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 what to do in the area.
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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.
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.
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 you can get up to.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 also an award-winning farm shop.
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.
In a nutshell. Another 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 industrial heritage exists surrounded by so much natural beauty.
Why go? Take a self-guided tour of the old workings on foot. See stalactites and stalagmites as well as copper ore veins containing traces of silver and gold.
In a nutshell. It’s a high-ropes adventure course that gives you a big buzz without the fear of falling (a full body harness, helmet and revolutionary safety system look after you). 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?
Why go? Suitable for almost everyone, from families to gung-ho groups. There’s even a ‘Tree Tot Trail’ for younger children.
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.
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.
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. Wales’s original rural industry lives on at Trefriw. The mills manufacture traditional Welsh bedspreads/blankets, tweeds and travelling rugs.The tapestry cloth is made into cushions, dinner sets, shoulder bags and purses, while the tweed is tailored into hats, caps, jackets, capes and skirts.
Why go? It’s not just a shopping experience. Visitors can see the time-honoured – and unbelievably complex – processes of manufacture at the mills, which are still powered by water (nowadays hydro-electric turbines). Please check times.
In a nutshell. Ray has done it all, on land and water – guided walking, navigation training, scrambling, geocaching, biking, kayaking, canoeing and white water rafting. This qualified Mountain Leader, British Canoe Union Coach and former international slalom competitor is also a safe pair of hands.
Why go? No hassle. Activities are tailor made for you – and through the website it’s easy to organise your accommodation too.
In a nutshell. Coed y Brenin Forest Park is the ultimate all-action forest. The walkers came first. Then – and this is what really put the forest on the map – the 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 walking and biking trails for everyone from families to muddy MB enthusiasts.
Why go? If you’re into the outdoors you’d be daft not to.
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.
In a nutshell. You’ll ride a state-of-the-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.
Leisure Centres
Bala Bangor Bethesda Barmouth/AbermawCaernarfon Dolgellau Ffestiniog Pwllheli Porthmadog Penygroes Tywyn
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Activity and Attractions Guide (PDF, 2.24MB)Llyfryn Atyniadau Eryri - Attractions of Snowdonia Brochure (PDF, 7.74MB)
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