Bucket list trip:
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.
Editor note – David has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Snowdonia destination guide.
Aim for an early entry to UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle to beat the coach-tour hordes. Then head to the Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon for lunch. Think local food and ales, all served in a historic old pub dating from the 16th century.
After lunch, drive to Bodnant Gardens for a walk in the National Trust grounds before a short drive into Conwy to visit the castle.
Book in for dinner at the Castle Hotel for a seasonal menu of local flavours.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
This imposing medieval fortress was originally built in the 11th century, then enhanced by King Edward I at the end of the 13th century. The scene of many a siege and sacking, and then increasingly unnecessary, it fell into disrepair so that only the shell walls remain today.
Adult price: £11
Best for ages 4+
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Adult price: £14
Best for ages 13+
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
Built by the English King Edward I during his 13th-century – one of the so-called ‘Ring-of-Iron’ castles – Conwy remained a refuge of kings and usurpers until it was ruined in 1665 by the English government to prevent further revolt. An evocative complex with all the castle ingredients – keeps, moats, towers and battlements you can walk around.
Adult price: £11
Best for ages 4+
Catch an early train with the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Mount Snowdon for panoramic views. The first service of the day is often cheaper and quieter; then walk down.
Afterwards, look around the National Slate Museum, Llanberis, and grab some lunch amongst the exhibits.
Then head to the Alpine-style village of Betws-y-Coed for a stroll around Swallow Falls and finish the day Welsh tapas at the restaurant Olif.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
|![Climb Mount Snowdon [rock-climbing]](https://cxgveiouca.cloudimg.io/familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/UK-Wales-Snowdonia-National-Park-climb-Mount-Snowdon1-SH.jpg?w=426&h=285&func=cover)
Climbing Wales’ highest mountain offers an enjoyable day’s hiking and mountain-climbing bragging rights – or take the train to the summit.
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 3-7 hours
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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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+
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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+
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
|Official star rating:
Homely, cosy and fuelled by local produce, Olif is a rare find in an area besieged by coach trippers come high summer. Adults only.
Average £130
Extra beds
Pool
2+ bedrooms
Beach
Kids menu
Fitness center
Kids club
Drive to Blaenau Ffestiniog to start the morning with adrenaline thrills at Zip World Llechwedd. The Titan zip wire awaits!
Afterwards, the picture-postcard village of Beddgelert is calming for a cafe lunch and a classic Welsh folk tale, walking through the village.
Finally, board the Welsh Highland Railway and cruise into the fairytale village of Portmeirion via Minffordd station. Cue dinner at Castell Deudraeth and an after-dark exploration of Clough Williams-Ellis’ architectural vision.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Adult price: £25
Best for ages 7+
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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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.
Adult price: £25
Best for ages 4+
Duration: 2+ hours
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
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. Book tickets online in advance during peak times.
Best for ages 13+
