Top Snowdonia Tourist Attractions & Activities

Snowdonia Tourist Attractions & Activities

Enjoy days of fun and adventure in Snowdonia, plan your visits to Snowdonia's top attractions.

There are many things to love about Snowdonia. The scenery is fantastic and the area has not changed a lot over the years. It still looks as beautiful and as un-spoilt as it did 300 years ago. It is home to terrific family-friendly visitor attractions, captivating historical sites, and interesting wildlife. There is plenty to keep you busy no matter the weather. Snowdonia visitor attractions abound with unique and exciting sights. It is the best spot for wonderful days out in North Wales.

Visit North Wales and See the Top Snowdonia Tourist Attractions

Bangor

A warm welcome awaits you at this small historic town. Bangor is home to an old cathedral and a university and is always vibrant. It derives its name from the Welsh word for a fenced-in enclosure, similar to the one found at the original cathedral. The cathedral was built in the 6th century by the Celtic saint Deiniol but has been modified over the years.

Portmeirion

This haven created by architect Clough William-Ellis attracts people from all over the world. It was built between 1925 and 1976 and is a perfect coastal village. The architect’s aim was to prove that development could be achieved without destroying the natural environment. Portmeirion rests on a rocky cliff top in a private peninsula facing Cardigan Bay. It features many colourful shops, cafes, and restaurants. Its Victorian sub-tropical woodland garden houses a tree trail featuring trees from different parts of the world.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns

This attraction has won almost every award. It is considered to be the most famous attraction in North Wales. Visitors descend 500 feet underground inside Europe’s steepest mining cable railway. Journey into the past and picture how life was without electricity. You’ll alight at various points to learn about the unique skills needed to extract slate which is bedded between sheets of granite-like chert.

Ty Siamas - The National Centre for Welsh Folk Music

Ty Siamas is a must-visit for those who love folk music. Built in the nineteenth century, it is named after Elis Siamas who hailed from the nearby village of Llanfachreth. He is credited with developing the triple harp which creates Welsh harp music. Ty Siamas is home to exhibitions and performances which tell of its history. It was once a dance hall, a folk dancing venue, and even a grain store.

Bardsey Island

Magnificent in every way, Bardsey Island is located 2 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula. It is home to the ruins of 6th century monasteries, wonderful nature habitats, and UK’s tallest lighthouse. People come to see its Neolithic circles, beautiful waters, and rugged scenery but return for the wildlife and tranquility. Bardsey Island is among the best places in North Wales to see grey seals, dolphins, and porpoises.

Ogwen Valley

Set inside the Snowdonia National Park, this valley is pretty special. It is located on the southern side of Bangor near Capel Curig. It is bordered by the Carneddau mountain range on one side and the Glyderau mountain range on the other. River Ogwen passes through it before entering the Menai Strait at Aberogwen, it is very central to many Snowdonia visitor attractions.

The Tale of Gelert of Beddgelert

Have you ever had the chance to visited Gelerts gravestone in the village of Beddgelert in Snowdonia? Well according to the tale, noble Llywelyn Fawr had been out hunting in the valley one day and on his return he witnessed a horrendous scene. There was blood all over the house and his child’s crib was empty. Then, he spotted Gelert his faithful hound with his mouth covered in blood, and realised that Gelert had killed the child. Noble Llywelyn flew into a murderous rage and stabbed Gelert repeatedly with his sword killing him. Soon after, Llywelyn heard his baby crying, and found the child safe and unharmed, with a wolf dead nearby. His faithful hound Gelert had saved the child and killed the wolf. Noble Llywelyn Fawr was left heartbroken.

The Lleyn Peninsula

The Llŷn Peninsula is an area of 180 square miles with a population of over 13,000 most of whom speak the mother tongue of Welsh as their first language (Penrhyn Llŷn or Pen Llŷn) extends approximately 30 miles into the Irish Sea from Snowdonia and North west Wales, south west of the coast of Anglesey. The Peninsula is part of the modern county of Gwynedd which along with the counties of Flintshire, Conwy and Denbighshire make up the area of North Wales. Historically, the Llŷn Peninsula was a gateway used by many pilgrims en route to the Holy Island of Bardsey (Ynys Enlli), the areas relative isolation has helped to preserve the Welsh culture and language for which the Llŷn is now famous. Although not technically part of Snowdonia but close enough to explore the gorgeous towns, villages and beaches of the LLeyn Peninsula, all are worthy of a visit and while there find out why the coastal village of Abersoch is known locally as the north Wales Riviera. Or visit the cosmopolitan University city of Bangor or the North Wales seaside resort of Llandudno. A region of mountains, green forests, long sandy beaches, lake and rivers, the county of Gwynedd really is full of picturesque beauty. We are pleased to include a list of cottage rentals on the Lleyn Peninsula