Introducing our newest location
Beddgelert Snowdonia in Wales
Picture a remote woodland clearing beside a river, shielded by snow-capped mountains, served by a narrow-gauge steam railway and in an area steeped in legend – that’s Beddgelert Snowdonia. Our smallest location, it’s an exclusive gathering of just 16 luxury hot tub cabins dotted among the trees, a short walk from the pretty Welsh village with which it shares its name.
Beddgelert Snowdonia - five fun facts
1. Beddgelert is pronounced Bethgelert – the Welsh dd sounds like the English th in think.
2. Snowdonia is home to some rare and fascinating species including feral goats, otters, polecats, the peregrine falcon, and the delicate Snowdon lily.
Wales is home to a variety of species
3. The story of Gelert is one of many local myths and legends, which include tales of giants, the origins of the red dragon of Wales, and stories of Merlin and King Arthur.
4. Within Snowdonia, you will find Wales’s highest mountain, Snowdon, and largest lake, Bala.
5. The Welsh Highland Railway, which stops at Beddgelert Snowdonia, runs through the Aberglaslyn Pass - voted most beautiful spot in the UK by National Trust members.
Beddgelert and beyond
Beddgelert is a picturesque village situated at the convergence of two rivers, the Colwyn and the Glaslyn, in the heart of Snowdonia. The village is thriving, with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as riverside walks and its own station on the Welsh Highland Railway Line – our new location has a station on the same line.
Scenic view of the tiny village Beddgelert in Snowdonia
Our cabins in Beddgelert Forest are within the Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri). Snowdonia is walking and climbing country so lace up your boots, don your waterproofs (it’s Wales; it rains), and explore. Moel Hebog (Welsh for “bare hill of the hawk”) is the backdrop to our location and offers a satisfying climb. For the more ambitious, the foot of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is just 2.5 miles away, accessible from the village of Rhyd-Ddu.
For days trips, visit the coast at Porthmadog or Criccieth, both within easy reach, or lose yourself in the iconic village of Portmeirion. Take a steam train on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railway and visit Caernarfon Castle, or head to Porthmadog and pick up the line to Blaenau Ffestiniog, into the heart of the slate mining history that is an intrinsic part of Snowdonia’s heritage.
Rainy day activities in Snowdonia
Snowdonia is all about the outdoors -walking, climbing, cycling, and water sports. Rain is always a possibility, but it’s just part and parcel of the experience. However, there are plenty of exciting options that will keep you out of the rain too.
The Zip World Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog offer a fascinating underground journey into the old mines, and, for thrill-seekers, there’s Bounce Below – a series of slides, nets and ladders in a cavern the size of a cathedral.
Head for Caernarfon too, if the clouds are low. An imposing medieval fortress, the castle here houses the Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. In and around the town there is also indoor karting, an indoor climbing centre, and a swimming pool and leisure centre.
View of Caernarfon Castle across the water
What’s in a name? The story of Gelert’s Grave
The village of Beddgelert is famous throughout Wales as the home of Gelert’s Grave, “bedd” being the Welsh word for grave. The story dates back to the 13th Century; Llywellyn the Great had a palace here and one day went hunting. His faithful hound Gelert normally accompanied him but, on this occasion, he was nowhere to be found and Llywellyn left without him.
Upon his return, Gelert greeted the prince joyfully but his jaws were dripping with blood. Alarmed, the prince ran to his infant son’s bedroom where he found the cot empty and the bedclothes and the room covered in blood...
No trip is complete without a stroll through the village to Gelert's grave
In rage and grief, Llewellyn took his sword to Gelert and killed him, believing him to have murdered his son. As Gelert died, a baby’s cry was heard. His son was alive and well but, in the corner of the room, was the body of a wolf. Gelert had killed the wolf and had been protecting the baby!
Llewellyn was overcome with remorse and is said never to have smiled again. He buried his faithful hound and the grave is there to this day, in a peaceful riverside spot at the edge of the village.
The story of Gelert’s Grave is just one of the many Welsh myths and legends that wrap this area in mystery and intrigue and make a holiday here a journey of discovery.
Be among the first to reserve your cabin
Back to our location in Beddgelert Forest, and your hot tub log cabin awaits. It’s the perfect spot for a Snowdonia break, where you can enjoy nature, go walking, cycling or climbing and visit the coast. At the end of each day, return to the luxury of a warm cabin and sink into your outdoor hot tub beneath the stars. Book your cabin today and be one of the first to stay at Forest Holidays, Beddgelert Snowdonia.