Snowdonia — Eryri in Welsh — is the wild, mountainous heart of North Wales and one of the most rewarding corners of Britain for a holiday. The national park covers more than 800 square miles of soaring peaks, glacial lakes, ancient woodland and a dramatic coastline, all crowned by Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. Whether you fancy a proper summit walk, a steam-train ride through the mountains, a white-knuckle zip line or a gentle lakeside stroll, there is something here for every age and energy level. Here are the things we would put at the top of your list.
The best things to do in Snowdonia
Climb — or ride the train up — Yr Wyddfa
At 1,085 metres, Yr Wyddfa is the highest peak in Wales and the big draw for many visitors. Six main paths lead to the summit, from the long but steady Llanberis Path to the rockier Pyg and Miners’ Tracks that start at Pen-y-Pass. If you would rather save your legs, the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway has carried passengers from Llanberis to near the summit since 1896 — on a clear day the views stretch right across the mountains to the sea. Always check the mountain forecast before you set off, as conditions at the top can be very different from the valley.
Ride a heritage steam railway
Snowdonia is steam-railway country. The Ffestiniog Railway winds from the harbour at Porthmadog up to the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, while its sister line, the Welsh Highland Railway, runs all the way from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, skirting the foot of Yr Wyddfa and threading through the village of Beddgelert and the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass. Both are narrow-gauge lines with a real sense of history, and a wonderfully effortless way to take in the scenery.
Walk to Cwm Idwal
For one of the most accessible mountain walks in the park, head to Cwm Idwal, above Llyn Ogwen. The roughly five-kilometre circular path around Llyn Idwal takes you into a spectacular glacial bowl ringed by cliffs, with the dark cleft of the Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du) at its head. It was Wales’s first National Nature Reserve and is a favourite with families, photographers and geologists alike.
Go underground — or fly over a quarry
North Wales’ slate-mining past has been turned into some of the country’s most exciting days out. At Zip World you can fly across Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda on one of the fastest zip lines in the world, or bounce on giant underground trampolines in a vast slate cavern at Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog. The region’s slate landscape is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a guided mine tour is a fascinating way to understand the communities that built it.
Explore Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
The pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, set where three rivers meet and surrounded by the Gwydir Forest, makes a lovely base for gentler days. There are riverside walks, outdoor shops and tea rooms, and the thundering Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) are just up the road — at their most dramatic after rain.
Step into Portmeirion
Near Porthmadog on the southern edge of the park, Portmeirion is an enchanting Italianate village created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis. Its colourful buildings, gardens and woodland walks overlook the Dwyryd estuary, and fans may recognise it as the setting for the cult 1960s television series The Prisoner.
More ideas for all ages
If the weather closes in, or you are travelling with younger children, there is still plenty to do. Try the inland surf lagoon at Adventure Parc Snowdonia near Dolgarrog, take to the water on Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), the largest natural lake in Wales, or visit one of the great medieval castles on the park’s fringes — Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech are all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy to combine with a day in the mountains. Beaches are within easy reach too, along the North Wales coast and on nearby Anglesey.
Where to base yourself
Each Snowdonia village has its own character. Llanberis sits at the foot of Yr Wyddfa and is the hub for the mountain railway; Betws-y-Coed is the leafy gateway in the east; Beddgelert is a postcard-pretty stone village in the south; and Dolgellau and Bala give easy access to the quieter southern mountains and lakes. Wherever you choose, you are rarely far from a trailhead, a steam train or a warm Welsh welcome — and you will find welcoming self-catering cottages, B&Bs and guest houses and hotels to suit every group.
Where to stay in Snowdonia
From snug self-catering cottages and farmhouse B&Bs to family-friendly hotels, we list welcoming places to stay right across Snowdonia — many bookable direct with the owner.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best time of year to visit Snowdonia?
- Late spring and early autumn often give the best balance of settled weather and smaller crowds, though Snowdonia is a year-round destination. Summer is busiest and warmest, while winter brings dramatic, snowy scenery for well-prepared walkers. Whatever the season, always check the mountain forecast before heading high.
- Do I need to book to climb Yr Wyddfa or to park?
- You do not need to book to walk up, but the main car parks — especially Pen-y-Pass — fill very early and often require pre-booking in peak season. Using the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus between the villages and trailheads is the easiest way around this. The Snowdon Mountain Railway should be booked in advance.
- Is Snowdonia good for families?
- Very. Alongside the bigger mountain walks there are gentle lake and woodland trails, steam-train rides, underground adventures and beaches within easy reach on the nearby coast — plenty to keep all ages happy.
- How do I get to Snowdonia?
- Most visitors drive; the A55 along the North Wales coast and the A470 through the middle of the park are the main routes. There are mainline railway stations at Bangor and Llandudno Junction on the coast, with connecting buses and the heritage railways linking many of the villages.
Hero photo: the Snowdon Horseshoe and Yr Wyddfa by Petersrockypics / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).