Scenic Snowdonia villages and towns

Scattered in and around North Wales’s outstanding Eryri / Snowdonia National Park, these scenic Snowdonia villages and towns have plenty to offer. From magical mountain and river walks to magnificent castles and cycle paths, this is one of the prettiest places in Wales. 

Outdoor adventurers and nature seekers will love exploring the vastness of North Wales before retreating back to a cosy cottage to refresh and refuel. 

Luxury Snowdonia cottages

Eryri / Snowdonia villages

We've put together a list of our favourite Snowdonia villages just for you to begin dreaming of your next magical break in Wales.

Betws-y-Coed

Fresh air, forest walks, wonderful scenery, adventure and nature await you in the gateway to Snowdonia!

Magical Betws-y-Coed has a distinctly alpine setting which is enhanced by the dense surroundings of Gwydyr Forest. Lovers of the outdoors will also love the nearby waterfalls, lakes and natural springs. The English name is the lovely translation of the Prayer House in the Wood. There are some fantastic Snowdonia restaurants to discover so you can rest and refresh here too.  

Test your nerve on the ultimate underground adventure with Go Below, where you can journey through a mountain via a series of exciting and adventurous challenges. Zip-line through caverns, traverse a vast abyss, scale a wonderful waterfall, or abseil down to the UK’s deepest point!

Betws-y-Coed cottages

Caernarfon

This bustling market town is home to a busy port - an ideal location to sit and watch the world go by. Take a trip to the lovely waterfront, perfect for a stroll and a bite to eat with fabulous views over the Menai Strait.

Caernarfon Castle with its imposingly high walls and World Heritage status is one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, sitting neatly on the banks of the River Seiont. A brute of a 13th-century fortress, Caernarfon Castle was more recently made famous as the site for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and 1969.

Take a look at our guide to the top Snowdonia restaurants and pubs for some foodie inspiration to refresh during your adventures in Snowdonia.  

Caernarfon cottages

Llanberis

Packed with wonderful Snowdonia attractions and set in a wonderful lakeside location at the foot of Wales’s highest and most instagrammable mountain in the UK, Mount Snowdon, Llanberis is the place to go for outdoor adventure. 

Enjoy a historical train ride through the unspoilt landscape from Llanberis town to the top of Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon for a trip to remember forever. Llanberis also offers some amazing climbing, mountaineering and inland diving. Adventure seekers can also enjoy the nearby attractions of Zip World and Ropeworks Active, guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping!

Beddgelert

This popular picturesque riverside village can be found in the heart of the world-class Snowdonia National Park. Its stone buildings and spectacular surroundings set the scene for a picture-perfect trip. 

Beddgelert is an ideal base for exploring some classic beauty spots, such as Aberglaslyn Pass, Nant Gwynant, and, of course, Mount Snowdon. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also head underground at the Victorian Sygun Copper Mine, a popular and exciting family attraction. 

Beddgelert is also one of the stops on the Welsh Highland Railway; hop on and discover some of Snowdonia’s most spectacular scenery. 

Aberdovey

Lovely Aberdovey, or Aberdyfi in Welsh, is a thriving harbour resort, set within the Snowdonia National Park where the River Dyfi meets the clear blue waters of Cardigan Bay. 

Water babies will love it here as it’s water sports galore, with sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, fishing and boat trips aplenty. Bask in the glory of the beautiful beaches and see if you can get a hole-in-one at the championship golf course! 

Stroll around the peaceful village and its glorious galleries and shops, before stopping to refresh with a delicious ice cream or cream tea at one of the fabulously quaint cafes.

Aberdovey cottages

Towns in Snowdonia

These magical towns in Snowdonia will have you dreaming of your next escape in wonderful Wales.

Barmouth

Barmouth is a thriving seaside holiday resort in Wales where the mountains meet the sea. On one side lies a beautiful beach, while magnificent mountains sit on the other side. 

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Barmouth, from exploring spectacular slate mines and hopping onto heritage steam trains, to conquering castles, discovering great gardens, and being amazed at the prehistoric monuments.

Enjoy browsing the local shops before stopping to refresh at one of the wonderful restaurants or pubs in this scenic seaside town.

Barmouth cottages

Conwy

Conwy is a picture-perfect walled market town and World Heritage Site with an imposing 13th-century castle. There’s a quaint harbour to explore, quayside pubs to sit and enjoy the world go by whilst sipping on a refreshing beverage, magical boat tours around the coast, the smallest house in Britain (Quay House), and the revolutionary Telford suspension bridge to admire.

Conwy Castle is just one of the many spectacular castles in Wales. It is majestically perched up high on a rock and has the magnificent backdrop of Snowdonia. This foreboding fortification has an indisputably magical feel fit for any king or queen, with breathtaking views overlooking the fantastic Conwy estuary. 

Conwy cottages

Bala

The historic market town of Bala lies within the Snowdonia National Park, surrounded by the rural region of Penllyn, with its vibrant culture and heritage. 

Bala is also home to magnificent mountains, deep valleys, fantastic forests, beautiful waterfalls, and plenty of rivers and lakes: an adventurer's paradise! Keen walkers will love Bala for its trails that include heritage, town and lake walks. Cyclists are in good company here too thanks to its wonderful waymarked bike routes.

Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is Wales’ largest natural lake. Whether it’s sailing, canoeing, wild swimming or trout fishing, you’ll find your special place here.

Harlech

Harlech is a historic seaside resort with spectacular landscapes and a fantastic selection of unique local shops and independent cafes and restaurants to choose from after a day full of adventures. 

Walkers will love discovering the range of stunning scenery here, from forest adventures to mountain climbs, coastal path discoveries, and beach strolls. 

Wales is well known for its spectacular collection of castles, Harlech Castle being one such fine example, known for being considered by UNESCO as one of “the finest examples of late 13th-century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe” - not only that but it is also classed as a World Heritage Site.

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Known as the ‘slate capital of the world’, Blaenau Ffestiniog is understandably a historic mining town and UNESCO World Heritage site.

An outdoor adventurer's dream, this Snowdonia town is set within the national park's heart, close to rugged mountains, fantastic lakes and world-class walking and cycling trails. 

Take a memorable day out at Llechwedd Slate Caverns and ride the first four-person zip-line in Europe! Or take a trip to the all-weather underground adventures of Bounce Below and Zip World Caverns!

Stay in Snowdonia

If we’ve left you longing for the mountains and pretty places in Wales then you’re in luck! Browse our collection of luxury cottages in Snowdonia and find your favourite place, be it tucked away in the magnificent mountains, nestled in a bustling town, perfectly placed within the heart of a quaint village, or set on the beachfront of this fantastic coastline. 

Our luxury cottages are perfect for families, couples, groups, and not forgetting those looking for a dog-friendly holiday in this special part of the world. 

Luxury Snowdonia cottages