Great days out in Snowdonia National Park
Dreaming of big days out in the open air, adventures, fun family time and generally making the most of life? If so, we highly recommend the wonders of Snowdonia.
Snowdonia National Park is just over 40 miles from Edgar House, Chester, which is an idyllic central base from which to explore north Wales.
What is there to do in Snowdonia?
One thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed by the views around here!
Snowdonia is also known as Eryri in its native Welsh and there is so much to see, do and experience in the National Park and further afield, all year round. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, climbing, surfing, sailing, experiencing a mountain railway, exploring castles, visiting an island or taking a boat trip, fun is guaranteed.
The National Park covers 823 square miles and extends inland from the wild and beautiful coast between Penmaenmawr and Caernarfon.
Beautiful Hiking
Snowdonia is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and it’s clear to see why. It boasts 14 peaks that sit at over 3,000 feet in height, including Snowdon itself (which is 3,560 feet high) – you get an incredible view from up there, from any number of the extensive network of hiking trails. The best view is from the village of Capel Curig – for any enthusiastic trekkers and photographers – it’s certainly worth the trip!
An Alternative Method of Transport
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a great way to ascend Snowdon if you don’t like hiking. The charming railway drops you off at the spectacular Hafod Eryri Café & Visitor Centre at the top of the mountain – the highest visitor centre in the UK. This scenic journey is one of the world’s steepest railway inclines.
Making a Splash
With over 50 lakes in the National Park, it’s hardly surprising that this a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.
The National White Water Centre is located near the town of Bala, and offers a variety of paddle sport adventures suitable for all ages. You can learn to kayak here, but rafting is the biggest draw.
Plas Menai is the National Outdoor Centre for Wales and is perfectly situated for the ultimate outdoor adventure. You can learn to windsurf, sail, kayak, powerboat and so much more!
The lake at Bala is four miles in length, the longest in Wales, offering an ideal setting for sailing, fishing and of course canoeing/kayaking.
A bit of local knowledge… like most deep bodies of inland water, Bala Lake even has its own monster, named Teggie, so called for the Welsh name of the lake itself (Llyn Tegid).
The Menai Strait Rib Ride is set on the beautiful Menai Strait and is well worth experiencing. Get closer to the spectacular Strait on a state-of-the-art ‘Rib Ride’ boat tour, as you zip along the coast at up to 50mph.
You can even Surf in Snowdonia! There are few places on the planet where you are guaranteed perfect consistent surf, but fortunately for us, one of them is in North Wales and within easy reach for a day trip from Edgar House. Adventure Parc Snowdonia is home to the world-first surf lagoon and the only guaranteed surf breaks in the UK.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Snowdonia National Park unsurprisingly features a rich cultural heritage too. There is everything from Roman ruins to ancient prehistoric circles, and authentic Welsh hill farms.
This is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe. King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George built both castle and walls in an incredibly swift four years, between 1283 and 1287. This famous fortress is exceptionally well preserved and contains the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales.
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace sits on the banks of the River Seiont and is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site, but for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone.
Dolwyddelan is located on a ridge in the National Park and the Castle was built between 1210 and 1240 by Llwelyn the Great, the most powerful medieval prince in Welsh history, it saw active service during the wars between the Welsh and Edward I before falling to English forces in 1283.
A visit to this superb fortress is made worthwhile for the views alone, as well as super walks in the surrounding countryside – both in the winter and summer alike. The Church of St. Gwyddelan is over 500 years old and very attractive, certainly worth adding to your list of cultural must-sees!
Pretty Places
Notable architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, drew up his vision for the perfect coastal village between 1925 and 1976 and his vision came to life in the form of colourful Portmeirion. It really is picture perfect!
It is worth a visit for the miles of beautiful walking territory, pretty estuaries and stunning cliff-top sights, meanwhile the Italianate architecture appears from lush exotic woodland in a very attractive fashion!
The charming island is trust-owned and houses the ruins of 6th century monasteries, the tallest lighthouse in the UK and amazing natural habitats, no mean feat, particularly considering such a tiny population. Rocks and rugged scenery characterise the area, not to mention dolphins, seals and neolithic circles!
Cosy Pubs & Excellent Food
You’ll deserve an afternoon relaxing in a cosy pub with an open fire, if you’ve spent a morning exploring all that Snowdonia has to offer and taking in those epic views – and even if you haven’t, treat yourself, we won’t tell!
Cosy Pubs & Excellent Food
You’ll deserve an afternoon relaxing in a cosy pub with an open fire, if you’ve spent a morning exploring all that Snowdonia has to offer and taking in those epic views – and even if you haven’t, treat yourself, we won’t tell!
Whether you choose to stay close by or head further afield to the Island of Anglesey – there’s plenty of choice on offer.
A few recommendations:
- The Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay
- Ty Coch Inn near Morfa Nefyn beach
- Sosban & The Old Butchers by Menai Bridge, Anglesey (Michelin starred!)
Something a Bit Different For The Adrenaline Junkies
This is pretty cool!
Zip World pays homage to the slate history of the area. It’s won numerous awards, and as you descend 500 feet underground inside the steepest mining cable railway in Europe, you will understand why!
In addition, there is also an on-site underground trampoline park, named Zip World Bounce Below, or alternatively, for an aerial experience like no other, head for Zip World Titan – Europe’s largest zip-lining zone, where you can find yourself ziplining on parallel lines over three different zip wires – what?!
The North of Snowdonia National Park has everything from jaw dropping natural mountain biking trails along bridleways, to legendary purpose-built mountain biking trails.
The popular Gwydir and Penmachno trails can be found near the outdoor adventure hub of Betws y Coed. Take a relaxing ride along the Derwen or Bedwen forest road routes through Beddgelert forest or explore hundreds of kilometers of forest roads in the Gwydir Forest Park. Whichever you choose, cascading waterfalls to crystal clear lakes, awe-inspiring mountain vistas and forgotten river valleys deep in the North of Snowdonia provide a stunning scenic backdrop. Check out the centers, bike parks and bike trials here https://www.mbwales.com/
As we hope to have illustrated here, Snowdonia is an absolute must-visit when you’re in the North West. There is so much fun, sport and adventure to be enjoyed directly from Edgar House – you can read more about it here!