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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: David Atkinson

For a family day out in a back-to-nature, woodland setting in the Conwy Valley, Forest is probably the most accessible of the three Zip World adventure sites in North Wales with activities for all ages.

There are six adrenaline options at this site, including the suspended Treetop Nets, the high-ropes action of Tree Hoppers and the Fforest Coaster, the UK’s only toboggan-style alpine coaster.

The latter, for example, is suitable for ages three upwards, making this an entry-point option for family fun.

Don’t miss

Plummet 2 is the world’s first tandem-drop experience, a freefall-style experience from a 100ft tower with a trapdoor. Dual-drop option available for couples (according to weight). Ages 7+.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 3+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The three Zip World sites are all located within roughly a 20-mile radius (with a new, fourth site located in South Wales). Zip World Forest is located just outside the visitor hub of Betws-y-Coed, a destination often visited independently by self-drive visitors.

It’s advisable to book in advance and the booking fee is cheaper for tickets booked online (as opposed to by phone).

Remember to wear suitable clothing for an outdoors setting.

When to do it

This is a year-round, all-weather experience. Expect busy periods and queues during school holidays, and always check the Ride Status page before setting out.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Olif Guesthouse

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[1.4 miles]

Homely, cosy and fuelled by local produce, Olif is a rare find in an area besieged by coach trippers come high summer. Adults only.

Official star rating:

Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[10.6 miles]

Stylish stays and sea salt treatments are de rigueur at this contemporary hotel, located within the grounds of Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Families and surf dues will feel equally at home with activities aplenty on the doorstep.

Official star rating:

Plas Weunydd

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 miles]

A boutique property with a real sense of history, it offers a stylish, central base to explore both the industrial heritage and the ever-expanding adrenaline activities of the region. It sits amid Wales’ latest UNESCO site.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Snowdonia National Park

Wales, United Kingdom (UK)

Snowdonia’s national park is the rural heartland of North Wales — think mountains, glacial valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. But there’s also plenty here for families, history buffs and Sunday strollers.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry [Zip-lining]

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[19.9 miles]

Hard-core adrenaline lovers will make a beeline for this adventure-packed quarry site near Bangor. It’s home to the world’s fastest and longest zipline, with speeds of up to 100mph.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 2+ hours

Ffestiniog Railway

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[21.1 miles]

The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway offers the chance to travel deep into Wales’ most spectacular mountainscapes.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours

National Slate Museum

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[22 miles]

This industrial-heritage museum celebrates the international significance of Welsh slate in ‘roofing the 19th century world’. There are plenty of hands-on exhibitions for families and history buffs alike, plus regular talks and workshops.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Walk to Swallow Falls

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[3.9 miles]

A 2-mile walk through the forest to this cascading falls is the most popular day-walk trail in the region, moderately strenuous but accessible by all.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1.5-2.5 hours

Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Experience

Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[10.5 miles]

The artificial surf reef and activity centre in the Conwy Valley is an adventure hub with activities for all ages; activities on offer include indoor high ropes courses, soft play, caving and climbing, and outdoor climbing, zip lines, and surfing. There’s a Hilton hotel handily placed next door.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Overview >

Zip World Llechwedd

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 miles]

History and high jinks combine for a family day out at this quarry site near Blaenau Ffestiniog. It’s home to adrenaline adventures like Titan 2 but also offers an insight into the mining heritage of the region.

Best for ages: 7+ | £25

Bodnant Garden
Experience

Bodnant Garden

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.9 miles]

The formal gardens surrounding Bodnant Hall are the most spectacular in Wales with sections of wildflowers, rare species and water features. The highlight comes every May when the 160ft laburnum arch explodes into its canary-yellow finery.

Best for ages: 13+ | £14

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Overview >