Things to do in Snowdonia National Park

Eryri / Snowdonia National Park is a destination for adventure, discoveries, and imagination. Home to the highest mountain in Wales, a plethora of awe-inspiring waterfalls, amazing Eryri / Snowdonia restaurants, pretty Welsh towns and villages, along with a combination of coast and countryside scenery, there are plenty of things to keep visitors from far and wide inspired in Eryri / Snowdonia. Chase waterfalls, conquer a mountain, discover beautiful castle ruins, or try your hand at one of the many thrilling activities on offer. 

We’ve highlighted some of the best things to do and places to visit in Snowdonia to inspire your stay in this beautiful national park.

Skip to...

👉 Waterfalls 

👉 Mountains

👉 Beaches

👉 Castles

👉 Activities

Go chasing waterfalls 

The undulating Eryri / Snowdonia scenery gives way to immense cascades of water, magnificent ravines, and glass-like pools of water. These unique spots provide fabulous days out and adventures for families. Often hidden away at the end of a long, rewarding walk or via a short nature trail through a wildlife-rich woodland, chasing waterfalls is a memorable thing to do in Snowdonia, whether it’s just the two of you and your canine, or with the children in tow.

Top 3 waterfalls in Eryri / Snowdonia…

Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed – a romantic spot for couples, and one of the most visited beauty spots in North Wales; take the Swallow Falls Trail through Gwydir Forest Park.

Nantcol Waterfall, Llanbedr – a favourite for families, this impressive waterfall is in a magical woodland with picnic areas, woodland trails for children and information plaques.

Watkin Path waterfall pools – popular with hikers and wild swimmers, crystal-clear waters and tumbling falls are about a third of the way up this Mount Snowdon route.

These stunning waterfalls in Snowdonia and seven more feature in our top 10 waterfalls in Snowdonia guide; tap the button below to discover even more beautiful destinations to visit…

Take an adventure through Eryri / Snowdonia’s mountains

The majestic Snowdonia / Eryri National Park is home to the 15 mountains in Wales named as the Welsh 3000s for having a height of over 3,000 feet. So there’s certainly plenty of awe-inspiring scenery, challenging hikes and breathtaking views for visitors to soak up. Many take to the Snowdonia mountains to challenge their hiking abilities with jaw-dropping scrambles and heady heights, while others take a more leisurely approach, exploring popular mountain paths, and routes through the foothills. Whatever your abilities, if climbing a mountain features on your bucket list, then there’s nowhere better to tick it off that among the mountains of Snowdonia. 

Top 3 mountains in Eryri / Snowdonia

Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon – it might be the highest mountain in Wales, but if you’re hoping to conquer a mountain with older children in tow, then the popular Llanberis is for you. 

Glyder Fawr / Flider Fach – a photographer’s dream, you'll find two of Snowdonia’s most iconic views at the summit: Castell y Gwynt and the Cantilever stone. 

Aran Fawddy – one of Snowdonia’s lesser-known mountains, the routes to the summit tend to be much quieter than those of its well-known neighbour, Cader Idris. 

This is just a taste of the incredible mountains to conquer in Snowdonia National Park, there are even more waiting in our guide to Snowdonia’s mountains…

Visit the best beaches in Eryri / Snowdonia

Days at the beach might not be what first comes to mind when planning things to do in Snowdonia, but with 200 miles of coastline, there are plenty of destinations well worth a visit when you’re in the area. The coast offers sandy beaches, rocky bays, rolling hills, protected nature reserves, coastal castles, and so much more. You can choose from popular seaside resorts where families can enjoy a traditional 'bucket and spade' day at the beach, or quiet stretches of coast where you may spot seals, dolphins and porpoises.

Top 3 Eryri / Snowdonia beaches

Harlech, Gwynedd – this huge expanse of sandy beach is great for long dog walks, wildlife-spotting, and sight-seeing, sitting in the shadows of the World Heritage Site of Harlech Castle.

Llanfairfechan, Conwy – often referred to as the ‘coastal gateway’ to Snowdonia, this delightful beach sits at the northern tip of the National Park and is a popular destination for fisherman, hikers and families.

Porth Iago, Llyn Peninsula – venture a little out of the park and to the Llyn Peninsula where you’ll discover this ‘off the beaten track’ beach, which is perfect sunbathing, swimming, and escaping the crowds.

This is just a taste of three of Snowdonia’s best beaches; head over to our guide to uncover seven more destinations to add to your list of things to do in Snowdonia...

Discover the magic of castles in Eryri / Snowdonia 

Well-known for being home to over 600 castles in Wales, Snowdonia offers a plethora of opportunities to visit ancient ruins, majestic fortresses and beautiful estates, each full to the brim with history and heritage. Snowdonia and North Wales have their fair share of destinations where you can step back in time to explore and learn of tales, myths and legends from throughout the centuries.

Top 3 castles in Eryri / Snowdonia

Conwy Castle – one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe, this exceptionally well-preserved tower offers much to explore, including the original battlefields overlooking the Conwy estuary.

Caernarfon Castle – recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, the impressive building occupies a strategic position on the banks of the River Seiont.

Dolwyddelan Castle – a majestic ruin that sits against the backdrop of remarkable Welsh mountains and pokes through the trees as you drive along the A470 from Betws-y-Coed towards Blaenau Ffestiniog.

These are just three of the best Snowdonia castles; head over to our top 10 castles in Snowdonia and North Wales for even more inspiration...

Explore the plethora of activities you can try in Eryri / Snowdonia 

Snowdonia is known as a destination popular with thrill-seekers and the adventurous tourist. As well as mountain hikes, there are a plethora of outdoor activities available – not just for the adrenaline junkies but for those who like to take it a little gentler too. You can choose from activities in Snowdonia such as rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, white water rafting and horse riding. The National Park is home to several activity centres and providers who run group experiences for adults, children and families. Booking activities in this way guarantees that you are in the hands of professionals who can not only teach you new skills, but they know the area like the back of their hand. Finally, the region is also home to a handful of leading Snowdonia attractions that offer unique experiences, such as Surf Snowdonia, Zip World and Bounce Below.

Inspired by the choice of things to do in Snowdonia National Park? Book one of our Eryri / Snowdonia cottages to set yourself at the heart of the area. Our places to stay offer everything from remote glamping hideaways to rural farmhouses and cosy cottages on the coast. See the full collection…

Do you want to learn more about holidays in Snowdonia? Discover the best activities, attractions, days out, towns and villages and places to eat in our complete guide to Eryri / Snowdonia...