Snowdonia National Park boasts some of the biggest mountains found anywhere in England and Wales, whilst the area also offers visitors the most amazing coastline, rich in sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and some glorious stretches of estuary. These include the Llŷn Peninsula, a dramatically beautiful 24-mile long strip of land which points out into the Irish Sea and also known as ‘Snowdon’s arm’.
Things to do in Snowdonia and the North
The Llŷn Coastal Path links miles of fine beaches, sheltered coves, wide open bays and towering headlands, officially designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Walkers and nature lovers are spoilt for choice. Bardsey Island is a wildlife haven and a National Nature Reserve designated by the Countryside Council for Wales. Meanwhile, the Pilgrim’s Route guides historically-focused visitors through this well-known stronghold of Welsh language, culture and religious heritage.
Top Destinations
Criccieth – A most charming seaside town, Criccieth retains its strong Victorian character, blending the best of local landmarks with amazing views across Cardigan Bay. First begun in 1230, Criccieth Castle still dominates the town, standing high on a rocky perch, and acting as a striking marker, dividing the two local beaches. As with many other remote seaside towns, Criccieth only enjoyed a rise in its prominence as a coastal resort when trains - in the form of the Cambrian Coast Railway - first arrived there in 1867.
Betws-y-Coed – Perhaps the most popular inland resort in North Wales, this is where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries, the Lledr, the Llygwy and the Machno. Outdoor activity holidays and local crafts make this pretty village a popular centre for visitors; artists have flocked to the area since the Victorian era, and the nearby Swallow Falls, surrounded by dense woodland, magnificent mountain scenery and ancient bridges, make it a particularly ideal location for visiting painters who are interested in capturing the local beauty of this fine natural landscape.
Conwy – With its amazing dark-stoned fortress castle still evoking an authentic mediaeval atmosphere, Conwy demands the attention of visitors from the moment they catch a glimpse of the skyline. Conwy Castle is seen by many as the most magnificent of all Edward I’s Welsh fortress. Situated high on a natural rock above the Conwy Estuary, the Castle builders adopted a simple design, having no need for concentric walls, with its soaring curtain walls and huge round towers making the castle an intimidating presence even in the 21st century. In addition to the castle, Conwy benefits from being a classic walled town, with the circuit of enclosing walls stretching over three quarters of a mile, guarded by 22 towns.
Anglesey – Often referred to as the garden of Wales, due to its fine, agriculturally-rich land, Anglesey has a spectacular coastline as well as an intriguing number of cycle paths and walking routes; the new Copper Trail, or Lôn Las Copr , is part of the National Cycling Network, and runs for 36-miles as a circular tour based around the historic port of Amlwch. In addition to these designated paths, almost the whole of Anglesey can be explored via a network of traffic-free trails and quiet country lanes.
Holy Island– Although joined to the rest of Anglesey by both rail and road bridges, Holy Island is an island in its own right. The historic port town of Holyhead is Anglesey’s largest town, as well as being the busiest ferry port in the Principality. St Cybi’s Church and the Roman Fort are particular highlights for visitors, in addition to the fine Maritime Museum, the Breakwater Country Park and the Ucheldre Art Centre.
Caernarfon– On the east banks - and southern end - of the Menai Straits, opposite the Isle of Anglesey, this Royal town also boasts one of the most architecturally impressive of all the castles in Wales, and although it was never intended to be as overtly powerful a symbol as some of the other fortifications built by Edward I, it was always viewed as a seat of power and a symbol of English dominance over the Welsh.
Portmadog – Known locally as ‘Port’, and to the English as Portmadoc, this small coastal town first developed as a port exporting slate to England. Built across the Glaslyn estuary, the Cob is a substantial embankment created in 1811 to reclaim land for agriculture; by 1836 the Ffestiniog Railway had adopted the embankment as part of its course, making it the main route for slate to reach the new port at Porthmadog.
Blaenau Ffestiniog – Situated in an elevated natural ‘bowl’ between the Manod and Moelwyn Mountains of Snowdonia, at the centre of the Snowdonia National Park, the town was once a centre of the Welsh slate mining industry, although tourism is now its main focus. Two quarries offer trips into the massive underground caverns that were originally carved by the slate workers, and visitors also flock to the area to take part in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking, climbing, walking and canoeing.
Colwyn Bay – With a long promenade sweeping from Old Colwyn to Penrhyn Bay, walkers and cyclists can easily enjoy the beautiful unspoilt coastline of Colwyn Bay, making it a particularly good resort for family holidays. Lovers of fishing, sailing and jet skiing are also catered for, with separate slipways located along the promenade offering easy access to the coast.
Llandudno– The largest resort in Wales is uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes, and still retains its Victorian and Edwardian elegance, whilst fully celebrating all the modern attractions it also has to offer. A 300-metre dry ski slope and toboggan run gives the town a national significance, with the Artificial Ski Championships hosted in Llandudno each year. For the less energetic, a cabin lift runs from the ornamental gardens known as the Happy Valley, and is the longest life of its kind in Great Britain.
Perfect hillside locationThis single storey holiday cottage is one of three in a perfect hillside location in the Snowdonia National Park. With wonderful views of the valley the property can be best described as in the ...
Clydfan is a delightful Grade II listed holiday cottage that sleeps up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. Overlooking the river Glaslyn, this former miner's cottage is ideally positioned in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park ...
Situated in the North West corner of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, The Lodge @ Plas y Nant is the perfect place for your relaxing holiday or short break.
Set amongst the stunning scenery of the surrounding ...
Panoramic views This attractive gables farm cottage is near the owners? quiet working farm and the rising hill above the village Penmachno, deep in the fine scenery of the Snowdonia Park, and close to the National Trust ...
Pensarn Hall, Llanbedr, Llanbedr, Harlech, Gwynedd
This magnificent 7 bedroom country house set in its own private grounds is situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, where the mountains meet the sea, we offer an idyllic and relaxing location from which to ...
... Few counties can compare with Shropshire for the sheer variety and superiority of its organic produce. A predominantly agricultural region up until the 18th Century, Shropshire's food culture continues to be dominated by regionally cultivated crops, fruit and cattle - many of which are unique to...
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This delightful terraced holiday cottage was built to house workers on the nearby Faenol Estate, and is situated in a quiet location a short stroll from the village pub, one of four within ½ mile, which serves food and a ...
Excellent touring basePart of the former home of author and poet John Cowper Powys, this cosy and well presented semi-detached miners cottage on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park dates from nearly 1850. It provides ...
Perfect hillside locationThis single storey holiday cottage is one of three in a perfect hillside location in the Snowdonia National Park. With wonderful views of the valley the property can be best described as in the ...
Perfect hillside locationThis single storey holiday cottage is one of three in a perfect hillside location in the Snowdonia National Park. With wonderful views of the valley the property can be best described as in the ...
This attractive, end terraced holiday cottage in the ancient village of Dolwyddelan retains much of its original charm with inglenook fireplace, woodburner and exposed beams. Set among the forests, mountains, rivers and ...
This well-presented cosy cottage overlooking the town walls makes an ideal holiday base for exploring all that North Wales has to offer. Just five minutes walk from the town centre and quay, the historic walled town of ...
Mountain viewsWell maintained and successfully renovated, retaining its original character combined with modern fixtures and fittings. With mountain views from the mid terraced holiday cottage, this is a climber?s, ...
Stunning viewsAn attractive character terraced cottage on a quiet side road in the small picturesque town of Bala, the area is best known for its lake and skyline views and backdrop of the Berwyn Mountain Range, that?s ...
A fine example of a character cottage, well presented with a shaker-style kitchen and cosy living area with large stove and French door leading onto an enclosed garden that boasts a decking jetty out over the river and ...
Situated within the town centre of Barmouth one of Wales? most popular coastal resorts. This stone holiday cottage is conveniently placed within easy walking distance of the shops, restaurants and beach, it provides ...
This semi-detached holiday property is tucked away beside a rushing stream in the quiet hamlet of Capelulo near Conwy. A short drive over the dramatic Sychnant Pass brings you to the historic town of Conwy with its Edward ...
Excellent touring baseA cosy terraced holiday cottage in the village of Tanygrisiau just a short distance from Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. The property has perfect views of the ...
Peaceful location with wonderful viewsSituated just outside Betws-y-Coed, in the National Trust village of Ysbyty Ifan. Vaughan Cottage, originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1880, forms part of a detached ...
Enjoying a glorious, secluded setting 4 miles from the coast on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, these charmingly refurbished, cosily heated holiday cottages (JQK and OTV) have views to the rear over the lovely ...
Countryside views This holiday cottage is one of three, on a south facing valley side surrounded by beautiful countryside in the Snowdonia National Park just outside the village of Penmachno. The view from the cottage ...
Woodburner / Private fishingThis cosy terraced holiday cottage has been renovated combining original charm and modern conveniences, nestling beside the River Dee and surrounded by the Berwyn Mountains. With original beams ...
Something for everyoneIdeal touring base A family run complex set on a working farm less than 2 miles away from the centre of Caernarfon. Parciau Farm Cottages were formerly barns, and now converted to form a row of ...
Peaceful location with wonderful viewsSituated just outside Betws-y-Coed, in the picturesque and unspoilt National Trust village of Ysbyt Ifan, Knight Cottage (Grade II listed) is the perfect holiday location. An unspoilt ...
Excellent walking area Centrally situated between the old mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and the picturesque village of Betws Y Coed, the hamlet of Dolwyddelan has plenty to offer. Enjoy the excellent walking ...
Traditional Welsh cottageThis pretty semi-detached cottage has been lovingly renovated providing charm and every facility. There is a modern kitchen, cosy living room and pleasant bedrooms. It is situated in a quiet ...
This cosy semi-detached character holiday cottage has a wonderful woodburner in the living room and French doors opening out into the pretty cottage garden. There are walks from the door, and the cottage is also situated ...
Only 1 mile from the beach These comfortable and well appointed converted farm buildings are adjacent to the owner?s residence on a working farm. Semi-detached Bodwi Isaf and detached Bodwi Bach and Bodwi Uchaf offer a ...
Only 1 mile from the beach These comfortable and well appointed converted farm buildings are adjacent to the owner?s residence on a working farm. Semi-detached Bodwi Isaf and detached Bodwi Bach and Bodwi Uchaf offer a ...
Walker?s paradiseThis modern yet cosy single storey semi-detached barn conversion is situated amidst lovely countryside between famous Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig. Enjoy scenic walks on the hills of this large working ...
This delightful terraced holiday cottage, featuring original beams, is situated in the pretty village of Capel Garmon and has stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range. Located in the Snowdonia National Park. Just 2 ...
This end of terrace, single storey holiday cottage has been lovingly restored, with a character living and dining room, and a warming woodburner. A beautiful sandy beach and the Gronant Dunes Nature Reserve are just a ...
3 miles to sandy beachThe ideal location for a holiday on a working dairy farm, away from traffic and surrounded by lovely countryside. This single storey detached converted barn is attractive and cosy and has all modern ...
Situated on a quiet country lane in the hills overlooking Snowdonia and the Conwy Valley, this detached single-storey holiday cottage has been furnished to a very high standard and provides an ideal base for the discerning ...
Scenic hill views / Four poster bedThis semi-detached holiday cottage, with a conservatory with table and chairs overlooking the pretty garden, has been renovated providing cosy accommodation in an ideal central location ...
Sea viewsThis well presented terrace property in the seaside town of Criccieth with sea views from the garden, and the beach just a 2 minute walk from the property. There is lots to do in the area with Criccieth?s 13th ...
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