Snowdonia sits in the northwest corner of Wales, taking its name from the renowned Mount Snowdon. The area offers guests the opportunity to explore its raw, natural beauty with rugged mountains, rocky terrains and plenty of history.
With 15 peaks above 3,000 feet scattered throughout the area, Snowdonia is an adventurer’s haven. Alongside its mighty mountains, it also offers numerous hiking trails, 23 miles of coastline and multiple quaint villages waiting to be explored.
The best thing about Snowdonia is that it is an excellent place to visit any time of the year. With a massive range of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, you can visit anytime and always leave impressed.
If you’re planning a trip to Snowdonia and looking for the best areas to visit, we’ve got you covered! Check out our recommendations below so that you can book your trip with all the best places in mind.
Llanberis Pass and Village
Llanberis village marks the start of the stunning Llanberis Pass. Many choose to visit the village as the starting point to numerous excellent hiking routes, especially those seeking to take on Mount Snowdon.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Snowdonia, Llanberis and Llanberis Pass are a must. The twin lakes, Padarn and Peris, sit either side of Dolbadarn Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
For those not wanting to hike, a drive through Llanberis Pass will suffice, providing you with the perfect opportunity to take in the dramatic scenery that lies here. With raw, rugged landscapes, mighty mountains and hair-raising twists and turns, this is somewhere in Snowdonia that is definitely worth a visit.
Start your drive in Llanberis village and climb the 359-metre summit at Pen-y-Pass. You can catch a glimpse of the frequented Mount Snowdon as it towers over you, alongside Mount Glyderau.
Ogwen Valley
Despite being situated in the already stunning Snowdonia National Park, Ogwen Valley stands out for its own unique beauty. This is the place for those seeking some natural history and the chance to see the Nant Ffrancon valley glaciations dating back thousands of years.
Ogwen Valley comprises a substantial glacial valley encompassed by mighty mountains and still lakes. There are also several great historical towns around Ogwen Valley. A great place to start is the village of Bethesda, which roots as far back as 1871.
For incredible scenery, history, and multiple outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and zip-lining, Ogwen Valley is one of the best places to see in Snowdonia.
Snowdonia’s Castles
There are over 600 castles in Wales, all offering a wealth of history and heritage. With many located in Snowdonia, it’s no surprise why we have included these as some of the best places to go.
If you’re seeking to uncover some of Snowdonia’s past whilst exploring some of the most stunning castles in the country, check out our favourite picks below.
- Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle was built in 1283 and had a long history. It is one of the best surviving medieval forts in Europe. This castle lets you go back in time and see how royals lived. With mighty towers, massive gates, and stunning views of mountains and sea, this is one of the best places to visit in Snowdonia.
- Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle was labelled a World Heritage Site after being labelled as one of the best surviving medieval castles in the country. The impressive fortress also dates back to 1283, when it was constructed under the order of Edward I. This is an excellent place to go in Snowdonia due to its incredible history, well-preserved architecture and position next to the sea.
- Harlech Castle
Much like Conwy and Caernarfon, Harlech Castle was also built under the order of Edward I, with the completed building finishing in 1289. This is yet another impressive fortress to visit due to its well-preserved four corner towers, grey sandstone architecture and position atop a hill that overlooks the surrounding greenery.
- Dolwyddelan Castle
Going back to 1210, Dolwyddelan Castle is a favoured spot for visitors in Snowdonia to explore the country’s historical side. Its incredible countryside views and the idyllic village of Dolwyddelan nearby make this magnificent fortress somewhere that will impress. After you have soaked in history, head out on one of the hiking trails to see Snowdonia’s stunning landscape.
The Glyders
Many visitors head straight for Mount Snowdon when seeking a hiking trip in Snowdonia. However, whilst the mountain is famous for a reason and is an incredible climb, several other excellent routes around the national park will surely impress. The walk from Llyn Ogwen up Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach is just one worth noting.
When setting out on this walk, you will encounter a stunning lake, rugged terrain and rocky summit, which provides breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. The Glyders are known for being two of the most impressive mountains in the UK, mainly for their incredible panoramic vistas.
For those who love being outdoors, the Glyders offers the perfect mix of great lakes such as Llyn Ogwen, Llyn Idwal and Llyn Bochlwyd and the multiple hairpin ridges. If you’re seeking somewhere full of dramatic mountains, rugged natural beauty and gorgeous summit views, a trip to the Glyders will do just the trick!
Mount Snowdon
We couldn’t list the best places to visit in Snowdonia without including the renowned Mount Snowdon, or ‘Yr Wyddfa’ in Welsh. Make no mistake, it’s famous for good reason thanks to its impressive size, breathtaking summit vistas and outstanding landscapes along the route.
At an incredible 1,085 metres, Mount Snowdon holds the title for the highest peak in Wales, making it no surprise that so many go here just to scale its considerable size. However, you will find a challenging yet rewarding trek when you reach the top of the mountain. The scenery comprises stunning rock formations, rugged edges and lush greenery.
Upon reaching the top of Mount Snowdon, you are rewarded with the most spectacular views. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man, as well as Scotland and Ireland.
For those who don’t fancy the hike up Snowdon, you can still enjoy the incredible views on the Snowdon Mountain Railway which currently runs to Clogwyn Station, three quarters of the way to the summit.
Portmeirion
The quaint, coastal village of Portmeirion dates back to 1925 – 1927 when architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis brought his vision to life for this stunning little place. Consisting of Italianate architecture and colourful buildings, this is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Snowdonia.
A place full of history, stunning architecture and idyllic winding streets, Portmeirion is undoubtedly worth a visit when seeking the best places to see in Snowdonia. Wander around the village and take in the grand church towers that stand above the greenery and fountains below.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Llechwedd Slate Caverns are located at Blaenau Ffestiniog and provide the best opportunity to explore what lies underground in Snowdonia. Once upon a time, slate mining was one of the most prominent industries in North Wales and dated back to the early 1800s. Take a tour of the caverns and learn about the history and heritage that lies deep below the surface.
Learn about how the miners extracted the slate from the mines and experience the Deep Mine Tour, where you will be lowered 500 feet into the mountain to wander through the eerie yet beautiful caves.
With the impressive rock formations, pools of water and mysterious lighting, a trip to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns will provide you with a unique place to visit in Snowdonia.
Betws-y-Coed
Often, Betws-y-Coed is referred to as ‘the gateway to Snowdonia National Park’. The pretty little town is the perfect place to explore excellent walking trails and is lined with bright bluebells. This busy town draws numerous visitors each year, coming to explore the ancient ruins of Pandy Mill and the 15th-century Pont-y-Pair bridge.
Betws-y-Coed displays a wealth of history with the renowned Ty Hyll (the Ugly House); an idyllic cottage that dates back to the 15th century, and a great place to uncover the town’s heritage. Legend tells the story of the cottage used as a hideaway for robbers many years ago. However, we’re not entirely sure why it is known as the ‘ugly house’, as it’s anything but ugly and has now been converted into a lovely tearoom for all to enjoy.
There are also several beautiful Victorian-style buildings, great restaurants and boutique shops to spend your time browsing through in Betws-y-Coed. However you decide to spend your time here, you will indeed find one of the prettiest places to visit in Snowdonia.
Beddgelert
Beddgelert is a quaint village perched on the junction of the rivers Colwyn and Glaslyn. This picturesque part of Snowdonia has a charming aura and is favoured among hikers who set off from here on the many trails surrounding the village.
You can wander around the tiny streets in less than half an hour, making it one of the smaller villages to visit. Or enjoy the short walk to Gelert’s Grave and learn about Gelert the dog and one of Wales’s most popular folk tales. Wherever you go, something that will be sure to impress is the mountainous backdrop and river that runs alongside Beddgelert, providing guests with a magical place to explore.
Catch some waves
There is more to Snowdonia than rugged mountains, Welsh folk tales and historical attractions. With over 23 miles of coastline, and pretty coastal towns such as Harlech, Barmouth and Aberdyfi to explore, there is plenty to keep the keenest of watersports enthusiasts happy. From surfing, sailing and paddleboarding to simply enjoying miles and miles of sandy beaches, quaint harbours and coastal trails you will be sure to get your fill of salty air. If you don’t want to get the sand between your toes you can even surf in the mountains at Adventure Park Snowdonia.
Bala Lake
Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, sits on the eastern edge of Snowdonia, just outside the lovely town of Bala. This is the longest lake in Wales, stretching around four miles, providing plenty of space to enjoy some watersports activities.
Many visitors go to Bala Lake not just for the fishing, kayaking, sailing and canoeing but for the surrounding landscape with rolling greenery encompassing the lake. When deciding on a trip to Bala Lake, check out the pretty nearby town of the same name. Here you will find some great little cafes, restaurants and shops to wander around.
Summary
After reading our recommendations of the best places to visit in Snowdonia, we hope you can now book a trip here with all the best places in mind. No matter where you decide to go, you will find unmatched beauty at every turn in this stunning national park. Snowdonia is a place full of adventure, natural beauty, numerous activities and quaint towns and villages – perfect for the whole family!
If you are planning a trip to Snowdonia and require accommodation, Independent Cottages offer a fantastic range of holiday cottages in the area. Browse our collection of places to stay, or get in touch for more information.