Things to do in Snowdonia
The region of Snowdonia in North Wales spans a whopping 823 square miles and is predominantly covered by the famous Snowdonia National Park, the first national park in all of Wales. The park is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in both Wales and England, as well as miles upon miles of beautiful natural scenery. From breathtaking mountains and glaciers to an impressive coastline, this region really does have it all. Read on to discover the very best Snowdonia attractions.
If you feel tempted to take a trip, make sure it’s the best it can be, with one of the finest holiday cottages in Snowdonia. If you’ve left every a little late, but are still dreaming of a superb Snowdonia getaway, worry not, just check out the best selection of Snowdonia cottages.
Did you know?
The Snowdonia National Park is known in Welsh as “Eryri”. Translated into English this means ‘Place of the Eagles.’
Where is Snowdonia?
Snowdonia is situated in north Wales and it’s packed full of dramatic scenery including both mountain paths and a stunning coastline.
What to do in Snowdonia
Welsh Highland Railway
Best for: Soaking up the scenery
The Welsh Highland Railway is a fantastic way to enjoy the picture-perfect beauty of Snowdonia. Capitalising on the area’s natural assets, the railway is an institution and part of the heritage of Wales.
Climb Snowdon
Best for: Earning bragging rights
If climbing up the biggest peak in both Wales and England sounds like a fun challenge to you, then lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure. There’s a variety of routes which will take you up Snowdon, with ranging levels of intensity. The town of Pen-y-Pass is a great place to start the walk from as there are three routes which begin from here, with varying levels of difficulty.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Best for: A magical railride
If you don’t fancy walking up Snowdon then you can always take the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top (your feet will thank you for it, we promise). This is one of the most unique and spectacular steam railway journeys in the whole world. Imagine, sitting in an old steam engine, chugging up a steep mountain slope admiring the spectacular views as they unfold beneath you – pretty cool, huh? The railway itself is actually a narrow gauge railway – meaning that its track is narrower than standard railways – this design is common in mountainous countries like Canada, America and Switzerland.
Looking to let the romance blossom with your own railroad getaway? Make sure it’s perfect with one of the top five romantic railway journeys in the UK
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Best for: Learning a thing or two
History buffs and outdoor junkies alike will want to head to this historic mining town in the heart of Snowdonia. Here at Blaenau Ffestiniog you can learn all about the country’s slate mining history at Llechwedd. Although the words ‘history of slate mining’ perhaps don’t sound that thrilling, we can promise you that a trip to award-winning Llechwedd is actually a pretty exciting escapade. This unique tour will first take you in an ex-military truck up to heights of over 1,500 feet, before whisking you away on an underground adventure – taking you down into the depths of the earth on one of the UK’s steepest cable railways to discover the labyrinth of tunnels and enormous caverns just below your feet.
The town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is also known as an outdoor adventure centre, so if you’re looking to do some caving, climbing, fishing, cycling or walking on your trip away then this is one of the best places to find out about the activities on offer.
White Water Rafting
Best for: Getting down and dirty
If your time in Blaenau Ffestiniog has given you a taste for adventure then you may want to head to the National White Water Centre in Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol next, for an exhilarating expedition down the natural rapids on the River Tryweryn. They have a variety of trips suitable for ages 10+ and are a perfect activity for a rainy day – you’re getting soaked either way so may as well do it with a wetsuit on!
Zip World
Best for: Feeling the need for speed
If you want to get that adrenaline rush but would prefer to stay comfortably dry (thank you very much!) then Zip World is calling your name. Their Zip World Velocity is the fastest zip wire in the whole world, catapulting you across an old slate mine at over 100mph (an alarming velocity indeed!). We’d advise not eating any breakfast before this one…
Tempted by a getaway to Snowdonia? Make sure you pick the right possible spot and choose from the best towns to stay in Snowdonia
Conwy Valley Line
Best for: Seeing Snowdonia in style
If you’re craving more train rides after your trip on Snowdon Mountain Railway then there’s always the lovely Conwy Valley Railway to be explored. Meandering gently alongside the rivers Conwy and Lledr, this 27-mile long railway line stretches all the way from the North Wales Coast straight into the heart of Snowdonia.
Glasfryn Parc
Best for: An activity paradise
Glasfryn Parc has something for everyone, but it is definitely a paradise for kids. Spend the day enjoying a fantastic array of activities such as go-karting, archery, bowling and wakeboarding. The park remains a working farm, so be sure to check out the farm shop while you’re there and enjoy some delicious treats.
Portmeirion Village
Best for: Stepping inside a fairytale
If you happened to just stumble across Portmeirion Village without knowing its history, you’d be excused for thinking you’d somehow been magically transported to the Italian Riviera. Designed and built by the eccentric Welsh architect Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, this beautiful village took nearly 50 years to be completed.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth
Best for: Living a legend
Steeped in legend and shrouded in mystery, a visit to King Arthur’s Labyrinth is guaranteed to thrill and inspire the younger members of the family. Awarded the Best Visitor Attraction in Mid Wales in 2018, this is a great day out on both a hot day (as it’s cool underground) and a rainy day (as it’s dry underground). Set sail through a cascading waterfall and discover the vast winding tunnels and magnificent caverns deep in the heart of Snowdonia. Your boat will be manned by a Dark Age Boatman and you’ll be told ancient Welsh tales and histories as you go.
Looking to learn more about Wales’ fascinating past? Make sure you hit every one of the ten best castles in Wales
Where to eat in Snowdonia
Hebog Bwyty & Llety
Snowdonia’s locally produced food and drink are of the highest quality. Don’t leave the region without sampling some of the local specialities just minutes from where they are produced. Be sure to visit Hebog Bwyty & Llety. The food at this charming eatery is sourced as locally as possible, not to mention absolutely delicious.
Where to stay in Snowdonia
Gellfechan, Gwynedd
This traditional stone cottage is a charming spot for a couples’ trip to Snowdonia. From the property, guests will have access to fishing and mountain biking. This cottage also has its own patio; ideal for soaking up the last of the evening sun. Whether you’re looking to make the most of the activities available in Snowdonia, or simply soak up the gorgeous views, this property will provide a lovely base to explore from.
Take a look at this perfect Gwynedd property
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