Sarah P
20 January 2021
An extraordinary national park and one of the prettiest places in Wales, Eryri / Snowdonia has a unique and diverse landscape brimming with exciting things to do. Boasting the highest peak in England and Wales, an enchanting mix of rural mountain and coastal scenery, and lots of quirky villages and towns, it’s a fascinating place to explore. Refresh at one of the fabulous Eryri / Snowdonia restaurants after a busy day exploring this well-known destination for adventure. You’ll be sure to never get bored in Eryri / Snowdonia.
We’ve put together this handy guide to provide you with a wealth of useful insights to help plan your Eryri / Snowdonia holiday, whether this will be your first visit or you’re looking for something new to try.
If you’d like to skip straight to Eryri / Snowdonia cottages, tap the button below to be taken to our full collection.
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📍 Where is Snowdonia / Eryri National Park?
🥾 Things to do
🛶 Activities to try
⛪ Attractions to visit
⛰️ Mountains to climb
🌟 Night skies to explore
🥘 Places to eat
🏡 Places to stay
Where is Snowdonia Eryri / National Park?
Located in the North of Wales, Snowdonia / Eryri National Park spans 823 square miles, from Conwy in the north to Aberdyfi in the south. As well as the vast mountain ranges, the national park also takes in 200 miles of coastline, alpine forest, beautiful lakes and several fascinating towns and villages. Betws-y-Coed is considered as the Gateway to Snowdonia with plenty of shops, restaurants, and accommodation.
Snowdonia / Eryri National Park Map
Things to do in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
A destination that is known for its outdoor adventures, adrenaline-fuelled activities and breathtaking scenery, there is no shortage of things to do in Snowdonia National Park. Attracting visitors from far and wide, and welcoming everyone from couples and their dogs to large families and groups of friends, there is something for everyone to love.
3 things you have to do in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
Chase waterfalls – often romantic, packed with myth and legend, and hidden away in the wilds of the national park, seek out beautiful waterfalls in Wales.
Climb a mountain – home to the highest mountain in Wales, it goes without saying that one of the most popular things to do in Snowdonia is to conquer a mountain!
Discover magical castles – with over 600 castles in Wales, it’s not surprising that you’ll find a variety of majestic fortresses and ancient ruins in Snowdonia and North Wales.
There's so much more to do in Snowdonia, tap the button below to discover more...
Activities to try in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
With a growing reputation as the adventure capital of Europe, you will find a plethora of activities suitable for every taste and ability. Discover family adventures by kayak, get your next adrenaline fix on a mountain scramble or go in search of your next cross-country walking route. Whatever you're looking for, we promise that you’ve found the ultimate destination for outdoor activities.
3 activities to try in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
Wild swimming – live life on the wild side and take an exhilarating dip in some of the wildest waters in Wales.
Zip World – soar at 100mph, 1555 meters above Penryhn Quarry on the world's fastest zip line.
Kayaking & canoeing – from extreme white waters to peaceful lakes at the foot of Snowdonia’s highest mountain.
These are just three of the fantastic activities on offer in Snowdonia National Park; tap the button below for more ideas...
Attractions to visit
Aside from the natural phenomenon of waterfalls and mountains, Snowdonia also lays claim to a range of attractions and days out for children and adults alike. Gain an insight into the slate and copper mining heritage of North Wales, take a train ride through the mountains, experience a thrill at adrenaline-pumping activity centres and enjoy days out with the children that will create lasting memories of your Snowdonia holiday.
3 Eryri / Snowdonia attractions to add to your list
The National Slate Museum – in the shadows of towering slate mountains, take a step back in time at this insightful and interactive museum in Llanberis.
Snowdon Mountain Railway – for those who want to take a gentler ascent to the top of Snowdon, this unique journey promises incredible views.
Electric Mountain – take a unique underground tour of Dinorwig Power Station, an incredible feat of engineering inside Elidir mountain.
Snowdonia attractions
Mountains to climb in Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
Whatever your ability, there’s sure to be a mountain in Snowdonia you can conquer. Whether you’re a seasoned scrambler, you’ve set yourself a challenge, or you’re seeking a new adventure, the Snowdonia mountain range is a destination like no other. Not only is it home to Wales’ highest and most popular Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon, but it also lays claim to the country’s 15 mountains known as the Welsh 3000s, each with a height of over 3,000 feet.
3 mountain climbs to try in Eryri / Snowdonia
Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon – it might be the country’s highest, but it’s not the most difficult to climb, with some families even attempting it with children.
Glyder Fawr / Glyder Fach – one for the photographers, this pair of peaks offers two of Wales' most unique summits.
Cader Idris – one of the 'Wales three peaks' - an event which involves climbers taking on three mountains in Wales in a 24-hour period.
Discover more beautiful mountains in Snowdonia to explore in the full guide...
Night skies to explore
Snowdonia was honoured with International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2015, and with just 12 of these in the world, that’s quite an accolade. On a clear night in Snowdonia, it’s possible to see the Milky Way, all major constellations, nebulas and shooting stars.
Places to eat in Eryri / Snowdonia
Tucked away among mountains and valleys are Snowdonia's first-class pubs, restaurants and other places to eat.
To fuel the climb: Caffi Gwynant - with the backdrop of Wales' iconic mountain peak, it’s well worth stopping off for a meal before or after you climb Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon. Tuck into a hearty breakfast or lunch to fuel your adventures.
For fine dining and local ingredients: Signatures Restaurant - set on the North Wales coast, expect decadent dishes such as the duo of Welsh beef with horseradish pomme puree, and root vegetable gratin in red wine jus – delicious!
For a traditional taste: Ty Gwyn - a former coaching inn set deep in a valley in Snowdonia. Expect local favourites such as grilled Pen Loyn Farm lamb fillet with brie, asparagus and Parma ham or fresh steamed Conwy mussels!
Take a delicious look at our guide to the top Snowdonia restaurants for more foodie inspiration.
Places to stay in Eryri / Snowdonia
When you’re ready to rest your feet and relax, we have a stunning selection of Snowdonia cottages that are perfect for unwinding in.
Gilar House, Betws-Y-Coed – sleeps 10, 2 dogs
Set in 500 acres of farmland with stunning ancient woodland, mountains, lakes and unrivalled views. This stunning home exudes period charm with quirky staircases, exposed beams and stone filling the cosy interior. The multiple roaring fireplaces throughout provide a few perfect spots for relaxing after a day outdoors.
Maes Yr Hendre, Conwy Valley – sleeps 8, 2 dogs
This delightful cottage is near the traditional walled market town of Conwy and historic Llandudno, appealing to nature lovers and active families. A traditional stone cottage, it also has the addition of a bubbling hot tub to relax in with rural panoramas. Wind down on the super comfy sofas and tuck into a hearty home-cooked meal in the spacious kitchen.
Cappele Cottage, Betws-Y-Coed – sleeps 4, 2 dogs
This stunning, romantic home is nestled away in a beautiful Welsh valley. Perfect for smaller groups, this two-bedroom abode is close to the adventure training mecca of Betws-y-Coed and the craft-centric town of Ruthin – giving you the ability to experience excitement and culture. Close to idyllic restaurants and the fabulous Zip World Caverns, there is something suitable for everyone, and the enclosed garden means that even your four-legged friend can join you too!
Book a Eryri / Snowdonia cottage
Are you blown away by the beauty of Snowdonia National Park? You just wait until you see it in person! We hope our guide has provided you with lots of insider knowledge to help plan a Snowdonia holiday you’ll always remember.
Ready to book? See the full Snowdonia cottage collection to find the perfect retreat, whether it’s hidden in the mountains, nestled in a charming village or found on the coast. Our cottages are perfect for families, couples, groups and even those looking for a dog-friendly holiday in the mountains.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.