers”, North Wales has a holiday for every kind of traveller – and came in at number 4 on this prestigious list.

But what caught the eye of the Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel authority, is the way the former industrial landscape has been reinvented and repurposed to create a series of truly world class attractions, from high speed zip lining and inland surfing, to underground trampolining in a 176-year-old disused slate mine.

Bear Grylls, official adventure ambassador for Wales, commented: “The beautiful, rugged and wild terrain of North Wales lends itself to so many activities and adventures, and I was thrilled to find out it’s been recognised in this way.

”The Bear Grylls Survival Academy is based on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, an area very close to my heart and a place that’s guaranteed to challenge even the most intrepid adventurers!”

Richard Parks, record-breaking Welsh adventurer and Year of Adventure ambassador, commented: “It’s wonderful to have been recognised in this way by such a prestigious institution as Lonely Planet.

“The outdoors, adventure and sport are such a large part of our culture and economy, and I hope this inspires more people to come and visit Wales, and enjoy everything that we have here.”