Laura
28 April 2022
Eryri / Snowdonia is well known for its majestic mountains, most notably Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon which has the highest peak in England and Wales!
This pretty part of Wales is an amazing national park, home to an impressive 14 peaks over 3,000 feet in height.
Amongst all this natural beauty, there are also plenty of other Snowdonia attractions to keep all entertained.
We’ve rounded up our top 10 Snowdonia attractions to get you started on your next big adventure in Wales!
Skip to:
Refresh after a busy day exploring at one of these wonderful Snowdonia restaurants. Take a look at our complete guide to Snowdonia and discover even more inspiration for your next adventure.
Stay with us to enjoy this magical region and enjoy all these exciting Snowdonia attractions.
Snowdonia holiday cottages
Snowdonia / Eryri National Park & Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon
One of the many top things to do in Snowdonia is go hiking and wildlife spotting. The world-renowned Snowdonia National Park covers some 823 square miles and extends inland from the coast so you get to experience a truly diverse landscape.
Home to the 15 mountains in Wales known as the Welsh 3000s for having a height of over 3,000 feet, you’ll be in for a challenge and an extra-special treat when it comes to mountain vistas and peak photo opportunities!
Take a look at our guide to Snowdonia mountains for even more marvellous mountain inspiration.
The route to the top of Snowdon is understandably popular with hikers and rock climbers due to the mesmerising rugged mountain scenery. Snowdonia's beautiful beaches and vast valleys are also very popular hiking destinations.
You’ll also find scenic Snowdonia villages, lovely lakes, wonderful watersports, exhilarating Snowdonia activities and much more in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park.
An adventure in Snowdonia National Park
Zip World Fforest
If it’s an exhilarating Snowdonia attraction you’re after then at the edge of Snowdonia you’ll find Zip World Fforest for all your adventure needs. With plenty of thrills, Zip World is high on the list of entertainment in Snowdonia.
In an idyllic woodland setting, you can ride the UK’s only alpine coaster, the toboggan-style Fforest Coaster. This unbeatable adrenaline experience offers thrilling twists and turns as you speed past trees down the rails as fast, or as slow, as you like!
Aim high and enjoy the view from the high ropes courses. The exhilarating Zip Safari 2 takes you right up into the tree canopy and features 21 zip lines and 17 additional elements including rope bridges, netting, balance boards and a treetop surfboard! Mini adventurers can enjoy the Tree Hoppers assault course, an ideal introduction to thrilling outdoor rope courses.
Kids from the age of 3 (with their big kid adults) can enjoy Treetop Nets, a giant bouncy net adventure in the treetops where little ones can burn off their energy in the great outdoors. They’ll just love bouncing, hopping, jumping, sliding and discovering their way around the treehouses and slides dotted around this glorious natural setting.
Soar through the air and experience the thrill of Europe’s highest giant swing, Skyride 2. Drop 80ft alone or with friends in a stunning position overlooking the Conwy Valley. Plummet 2 takes you on the world’s first tandem drop, experience a breathtaking 100-foot tower with a thrilling trapdoor drop!
After all your Zip World Forest adventures, refuel and recharge at one of the cafes that serve hot and cold food and a delightful selection of drinks.
Nearby Snowdonia Zip World attractions also include the Zip World Llecwedd site for slate mine adventures that include Bounce Below, a giant underground net adventure! Jump, bounce and slide your way through a disused mine.
There's also Zip World Penrhyn Quarry where you can ride the world’s fastest zip line and fly 500 metres above a bright blue quarry lake on the thrilling Velocity 2.
The National Slate Museum
One of the best free Snowdonia attractions is the fascinating National Slate Museum.
Located in the old Victorian workshops at a quarry in the shadow of the enchanting Elidir Mountain, the National Slate Museum tells the fascinating story of the Welsh slate industry.
Exhibitions have included “The Slate Landscape of North West Wales - a bid for World Heritage Status”. This exhibition detailed how the slate landscape of North West Wales became the UK’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Achieving World Heritage Status highlights the area as an important cultural landscape alongside iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China and Stonehenge!
Snowdonia waterfalls
With its diverse landscape, it’s unsurprising that the Snowdonia National Park is filled with plenty of wonderful waterfalls.
All of these whimsical waterfall attractions in Snowdonia make idyllic destinations for a magical stroll and are high on the list of special Snowdonia places to visit.
Some of the best waterfalls in Snowdonia include:
- Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed - the tallest continuous waterfall in Wales.
- Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn - one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Snowdonia.
- Conwy Falls, Pentrefoelas - also known as Fairy Glenn and famed for its magical stories of dancing fairies and fairy-tale stories.
- Ogwen Falls, Betws-y-Coed - an immense chain of wonderful Welsh waterfalls.
- Afon Cwm Llan Falls, Beddgelert - a hiker highlight on the route to the summit of Snowdon.
Snowdonia waterfalls
Betws-y-Coed and The Ugly House
Fantastic forest walks, sublime scenery and amazing adventure are to be found in the gateway to Snowdonia!
Betws-y-Coed has a beautiful alpine setting surrounded by the dense Gwydyr Forest. You’ll just love discovering the wonderful nearby waterfalls, lakes and natural springs.
Near Betws-y-Coed, you'll also find the famous Ty Hyll, also known as The Ugly House! Far from ugly, in reality, this pretty stone cottage is steeped in history. Legend has it that the house was swiftly built overnight in the 15th century!
Another legend is that The Ugly House was built by robbers and thieves who would rob travellers as they journeyed through Snowdonia, giving the little house its name - the ‘ugly’ people that gave the house its fearsome reputation.
These days, it is home to a cute tearoom serving a refreshing blend of quality homemade food with friendly service.
Betws-y-Coed cottages
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Hop aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway and ride the unforgettable scenic journey up Snowdon on one of the world's steepest (and most popular) railway inclines.
Llanberis Station is where you’ll start your epic journey up Snowdon and a warm Welsh welcome awaits. Soak up the sights of pretty Llanberis, relax and take in the views of the surrounding mountains.
Pick up a treat at the gift shop which has a selection of authentic Welsh products including locally crafted ales and spirits, souvenirs, clothing and Celtic jewellery.
Refresh at the Station Buffet and Platform Grill with a tasty choice of hot and cold snacks, drinks, cakes and even a scoop or two (or three) of ice cream from the vintage ice cream tram.
Portmeirion
For a taste of Italy in Wales, the enchanting Portmeirion on the edge of Snowdonia National Park is a must-see.
Created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, his creative vision for an Italianate-style peninsula village resulted in this delightfully colourful coastal Snowdonia attraction.
Set amid wonderful woodlands and gorgeous sub-tropical gardens, you’ll find some of the most picturesque views in Wales at Portmeirion.
As well as the spectacular scenery, you’ll also find unique gift shops and amazing places to dine, from cute cafes and coffee shops to a 1950s-style bar and an Italian gelateria.
Snowdonia villages & towns
National White Water Centre
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting in Snowdonia National Park!
The National White Water Rafting Centre will take you on an adventure along 9km of a natural river, the only commercially rafted stretch of water in the UK that compares to white-water rafting worldwide!
Ride the raging natural rapids on the beautiful River Tryweryn for a day to remember! There is a range of options and levels to be enjoyed from taster sessions to a rafting safari!
Why not try some canyoning and real river adventure? Go off-site to a local gorge and test your nerve as you climb, scramble, slide and swim your way downstream this exciting river in beautiful Snowdonia.
Llyn Tegid / Bala Lake
The historic market town of Bala lies within the Snowdonia National Park and is home to a vibrant culture and heritage.
Bala is an adventurer's paradise with plenty to explore from magnificent mountains and fantastic forests to wonderful waterfalls and most notably, Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake).
The 4-mile lake is Wales’ largest natural lake and home to a plethora of water sports including sailing, canoeing, kayaking and even trout fishing.
There are also a number of dedicated swimming areas for families, along with gentle scenic walks and trails which are also popular with families.
Conwy Castle
Captivating Conwy Castle dominates the surrounding skyline, competing with the rugged Snowdonia mountains in the background, what a sight!
Exceptionally well preserved, this dominating castle has a medieval atmosphere about it and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time during your visit.
Discover a grand interior of great halls, royal chambers and private chapels. Take a breath and admire the mesmerising views from the battlefields overlooking the remarkable Conwy Estuary.
Snowdonia castles
Stay in Snowdonia
Experience these special Snowdonia attractions with a stay in one of our handpicked holiday cottages sprinkled across this beautiful area of the world.
From family retreats to cosy romantic boltholes and celebration spaces, you’re sure to find your next base for an adventure in Snowdonia with us.
Snowdonia holiday cottages
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.