All-weather Adventures in Eryri (Snowdonia)
The wind might be picking up and the nights drawing in, but pull on your coat and get ready because there’s still adventure to be found in all corners of Eryri (Snowdonia). From an underground trampoline park and crazy golf course, to soft-play and meandering train journeys, whether you’re after a leisurely stay or an adrenaline-filled adventure for the whole family, there’s plenty on offer throughout the season.
For an unforgettable experience head straight to King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris. You can easily spend the whole day here. Why not start with a mesmerising trip underground to hear all about the legend of King Arthur, before heading into Corris Craft Centre to have a go at some of the creative activities on offer? From making a chocolate pizza, to pottery painting and even furniture building, there are sessions suitable for all ages.
Children can let off some steam in the playground, while you have a look around the on-site shops that are bursting with Welsh produce; the perfect place to buy that special gift.
If you’re after an adrenaline rush this season, then look no further than Zip World. Since they opened their first zip line over Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda back in 2013, they’ve gained international recognition and have gone on to develop a range of unique and exciting experiences across Eryri. From trampolining and playing golf underground, to exploring caverns in a one-of-a-king experience, to wheezing down zip-wires or climbing in the tree-tops, with all this and more on offer, the choice alone is enough to get your blood pumping! Start planning your unforgettable adventure today.
One of the area’s main attractions is the railways. Why not take a trip on what’s been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world; the Snowdon Mountain Railway? Or you could opt for a ride on the Talyllyn Railway, a historic narrow-gauge steam railway that runs from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, passing the stunning Dolgoch Falls along the way. There are also trains to take you around Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake Railway), Llyn Padarn, Corris and Porthmadog, so leave the car at home for the day and enjoy some epic views from the comfort of your carriage.
If it’s wet and windy outside, there’s nothing better than hunkering down in a cinema with a big bag of popcorn on your lap. So if you don’t fancy braving the elements one day, head over to one of the area’s many art centres and cinemas such as the Magic Lantern in Tywyn, or the Dragon Theatre in Barmouth to while away the hours. Or you could always decide to get wet by visiting one of the area’s swimming pools! With pools from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Pwllheli and Porthmadog, you won’t need to travel far to find hours of fun. Don’t forget that you can also buy a day ticket to make the most of the activities at your nearest leisure centres.
Those who need to keep little ones entertained are sure to be big fans of soft-plays. It’s the ideal place for the younger children to run wild while you enjoy a break and a warm coffee. There are plenty of soft-plays across Eryri, including The Fun Centre in Caernarfon, Little Dragons in Blaenau Ffestiniog and The Woodlands in Edern, on the Llŷn Peninsula. GreenWood Family Park near Caernarfon is an eco-friendly family adventure park with indoor and outdoor activities.
If you want to try something new, you could head underground. Considering the area’s stunning scenery there’s a surprisingly high number of underground adventures in Eryri! Sygun Copper Mine - a stone’s throw from Beddgelert - is one of them. Here you can venture underground to see the old copper mine for yourself, take a walk around the museum, have a go at finding treasure with a metal detector or head off to play in the playground. If you’re near Harlech then Llanfair Slate Caverns is the one to visit. It’s quite something to head down the tunnels and caverns that were all man-made over 100 years ago with only a candle for lighting. This is where the South Caernarfon Creameries Dragon cheese is brought to age deep within the cavern - make sure you take some home with you. Remember King Arthur’s Labyrinth? This is also the location of another underground adventure; the Corris Mine Explorers. Grabs some wellingtons, a helmet, and a torch before heading down to the slate caverns, following in the footsteps of Victorian slate miners. This is one experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
If you’re exploring the Llŷn Peninsula as the leaves fall, make your trip extra special by visiting one of the Ecomuseum’s numerous locations. Not a museum in the traditional sense, the ecomuseum is a series of locations that focus on the identity of place, of natural and cultural heritage. From the Llŷn Maritime Museum in Nefyn, to the old quarry village of Nant Gwrtheyrn near Llithfaen and Porth y Swnt in Aberdaron, each location offers a wealth of insight into local history, culture and the language in this rather special part of the world.
There’s nothing better than settling down to enjoy some hearty, warming food and drink. Why not quench your thirst and enjoy a unique experience by visiting one of Eryri’s many breweries or distilleries? From Bragdy Lleu in Penygroes, to Cwrw Llŷn in Nefyn and Aberfalls Distillery in Abergwyngregyn, where you can even have a go at distilling your own gin!
With such an array of activities and experiences available, there’s no excuse not to head out and make the most of what Eryri has to offer whatever the weather.
