Also known as Eryri, Snowdonia in the north of Wales is famed for its high mountains and scenic countryside, which are perfect for avid walkers or hikers. But Snowdonia National Park also features impressive castles, scenic villages, tasty food and more.
In our ultimate Snowdonia guide, we explain how to get the most out of your trip to this beautiful area.
Things to do on your trip to Snowdonia
Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or you just like to relax and take in the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to enjoy while you’re visiting Snowdonia.
Walking and hiking
It goes without saying that Snowdonia’s numerous mountain ranges are great for hikers seeking a challenge. However, Snowdonia has trails and paths at all levels of difficulty, including trails with portions accessible to wheelchair users.
Biking
As with hiking, you’ll find cycling trails to suit all levels, including ones that are appropriate for families with children.
Freshwater activities
White water kayaking and paddleboarding are just some of the options available to you as you take advantage of lakes or fast-flowing rivers. In some lakes, you can also swim or fish.
Ocean activities
Although Snowdonia is best known for its mountains, it actually offers lots of seaside and coastal enjoyments too. You can surf, paddleboard or sail along its scenic shores on both the north and west sides of the national park.
Zip lining
Yes, you can zip line in Snowdonia too! You can choose to soar across a lake or zip line deep in an old slate mine.
Historic sites and museums
Snowdonia boasts an impressive set of castles and abbeys in different stages of ruin, including Harlech Castle and Cymer Abbey. And it’s just a short trip to Caernarfon Castle, perhaps the most impressive castle in Wales.
Top spots in Snowdonia
As you can see, one of the best things about visiting Snowdonia is the variety it offers. Our list of key places ranges from beaches to high mountains.
Yr Wyddfa, or Mount Snowdon
No Snowdonia guide would be complete without mentioning the park’s highest peak, Yr Wyddfa, which is also the highest in Wales or England. After you reach the summit, take a break and enjoy stunning views from the Hafod Eryri visitor centre.
Llanberis
At the foot of Yr Wyddfa, Llanberis is your base to start your climb – but it’s also so much more. You can ride a mountainside train, see Dolbadarn Castle or visit the National Slate Museum.
Bala and Llyn Tegid
Bala might be a small town, but it’s made a big impression by offering sporting and outdoor activities ranging from walking and biking to triathlons. You can also enjoy fishing, canoeing and other water sports on Llyn Tegid, or Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales.
Llŷn Peninsula
Holiday-goers who love coastal activities should definitely make time to visit the Llŷn Peninsula. It’s perfect for beach walks, birdwatching or sailing.
Porthmadog
If you’re a fan of trains or tall ships, Porthmadog on Snowdonia’s border might be the town for you. It boasts museums focusing on the history of its harbour and its rail connections. Plus, you can simply soak in the vibrancy of a lively town that’s well situated for ventures into the ocean or cycles through green scenery.
Where and what to eat
While you’re visiting Snowdonia, you’ll get to taste traditional Welsh foods like cawl (a hearty stew) and bara brith (a delicious bread speckled with fruit). You can also enjoy the best of local food, like Welsh lamb or mussels from Conwy.
However, in Snowdonia, you’ll encounter restaurants offering delicious dishes from a range of cuisines – as you’ll see from some eateries we mention below.
After your dinner, you might also want to try a beer from a local brewery, or even mead brewed from local honey.
Olif
Try Olif in Betws-y-Coed for a fusion of Welsh cuisine and Spanish tapas.
The Peak Restaurant
Stop by the Peak Restaurant in Llanberis for hearty pub food after a mountain hike.
Plas-Yn-Dre
After a day of fun at the lake in Bala, dine at Plas-Yn-Dre for big servings of a roast or fish and chips.
Sheeps and Leeks
Any Snowdonia guide to dining would have to feature Sheeps and Leeks in Caernarfon, just at the edge of Snowdonia. It’s an award-winning restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
Where to stay
Whether you’d like to snooze in a cosy bed or commune with nature while camping, Snowdonia has an option for you.
Camping
If you’ve got a tent or a motorhome, you’ll find plenty of campsites available within Snowdonia National Park. You can even enjoy glamping at sites such as Pen Y Bont Touring Park, just on the edge of Llyn Tegid.
Holiday cottages and houses
If you’re visiting Snowdonia with a large group, or you just want a little more privacy and freedom than a hotel allows for, go for the luxurious relaxation of a holiday home like the River Glaslyn House, Castle View Country House or Greaves Hall.
When to plan
Snowdonia’s tourist website warns that the region is extremely busy between April and September. You’ll likely either want to book well ahead or plan on visiting Snowdonia in a quieter period. Start booking your accommodation by January or earlier to have the best chance of securing the hotel or holiday home you’re dreaming of.
While you’re planning, be sure to check the amenities of each spot you’ll stop at. For example, the countryside of Snowdonia is great for dogs – but you’ll want to ensure the hotel or restaurants you’ve picked are dog-friendly. Likewise, if you’re a fan of swimming, check to see whether wild swimming is permitted in the lakes, rivers or oceanfront you’re visiting. If it’s not, you can always book lodging with a pool instead.
Looking to make your trip to Snowdonia special?
How can you make your visit to Snowdonia even more special? Choose a holiday home that’s more than just lodging. Each of our holiday homes and cottages in Wales is unique. You can stay with your family or a big group of friends in converted farmhouses, a mansion or an historic building. After long hikes in the mountainside or tiring days paddleboarding, you can wind down in a hot tub or enjoy a film together in a cinema room.
Looking for advice about booking your perfect holiday home? Just get in touch with us [email protected]. We’re here to help you plan the Snowdonia trip of your dreams.
