Snowdonia National Park
Discover wide-open spaces, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and forests
Everything you need to know about Snowdonia National Park
The National Park in Snowdonia is free to enjoy, with no charge for exploring the great outdoors, although you may decide to experience some paid-for adventures too. The best place to start exploring is one of the three visitor centres at Aberdovey, Betws y Coed and Beddgelert. Here, you will find lots of information about Snowdonia UK travel, adventures, walks, and activities.
Lakeside view of Snowdonia National Park
Walks and climbs in Snowdonia National Park
Great Snowdonia walks include the 1.6km circular walk that takes in Gelert’s Grave in Beddgelert, the 7km Lon Gwyrfai Path between Beddgelert and Rydd Dhu and The Fisherman’s Path, a 10km walk through the Aberglaslyn Pass, one of the most beautiful places in Snowdonia. As you walk, keep an eye out for the Snowdonia wildlife, including red kites, feral goats and rainbow beetles.
For climbers, Snowdon of course is a must. But with nine mountain ranges in the Snowdonia National Park, it’s by no means your only choice. For a change, Carnedd Llewelyn rewards you with open views, and Cader Idris has several routes for differing abilities.
Mountainous views of Snowdonia National Park
Things to see and do in Snowdonia National Park
For outdoor adventures there’s the National Whitewater Centre near Bala and Bala Watersports and Adventures. For history and heritage lovers there are many castles, the Welsh Slate Museum at Llanberis, and the Llechwedd Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog. For thrill seekers, try Zip World at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Penrhyn Quarry with zip wires, underground trampolining and a host of other adventures.
For Snowdonia wildlife and nature, watch the ospreys at the Glaslyn Wildlife Visitor Centre and explore Bodnant Garden. For something completely different, visit Portmeirion, a Welsh town that seems to have been dropping onto place from Italy. And perhaps the best way to travel Snowdonia is to hop onboard a steam train on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway.
Experience Velocity at Zip World
Where to stay in Snowdonia National Park
Stay in the heart of Snowdonia National Park in a family cabin at Beddgelert. Here, you are surrounded by hills and forests, close to Snowdon and with some of the best Snowdonia walks on your doorstep.
Join your Forest Ranger on Forest adventures or book one of our Snowdonia adventures and extras to make your holiday complete. And, after days full of activity and exploring, you can head back to your woodland cabin and relax in your own outdoor hot tub.
Our cabin at Beddgelert, Snowdonia are nestled in a quiet corner of the forest
Snowdonia National Park – your questions answered
Where is Snowdonia National Park?
Snowdonia National Park is in north west Wales. Its coastal border stretches from Aberdovey at the southern end up and round to Conway in the north. Inland, it covers the mountainous area that stretches across to Bala in mid Wales.
Where to go in Snowdonia National Park
Spend a day at the seaside at Aberdovey or Porthmadog. Climb Snowdon or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit. Walk along miles of trails and see waterfalls, rivers, forests, mountains and valleys. Fly down Wales’ longest zipwire at Zip World, try watersports on Lake Bala, visit Portmeirion, Beddgelert and Betws y Coed.
What is Snowdonia National Park?
Founded in 1951, Snowdonia National Park is an area of great beauty in northwest Wales. One of three National Parks in Wales and one of the UK’s 15 National Parks, it is an outdoor playground of mountains, forests, lakes and sea.
What to see in Snowdonia National Park?
Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in England and Wales. Portmeirion, a quirky Italianate Village on the west coast. Gelert’s Grave, at the heart of Snowdonia’s mythology, in Beddgelert. Harlech Castle, Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle. The smallest house in Britain at Conwy.
How big is Snowdonia National Park?
The National Park in the Snowdonia area covers 823 square miles (2,130 km). It is the largest National Park in Wales and the third largest in the UK. It is home to the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, the largest lake in Wales, Bala, and the second longest coastline of any UK National Park.
Can you wild camp in Snowdonia National Park?
Wild camping is not legal anywhere in Wales. However, it is possible to do if you follow the Wild Camping Code, ensure you camp discreetly in the higher hills and mountains, and camp away from animals in Snowdonia, trails and land that is clearly marked as private.