Zip World Llechwedd

Where to go and what to see in the Snowdonia National Park to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer David Atkinson.

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.

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

Climbing Wales’ highest mountain offers an enjoyable day’s hiking and mountain-climbing bragging rights – or take the train to the summit.

Rail buffs, wannabe train drivers and anyone who appreciates spectacular scenery will love this gloriously scenic route through the landscape of the Snowdonia National Park.

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.

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.

The fairy-tale village, located outside Porthmadog, was the labour-of-love lifework of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His visionary collection of Italianate-style buildings makes for an eccentric family day out. Join free daily walking tours.

This woodland adventure park, located outside Betws-y-Coed, is a great family day out with six action-packed options suitable for all ages. It’s a good starting point for families not yet ready for ultimate adrenaline thrills.

Picture-postcard Harlech is most fairytale of the four castles, its imposing towers set atop a 200ft rocky outcrop overlooking the Cambrian coastline. An exhibition in the visitor centre explores the story of the castle’s military history.