Explore the forest, and beyond at Beddgelert

An entire forest at your feet. Let us show you around...
 
Our Forest Rangers are experts in helping you have fun in the great outdoors. They know the forests like the back of their hand and will help you to understand and connect with the forest. With experiences that are designed to show you the very best of our location, whichever activity you choose, you'll have an unforgettable experience.
 
Make sure you book in advance as our experiences are popular! Just choose your activity in my account.
 
 
Guided Woodland Walk

Suitable for families, groups and couples

With an entire forest waiting to be explored, it’s hard knowing where to start! Join our Forest Rangers for a guided tour, taking in some unforgettable views whilst learning a thing or two about the wildlife who call our forests home.
 
 
Mini Forest Rangers

Suitable for families and 5-11 year olds

Become a mini bird detective! Spread your wings and get ready to discover the world of bird spotting and migration. Through exciting games, crafts and immersive activities – put our feathered friends into the spotlight with help from your Forest Ranger.
 
 
Little Wild Ones

Suitable for families and pre-schoolers

When imaginations run wild, a love for nature begins to grow. And there’s no better playground than the forest! Your Forest Ranger will guide your tiny explorers through woodland activities and imaginative play – bringing stories to life as they find their first Forest Feeling.
 
 
Forest Survival

Suitable for families, groups and couples

It’s the simple things in life — like how to light a fire and build a woodland shelter. Learn it all with your Forest Ranger, then it’s time to relax around the campfire, toast some marshmallows and enjoy a well-deserved cuppa from freshly foraged herbs.
 
 
Nature by Night

Available September to March, suitable for all

Evenings in the forest just got even more extraordinary. Join a guided walk as you uncover the world of biofluorescence, using UV light to unveil a whole new world of wonders.
Forest Rangers
Outdoor activities
 
Throw yourself into adventure and enjoy the very best of the outdoors on these incredible local experiences...
Outdoor adventures
Unwind with a spa experience like no other, surrounded by the forest and a natural soundtrack outside. Switch off with soothing treatments designed for couples' time, group relaxation, or simply some time just for you.
 
You'll need to pre-book our in-cabin spa treatments to make sure we can get everything in place for your stay.
 
Book your spa experience
Forest Spa
Looking to explore more of the forest? Venture out for the day on our bikes and discover acres of woodland, or go at your own pace with full break bike hire. There’ll be a helmet and bike lock for you too, so you can keep your bike just outside your cabin door:
 
Our cycling options
  • Adult bike hire | £25 per day or from £45 per break
  • Child bike hire | £20 per day or from £30 per break
  • Electric bike hire | £40 per day
  • Child seat | £10 per day or from £15 per break
  • Trailer | £10 per day or from £15 per break

Just pre-book in my account, or ask at the Forest Retreat while you're here.

Bike hire
Get hands-on in the forest with this brand-new, self-led Forest Nature Trail.
 
Explore the incredible wildlife around you, get stuck into activities and learn amazing things about nature.
 
Use your discovery pack and follow our five stepping stones to nature while you get to know your forest friends. See, hear and touch nature all around you... and have an incredible adventure in the forest.
 
Pre-book your pack
Elvis Owl Nature Trail
Head to the Forest Retreat and discover your creative side. Choose from a selection of our favourite woodland animals and experiment with spongy foam clay or paint a masterpiece to take away the same day.
 
Small Bisque - foam or paint | £6.95
Medium Bisque - foam or paint | £10.95
Large Bisque - foam or paint | £13.95
 
Find out more
Pottery painting

On rainy days, look out for TV messages for any indoor activities we're running. We also have plenty of board games in the Forest Retreat so why not pop in, pick up a game and grab a drink.
 
Build a Forest Friend
Looking for something to keep little hands busy indoors?
Head to the Forest Retreat, where mini explorers can build their own Forest Friend to join them on their adventures when they’re back outside. You can pre-book yours so they’re ready and waiting for when you arrive.

Rainy days

Local recommendations Beddgelert

Traditional dishes, amazing views, or the perfect place to finish off a woodland walk. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants close to the forest to get a taste of the local.
 
 
Aberdunant Hall
Head to Aberdunant Hall Restaurant & Bar, in Prenteg, for evening meals and a great Sunday carvery.
 
Caffi Colwyn
Visit Caffi Colwyn for a delicious, Welsh cream tea. 4-minute drive.
 
Glaslyn
Glaslyn is just the spot to stop for a while. Enjoy award-winning ice cream and pizza, surrounded by amazing mountain views. 4-minute drive.
 
Golden Fleece Inn
Head to Tremadog, to the Golden Fleece Inn – dog-friendly, with great pub food.
 
Hebog Eat
Grab some proper, home-cooked food at Hebog Eat. 3-minute drive.
 
Prince Llewelyn
Try the Prince Llewelyn, in Beddgelert, for breakfast, pub lunches and evening meals. It's dog-friendly too. Just a 4-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.
 
Y Sgwar
Head out for a cracking Sunday roast at Y Sgwar. 16-minute drive.
Pubs and restaurants
With a National Park on your doorstep, pretty, bustling villages to explore nearby, and historical sites just a short drive away, head out beyond the forest and discover what the area has to offer.
 
 
Beaumaris castle
Beaumaris Castle, on the island of Anglesey, is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales. Enjoy the lovely surroundings of Beaumaris whilst you're sightseeing and relax in the cafes and restaurants of the pretty town.
 
Beddgelert Village
Whether you drive, walk or catch the steam train from the forest, a trip to Beddgelert is well worth it. With cafes, pubs, crafts and treats, it's all surrounded by crystal-clear streams and epic mountain scenery.
 
Betws y Coed
Discover this lovely little village with a real alpine feel, with proper pubs, spots to eat and shops to browse. As the gateway to Mount Snowdon (Eryri), it's surrounded by forest and incredible views.
 
Caernarfon Castle
Visit the medieval fortress of Caernarfon Castle and explore the pretty harbour for sunset views. 25-minute drive.
 
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
The Welsh Highland Railway line wends its way through the area and Beddgelert has its own station, Meillionen. It connects to the two coastal towns of Caernarvon and Porthmadog, as well as Beddgelert town. It's a great way to get around and see more of the local area!
 
Harlech World Heritage Site
Visit Harlech World Heritage Site for a piece of Welsh history. 30-minute drive.
 
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens is an historic garden under restoration, situated between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey.
 
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is an eye-catching, colourful village, built in the style of Italian villages. Well worth a day trip. 27-minute drive.
 
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Take the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit of Snowdon to experience Eryri without a big hike.
 
Sygun Copper Mine
Discover an exciting underground adventure at Sygun Copper Mine. 7-minute drive.
Fishermans Path | 10km
The walk is a 10km round route and takes four to six hours. It’s strenuous with some tricky narrow paths that can be slippery. But it rewards with fantastic views and a chance to walk through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass!
 
 
Gelert’s Grave | 1.6km
A leisurely stroll that the whole family can enjoy! An easy 1.6km, the 40-minute walk follows the Glaslyn River and offers stunning views of the village and Snowdonia mountains beyond. You’ll also be able to discover the tragic story of how Beddgelert acquired its name before crossing the river back to the village. Here you can unwind with a pit stop at one of the many local tea rooms or restaurants.
 
 
Lon Gwyrfai Path | 5.3km
In search of a challenge? From your cabin, walk to Beddgelert or Rhyd Ddu, following the way-marked Lon Gwyrfai Path. On this Snowdonia walking route you’ll find the path is wide and steep in places but the panoramic views more than make up for it. You can choose to walk to Beddgelert village which is a 30 minute walk away. Or head 5.2km in the other direction to take in the sights at the pretty village of Rhyd Ddu.
 
 
Rhyd-Ddu – Snowdonia hiking | 12km
If you’re a keen hiker, Snowdon is a must. The Rhyd-Ddu path (just five minutes' drive from your cabin) is the quietest of the main Snowdonia hiking routes up, with great views of Moel Hebog and the hills of Nantlle. It’s 12km there and back from the car park at Rhyd Ddu and takes around six hours.
 
This strenuous walk should only be undertaken with the appropriate equipment and planning. But the sense of achievement that comes with climbing the highest UK mountain outside Scotland, is worth the effort.
Bedwen Trail | 4km
An easier trail for little explorers is the purple waymarked Bedwen Trail. This takes you 4km up to lake Llyn Llywelyn (a great place to stop for a picnic).
 
 
Derwen Trial | 9.5km
The yellow-waymarked 9.5km Derwen Trail with incredible views east to Snowdon.
 
 
Snowdonia – Mountain Biking | 5-10.5km
Our cabins at Beddgelert are situated on the Lon Gwyrfai Path between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu. The round trip to Beddgelert is 5km and the round trip to Rhyd Ddu is 10.5km. Both rides offer breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys and both are on the Welsh Highland Railway route so you can hop on a train back if you feel like taking it easy. The path in both directions is wide, with some tarmac surfaces and some lose stone and slate. For beginners or experts, it’s great fun – if you only try one of the mountain bike trails in Snowdonia, make it this one.
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland and country roads make a great spot for a scamper.
 
 
Dog-friendly walks
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland, hills and mountains make a great spot for a scamper.
 
 
Lôn Gwyrfai Trail | 7km
A medium-length trail that's not too steep, offering views of the Welsh countryside. Dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock.
 
 
The Snowdon Ranger Path | 13km
Fancy taking the tails to the summit of Yr Wyddfa? The Snowdon Ranger is believed to be the earliest of the six main routes to the summit of Snowdon. It's a quiet and fairly easy path that's good for pups who don't like steps.
Dog-walking trails

Black Rock Sands beach
Venture out just 25 minutes' drive from Beddgelert and enjoy Black Rock Sands beach in Porthmadog.

Dinas Dinlle beach
Just a short drive from Caernarfon, you'll find the beautiful beach of Dinas Dinlle.

Harlech Beach
Just over 30 minutes' drive away is Harlech Beach, with flat sands backed by rolling dunes.

Beaches nearby
Discover local activities and adventures just beyond the forest, and make the most of the unique Welsh landscape.
 
Looking for kids' activities? There's lots to do at the Children's Farm Park, from Crazy Golf to Go Karting and ziplines. Find soft play and plenty to keep little ones occupied at Greenwood Family Park. Or enjoy children's play areas, orienteering and mountain biking trails at Coed y Brenin Forest Park.
 
Zip World has three locations within a 40-minute drive, including the world's fastest zip line!
Activities nearby

Get close to the wildlife

Meet some of our forest friends up close with incredible experiences near to the forest. Why not try...

You can pre-book these activities with us! Just visit my account or speak to the team at the Forest Retreat when you're here.

Wildlife experiences

Wildlife and trees

What can you spot?
 
Hazel tree
Walk among hazel trees adorned with bright yellow catkins known as lambs’ tails. In autumn watch as the hazelnuts ripen, becoming a treat for tiny dormice.
 
 
Buzzard
Listen out for the buzzard, a powerful bird whose call sounds like a meowing cat. The buzzard is the UK’s most common bird of prey and is known for its broad, rounded wings.
 
 
Badger
Head out into the forest at night for the best chance of spotting the elusive badger. On your nocturnal adventure look out for the black and white stripes that make this large mammal so distinctive.
 
 
Song thrush
As you relax on your outdoor decking, listen quietly for the call of the song thrush. As its name implies, it’s an accomplished singer, easily recognised by its habit of repeating its chorus. And if you're listening out in the evening, you may be lucky enough to spot some bats too!
 
 
Want to learn more about the wildlife here? Book onto a Forest Ranger experience and discover all the secrets of the forest!
Trees you'll find in the forest
 
Oak
Oak supports more life than any other native tree in the UK – and they're found throughout the country. They're home to hundreds of insect species, supplying many birds and bats with an important food source, as well as creating shelter. Oaks actually shorten with age to help extend their lifespan!
 
 
Birch
Birch trees are hardy, able to live in a range of temperatures, from as far south as Spain to as far north as Lapland. Birch woods (either downy, silver birch, or both) have a light, open canopy and thrive in dry woodlands, downs and heaths. Their open canopy also helps grasses, mosses, wood anemones, bluebells, wood sorrel and violets to grow. Silver birch provides food and habitat for more than 300 insect species, as well as homes for nesting birds like woodpeckers.
 
 
Beech
Beech woodland is shady, accompanied by a dense carpet of fallen leaves. Only specialist, shade-tolerant plants can survive beneath a beech canopy. Due to these conditions, rarer plant species are associated with beech woodland, such as box, coralroot bittercress and a variety of orchids, including red helleborine. Beech woodland provides an important habitat for many butterflies too. Because Beech trees live for so long, they're also home to lots of insects, fungi and mosses that thrive on deadwood.
 
 
Alder
Alder's natural habitat is moist ground near rivers, ponds and lakes and it thrives in damp, cool areas such as marshes, wet woodland and streams where its roots help to prevent soil erosion. It can grow in drier locations and in mixed woodland too. The wet conditions found in alder woodland are ideal for a number of mosses, lichens and fungi, and provide food for many caterpillars and insects.
 
 
Goat willow and Grey willow
Soft, silvery and found in damp woodland, the grey willow is where you'll find lots of caterpillars. They feed on its leaves and its fuzzy catkins feed pollinators early in the season. The goat willow is very similar to the grey willow, but its catkins look more like cat's paws, which is why it's also known as the 'pussy willow'.

We’re more than just a holiday

Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.

We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.

And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.

Let's look after what we love

Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!

Give nature a helping hand by....

  • Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
  • Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
  • Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
  • Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
Supporting the forest