Things to see and do in Snowdonia & North Wales

Hike the Mountains

You simply can’t come to Snowdonia and not go for some form of hike.

The mountains may not be the highest, but their prominence (a mountain's height relative to its surrounding areas) coupled with the sheer ruggedness of the landscape is what makes them so awe inspiring.

Snowdonia has nine mountain ranges which occupy 52 percent of the national park. Within those ranges are 15 summits over 3,000 ft, 90 summits above 2,000 ft, and over 1,700 miles of public footpaths, bridle paths and rights of way. It is also home to Mt Snowdon, which at 1065m/3556 ft makes it Wales highest mountain

For most people this will be the only reason they visit Snowdonia and it could easily fill up two weeks of you time. 

Whether you’re looking for a short, low level woodland/lake walk or you want to conquer all 15 of the Welsh 3,000s in one day, Snowdonia has the hike for you. Two of the most popular and impressive areas for hiking are the Snowdon Massif and the Ogwen Valley. Both will take your breath away, both physically and metaphorically. 

My two favourite hikes with in the park and ones that I would recommend tackling are the Tyfan and the Glyderau starting from the Ogwen Valley and Snowdon via Crib Goch starting at Pen Y pass.

I have written a short blog post below outlining 10 of the best day hikes within the Snowdonia region, including the two I have just mentioned. In my opinion, they are the hikes which encompass the best terrain and provide you with some of the most breath-taking views within the national park. 

Head for a paddle or swim in the Lakes

Where there are mountains, there are lakes. And lucky for you , Snowdonia has them in spades. In fact there is over 250 of them scattered across Wales’s biggest national park. A few noteworthy lakes that are worth you time include;

Lake Vyrnwy (Llyn Efyrnwy) in Mid Wales is a huge Victorian reservoir hemmed in by a stone dam built in the 1880s, the oldest of its kind in the world. Surrounding the peaceful waters are the grassy hills and woodlands of the nature reserve managed by the RSPB and Severn Trent Water. You’re sure to see buzzards, siskins and grebes here, and you’ll hear the calls of pied flycatchers, wood warblers and redstarts.

Llyn Idwal- A spectacular product of glaciation, Llyn Idwal is a stunning mountain lake situated just above the ogwen valley. The lake sits within the high craggy amphitheatre of Cwm Idwal, surrounded on three sides by the mountains of the Glyderau which looms above. Parking is available at the Ogwen Visitor centre or on the side of the A5. From there Llyn Idwal is easily reachable via a short 1km walk which involves less than 100m of elevation gain.

Llyn Llydaw -the largest of the three lakes on Snowdon's eastern flank. It is also one of at least three Welsh lakes which claim to contain King Arthur’s magical sword, Excalibur. The lake is next to the popular Miners Track which begins at the Pen-y-pass and is perfect for cooling off after climbing Snowdon. If you did want to just hike to Llyn Llydaws shoreline, the 2.3km one-way route which involves 80m of elevation gain, should take around 45 minutes.

My favourite has to be Cregennan Lakes.

located in the southern park of Snowdonia national park. Cregennen lakes is a series of two stunning glacial lakes situated in the shadow of Cadiar Idris. The surrounding landscape makes it easy to see why its such a popular spot with Landscape photographers. Alongside the crystal clear waters and mountainous backdrop there are tremendous views of the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bridge. There’s a car park and toilets located 15m from its shoreline. meaning you can make a quick pit stop or spend a whole afternoon at this incredible location.

Visit the waterfalls

One thing we have in abundance here in Wales is rain. The country is renowned for it, with Cardiff officially being the UKs wettest city.

Because of all that precipitation we are blessed with an abundance of wonderful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes strewn right across the country. 

Although they aren’t situated in luscious jungles or basking in thirty-degree heat, they are often shrouded in romance, myth, and legend and are arguably some of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Snowdonia is home to numerous Spctatcular waterfalls, for my favourite five to visit, check out my detailed blog post below

Explore the abandoned mines

For better or for worse, Snowdonia's landscape has been dramatically changed by the remains of its industrial heritage. 

From the end of the 18th Century until the beginning of the 20th Century slate mining dominated the economy in North Wales. In total there were over 60 quarries and mines which employed over 18,000 people. 

The industry may be all but dead but its mark on the landscape is still evident across the quarry-scarred slopes of Snowdonia with slate tips, quarry buildings and rusted railways peppering the mountain sides. 

Love or hate them, these awe-inspiring quarries are constructions which should be both marvelled and visited. They’ll not only provide you with an insight into the history and heritage North Wales, but they also fill you with a sense of exploration and provide you with one incredible adventure in the process. 

Although there are dozens of quarries to chose from my recommendation would be to explore Dinorwic Slate Quarry in Llanberis. 

Once the second largest slate quarry in the world, It now offers up 700 acres of hidden passages ways and ancient relics for your inner child to explore.  You can find details about the mine and how to reach and navigate it, in my blog post about my 5 favourite snowdonia hikes below.

Like any abandoned slate mine, hiking here comes with its many hazards, so common sense should prevail. The surface of the slate is very precarious so be extremely careful with your footing and do not get too close to any quarry edges. Do not clamber on the ancient buildings and machinery, pack a torch and do not wander too far into any tunnels you cannot see the other side of. 

If you’re not up for a self guided tour and would rather visit organised mine then it might be be worth checking out the The National Slate Museum in the nearby village of Llanberis or the Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog. 

Within the Llechwedd slate caverns you have the option of three underground tours , allowing you explore the world of the victorian slate miners by descending on a train deep into the mine to see breathtaking caverns, tunnels and an underground lake. 

Head for an underground adventure at Go Below  

For those seeking a more extreme underground adventure then the Go Below Xtreme experience might be the thing for you.

Located in an old Victorian slate mine near Betws y Coed, the five kilometres long underground course took nearly five years to complete and boasts three different subterranean challenges the that range in duration from 5-7 hours. 

The routes include the planet’s deepest zip wire, a seated zip ride, a 70ft free fall, all on the way to reaching the deepest accessible point in Britain, located 1,300ft underground. 

As well as providing the an incredible day packed full of adventure, the challenges also allows visitors to take a step back in time, getting he change to experience miles of abandoned miles, many of which have been untouched for the past 200 years.

If you are looking for something a little more child friendly then check out Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The first of its kind, this vast 176 year old chamber located within Llechwedd slate caverns, has been transformed into a Goonies-style trampoline theme park. 

Here you’ll find three giant trampolines spread across there levels all interconnected by a series of massive slides and ladders. The Trampolines are all housed within a colourfully illuminated cavern twice the size of St Paul's Cathedral 

Soar through the air on the Worlds fastest zip line 

There are actually several zip lines located in the Snowdonia National park. However the two which should be of interest are Zip World Velocity - the world's fastest and Europe's longest zip line, and Zip World Titan - a series of 3 different zip lines spanning almost 2km. 

Zip World Velocity is located just outside the village of Bethesda. Positioned horizontally in a special harness you’ll be able to soar head first for 1,500m over the blue water of Penrhyn quarry lake reaching speeds of up to 125mph. The experience lasts around 60 seconds and you can race alongside up to three other people. 

Also located at the site is the UK's first mountain cart track. In a more extreme version of Mario kart, you can race three-wheeled, gravity fuelled karts down the mountainside through banked corners, chicanes and tunnels reaching speeds up to 40 mph.

Zip Wold Titan is located at a Blaenau Ffestiniog near Bounce below. Titan is different to velocity, here you progress down 3 different zip lines, instead of one, spanning a total of 1,900m. You are also positioned differently, seated in an up right position rather than a horizontal head first (think superman) position. 

I have not experienced either facility, however a close friend works at Zip world and he speaks highly about how good both zip wires are. 

Prices for the Velocity  start at £65, Titan £30 and Quarry Karts is priced at £39 for two five minute runs. Find out more information over at; https://www.zipworld.co.uk

Catch year round waves at the Wave Garden

It's not very often that you get the chance to catch year round waves miles from a coastline. However in North Wales that’s now possible through Snowdonia’s Wave garden, a purpose built lagoon situated in the Snowdonia countryside which generates two high waves which break for 150m. 

The wave generating technology can create waves to satisfy everyone from a complete beginner all the way through to a seasoned pro. Alongside full equipment hire, expert surf tuition is available year round.

The lagoon itself is 300 metres long, and is divided down the centre by a pier under which the technology that generates the waves runs. Every 70-90 seconds a right and left hand wave is generated on either side of the pier. The waves break back towards the centre pier and run in both directions along the length of the lagoon. 

A google map for adventure park Snowdonia can be found here and for more information visit their website.

Hit up the mountain biking trails

North Wales is home to not one, but two elite level mountain bike centres located at Coed y Brenin and Blaenau Ffestiniog. From wild natural trails and flowing singletrack to purpose-built bike parks and downhill tracks, both locations encompass a full range of trails which can cater for a complete beginner all the way through the most seasoned of riders. 

Coed y Brenin is now home to around 90 miles of routes, ranging from the 24-mile Beast of Brenin (think of it as a ‘black’ run in skiing terms), through to the modest 5 mile, Yr Afon ‘green’ trail. There’s even a trail for young children and riders with disabilities.

Blaenau Ffestiniog - The former ‘slate capital of the world’, has put those slate mountains to very good use by creating the Antur Stiniog mountain biking centre. It has received rave reviews from the world of downhill riders and all trails are serviced by one of the best and fastest uplift services in the UK, allowing you to reach the top pf the trails without breaking a sweat. 

Both locations have a purpose-built visitor centre offering food and drink, bike hire and a fully equipped shop. More information about both sites and other trails can be found on the mountain bike wales website found here.

Watch the Sunset or Sunrise

With nine different mountain ranges, over 250 lakes, and 200 miles of gorgeous coastline, there’s a whole host of places both high and low to watch either the sunset or sunrise from.

In order to help you narrow your choice of locations down I have written a guide to the 10 best places to watch the sunset in North Wales and 5 best places to watch the sunrise in Snowdonia.

Head to the coast 

Snowdonia may only have 37 mile of coastline but it does offer up some delightful coastal locations. Two of those locations which are worthy of visiting include, Morfa Bychan a tiny little cove tucked away in the Pormthmdog Estuary and Barmouth Bay, which home to the fantastic Barmouth Bridge, an active wooden railway line which spans 700m across the mouth of the estuary.

If you’re seeking something a little more revealing, then Morfa Dyffryn, one of Britains finest nudist beaches, is situated towards the north end of Barmouth Bay. As well as seeing your fair share of sandy todgers you might even spot the occasional dolphin.  

If you have access to a car and are seeking a high quality dose of vitamin sea then it’s definitely worth heading west to Llyn Peninsula or north across to the Island of Anglesey. In both regions you’ll find a broad range of stunning beaches offering something for everyone, including peace and tranquility alongside some high quality surf breaks. 

Explore the amazing Anglesey

Anglesey is situated off the coast of North Wales and is separated from the mainland by the Menai straight. Wales Largest island is often overlooked by those who are visiting North Wales in favour of the rugged mountains of Snowdonia.

Unbeknownst to many this island isn’t just home to patriotic Welsh inhabitants and the town with an extremely long name. Anglesey is in fact a stunning island which plays host to 120 miles of beautiful coastal path, secluded beaches, and series of spectacular coastal features.

If you are planning on a trip to North Wales soon, make sure you spare at least a day to explore this shaka shaped (🤙) chunk of land.  

Visit a Castle

Once upon a time Wales was known as the land of castles as it had the most castles per square mile of any country in the entire world. At its peak there were around 600 castles in Wales but over the years that number has dwindled to around 100. The rest have returned to nature, and today consist of ditches, mounds, and earthworks.

I’m not a huge castle person, however my favourite within North Wales would have to be Conwy Castle. The entrance is magnificent with two fortified gateways and the castle has eight enormous towers. Within the castle the great hall, private chambers and kitchen can all be visited giving you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the olden days.

Other castles of note include Harlech, Caernarfon, Criccieth, and Dolbadarn Castle in Llanberis. For more information head over to the Visit Snowdonia website.

Transport yourself to Italy 

Portmeirion is an enchanting Italianate style village situated off the bay of Ceredigion just outside the boundary of Snowdonia National Park.

This unique picturesque coastal village was purposely designed and built over a 50 year period to look like an Italian village. Described as “a gorgeous visual poem” by the Rough Guide to Wales, the village is lined with Riviera inspired houses and every corner is lined with whimsical features.

Resident free, the village is now owned by the charitable trust and is run as tourist attraction. It’s home to two hotels, a spa, several cafes and restaurants alongside an authentic Italian gelateria.

The Village is usually open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with tickets available from the entrance. It usually costs £9 for adults to enter,  However you can gain free entry into the village by pre-booking a two-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth Brasserie, lunch or afternoon tea at The Hotel Portmeirion.

Be sure to check out the Portmeirion website for current prices and opening hours.

For more travel and photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.

• Guide to the Brecon Beacons

• Guide to the Gower Peninsula

• Guide to the Elan Valley

• Guide to Pembrokeshire

• Guide to Snowdonia

• Guide to Wales