Snowdonia National Park dominates the north-west coast of North Wales, charming visitors with its beautiful mountains and unspoiled coastal landscapes. The whole region is teeming with a superb choice of Snowdonia activities for you and your fellow adventurers to get yourselves into.
Our guide is brimming with things to do and great attractions to visit, with a lot of them being Snowdonia activities that you can enjoy with all the family. And with hundreds of acres of Southern Snowdonia under the care of the National Trust, you know you're going to be in for a treat.
Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Snowdonia. We have a collection of lovely properties in inspiring locations all across the national park, from Barmouth in the south to Betws-y-Coed nestled in the mountains. There are tons of things to do in Snowdonia; our guide will give you all the ideas you need to plan an activity-packed holiday itinerary.
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Walking in Snowdonia

Climb to the peak of Wales’ highest mountain: Mount Snowdon
Rising 1,085 feet above sea level, Mount Snowdon is relatively accessible to everybody as you can reach the summit by way of a mountain railway as well as walking. There are numerous paths to the top (Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Rhyd du Path, Snowdon Ranger, Miners Path and Watkin Path), a variety that ranges from moderate to strenuous in grade; no matter which trail you pick, gorgeous views are almost guaranteed (weather permitting). Enjoy unrivalled views across the national park as far as the coast and experience one of the ultimate things to do outdoors in Wales.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway has been running since 1896 and is a staggering feat of engineering prowess. The journey to the summit from Llanberis takes around 45 minutes and passengers can buy singles or returns, so if you don’t fancy walking up or down this is a lovely alternative way to appreciate the views. The train doesn’t run all year round and is a weather-dependent service.
- Facilities: Parking at the base, WCs, disabled access to the train, no dogs on the train (except for assistance dogs), café and restaurant
- Entry prices and opening times: Free - except for the train. Visit the website
- Postcode: Mount Snowdon, LL55 4TD
- Stay at: Hyfrydle | Sleeps: 2 guests

Enjoy walks from the Alpine-style escape of Betws-y-Coed...
Betws-y-Coed is referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia. Occupying a lush location on the confluence of four mountain rivers, high peaks and rushing waterways characterise this lovely little Snowdonia village. It’s a buzzing centre of activity for adventure seekers that have come to Snowdonia to climb the mountains or to discover the region via its vast network of walking trails. Betws-y-Coed was also home to Wales’ first artist colony, and it's easy to see why this place still forms a pilgrimage for creatives.
Throngs of walkers and trekkers visit Betws-y-Coed all year round. Hiking boots are recommended, and the walks are well worth it for the magical experience. The spectacular waterfalls of Swallow Falls (more about this below) inspire photographers and painters alike; it’s a place of staggering beauty. Other walking trails to add to your itinerary include the Gwydyr Forest which is home to curious old miners’ paths, cycle tracks and forest walks leading the picturesque lakes of Llyn Elsi, Llyn Parc, Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant.
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...Then take on the Snowdonia Way
The Snowdonia Way is a challenging 97-mile-long walking route through North Wales. It beckons wayfarers to explore the whole length of the national park on foot from Machynlleth to Conwy in the north. The path takes in well-known landmarks with access to detours up to some mountain peaks. The path is easily accessible from Betws-y-Coed.
- Facilities: Shops, pubs, gift shops, WCs, disabled access, cafes, restaurants, parking, dog-friendly facilities, and tourist information
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: Betws-y-Coed, LL24
- Stay at: Manaros | Sleeps: 3 guests and 1 dog
Towns and villages in Snowdonia

Get the best of both worlds in Barmouth
If you can’t decide whether you prefer the mountains or the sea, why not visit Barmouth where one meets the other? This mesmeric seaside resort has a beach on one side and mountains on the other, meaning you get the best of both worlds and making it one of the best places to stay in Snowdonia.
If you love to get out and about, this is also the place for you, with the Mawddach Trail connecting the village with Dolgellau to the east. This 9-mile trail, which is part of the Sustrans Cross-Wales Cycling Route, follows the Mawddach Estuary and is perfect for cyclists and walkers.
- Facilities: Dog-friendly beach (with restrictions), shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, WCs, disabled access, parking, weekly market
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: LL42 1AD
- Stay at: Beudy Bach | Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog

Take in some history in Conwy
Conwy is not only a pretty place to visit where you can walk around the walled town and admire its quaint yet bustling harbour. It also has historical significance and World Heritage Site status due to its imposing 13th-century castle which is exceptionally preserved.
If you’re wondering what to do in Snowdonia, Conwy is a great base as you can delve further into the national park whilst simultaneously finding yourself in a great spot to explore the coast and the Isle of Anglesey. If you like your attractions on the more diminutive side, then Quay House, the smallest house in Britain, is a must-visit.
- Facilities: Dog friendly, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, WCs, disabled access, parking, twice-weekly market
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: LL32 8BE
- Stay at: Buzzards View | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs
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Make believe you are on the Amalfi Coast in Italy at Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a visitor attraction built to resemble an Italian village built in a secluded cove on the west coast close to Porthmadog. Created by an architect, Clough William-Ellis, in the 1920s, the Italianate villas are surrounded by eye-catching woodlands. It’s a great choice for those looking for an amble along the village’s pathways which lead to inspiring views across Ceredigion Bay. This has to be one of the top things to do in Wales, let alone Snowdonia.
- Facilities: Parking, WCs, disabled access, café and restaurant, no dogs (except for assistance dogs)
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Portmeirion, Porthmadog, LL48 6ER
- Stay at: Corner Barn | Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs
Attractions in Snowdonia

Splash about at the National White Water Centre
If you’re in need of things to do in Snowdonia and you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot) wet, then you need to paddle your way to the National White Water Centre. Situated near the town of Bala, this top Snowdonia attraction caters for water sports lovers of all ages.
Practise your kayaking or head towards the Upper Tryweryn River to take on the rapids and obstacles on the white-water rafting course. For those that prefer a spot of dry land, there are also plenty of other outdoor activities to choose from, including off-roading experiences, clay pigeon shooting and ziplining.
- Facilities: Dog friendly, cafe, WC, bring a towel, wetsuits can be hired
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU
- Stay at: Red Kite House | Sleeps: 2 guests
Photo credit @philsi87
Do cool things underground at Bounce Below
One of the top things to do in North Wales, Bounce Below at Zip World Slate Caverns is the brain fruit of entrepreneurs with cool ideas to burn. The perfect family day out is one of the UK’s strangest adventure venues. Situated in the Llechwedd slate caverns, the other-worldly cave setting is home to three massive trampolines to bounce on. There’s a subterranean zip wire in the caves too. You can also go caving in the caverns here so book a tour/course before you go. There’s also Zip World Forest and Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry to discover too (see below)!
- Facilities: Parking, WCs, light refreshments available, pet stop (book in advance)
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB
- Stay at: Llenfa | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

Fly high at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
One of the most sought-after Snowdonia tourist attractions has to be the exhilarating Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry. Located at the site of the former largest slate mine in the world, adrenalin junkies come from far and wide to test their nerve on the fastest zip line in the world, Velocity 2, where you’ll have the sensation of flying 500 metres above the pristine blue quarry lake.
Other quarry-related things to do include the more child-friendly Quarry Flyer, the three-wheeled Quarry Karts, and a Quarry Tour for those who like their slate a little more sedate.
- Facilities: Free car parking, restaurant, cafe and bar, WC, viewing platform, picnic benches, assured pet care (seasonal), lockers available (£1), shop
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Bethesda, LL57 4YG
- Stay at: Straits View | Sleeps: 6 guests
Historical places of interest in Snowdonia

Visit Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle was built as an important component in Edward I’s ring of iron in the 13th century. His fortresses around the coast of Wales are still standing to this day. Harlech Castle comes recommended for its sheer beauty, its position above the village and its unforgettable views. You can see Mount Snowdon and the ranges of the Llyn Peninsula from the castle ramparts. Harlech is a lovely place for beach lovers too, as the long sandy beach is a great place to wind down, or you could let your kids play to their hearts’ content, building sandcastles or paddling in the shallows.
- Facilities: Dog-friendly, gift shop, WCs, disabled access, light snacks available, bike storage, parking
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Harlech Castle, Harlech, LL46 4YH
- Stay at: Eryl y Mor | Sleeps: 5 guests + 1 dog

Take a page out of Yr Ysgwrn's book
A visit to Yr Ysgwrn is one of the best things to do in Snowdonia National Park if you want to tie in your visit with some classic Welsh culture and history. Located just 11 miles from Blaenau Ffestiniog, this traditional Welsh stone farmhouse has become of symbol of what the nation lost during World War I.
Well known as the home of one of Wales’ best-known poets, Ellis Humphrey Evans, who was better known as Hedd Wyn, this farmhouse is not only an emblem of Welsh-language bardic culture but also a reminder of the tragedy of war. In 1916, Hedd Wyn was conscripted and died on the first day of the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, one of the most horrifying battles of the First World War.
- Facilities: Shop, cafe, WC with disabled access, picnic area, car park
- Entry prices and opening times: Free of charge; Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am-5pm; see here for guided tour prices
- Postcode: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 4UW
- Stay at: Snowdonia Stone House | Sleeps: 8 guests + 2 dogs

Head to one of Wales' most famous fortresses: Caernarfon Castle
Designed to rival the architectural magnificence of Constantinople, the former capital of the Roman Empire, Caernarfon Castle is surely one of the most gratifying things to see in Snowdonia. It is an archetypal castle, the stuff of myth and legend, a fortress that was ‘the fairest that ever man saw’ (this was said by Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus whose tomb was found during the construction of the castle and who was thought to have prophesied the building of this wonderful structure).
When visiting this 13th-century castle, one of the most famous castles in Wales, ensure you see some of the exhibitions within the towers or take a walk along the walls to really get a sense of the history this castle exudes.
- Facilities: Gift shop, cafe, WC, disabled access, Pay and Display car park, Wi-Fi
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Caernarfon LL55 2AY
- Stay at: Ty Nain | Sleeps: 4 guests
Waterfalls in Snowdonia

Find fairies at Conwy Falls
One of the best things to do in Snowdonia is chasing waterfalls, and one of the most popular is Conwy Falls, also known as ‘The Fairy Glen’. This magical spot can be found not far from Betws-y-Coed and is hidden amongst ancient woodland giving it an enchanting aura that no doubt contributed to the stories of fairies and pixies living amidst the tumbling water.
- Facilities: Cafe with Wi-Fi, WC, shop, disabled access, free car park
- Entry prices and opening times: Visit the website
- Postcode: Conwy, LL24 0PN
- Stay at: Craig Y Nos | Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog

Anything but a one-hit wonder - Swallow Falls
When visiting Swallow Falls, you have the convenient choice of pitching up on the south bank of River Llugwy and taking in the falls in all their glory, or combining this famous waterfall with the Swallow Falls Trail and walking a little through the beautiful Gwydir Forest Park to earn yourself a more dramatic view of the torrent from the northern bank.
Discerning Welsh cinephiles might recognise the falls from the Hollywood blockbuster Wonder Woman 1984. However, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thought by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales, bears little resemblance to the homonymous town from the beloved children’s classic, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (you’ll just have to bring a picnic instead!)
- Facilities: Dog friendly, disabled access, May-October 10am - 3pm, limited off-road parking by turnstile
- Entry prices and opening times: Open all year round, admission by turnstile entry; £2 adult, £1 14 and under
- Postcode: Betws-y-Coed LL24 ODW
- Stay at: Llyn Dinas Lodge | Sleeps: 4 guests

Take in the scenery at Aber Falls
One of Snowdonia’s most remarkable waterfalls, Aber Falls, is also one of the most visited. The true name for this thrilling cascade is Rhaeadr Fawr, meaning ‘large waterfall’ and you can see where the name comes from as you glance up and note the water tumbling down from a height of over 35 metres.
This dramatic show is part of Red River’s final plunge to the Menai Straits as it nosedives into a shallow pool before running through Abergwyngregyn village. Once you have taken in this beauty, make time to see the diminutive but equally humbling Rhaeadr Bach (small waterfall).
- Facilities: Car park, disabled access, WC, picnic tables
- Entry prices and opening times: Free entry; open 24 hours a day
- Postcode: Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan LL33 0LP
- Stay at: Bryn Hideaway | Sleeps: 3 guests + 2 dogs
Beaches in Snowdonia

Ease away your worries with a stroll along Harlech Beach
So, you’ve been on some epic walks and you’ve braved the 500m-high zipline but you’re still in need of some Snowdonia things to do…what can you do? You hit the beach! And with Harlech Beach, you have the convenience of visiting the castle on our list beforehand as well, which is less than a mile away.
This 4-mile stretch of white sand sits at the top of the Llyn Peninsula and boasts enviable views of the Snowdonia range. The water is as clear as can be and if you spot any jellyfish out to sea, fear not as this could also mean you get to spot leatherback turtles who frequent these shores to dine on these gelatinous invertebrates.
- Facilities: Car park, shop, dog friendly, WC
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: LL46 2UG
- Stay at: Tan Y Graig | Sleeps: 8 guests + 1 dog

Whistle while you play at Porth O'er Beach
Now, this is an exciting Welsh beach to visit. Known locally as ‘Whistling Sands’, Porth O'er displays an intriguing natural occurrence that happens once you set foot onto the impressive arc of sand. Due to the structure of the sand grains, when pressure is applied to them, say in the form of a pair of feet walking, the sand releases a high-pitched whistle or squeak.
This only occurs on one other beach in Europe but it’s not just this phenomenon that should bring you to this Llyn Peninsula beach. The scenery is splendid and the beach makes a lovely spot for a family picnic - see if you can catch a glimpse of a seal or a dolphin whilst you’re tucking in. An even better way to look for these marine animals is to take a bodyboard or surfboard into the water and enjoy a serene and sheltered Welsh surf.
- Facilities: Car park, cafe, seasonal shop, dog restrictions between 1 April and 30 September, WC, picnic area
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: LL53 8LG
- Stay at: Bryn Tirion | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

Dip your toes into clear waters at Porthdinllaen Beach
Another Llyn Peninsula beauty, Porthdinllaen Beach is one of the most sought-after beaches in the region, largely due to it not being the subject of any development and the fact that the village itself is generally car-free. The National Trust bay is sheltered by the grassy knolls that envelop it and the long, sweeping sandy beach is a delight to walk along.
Grab a bite or your favourite tipple at the award-winning pub and see if you can see as far as Anglesey. Members of the Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station occasionally perform drills in the bay which is a spectacle, and dolphins have been known to make an appearance here in the past too.
- Facilities: Pub, dog friendly, WC, Pay and Display National Trust car park
- Entry prices and opening times: N/A
- Postcode: LL53 6DY
- Stay at: Coastal Retreat | Sleeps: 5 guests + 2 dogs
Find your Snowdonia cottage
Where will you stay during your time here? Start browsing our collection of self-catering holiday cottages in Snowdonia today. We have cosy accommodation for couples and larger properties for family groups and friend reunions. Visit our collection of self-catering holiday homes today to find your perfect place to stay in Snowdonia.
Find your Snowdonia cottage