Ffestiniog Railway
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[6.4 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
Best places to stay:
Combining heritage with high jinks, this boutique hotel brings a touch of luxury to the lunar landscape of the former Llechwedd quarry near Blaenau Ffestiniog.
It’s a useful base to explore the wider region, sitting at the centre of Wales’ latest UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel has been tastefully converted from the former 19th-century residence of the quarry founder, by John Whitehead Greaves.
It’s a family-friendly place with 24 stylish rooms, plus a restaurant and bar with décor to reflect its historic past.
There are also glamping safari tents (sleeps four or five people), and new off-grid shepherd’s huts, for a more rustic experience.
Plas Weunydd is a haven amid the harsh slate-mining heartland. The nearby town of Blaenau is not an obvious stopover, but this stylish hotel is a welcome beacon.
Outside, the Llechwedd quarry hosts adrenaline sports activities, notably the Zip World Caverns, Zip World Titan, and Bounce below attractions. There’s also a 4WD guided tour of the quarry with one of the former miners.
Combine with a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, getting off at Tan-y-Bwlch station.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[6.4 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
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[11.3 miles]
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+ | Free | 3-7 hours
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15.8 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 2+ hours
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[17.2 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 in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 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
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[12.4 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
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 3+ | £25
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
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.