Eryri (Snowdonia) is the largest national park in Wales and best known as the home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) which is the tallest mountain in England and Wales.
Aside from the mountains, there are plenty of other things to do in Snowdonia, from adrenaline-busting activities such as caving and ziplining to exploring the charming towns and villages across the national park.
There's something for everyone which is why it's one of the most popular destinations in Wales for day trips and longer vacations.
My home town isn't too far from Snowdonia, so I've visited the area countless times. In this guide, I've compiled a list of my favourite things to do in Snowdonia to inspire your next trip.
Things To Do in Eryri (Snowdonia)
1. Climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Yr Wyddfa (better known as Snowdon in English) is the tallest peak in England and Wales with as many as 7 routes up.
The easiest route is the Llanberis path which begins from the town of Llanberis. However, this is also one of the longer routes due to its very gradual incline. I recommend the Snowdon Ranger Path which is also easy but much quieter as fewer people attempt it.
If you don’t want to walk up Yr Wyddfa, there's also the Snowdon Mountain railway that carries passengers right up the side of Wales’ tallest mountain.
But, Eryri (Snowdonia) isn't just about Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The national park is home to all 15 mountains in Wales over 3000ft, known as the Welsh 3000s.
Some other popular mountains to hike include:
- Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach - These two peaks in the Ogwen Valley are usually tackled together. At the top, you'll find Castell y Gwynt (or Castle of the Wind), a rock formation that looks like something from Game of Thrones.
ㅤ - Cadair Idris – Cadair Idris is an easy hike in that it’s a well-trodden trail and not overly high, but it gets very steep so you should be fit to do it. This is my favourite hike in the southern half of Eryri (Snowdonia).
ㅤ - Tryfan - Although one of the smaller mountains, it's also one of the hardest to traverse as it tows the line between hiking and mountaineering. Not for beginners.
2. Find Gelert's Grave in Beddgelert
Beddgelert is one of the cutest villages in Eryri (Snowdonia) with adorable stone buildings set against the mountainous backdrop. The English translation of Beddgelert is ‘Gelert’s Grave’ which refers to the village’s number one attraction – the grave of Gelert the dog.
Gelert was the faithful dog of Llewellyn the Great who had a palace nearby. Llewellyn mistakenly thought that Gelert had killed his son and heir to the throne so he put his sword straight through the dog. Moments later, Llewellyn realised that Gelert hadn’t killed his son, but saved him from a wolf.
Llewellyn felt awful and buried his dog under the stone in the centre of the village. That’s just the short version of the story, see my all-encompassing guide to visiting Gelert's grave for the full one.
I typically spend a few hours exploring Beddgelert - it's such a charming village that I can come back to time after time without tiring of it's beauty.
As well as the iconic grave, there are lots of beautiful walking routes alongside the Afon Glaslyn River and in the surrounding forests. Don't forget to stop off for some ice cream at Glaslyn Artisan Ice Cream.
Also Read: Things To Do in Beddgelert
3. Visit the iconic Harlech Castle
Perched on the edge of the national park is one of Edward I’s mighty fortresses, Harlech Castle. It sits at the heart of the tiny town of Harlech, built on a rocky outcrop with views across Cardigan Bay.
This castle took seven years to build and has a traditional concentric design which means that it has an outer wall and an inner wall. This added an extra layer of protection and, combined with its location, is why it gained a reputation as an almost impregnable fortress
Today, you can visit it for yourself where you can roam the inner ward, climb up the towers, and walk along the castle walls. Entry is free for CADW members.
While visiting Harlech Castle, I also spent time visiting the other attractions in the small coastal town. You can also find the world's (second) steepest street and Harlech Beach where a stunning stretch of sand hides the ruins of a WWII plane.
Also Read: Things To Do in Harlech
4. Go rafting at the National White Water Centre
Just north of Bala is the National White Water Centre where you can take a raft along the white waters of the River Tryweryn as it’s released from the Llyn Celyn reservoir.
Standard sessions last for around 2 hours as you make your way down the one-mile stretch of water. You can hire a private raft or join a shared raft if you don’t have a large enough group.
As well as the standard rafting, they offer a taster session for people who want to see what it’s like or an Orca session for the more adventurous rafters.
The centre also offers canyoning where you’ll trade in the raft and scramble your way through the gorge, using zip lines, climbing up rocks, and sliding down natural water slides as you go.
5. Learn how slate shaped Wales at the National Slate Museum
Slate has always been an important material, but it was during the Industrial Revolution that demand took off as it was used to build the roofs of factories and the houses of those who worked there.
Wales produced over 80% of British slate, with locations such as Penrhyn Quarry and the ‘Great New Quarry’ in Dinorwig at the heart of the industry. It played such an important part in Snwodonia’s history that in 2021, the slate landscape of northwest Wales was given UNESCO heritage status.
You can learn more about the role the slate industry played in shaping Wales at the National Slate Museum which is at the foot of the old Dinorwig Quarry in Llanberis. It’s free to visit.
At the museum, you’ll find exhibits, workshops, talks and demonstrations which aim to re-enact what life was like at the time. You can also see buildings, such as the engineer’s house, which have been set up exactly like it would have been all those years ago.
6. Go deep into Eryri’s past with these underground experiences
Whilst tourism and farming might be the biggest businesses in the National Park today, this hasn’t always been the case. The slate, copper and gold industries have all been vital in the history and development of the area.
Many of the mines and quarries have now been closed or abandoned, but some have reimagined themselves as tourist attractions where you can head underground and see first-hand how they worked.
Here are some of the top underground experiences in Snowdonia:
- Sygun Copper Mine – Head underground into the caverns and tunnels of a former copper mine on a 40-minute self-guided tour. This is located just outside of Beddgelert.
ㅤ - Llanfair Slate Caverns – Just outside of Harlech is an old mine with some of the world’s oldest slate. Take a self-guided tour through the mines which are still in their original state.
ㅤ - Corris Mine Explorers – With the help of an experienced guide, you’ll use ladders and ropes to explore this abandoned slate mine at the very south of Eryri National Park.
7. Visit one of Snowdonia's waterfalls
Snowdonia isn’t quite a waterfall haven like the Brecon Beacons National Park further south. However, there are still opportunities to see some waterfalls on your visit.
My favourite waterfall is Aber Falls, right at the northern end of the National Park where the Afon Goch plunges 37m (120ft) over the cliff in the Carneddau range. The only way to reach it is via a short hike. it took me 1hr15 for a round trip.
If you'd rather a more accessible waterfall, there are two others you can visit near Betws-Y-Coed, these are Conwy Falls and Swallow Falls. Both can be reached very easily from the car park, although these are both paid attractions.
8. Zip down the fastest zip line in the world, Velocity 2
Snowdonia is home to the Velocity 2 zipline which can reach speeds in excess of 100mph, making it the fastest zip line in the world.
Velocity 2 is found at the Zip World Penrhyn site and will take you Superman-style over Penrhyn Quarry where you’ll be overwhelmed by the picturesque backdrop of Snowdonia’s mountains.
Plus, there are 4 parallel zip lines so you can zip down simultaneously with your mates and enjoy the experience together.
Here, you’ll also find Quarry Karts where you can zoom down a 3km purpose-built track through the quarry on your three-wheeler kart. There’s also an onsite restaurant and those not looking to be so adventurous can enjoy a relaxing tour of the quarry instead.
9. Ride the alpine coaster at Zip World Fforest
I've already mentioned Zip World's site in Penrhyn with the fastest zip line, but they also have several other sites across Wales including their Zip World Fforest site near Betws-y-Coed.
This site is best known for the Fforest Coaster, the only alpine roller coaster in Wales. This 1km track will see you twist and turn as you speed through the trees. You control the speed, so you can go as fast or slow as you like, with top speeds reaching 25mph.
Other activities at this site include Europe’s highest giant swing, adventure courses in the trees, and a zip safari.
10. Enjoy panoramic views from Dolwyddelan Castle
I couldn’t include a list of things to do in Wales and not cover some kind of castle. Dolwyddelan Castle was built by Llewelyn the Great back in the early 13th century. It remained a stronghold for the Welsh princes for most of the century until Edward I captured it in 1283.
Today, the castle is just a ruin, but you can hike up to it and get a feel for what it might have been like all those years ago. Don’t let the photos fool you, it’s far bigger in real life than it looks in photos.
The castle is free to visit so you can walk up the hill and admire it from the outside whenever you like, however, due to concerns about the safety of some parts of the upper areas, the inside is only open a few days per week.
There is no dedicated parking at the site so I recommend that you park on the layby on the A470 which has a public footpath directly up to the castle.
11. Explore Llanberis and Llyn Padarn
Llanberis is the largest village in Eryri (Snowdonia) with lots to see and do. The village sits on the edge of Llyn Padarn, one of the largest natural lakes in Wales which is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Kayaks are available from Snowdonia Watersports Centre starting at £25 for 2 hours. If you’d rather go with a tour guide and benefit from their knowledge of the best places on the lake, Paradise Adventures offer a guided kayak tour of Lyn Padarn, find out more here.
You can also take the Llanberis Lake Railway, a steam train that runs on a 5-mile return journey around the lake, with time to stop off for a picnic at the other side.
Here, you'll also find the Blade of Giants (see photo above), Dobadarn Castle, and more activities. See my full guide of things to do in Llanberis to find out more.
12. Explore the Ogwen Valley
The Ogwen Valley is a beautiful valley at the heart of Snowdonia that’s one of the most beautiful parts of the National Park.
This is a great area for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, rock climbing, and more. The best place to start is by heading to Ogwen Cottage, this is a National Trust-owned property that acts as a ranger base and outdoor activities centre. You'll find information about all of the hiking routes in the area.
The most famous part of the Ogwen Valley is Cwm Idwal, a jawdropping glacial valley and nature reserve at the foot of the Glyderau.
Here, you’ll find one of my favourite family-friendly walks in Snowdonia, a circular lakeside route around Llyn Idwal. This is where the photos above were taken.
13. Discover the legend of King Arthur in Machynlleth
At the southern end of the National Park is the town of Machynlleth which is home to one of Eryri’s top family attractions, King Arthur’s Labyrinth.
This underground adventure tells the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as you sail along an underground river. Expect to meet mythical characters including dragons, giants, and King Arthur himself.
Whilst the underground King Arthur’s Labyrinth is a great rainy-day activity in Snowdonia, keep in mind that it’s a seasonal attraction so check their website for opening hours before you go.
Also near Machynlleth, you’ll find Corris Craft Centre, full of independent shops and businesses as well as Dyfi Distillery which produces award-winning gin.
14. Hike through Gwydir Forest Park
Gwydir Forest Park is a large forest in Snowdonia that's managed by Natural Resources Wales. The area was once dominated by lead and zinc mining, but now only old relics of the industrial days remain and it’s a popular walking spot.
The park is home to several different forest trails with ranging difficulties. There's a short half-hour trail for families complete with an animal puzzle trail to keep the kids entertained along the way, right up to the strenuous Llyn Parc Walk which is 10km and can take 3-5 hours.
I completed the Cyrau trail (following the white waymarkers) which took around 1hr30. This trail, along with most of the other trails in the park, began at the Pont-y-pair car park in the centre of Betws-Y-Coed.
At the other end of the village, there's also an orienteering course where you can find markers using just a map.
I purchased a map for just £1 from Cotswold Outdoor and followed the trail. You can also download it for free here if you have access to a printer (remember to print off both sides of the map).
15. Take on an underground assault course at Go Below
If heading beneath the surface to make your way through underground caverns wasn’t exhilarating enough, how about taking an assault course while you’re there?
That’s exactly what you can do at Go Below. They have three underground assault courses that involve abseiling, zip lines, boating across underground lakes, and freefall jumps.
The courses last anywhere from 5 to 7 hours with one medium difficulty and two tough courses on offer. But don’t be too scared, this is a super fun activity and the highly skilled guides will ensure everyone is kept safe.
16. Explore the National Park on horseback
If you’re looking for a more leisurely way to experience the beauty of the National Park, consider pony trekking. There are several pony trekking centres around the area that offer tours and experiences.
Right at the heart of Snowdonia is Gwydir Stables who have over 30 horses and offer riding experiences for all ages, starting from a 30 minite experience up to a half day.
If you’d prefer to ride along the coast, I recommend Bwlchgwyn Farm near Fairbourne who allow you to ride along the Mawddach Estuary, or even directly on the sand at Fairbourne Beach.
17. Go rock climbing at some of Wales' top climbing spots
Eryri (Snowdonia) is a paradise for rock climbers with routes ranging from beginner-friendly areas to some of the steepest and most exhilarating climbs in the UK.
For anyone considering rock climbing in Snowdonia, your first stop should be the Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre which offers climbing experiences for all abilities.
They have an indoor climbing and bouldering wall which is the best in North Wales and they also offer climbing courses where you’ll discover the best spots in the National Park. These courses are between 2 and 5 days.
If you just want to get a short taster of climbing, you can book this one-day rock climbing experience with Gibbon Adventures to get a tailored day of climbing with an experienced guide. This experience is suitable for groups of up to 8.
18. Take a trip back in time on the Ffestiniog Railway
A 13.5-mile (22 km) heritage railway track through the heart of Snowdonia is called the Ffestiniog Railway.
This is a vintage steam train that runs along the route from the harbour town of Porthmadog to the small village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, offering the chance to a trip back to the 1960s as you meander through the national park.
The track is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, having first opened back in 1836 as a way of transporting slate from the quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog.
There are a range of services you can board and will largely depend upon where you are staying. However, if you can, I recommend the Woodland Wanderer which runs from Porthmadog to Tan-Y-Bwlch, stopping off for a tea room break and a walk around the lake before heading back again.
19. Make your way through gorges on a canyoning experience
Canyoning (or gorge walking) involves making your way through canyons by swimming, jumping, climbing, and even abseiling. The mountainous terrain of Snowdonia makes it the perfect place for such activities.
Canyoning and gorge walking are two names used interchangeably for the same activity. Generally, gorge walking is considered to be easier but read the tour information carefully to ensure it’s right for you.
The best places for canyoning in Eryri (Snowdonia) are:
- Blaenau Ffestiniog – The original place of canyoning and gorge walking in Snowdonia featuring the Cresta run, a huge natural water slide into a plunge pool. Both Adventure Activities Wales and Bearded Men Adventures offer experiences here.
ㅤ - Dolgarrog - Meet in Dolgarrog near the northern tip of the National Park and then head to the Afon Ddu gorge for a day of canyoning through U-shaped gorges, majestic waterfalls and natural pools. This is led by Adventure Activities Wales.
20. Play golf 150m below ground
Snowdonia is home to some of Wales' more unusual things to do, one of these is the world’s first 18-hole underground gold course. Yes, that’s right, UNDERGROUND!
From the same people that bought you the Velocity zipline shared earlier, at Zip World Llechwedd, you can take a trip on Europe’s steepest cable railway (another record for Wales) to an adventure golf course that lies 500ft beneath the surface.
Also at the site is the Deep Mine Tour which takes you on an underground tour of the caverns, and Bounce Below, a giant underground trampoline park.
21. Visit Portmeirion, an Italian village in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Portmeirion is a small Italian-style village in North Wales and certainly one of the most unique places to visit. It was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who was inspired after visiting the fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
The village is full of colourful buildings, perfectly manicured gardens, and even a mini train that runs through the forest. I recommend taking the self-guided audio tour where you’ll hear Williams-Ellis himself explaining what inspired him.
Portmeirion has been used as a filming location for several films and TV shows, most notably The Prisoner. Even if you're not a fan of the show, it's worth visiting Portmeirion for its unique architecture and stunning views.
I found that one day was plenty to explore this small village. But if you can’t get enough, it’s also possible to stay at Portmeirion in the hotel or one of the self-catered holiday homes.
22. Hit the trails at Coed Y Brenin Forest Park
If you’re into mountain biking, then Coed Y Brenin Park is a must-visit place in Snowdonia. The visitor centre was the first centre in the UK purposefully built with mountain biking in mind.
Several trails start at the centre including easy trails for beginners and more technical routes for those with a little more experience. If you don’t have your own bicycles, don’t worry as right next door to the centre is a full service and cycle hire shop called Beics Brenin.
As well as the bike trails, there are plenty of other activities to check out including walking trails, orienteering courses, children's play areas, and more.
23. Hike the legendary Dinas Emrys Trail
An alternative hiking route in Snowdonia is the Dinas Emrys trail which not only offers you a stunning view overlooking Lake Dinas from the top but is a route steeped in history too.
According to legend, this is the hill where the 5th century King Vortigern tried to build a castle only to find two dragons, one white and one red, beneath the hill at an underground lake. The two dragons fought and the red dragon won.
Why is this story important? Well, this is the legend that explains why we have a red dragon on the Welsh flag. This has just been a brief overview, but you can read the full story in my guide to the Dinas Emrys trail.
Whether or not you believe the legend, I can assure you that no dragons are fighting on Dinas Emrys today and the walk is wonderful. As we made our way through the woodland trail, we passed by a beautiful waterfall too.
There was a small scramble at the top but when you reach the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views across Llyn Dinas and the Nantgwynant Valley.
Where To Stay in Eryri (Snowdonia)
It's best to stay in northern Snowdonia as this is where most of the best activities are located. I recommend near Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed as both have good accessibility to the rest of the national park and the best selection of places to eat.
Llanberis is better placed for taking day trips to the Norh Wales coast (such as Conwy and Caernarfon) whereas Betws-y-Coed is a little bit more idyllic.
If you're staying for a week or more, you can get some good deals on holiday cottages. I use Holiday Cottages to book as they have the widest choice of homes in Wales.
If you'd rather stay in a hotel, I recommend The Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis. It’s a mid-range hotel set within its own stunning gardens and woodland, just a few minutes walk from the centre of the town.
Alternatively, The Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed is an adorable place to stay. It's a 3-star hotel housed in a former coaching inn that has still retained some of the period features.
Also Read: Where To Stay in Snowdonia
Published: 18 July 2022 · Last updated: 8 January 2024