Want to know the best activities to do when visiting Snowdonia National Park? This Guide is For You!
Snowdonia National Park (Otherwise known as Eryri National Park) is the natural heart of North Wales.
Easy to get to, plenty of outdoor and cultural activities. It also is a great place to visit in all weathers. If you want to see the best of Wales, stop by Snowdonia National Park.
You can be visiting for a few hours or a few days and will continue to fall in love with its deep lakes and Friendly Locals. This area is full of unique places to stay and wonderful things to do for all interests.
But What attracts tourists to Snowdonia? Filled with unbelievable natural beauty, Welsh traditions and rugged landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is a true taste of the wonder of Wales.
Snowdonia is full of the best things to do in Wales so it can be hard to know where you should visit during your trip. To help you plan the best trip, this guide is filled with the ultimate things to see and do in Snowdonia that you should add to any itinerary.
So let’s dive in and take a look at the best activities to do in Snowdonia, no matter your budget or needs!
👉 Editors Pick: For the best getaway to Snowdonia, this is my #1 place to stay. You check out the reviews here and you will easily see why!
Is one day enough for Snowdonia?
To experience the very best of Snowdonia and its National Park, you need more than one day. However, you can do a day trip from Cardiff if you are tight on time!
You can easily spend several days exploring the stunning scenery, challenging hikes and picture-perfect villages dotted throughout the park.
If you are flying into Wales, make sure you pick the right transport options as some take a lot longer than others!
For a Snowdonia trip where you get to see a lot of the best attractions in the area, you need at least 3 days. But if you have time to spare, 7 days will allow you to explore the very best of Snowdonia and the surrounding areas.
If you are worried about planning a trip to this region, I highly recommend you book a tour to this region of Wales!
Where to stay in Snowdonia
What I love about visiting Snowdonia is that no matter your budget, there are plenty of great places to stay. No matter if you are looking for a great campsite or a romantic getaway, there will be something perfect for you!
To help you plan the best trip, here are some of the best places to stay in Snowdonia you should consider booking:
⛰️ Where to stay for your first trip to Snowdonia: Dolgellau
Recommended Hotel: Afon Rhaiadr Country House
📸 The best area to stay for sightseeing: Conwy
Recommended Hotel: The Castle Hotel
👪 Where to stay in Snowdonia for families: Betws-y-Coed
Recommended Hotel: Siabod Luxury Cottage
✨ The best place to stay for Couples: Beddgelert
Recommended Hotel: Glan-Y-Gors
What places should you not miss in Snowdonia?
There are so many wonderful places in Eryri National Park for you to see. It doesn’t matter if you are there for a few hours or a few weeks, you will never get tired of the amazing views surrounding this area of Wales.
What I love most about visiting this part of Wales is that there is something for everyone! No matter if you want to explore the ancient Castles of Snowdonia or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway, you are guaranteed the best trip!
But if you are only visiting the Snowdon area for a few days, you might not have time to see everything. To help you have the ultimate trip, here are the top sites that you should visit during your trip:
✅ Llyn Padarn
✅ Beddgelert
✅ Lake Vyrnwy
✅ Llanberis Pass
✅ The Giant Hand Of Vyrnwy
✅ Harlech Castle
✅ Snowdon
✅ Betws-y-Coed
✅ Conwy Castle
✅ Harlech Beach
✅ Dolgellau
✅ Bala
✅ Cader Idris
The best things to do in Snowdonia
1 Llyn Padarn
You may have seen a moody photo of a lonely tree doing its rounds on social media. This dramatic looking lonely tree can be found at the stunning Llyn Padarn in Eryri national park.
Llyn Padarn is one of the most beautiful Lakes that sits beside Snowdon. Not only does it offer free lake side parking but is one of the few lakes in the area you can swim in. This is an awesome stop if you fancy getting in the water and trying some watersports.
However, if you fancy taking in the Mountain Views without getting wet, you can walk the 5.2 mile Llyn Padarn loop trail.
2 Beddgelert
The village of Beddgelert has plenty to offer visitors, including picturesque cobbled streets lined with traditional Welsh buildings and independent shops selling local crafts and produce.
But the main reason many Welsh people visit here is to see the resting place of Gelert the dog. This is one of the saddest Welsh tales for many so is a very popular place to visit all year round.
You only need to spend an hour or two in this gorgeous Welsh village to make the most of it, but is absolutely worth it!
3 Lake Vyrnwy
If you want to stop by another scenic Lake with amazing views and plenty of things to do, you need to visit Lake Vyrnwy.
Lake Vyrnwy is also a great place to visit for anyone with dogs because of the endless walking trails.
If you love photography and wildlife it’s also a perfect stop in Snowdonia National Park for you. Lake Vyrnwy has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
This is one of the best places to visit in Snowdonia national park if you want to switch off and connect with the environment around you.
4 Llanberis Pass
For any road trip lover, this is the best spot in Wales!
Driving the Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia is an experience that should not be missed. This winding mountain pass is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales, including the iconic Snowdon peak.
The winding road passes through several quaint villages and offers magnificent views of a number of lakes, rivers, forests and mountains.
5 The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy
Whilst you are Visiting Lake Vyrnwy, make sure you stop by the giant hand of Vyrnwy. When you are at the information board at Lake Vyrnwy you may see a sign for it but this is not it, the Giant Hand is hidden in the trees across the road.
The Giant Hand of Vyrnwy is a hand created from the tallest tree in Wales that was damaged by lightning.
Not only is it truly unique but there is often no one there when you visit. You only need to spend about ten minutes here so the perfect pit stop if you are exploring a lot of Snowdonia National Park.
6 Harlech Castle
If you are in search of one of the most popular castles to visit in Snowdonia, you should add Harlech Castle to your list.
Harlech Castle is an iconic Welsh landmark that sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Irish Sea and the historic town of Harlech. Located in Snowdonia National Park, it is one of Wales’ most impressive medieval castles.
Visitors to Harlech Castle can explore the ruins and learn about its rich history through guided tours, audio-visual displays and interactive exhibits. With much of the castle still intact, there is plenty to explore.
The Castle’s surrounding area provides beautiful scenery for those who want to explore further and is easily one of the best activities to do when visiting Snowdonia.
7 Snowdon
You really cannot talk about the best places in Snowdonia National Park without mentioning Wales’ tallest Mountain, Snowdon.
Snowdon offers some amazing views of Eryri National Park, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and even Ireland. This is one of the best places to stop by in Snowdonia if you want to see some breathtaking views and take the best photos.
Snowdon is an incredibly popular destination to visit in Wales, especially on a busy day. So if you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting on a rainy or mid-week.
But is Snowdon open to visitors? –This is a question we get a lot!
Snowdon is open for exploring all year round, but it is a really good idea to plan your visit in advance.
Even though the mountain is open to climb, hotels, campsites and other places to stay in Snowdon book up really fast, especially April-September.
It is also not recommended that you climb Snowdon in the Winter as the conditions can be unsafe. But If this is something you want to add to your bucket list, make sure you plan your trip carefully and check the weather reports.
For the most amazing views from Snowdon, the best time to visit is September. You will find fewer crowds at the summit and the weather is generally good!
The Mountain inspired by the stories of giants is a must-visit. This is also one of the best Mountains to visit in Wales because you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway train up if you don’t fancy the walk.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a great way to visit Snowdon, especially if you have small children or don’t have time to do the 5 hour round trip. However, it is seasonal and you can only use it from April. So if this is something you want to do when visiting Snowdon, plan your trip after April/May.
I highly recommend that you book the Snowdon Mountain Railway in advance, you find times and prices here.
8 Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed, otherwise known as the gateway to Snowdonia is located in North Wales’ Snowdonia National Park. It is the most charming village surrounded by beautiful scenery and steeped in Welsh history.
No matter how long you are in Snowdonia, this is one of the prettiest villages in Wales so make sure you add it to your itinerary!
The town is the perfect place to stay for those looking to explore the stunning landscape of Snowdonia, with its natural features ranging from mountains and forests to rivers and lakes.
The most popular thing to do in this area of Snowdonia is Swallow Falls. For £2 you can explore the most amazing scenery and waterfall in the area, I highly recommend visiting here for a few hours.
9 Conwy Castle
The amazing thing about Wales is it is covered in deep history. Everywhere you go you will find something that tells a story. And that is exactly the case for Conwy Castle. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Castles in Snowdonia that you have to visit.
Many Castles throughout Wales are just ruins. However, this impressive Castle has been preserved incredibly well over the years. This 700 year old Medieval Fortress towers over the walled market town of Conwy and still looks untouched.
A visit here is well worth paying for. If you are travelling to Snowdonia National Park on a budget you may want to visit between October- March (tickets are slightly cheaper). But if you don’t want to tour the Castle, you can drive through it on the main road into Conwy.
10 Harlech Beach
With so many amazing coastal views in the Snowdonia area, no trip is complete without spending a few hours at the beach. And if you want to visit the best beach- stop by Harlech.
Surrounded by picturesque dunes, Harlech boasts miles of untouched golden sands and majestic views that stretch across the bay. There is truly no better place for a peaceful beach getaway in Wales.
It is also one of the best places to visit in Snowdonia for endless beach activities, ranging from beach-combing and swimming to sunbathing and fishing. You will also find a wide selection of hotels, B&Bs, and campsites available nearby to make your stay the best.
11 Dolgellau
This is my favourite place to stay and visit in Snowdonia!
Dolgellau in Snowdonia is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The small market town nestled among the lush green hills of North Wales provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the area, with views that will take your breath away.
The town itself is a great place to stay, with plenty of cosy cafes and galleries to explore. It’s also perfectly situated for exploring the whole of Snowdonia, from sandy beaches on the coast all the way up to majestic mountain peaks in the heart of the national park.
12 Bala
If you’re looking for a scenic, tranquil escape, look no further than Bala in Snowdonia!
Nestled among lush forests and glistening lakes, this quaint Welsh town is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
But there’s more to Bala than just its stunning natural beauty – it’s also full of interesting attractions and activities. From boat trips on Bala Lake to exploring the nearby mountains, there’s something for everyone here.
Bala also has a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and plenty of quaint pubs and cafes. Plus, take advantage of the great outdoors with activities like kayaking and rock climbing! Here you will find a destination full of great things to do when visiting Snowdonia!
13 Cader Idris
Cader Idris in Snowdonia National Park is an incredible natural wonder that should be visited by anyone looking for a stunning landscape and breathtaking views.
Located on the western side of Snowdonia, this mountain range offers a picturesque backdrop with its rolling hills and rugged peaks. The highest peak stands at 893 meters, making it one of the most prominent mountains in Wales.
The range is popular among hikers and climbers, with a variety of routes available to suit different levels of expertise. But even if you’re not into climbing, the area still has plenty to offer. The summit provides stunning views over the countryside and nearby lakes, while also offering an opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Snowdonia
If you’re looking for an adventure and want to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, Snowdonia is the perfect place for you.
With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. But fear not – this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Snowdonia National Park.
But if you are still undecided on what to do when visiting Snowdonia National Park, Lake Vyrnwy offers a fantastic variety of activities for all!
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
