Snowdonia - one big playground
Snowdonia is one of Wales’ most famous regions, known for its craggy mountains, brooding natural landscapes and rugged coastline. It’s home to Wales’ tallest mountain and Snowdonia National Park. As well as sublime scenery the area has 3 well-preserved castles, 37 miles of pristine coastline and some great sandy beaches. You can also explore historic towns or charming villages and take a ride on one of Snowdonia’s scenic steam railways.
Memory of Snowdonia
"I come to Snowdonia as often as I can. Cycling, rafting, sailing, climbing – you can do it all.”
Duncan, Melbourne
Culture & heritage
Snowdonia is home to some imposing castles built by the English King Edward I to subdue Welsh rebels, but the landscape itself is shaped by sheep and slate. Grey-green slate villages sit in secluded valleys and sheep farming remains an important industry.
Shopping
As well as local shops selling slate products and local arts and crafts, Snowdonia is the place to head for adventure sports gear. If you need a camping, climbing or walking kit, head to Joe Brown in Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed. For a larger selection of high-street shops, try Caernarfon or Conwy.
Attractions
If you love the outdoor life, Snowdonia is one big playground. Tackle a high-wire assault course or go deep below ground in darkest mines. Explore spooky castles or discover the natural world in wildlife centres and bird sanctuaries. Then slow the pace and take a mountain railway through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales.
Sports
Snowdonia’s mountainous landscape makes it perfect for adventure sports. Experience tough long-distance cycle routes and pulse-racing mountain bike trails. Or head to the hills for relaxing walks, scrambling or rock-climbing. You can also shoot rapids at The National Whitewater Centre or take to the water to kayak, sail or windsurf.
Buy before you fly
To make your trip to Snowdonia easier, you can buy tickets to attractions, travel passes, and much more at our online shop, and avoid the queues! The BritRail GB Flexi Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=T3) allows you to explore the country at your own pace, and the Great British Heritage Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp1) gives you free entry to nearly 600 of Britain's finest historic houses, gardens and monuments. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com).
Must see and do
Top daytime must-do's |
Top night time must-do's |
|---|
- Scale Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak
| |
| - Bed down at one of Snowdonia’s romantic mountain campsites.
|
- Discover manmade caverns deep within the Dinorwig hydroelectric power station
| - Wander through Conwy, one of Wales’ best preserved medieval towns
|
- Storm Edward I’s castles at Harlech, Conwy and Caernarfon
| - Head to Caernarfon’s redeveloped dock area and Galeri – a great arts venue for theatre and dance
|
| - Enjoy a romantic stroll through the Italianate village of Portmeirion where the cult TV series The Prisoner was filmed
|