Bangor, Caernarfon, Llanberis and the Villages of Snowdonia

How high do you want to go? Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon is the cream of the crop, the top mountain in Wales and England. It’s not alone. Yr Wyddfa is the centrepiece of our very own Rocky Mountains that include 14 peaks over 3,000ft, the so-called ‘Welsh super-mountains’. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a head for heights. There are wooded valleys, rushing rivers and mountain lakes too, and an attractive coastline along the Menai Strait and the northern gateway to the Llŷn Peninsula.

Abergwyngregyn

Also known as 'Aber'. Stunning village, near Bangor, at the entrance to the beautiful wooded valley and Aber Falls, the highest natural waterfall in Wales. Lafan Beach Coastal Nature Reserve nearby.

Bangor

Small but lively city and university town. Bangor Cathedral has ancient roots - this religious site can be traced back to the 6th century. Art and local artefacts on display at Storiel. Lots of leisure facilities including pool and pier, where you can enjoy a favourite local treat of tea and fresh scones. A good shopping scene too (along what’s reputed to be Wales’s longest High Street), boosted by the modern Menai Centre. Don’t miss dramatic Penrhyn Castle, the National Trust mansion set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of town.

Beddgelert

Everyone loves Beddgelert – and its enviable location. The picturesque stone-built village is the ideal base for exploring all the classic Snowdonia sights and beauty spots - Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, Nant Gwynant to the east, Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon to the north. Nearby Rhyd Ddu is a great starting point for walking up Yr Wyddfa. Or go underground at the Sygun Copper Mine, also close by National Trust’s Craflwyn Estate (an activity, special interest and conference centre) is opposite Sygun on the road to Nant Gwynant. The village is one of the stop-off points on the extended Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

Bethesda

Lôn Las Ogwen cycle and walking path. Caban near Gerlan is a hostel catering for outdoor enthusiasts. Here is where you will also find Zip World, Snowdonia, in Penrhyn Quarry. Home of the fastest zip in the World and the longest in Europe.

Caernarfon

Gwynedd’s county town, home to Wales’s most famous castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mighty Caernarfon Castle commands the lion’s share of attention, but the town’s narrow streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront also merit a visit. The castle, built in the 13th century by Edward I as a royal palace and military fortress, was at the core of a medieval walled town. The Romans left their mark too - 1,000 years earlier they constructed their fort of Segontium on the hill above (its foundations still exist). Other attractions include Welsh Highland Railway which runs for 25 miles to Porthmadog, Hwylfan Fun Centre, GreenWood and Gypsy Wood nearby. Waterside Doc Fictoria is home to Galeri (contemporary arts complex with theatre and cinema). 

Dinas Dinlle

Seaside village with vast, sandy, award-winning beach and views that seem to go on forever. Attractive promenade and play areas. Home of Airworld Aviation Museum and Caernarfon Airport and Helicentre. 

Llanberis

Where to start? Llanberis is packed with enough attractions to keep visitors busy for weeks. But first, there’s the lakeside location at the foot of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon. When you’re tired of walking beside the water – which you won’t be – take a ride on two narrow-gauge lines, the Llanberis Lake Railway and Snowdon Mountain Railway. The latter climbs almost to the doorstep of the stunning Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre. Lots to see and do in lakeside Padarn Country Park. The National Slate Museum recalls Snowdonia’s rich industrial heritage and Dolbadarn Castle takes you back a thousand years to the time of the native Welsh princes. In keeping with the Princes, how about visiting a replica sword from their time? 'Llafn y Cewri' sits on the banks of the lake with Dolbadarn Castle in the distance. If that isn’t enough there are craft shops and watersports too, though most outdoor fans come for the walking. Follow the self-guided Llanberis Heritage Trails taking you to fascinating places around the village.