Attractions in Snowdonia, Llŷn Peninsula and Cambrian Coastline

Yes, our scenery is terrific. But so too are our many family-friendly attractions and places to visit. Here’s a run-down of some of the best – make sure you write them on your ‘to do’ list. We've also got plenty more ideas on things to do, family fun and watersports activity in the area.

Use the search facility to look for many more attractions in the area - Search for Attractions (external website)

Go Below Underground Adventures, Conwy Falls Café, near Betws y Coed Post code for Sat Nav is LL24 0PN 01690 710108  Go Below Underground Adventures Open: All year. Price: See website.

In a nutshell: Exhilarating guided adventure trips into the spectacular subterranean world of an abandoned slate mine. Brave a series of fun challenges as you journey through cavernous chambers and across forgotten blue lakes. No experience necessary, equipment provided.

Why go? This is mine exploring with attitude. You’ll be abseiling, zip-lining, scrambling, boating and climbing a waterfall – all beneath the surface. You can even experience the ultimate descent to the deepest point in Snowdonia! Open in all weathers, all year round.

Beacon Climbing Centre, Caernarfon Cibyn Estate, Caernarfon, LL55 2BD 0845 450 8222 Beacon Climbing Centre Open: Weekdays 10am - 10pm, Weekends 10am - 8pm Price: See website.  Book online.

In a nutshell. It’s a big indoor centre with all kinds of challenges, from a 56ft-high climbing wall to something that’s entirely off-the-wall – the world’s first CrazyClimb®, a wacky series of fun climbing routes (including one that’s like shinning up a drainpipe). There’s also a bouldering area and café.

Why go? For a great climbing experience, whatever the weather. There are taster sessions and tuition for beginners, while experienced climbers just have to register and away they go.

Yr Hwylfan/The Fun Centre Christchurch Bangor Street, Caernarfon, LL55 1AR 01286 671911 Yr Hwylfan/The Fun Centre Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. The name says it all – well almost. It’s North Wales’s biggest indoor adventure play centre, with a huge range of attractions and activities all under one roof.

Why go? For the giant drop slides, ball pools, maze, tubes, climbing nets, play areas, mini electric go karts, laser game arena… is that enough? And adults can escape to the licensed restaurant with patio area.

Bodnant Welsh Food, Conwy Valley Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, LL28 5RP 01492 651100 Bodnant Welsh Food Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. Opened by Prince Charles in July 2012 and spectacularly located overlooking the River Conwy, the restored 18thcentury Furnace Farm houses a farm shop, tea-room, bakery, dairy, butchery, restaurant, cookery school and a beekeeping centre. A showcase for Welsh artisan produce.

Why go? Foodie heaven for the whole family, where you can learn a new skill at the cookery school, visit demonstration hives to see bees and beekeepers at work and then sample some delicious local food.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, Porthmadog and Caernarfon Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF 01766 516000  Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway Open: See website. Price: From £3.00

In a nutshell. Two separate railways, little in gauge, large in appeal. The 13½-mile Ffestiniog from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog now carries passengers, not slate. It’s one of Wales’s best-loved Great Little Trains. The Welsh Highland from Caernarfon to Porthmadog travels through some of Snowdonia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery and the show-stopping Aberglaslyn Pass – a whopping 25 miles from start to finish, making it Britain’s longest heritage railway.

Why go? Scenery and steam. Put the two railways together for a giant little ride of nearly 80 miles there and back. And 2013 promises to be a very special year on the Ffestiniog, when they celebrate their 150th anniversary

Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn Talyllyn Railway Company, Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EY 01654 710472 Talyllyn Railway Open: See website. Prices: See website.

In a nutshell. The daddy of them all. Talyllyn is the world’s first preserved railway, running for over seven miles from Cardigan Bay through the smooth, green mountains of southern Snowdonia. It’s easy to see why this little train inspired the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Why go? A strong steam heritage. Friendly, enthusiastic staff. Classic rural landscapes and beguiling stopping-off places like the waterfalls at Dolgoch. Railway Museum at Tywyn

Glasfryn Parc Activity and Adventure Centre, near Pwllheli Y Ffor, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6PG 01766 810202 Glasfryn Parc, Activity and Adventure Centre Open: Everyday (except Christmas Day) 10.00am - 6.00pm and 10.00am - Late for Bowling Price: Varies depending on activity, please check website for further details

In a nutshell. Where to begin? Think of an activity and there’s a good chance that you can do it here. Go karts, quad bikes, archery, fishing and ten-pin bowling are just some of the things on offer. There’s also a state-of-the-art wakepark packed with exciting features.

Why go? It’s billed as ‘North Wales’s premier action and activity centre’. Enough said. Oh, and there’s an award-winning farm shop and café on site too.

Electric Mountain, Llanberis Electric Mountain, Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4UR 01286 870636 Electric Mountain Open: 10.00am - 4.30pm, 9.30am - 5.30pm in main holidays Price: From £3.95

In a nutshell. This is a bit of an indoorsy attraction, but you won’t want to miss it. Elidir Mountain above the lake is hollow, hiding the largest pumped-storage hydro-electric power station in Europe. Take an underground tour of this awesome space.

Why go? It’s like a film-set for a James Bond movie, vast chambers and tunnels so big you can drive a bus through them. Which is a good job, since you’ll be on it.

Sygun Copper Mine, near Beddgelert Beddgelert, Gwynedd LL55 4NE  01766 890595 Sygun Copper Mine Open: See website. Prices: From £6.95

In a nutshell. A remarkable underground experience. Abandoned in 1903 but now reopened to visitors, Sygun tells the story of Victorian miners. Nowadays, it’s hard to believe that such gritty industrial heritage exists amongst so much natural beauty.

Why go? Take a self-guided tour of the old workings. See stalactites and stalagmites as well as copper ore veins containing traces of silver and gold.

Tree Top Adventure, Betws y Coed Tree Top Lodge, Llanwrst Road, Betws y Coed, Conwy County, LL24 0HA 01690 710 914 Tree Top Adventure Open: By Special Arrangement or Spring, Summer and Autumn: 9am - 5pm, Winter: 9am - 4pm Prices: From £12.00

In a nutshell. It’s a high-ropes adventure course that gives you a big buzz without the fear of falling. Negotiate over 30 obstacles, including balancing beams, rope bridges and zip wires. And are you up for the challenge of the world’s highest powerfan parachute plummet and Sky Ride, Europe’s highest giant swing?

Why go? Suitable for almost everyone, from families to fun-seeking groups. There’s even a ‘Tree Tot Trail’ for younger children. When you’re there ask about Tree Top’s exciting new Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Europe’s longest zip-wire ride – it’s over a mile! 

To book www.zipworld.co.uk telephone 01248 601444.

Snowdonia Riding Stables, Waunfawr, near Caernarfon Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4PQ 01286 650 342 Snowdonia Riding Stables Open: Please contact Stables Prices: From £17.00

In a nutshell. Go riding and trekking in the foothills of Snowdonia through fabulous mountain and coastal scenery. Complete beginners and competent riders are equally welcome, with a choice of everything from introductory sessions to full-day treks deep into the mountains.

Why go? Always wanted to explore the hills on horseback? Now’s your chance, on rides guided by experienced trek leaders. Please pre-book.

GreenWood Forest Park, near Caernarfon Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4QN 01248 671493 GreenWood Forest Park Open: 9-24th February 11:00am - 5:00pm, 16th March - 3rd November 10:00-5:30pm (Sept/Oct/Nov 11-5). For winter opening see website. Prices: From £7.25

In a nutshell. This is one very green attraction, winner of many awards for its eco credentials. But most of all, it’s fun for families, with a mind-boggling range of experiences and rides including Tree-Top Towers, a Barefoot Trail, Forest Theatre and the Green Dragon, the world’s first eco-friendly people-powered rollercoaster.

Why go? See if you can fit all that’s on offer into one day. Bet you can’t.

National White Water Centre, near Bala Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU 01678 521083 Canolfan Tryweryn - Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Cenedlaethol/National White Water Centre Open: 9.00am - 4.00pm Prices: Varies, depending on activity, please check website.

In a nutshell. Welcome to the UK’s first commercial white water rafting centre. It’s also the largest. The aquatic action takes place on the Tryweryn, a dam-released river, so the water is always white – and very wet – whatever time of year you come.

Why go? To ride the steep chutes and boulder-strewn rapids of the Tryweryn, that’s why. Or to try tandem kayaking. Or to get equally wet and wild on a canyoning trip.

In a nutshell. Coed y Brenin is the ultimate all-action forest. Walkers came first. Then – and this is what really put the forest on the map – mountain bikers arrived. It’s now a fully fledged activity centre, with an attractive, modern visitor centre, café, bike shop, children’s play areas, high-ropes adventure, geocaching, facilities for visitors with disabilities – and miles and miles of biking and walking trails for everyone, from families to muddy MB enthusiasts.

Why go? If you’re into the outdoors you’d be daft not to. There’s plenty of choice, and something to do for everyone.

King Arthur's Labyrinth, Corris Corris Craft Centre, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9RF 01654 761584 King Arthur's Labyrinth King Arthur's Labyrinth Video Open: Varies, please check website Prices: From £5.95

In a nutshell. You’re in a cave. On a boat. You float past tableaux and sound-and-light shows that bring Celtic Britain and Arthurian legend to life. There’s also the occasional dragon – not forgetting the underground waterfall.

Why go? Below ground is just the half of it. Back on the surface there’s more legendary storytelling on the spooky paths of the Bards’ Quest, and shopping at the Corris Craft Centre. And you can go underground for the second time with Corris Mine Explorers.

RibRide Adventure Boat Trips, Caernarfon Moel Y Don just 2 miles from the bridge on Anglesey. The post code is LL616EZ 0333 1234 303 RibRide Open: Please contact RibRide Prices: From £16.00

In a nutshell. You’ll ride a state-ofthe- art RIB along the Menai Strait and across to Anglesey. The boats are quiet but powerful – expect to hit speeds of 50mph, but in comfort.

Why go? For at least two reasons – the adrenaline rush (guaranteed to put a smile on your face) and the North Wales coast’s stunning scenery (guaranteed to impress). You decide.

Inigo Jones Slate Works Tudor Slate Works, Y Groeslon, Caernarfon, LL54 7UE 01286 830242 Inigo Jones Slateworks Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. They’ve been making slate products here for over 150 years, starting with school writing tablets. Today’s large product range includes items for the home and garden made from 500-millionyear-old local slate, the best in the world.

Why go? It’s still a proper workshop, not a museum. You can explore the wokshops at your own pace on a self guided tour and try your hand at slate calligraphy. Afterwards, browse in the attractive, well-stocked shop.

Snowdon Mountain Railway Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL554TY 0844 493 8120 Snowdon Mountain Railway   @SnowdonMR Open: Every day (subject to weather conditions) 16th March 2013 to 3rd November 2013. Avoid disappointment and book in advance at www.snowdonrailway.co.uk Price: See website.

VOUCHER OFFER: Discounted fares on the 9:00am departure (tickets must be pre-booked in advance). Visit www.snowdonrailway.co.uk to book now.

In a nutshell. For 2013 New Contemporary Carriages. Ride on Britain’s highest rack railway. Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Today everyone, regardless of age or fitness, can savour the breathtaking views and claim this mountain as one of their lifetime achievements.

Why go? Every visitor to North Wales should go to the top of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon. If you want to walk but don’t fancy the uphill bit, buy a singe ticket and walk back down.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, LL49 9DY 01766 513402 Welsh Highland Heritage Railway Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. A short narrow-gauge rail ride from Porthmadog takes you to a Heritage Centre and Engine Sheds, packed with exhibits and displays on North Wales’s railway and industrial heritage. There’s also a second rail ride – this time on a miniature railway with tiny seven-inch gauge.

Why go? It’s a charming little railway, run by passionate volunteers. The Heritage Centre has won awards for its hands-on approach – climb into engine cabs, sit at the controls, watch a video that shows you what it’s like at 600 degrees inside a boiler.

Fairbourne Miniature Railway Beach Road, Fairbourne, LL38 2EX 01341 250362 Fairbourne Miniature Railway Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. It’s the smallest of Wales’s narrow-gauge railways, with a track width of only 12.25 inches. So it’s dinky, it’s sweet – but it takes you on a railway ride through the dunes to some pretty big views of the Mawddach Estuary and mountains beyond.

Why go? The ride in itself is enough. But there’s more. It connects with the ferry across the Mawddach to Barmouth/Abermaw.

Gone Swimming, Snowdonia 01244 940740 Gone Swimming Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. It’s swimming, but possibly not as you know it. Gone Swimming specialises in adventure swimming holidays run by fully qualified aquaholics. There’s a range of fresh- and saltwater wild swimming experiences on offer. All kind of swimmers can say yes to the call of the wild: child-friendly family trips, ‘Wet Weekends’ and coaching/tuition for enthusiasts are all available.

Why go? Quite apart from the novelty factor – Gone Swimming doesn’t take you paddling on popular beaches – you’ll be swimming in some of the most scenic (and secret) locations in Snowdonia.

Shearwater Luxury Charter Cruises Nant y Castell, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, LL53 7PD 01758 612251 Shearwater Luxury Charter Cruises Dolphin encounter video Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. Shearwater is a luxury catamaran, purpose-built exclusively for the company. It cruises the beautiful waters of the Llŷn Peninsula from Hafan Pwllheli Marina.

Why go? The company couldn’t have chosen a better base from which to specialise in scenic and nature cruises. Shearwater takes you to seal and seabird colonies, dolphin-friendly waters, spectacular sea-cliffs and island like St Tudwal’s, Abersoch and Ynys Gwylans, Aberdaron.

Anglesey Boat Trips 01248 716335 Anglesey Boat Trips Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. Scenic, spectacular trips in six- and eight-person RIB powerboats with fully qualified, experienced pilots, departing from Caernarfon (Victoria Dock), Menai Bridge Pier and Y Felinheli.

Why go? They’re great fun as you whiz along the Menai Strait to places like Beaumaris Castle, Puffin Island and Llanddwyn Island.

Anglesey Walking Holidays 01248 713611 Anglesey Walking Holidays Open: See website. Price: See website.

In a nutshell. You’ll be in the hands of local experts who pride themselves in their tailor-made holidays on the Anglesey Coast Path. Guided and self-guided walking tours are available (with luggage transfers). Packages vary from 3-14 nights, suitable for novices and experienced walkers. Combined packages available including Anglesey/Snowdonia, Anglesey/Wicklow and the North Wales Path.  Day tours and cycling packages also available.

Why go? Anglesey’s 125-mile coastline is an official ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and no one knows it better, every mile of the way, than Anglesey Walking Holidays.