Here are some of the Things You Can Do in Snowdonia
Beddgelert
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.
Step back in time with a ride on this delightful narrow-gauge steam train and enjoy the spectacular sights of Snowdonia. During the 5 mile return trip you will cross rivers and streams and pass historic Dolbadarn Castle, before following the old slate railway route through Padarn Country Park and along the shores of beautiful Lake Padarn. On its return the train stops at Cei Llydan, ideal for a lakeside picnic. Gift shops and cafe; wheelchair spaces on the trains. One of the famous "Great Little Trains of Wales"
An 800 acre park providing delightful trails and walks in a spectacular oak woodland, which also includes the Quarry Hospital, now housing a collection of medical artefacts and equipment.
Snowdonia's 'Electric Mountain Centre' houses shops, a café, art displays and a children's soft-play area; and is the starting point for tours of Dinorwig Power Station. Dinorwig is found inside Europe's largest man-made cavern deep inside Elidir Mountain. Here you can discover how water is used to power a nation.
Porthmadog· Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog
The Ffestiniog Railway was founded to carry slate to Porthmadog from Blaenau's quarries. Now the little steam trains carry visitors through the
beautiful Snowdonia National Park. There is much to see along the line and a day rover ticket gives you the opportunity to make the most of your day.
· Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog
The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog, is a small, friendly
railway where the train ride is just part of the experience. The vintage train also stops at the sheds, where you can get off for a FREE guided, hands on tour.
· Black Rock Sands Beach
Black Rock Sands situated at Morfa Bychan two miles from Porthmadog is a two mile long sandy beach, one of the few locations where you can take your car on to the beach. It has become a well known beach for activities and popular with windsurfers and kite-bugging. The sand dune forming the backbone of the beach are a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
· Portmerion, Minffordd, Porthmadog
Clough Williams-Ellis built Portmeirion from 1925 to 1975 on a peninsula off the coast of Snowdonia to show
how 'the development of a naturally beautiful site need not lead to its defilement'. He fought for Beauty - "that strange necessity".
The village is surrounded by seventy acres of woodland with garden trail and has a range of gift shops, cafes and restaurants.
discounted entry available to RHS members.
Featured in 60’s TV series “The Prisioner”
- Criccieth Castle, Criccieth
Criccieth Castle standing on its headland between two beaches, is a landmark historic site. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, Criccieth was later annexed and added to by the English Monarch, Edward 1.
Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales' many castles. Built by Edward 1, not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and a royal palace, its majestic walls and battlements tower above the walled town.
· Tree Top Adventure Snowdonia
Tree Top Adventure is a thrilling, high level, adventurous journey 15.4m (50ft) up in the trees ands involves a series of engaging and exciting obstacles! Are you ready to be fitted with a harness and helmet, attached to a state-of-the-art safety line and experience this tree top spectacular today? Tree Top Adventure is ready for you.
The Anglesey Sea Zoo is Wales' largest marine aquarium, where almost all the displays, from sharks to starfish are of species found in the Menai Strait and local coastal waters. We also have the area's most massive bouncy castle, a brand new adventure playground, Anglesey's best toyshop, and a great bistro with delicious and ever changing daily specials.
Other
· Conwy Castle, Conwy
This gritty, dark stoned fortress has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know that they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell.
- Harlech Castle, Harlech
Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia.
· Harlech Beach, Harlech
Probably one of the most photographed strips of sand in the world. Harlech's four miles of sandy beach has something for every beach lover. Lovely sand and safe bathing, and mountainous sand dunes, ideal for a game of hide and seek. Further along the beach there is access to the nature conservancy, where a microclimate in the dunes has encouraged rare plants and birdlife. A couple of paths access the beach across the golf course.
· National Whitewater Centre, Bala
Whitewater rafting trips on the Afon Tryweryn near Bala in Snowdonia.
· Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth
Nestled in the hillsides of Southern Snowdonia is one of the world’s most renowned eco-centres, featuring interactive displays and practical examples of sustainable living, renewable energy and organic gardening. CAT takes a refreshingly positive look at environmental issues and offers practical solutions to help us lessen our impact on the environment. On arrival, visitors ascend 180ft (60m) via a remarkable cliff railway – powered entirely by water-balancing. You can sit back and take in the magnificent mountain vista before exploring the inspiring array of exhibits.
The Centre is a great place for children too, packed full of interactive displays to keep little hands and feet busy for hours. There is a special programme of holiday activities which are both fun and educational.