You want to plan a trip to Snowdonia (Eryri National Park) and see some of the stunning scenery and fun attractions but what are the best things to do in Snowdonia??
Want a challenge? Conquer Mount Snowdon/ Yr Wyddfa, or take it easy with a scenic train ride. For adventure prep, check out Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre – they’ve got courses in everything from abseiling to kayaking, ensuring your kids are set to explore this awe-inspiring place for years. And beyond, there’s Europe’s longest zipline, mountain-biking at Coed y Brenin, and the fairy-tale charm of Harlech Castle.
There is never a shortage of things to do in Snowdonia, even when the weather isn’t on your side and I’ve given you lots of all weather options below!
Things To Do in Snowdonia
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1. Hike Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
We can’t start a list of things to do in Snowdonia without mentioning the top and most obvious attraction – Mount Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa which is its Welsh name). This is Wales’ highest mountain and the best hike in the UK in mu opinion! It’s a tough one but do-able for many. I did it with my 2 stepsons aged 7 and 10 last summer!
The summit, once crowned the best view in Britain, offers a mesmerising panorama of craggy peaks and shimmering lakes.. that’s if the cloud doesn’t come in! Mount Snowdon is the most popular attractions in Wales, so it does get busy at the top and for good reason, it makes for a great challenging day trip and is considered one of the best things to do in Snowdonia, with many routes to the summit for all abilities.
I love doing the Pyg Track up and the Miners Track down parking in Pen-Y-Pass (which you need to book in advance most months of the year!) but you can also park in Llanberis and do the steady Llanberis Path up and back. Whilst still long, its a popular choice and runs alongside the railway line so you can’t go the wrong way!
RELATED POST: How To Climb Snowdon From The Pen Y Pass Snowdon Route! My Favourite Route!
2. Go Glamping in Snowdonia
There are so many great glamping spots in Snowdonia which give you a base to see more of the area from and although we live in Manchester and are just 2 hours from Snowdonia, it is always nice to stay overnight and wake up in the mountains!
My husband and I stayed in this glamping tent close to the coast and was only 1 of 2 tents in the field, and we stayed in this yurt with my 2 stepsons the following year which had a hot tub, a private field and amazing views!
3. Sleep in the Worlds Deepest Hotel!
Yes, there is a ‘hotel’ deep, deep underground in Snowdonia, 1375ft / 419m to be precise and this is the lowest place in the world you can sleep!
To get there you journey down an abandoned slate mine with a guide and the other guests who will be staying that night, after a few hours you’ll see you home for the night and you might be surprised by how nice the cabin rooms actually are!
Your evening meal and breakfast in the morning are included before you make your way back up and out of the mine! So epic! For more info and to book check out Go Below’s Website, and some of my favourite travel YouTubers Travel Beans made a video of their experience here!
4. Take the Snowdon Mountain Railway
Is there a way to reach the top of Snowdon without walking?? Yes!
The Snowdon Mountain Railway offers one of the best experiences in Snowdonia! It will whisk you up from the village of Llanberis up the side of Mount Snowdon with multiple stops a long the way. One popular way to do it is to take the train to the top and then hike back down. I say hike because it is still a steep hike and requires walking boots and preparation, it’s not a walk in the park back down but it’s a good halfway option and one of the good things to do for families in Snowdonia.
5. Ride the Welsh Highland Railway
Talking of trains.. Hop aboard the Ffestiniog Railway or the Welsh Highland Railway for a delightful steam train journey through the stunning Snowdon scenery, one of the cool things to do in Snowdonia.
If you fancy a bit of history, the Ffestiniog Railway boasts the world’s oldest narrow-gauge track, chugging along for almost 200 years and marking it as one of the top things to do in Snowdonia. Picture majestic steam trains winding through hills, tunnels, and meadows, making a 13.5-mile journey from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
6. Waterfall Chase at Aber Falls
For a great day out in Snowdonia with kids, check out Aber Falls! It’s a pretty easy 30-45 minute walk from the car park to the waterfalls which cascade over 120 feet into the boulder-strewn pool below!
And you don’t just visit for the waterfall, the walk leading there is lovely with plenty of different paths for the kids to explore and spaces to rest and have a picnic. Make sure you read this guide to Aber Falls before going!
7. Go Horse Riding with Snowdonia Riding Stables
One of the favourite things we’ve done in Snowdonia is go riding with Snowdonia Riding Stables! They offer lots of different types of rides from 1 hour to full day hacks through the mountains.
Their horses and ponies are good for all levels so don’t worry about this and horse back a great way to see Snowdonia so get this added to your Snowdonia itinerary!
8. Kayak or Paddleboard on Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn, a glacially formed lake in Snowdonia North Wales, provides clear, calm waters ideal for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts of water sports. Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding on the lake with views of the surrounding ancient woodlands and the majestic Mt. Snowdon!
The lake’s large size ensures plenty of space for exploration, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape into nature. With equipment rentals readily available, this activity promises one of the fun things to do in Snowdonia!
9. Explore the Picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed
Often hailed as the ‘gateway to Snowdonia National Park’, the village of Betws-y-Coed is a great place to start your Snowdonia explorations.
Nestled in a valley this picturesque village is surrounded by dense forests and mountains. Betws-y-Coed is not just a scenic delight but also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and climbing spots and one of the popular places to explore from here is Fairy Glen, a ravine framed by trees through which the River Conwy flows. It’s a nice enjoyable walk from the village for all the family and you can see more info on how to see Fairy Glen here.
The village itself is a charming blend of stone-built cottages, quaint shops, and cozy cafes, making it a perfect rest stop for travellers exploring Snowdonia.
Want to stay in the heart of Snowdonia?? Check out the best Snowdonia hotels here!
10. Wild Swim in the Watkins Path Waterfalls
There are a number of wild swimming spots in Snowdonia and whilst the Watkins Path Waterfalls are no longer a secret, you may be lucky and get them to yourselves!
Located along the Watkins Path which eventually takes you to the top of Mount Snowdon you’ll find a unique opportunity to cool off in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush scenery.
The walk takes 20-30 minutes from the car park through some woodland so on a hot day, you’ll be ready for the pools! Make sure you read this full guide to swimming in the Watkins Path Waterfalls as this is one of the very cool things to do in Snowdonia.. quite literally!
11. Take on Europe’s Longest Zip Line @ Zip World
Zip World have a number of locations in Snowdonia National Park and I’m going to tell you my favourite activities in Snowdonia next but let’s start with a record breaker..
Penrhyn Slate Quarry offers the world’s fastest, and Europe’s longest zip line! It’s called Velocity and features four parallel lines spanning almost a mile over the lake below!
Not only does it offer a unique and thrilling experience but a great way to appreciate the stunning slate landscape of North Wales making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the fun things to do in Snowdonia!
If this sounds too much for you, have a go at their newest addition – Aero Explorer which myself, my husband and stepson went on recently and loved!
For a smaller zip line, there’s also Quarry Flyer offering 2 zip lines of 110 and 200 meters. These zip lines give epic views of the countryside and slate quarry below but are ideal child friendly activities in Snowdonia!
And finally, at the same site Penrhyn Quarry, if you don’t fancy flying through the air, you can book Quarry Karts, an obstacle-filled 3 kilometre slate track!
12. Bounce & Play Golf in a Disused Mine @ Zip World
We recently had a lot of fun at Zip World Llechwedd where we went trampolining in a disused mine! The whole Bounce Below experience was totally surreal, being on slides and bouncing around in what feels like a hidden underground adventure offering fun for adults and kids alike!
This site also has other activities like Underground Golf – a 18 hole mini golf course underground in a cave, a great activity for younger children! A Deep Mine Tour to learn more about the mines but also challenge yourself because of the depths you’ll visit in the mine, And something rather unique to do in Snowdonia is a what was Europe’s first four-person zip line – Titan Zip Line, providing a thrill for all the family!
13. Let the Kids Treetop Hop @ Zip World
Zip World in Snowdonia isn’t all about thrilling activities, they do offer more gentle fun too, especially in their Betws-y-Coed site where they have Treetop Nets for kids and Tree Hoppers assault course, perfect for kids to ease their way into zip lines and treetop adventure!
14. Discoverer Snowdonia’s Slate History
Dive into the fascinating world of Wales’ slate industry at Llanberis and Blaenau Ffestiniog – two key players in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the North Wales slate landscape. Back in the day, Wales was the slate production superstar during the Victorian era.
Today, only a fraction of that hustle remains, but the remnants – slag heaps, ruined buildings, and massive quarries – tell a captivating tale, making one of the things to do in Snowdonia with kids to teach them about the past.
Visit the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, tucked under the impressive Dinorwig slate quarry. It’s like stepping back into the quarry’s heyday.
15. Dinorwig Quarry Walk
For one of the free things to do in Snowdonia and a nice walk with rewarding views without being a big mountain hike, I recommend Dinorwig Quarry Walk.
We had a great afternoon hiking here last year. We parked up in Llanberis main car park and headed straight into the forest between the two lakes here. If you search for Dinorwig Quarry on Google maps, you’ll find it easily.
We were so surprised by what we saw here. There are lots of old mining buildings within the forest, also known as the Anglesey Barracks as workers from Angelesey used to stay here. Dali’s Hole is a lake right at the top of the mountain and forest which you can walk to and then you can head over into the footpaths through the old Quarry.
On google it’s hard to see where to go, but trust me when you are there there are many places for walking here, with amazing views of the Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in front, and you can pair it well with the National Slate Museum mentioned above.
16. Drive the breathtaking Llanberis Pass
Talking of best drives and best views in Snowdonia, drive the spectacular Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia National Park.
No need for hiking boots and dry weather; start your journey in Llanberis and cruise up the valley, surrounded by boulders, as you ascend to the 359-meter summit at Pen-y-Pass. It’s a bit tight, with Snowdon towering on one side and the Glyderau massif on the other, but the views are otherworldly and it makes you realise, you don’t need to travel away from the UK to see incredible mountains!
As you pass Pen-y-Pass, the landscape opens up on the way to Beddgelert, revealing glorious views of Snowdon’s summit and the scenic waters of Llyn Gwynant. There’s no road in Snowdonia quite like this – it’s your front-row ticket to breathtaking views, solidifying its place among the best things to do in Snowdonia.
17. Visit North Wales Italian Village – Portmeirion
Take a whimsical day trip to Portmeirion – the Welsh village that’s more like a slice of Italy than a part of the Snowdonia landscape. Created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis over five decades, it has pastel-colored houses, grand cupolas, and church towers surrounding a central green with a giant chessboard.
This is one of the places to visit in Snowdonia that is a favourite of visitors and locals, and even served as the backdrop for ‘The Prisoner’ series and several ‘Doctor Who’ episodes in the ’60s.
You can join a tour or just meander through the charming streets at your own pace, soaking in the peninsula views like I did the other summer. Visitors can also opt to stay overnight at one of the many on-site accommodation options, or dine at one of their top-rated restaurants.
RELATED POST: Ultimate GUIDE to Visiting Portmeirion & Things to Do in Portmeirion. A Slice of Italy in North Wales!
18. Lunch at the ‘Ugly House Tearoom’
If you’re looking for good food in Snowdonia, you’ll be pleased to know there are many culinary delights in Snowdonia which make up some of the best restaurants in North Wales!
For a snack or bite for lunch, I recommend passing by what is known as ‘Ugly House Tearoom‘.. yes really! It’s also known as Ty Hyll and you might find this name easier go Google Maps!
The thing is, it’s not ugly at all, it’s incredibly charming and historic but the name comes from one of many Welsh myths and tales! Grab a scone with jam and cream or a sandwich or soup, and sit outside in the garden if you can. Afterwards you can explore the trails that go around the back of the cafe into the woodland and it makes for a great stop with little ones.
19. Lake Llyn Ogwen Circluar Walk
Lake Llyn Ogwen in Snowdonia is one of the park’s picture-perfect hidden gem. This valley has some of the best views in North Wales, where the region’s most epic craggy mountains meet deep lakes.
Whilst there are some big challenging hikes around here that I’ll get onto next, there is a nice circular walk around Llyn Ogwen which you can follow using this guide. It’s less than 5 km and will take 1-2 hours depending on your speed and how much you stop to admire the views!
This is one of the great walks in Snowdonia making up one of the best things to do in Snowdonia!
20. Scramble up Mount Tryfan
Tryfan is Wales’ 14th highest peak and whilst this might not sound like a challenge.. it is! There’s only one way to describe the way to get to the top of Tryfan and that’s to Scramble! You’ll need to use your hands a lot to get to this peak.
I did this hike a few years ago, we went a little wrong but I’ve corrected it after research in my guide to hiking Tryfan here which is aimed at people who aren’t used to climbing, to climb Tryfan!
Mount Snowdon gets incredibly busy so if you want to avoid the crowds and over tourism, take on the Tryfan challenge instead… or Cadair Idris below..
21. Forget Snowdon and Hike Cadair Idris
For the avid hiker seeking an exhilarating adventure, dedicate a day to conquering the summit of nearby Cadair Idris, one of the best walks in North Wales! On a clear day, the sweeping views extend down the entire Welsh coast, offering a stunning panorama of the Cambrian coastline.
This hike isn’t as high as Mount Snowdon but Mount Snowdon get’s so many visitors these days, especially on weekends and bank holidays with nice weather that it’s good to do a less popular walk in Snowdonia but it’s not a walk in the park either and the views from up here will not disappoint! Check out this guide to doing the Cadair Idris Circular Hike!
22. Enjoy the White Sands of Harlech Bay
Do you think of coastline when you think of Snowdonia? Maybe not but the area of Snowdonia National Park does reach the West Coast of Wales.
Harlech is a beloved spot for visitors in Snowdonia, with a 4-mile stretch of sand and plenty of seaside cafes and restaurants. I was so surprised when I first visited this beach to be greeted by soft white sand on a beach backed by sand dunes, you can go for a gentle walk here for miles and let the kids play in the sand.
Beach vibes aside, Harlech is also great for nature. The Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve boasts one of Britain’s most happening dune systems, home to rare butterflies, moths, bees, and a bird symphony featuring skylarks, stonechats, and ringed plovers, and Harlech’s main attraction is Harlech Castle sits on a crag just behind the beach showing off medieval turrets and towers in a UNESCO World Heritage Site glory.
23. Drive on a Beach at Black Rock Sands
This stands out as my husbands favourite Snowdonia attraction (side from Mount Snowdon)! Being able to take your car onto a huge beach is a really unique and fun thing to do at Black Rock Sands in Morfa Bychan, also known as Wales’ only ‘drive on’ beach!
Despite the name, Black Rock Sands actually has yellow-colored sands, dotted with rock pools and headland caves to explore during low tide. It’s a hidden gem, just a breezy ten-minute drive from Porthmadog. Be warned you’re technically not allowed to do donuts here… but it depends who’s watching. You need to pay about £5 to access the beach but if you get stuck.. someone will help you get out so it’s worth paying just in case!
24. Chill at the Mountain Gateway of Llanberis
You don’t need to hike up mountains and do big activities to enjoy Snowdonia, especially if the weather is bad.. just head to the charming village of Llanberis known as the adventure hub of the North.
With its quaint streets and a sprinkle of Welsh magic and lots of independent cafes, you can enjoy North Wales here. Pete’s Eats is one of the popular places to go for food and there are plenty of things to do in Llanberis to keep you entertained.
25. Go Mountain-biking at Coed y Brenin
Looking for another one of the thrilling things to do in Snowdonia? Coed y Brenin is mountain bike haven in Wales with a backdrop of ancient forests and lots of trails to choose from. Whether you’re a pro seeking a speed rush or a newbie testing the trail waters, this woodland wonderland guarantees a ride fun for all the family and you can hire a hike from local companies like this!
26. Indoor Rock Climbing at Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre
Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia and between some epic mountains Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre has newly refurbished climbing and bouldering walls, great for one of the indoor things to do in Snowdoinia.
The centre also offers more than just climbing, it’s a great day out for outdoor enthusiasts because they offer a range of courses from from climbing cliffs to kayaking to help people learn and sharpen skills.
27. Stargaze
Eryri National Park is one of 18 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world and Go Stargazing gives lots of stargazing locations in Snowdonia on their website along with the best time to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Snowdonia National Park at night.
I hope this post has helped you with ideas for things to do in Snowdonia and the top Snowdonia attractions!
- For more of my Wales posts see:
- 12 BEST Places To Visit in Anglesey, North Wales
- 10 BEST Beaches in North Wales & Most Beautiful Beaches in North Wales!
- 14 of the BEST Restaurants in North Wales. Your Guide to Dining in North Wales!
- 18 LUSH Things To Do in Wales in Spring! Get Outside & Enjoy Spring in Wales!
- 14 BEST Things To Do in Wales in Winter & How To Visit Wales in Winter!
- 48 Places To Visit in Wales To See Beautiful Places in Wales!