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Snowdonia National Park in North Wales is home to miles of diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes and villages. As the largest national park in Wales, Snowdonia has attractions to suit everyone. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a family with young kids, or on a romantic get-away, Snowdonia is a perfect place to be.
Want to know our favourite Snowdonia attractions?
Hike Snowdon (or Take the Mountain Railway)
After returning from a holiday in Wales, the first question that everyone will ask you is: Did you go up Snowdon? Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales, at an elevation of 1,085m. If you’re an intrepid explorer then you’ll love going off-the-beaten-track and finding your own way up through the steep rocky outcrops and scree slopes.
Fortunately, if you’re not such a thrill-seeker, then there are multiple paths up Snowdon that offer a more gradual ascent. The easiest route, though also the busiest, is the Llanberis path, which follows the mountain railway. If you choose to take a path from the west instead, you’ll be able to look back over the stunning Lleyn peninsula, where Wordsworth (who never made it to the top!) was said to spend his time romanticising.
The Mountain Railway is available for non-hikers to ride to the top and enjoy the glorious views on a sunny day!
Amble Around Betws-y-Coed
This quintessential Welsh village is more picturesque than you could even imagine! One of Snowdonia’s prettiest attractions, the village has a traditional pubs, some local eateries and plenty of cottages. Here’s a secret tip: we hear the Welsh cakes at Cwmni Cacen Gri are the best in Wales!
Explore Electric Mountain
Electric Mountain is the perfect indoor family-friendly attraction, and it is especially good for those rainy days. Surrounded by towering mountains, you’d never know that hidden deep inside Elidir Mountain is a huge power station. Take a coach tour and explore the mountain’s belly, learn about the history and workings of the station and enjoy a film on the subject too.
Discover a Historic Castle
Soak up history at one of Snowdonia’s Norman castles. Built in the 13th century when Edward I began his conquest of Wales, the castles including Castell y Bere, Castell Dolwyddelan and Castell Dolbadarn, are open to the public. Our favourite is Harlech Castle because of it’s breath-taking views.
Visit the Ugly House
Fancy something a bit quirkier? Check out the Ugly House (‘T? Hyll’ in Welsh), which was built overnight by two outlaw brothers in the 15th century. The cottage, which is steeped in history, was saved from falling into disrepair by the Snowdonia Society in the 1980s, and is now open for visitors.
Go on a High-Rope Adventure Course
For those with a head for heights, why not have a daring day out with Tree Top Adventure, who specialise in high-rope courses. Courses run through the surrounding forests, which allows you combine thrill-seeking with the natural world. They also boast the world’s highest powerfan parachute simulator at a vertigo-inducing 31m high.
Zoom Down the Longest Zip Line in Europe
Snowdonia’s newest attraction is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies. Zip World is home to Europe’s longest zipline with over 8km of cable! Zoom over moors, mountains and mines for an awesome birds-eye view of Wales.
Volunteer in Snowdonia
Voluntourism is on the increase all around the world, and Wales is no different. Join the Snowdonia Ecosystem Project and enjoy Welsh nature and heritage whilst helping to protect the environment and local wildlife. Volunteers maintain the natural beauty of the National Park and are involved in practical conservation work.
Stay Somewhere Snug in Snowdonia
At the end of a long day sight-seeing in Snowdonia, you’ll want somewhere snug to lay your head. Wales has plenty of quaint cottages, as well as luxury holiday homes, and quirky places to stay.
Do you have any other favourite Snowdonia attractions? We’d love to hear about them in the comment section.
