Campsites in Snowdonia

A magnificent National Park boasting superb scenery, a famous mountain, captivating castles and a varied range of informative and enticing cultural and historical attractions are just some of the reasons that make Snowdonia one of the top UK travel destinations.   

Don’t Miss

• Mount Snowdon
• Harlech Castle
• Bala Lake
• Plas Mawr

Craggy mountains, sweet villages and island escapes

One of the most majestic landmarks in Snowdonia is Mount Snowdon, the largest mountain in Wales and England. The good news is that you have the choice of either walking up or steaming your way on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. There are trails for all levels, novice and experienced hikers will all find their groove.

Another popular option for mountain walks and hikes is the beautiful Cadair Idris (or Cader Idris) and there are several paths to reach the top where sightseers will be wowed by the stunning panoramic views.  

The landscapes of Snowdonia are as varied as they are spectacular, from beautiful stretches of coast such as the Snowdonia section of Cardigan Bay to magnificent mountain ranges and gorgeous valleys such as Ogwen Valley. This is a place where you truly can feel the splash of waterfall spray on your face - try Swallow Falls, the Aber Falls and the pretty Ogwen Falls to name a few. For more formal garden delights the Conwy Valley Maze is the biggest garden maze in the world and is full of enticing themed gardens.

Bardsey Island is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest that you'd be sad to miss for a day trip. The island has a ruined monastery dating back to the 6th century, holding claim to the tallest lighthouse in the country, and you can spot friendly local creatures such as dolphins and seals too.

Snowdonia isn't all mountains, speckled between you'll find some of Wales' sweetest villages. The picturesque village of Portmeirion has a distinct architectural style. The village was designed to look like Italian. All around this mediterranean haven, you'll find beautiful woodland and a private peninsula that feels like your own world. The town of Harlech is home to a brooding castle which forms part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also has a beautiful beach with safe bathing and extensive stretches of sand for strolling.

The market town of Bala is most well-known for the stunning Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) which can be explored on foot or via the Bala Lake Railway. The biggest lake in Wales is a picturesque spot for enjoying watersports and is reputed to have its own monster – similar to the Loch Ness Monster – which is affectionately known as Teggie. Visitors can also see Tomen y Bala which is an 11^th century earthworks, the pretty Caerau Uchaf Gardens which are Wales’ highest publically accessible private garden, as well as the Tan yr Hall art gallery. Conwy is also an enticing town to visit with a range of attractions including the fascinating Elizabethan town house Plas Mawr, Conwy Castle and the Conwy Town Walls which are a World Heritage Site.

There are several other enticing castles to visit within the region including the 13^th century Dolbadarn Castle and Dolwyddelan Castle with its striking natural surroundings. Those who are feeling particularly brave may want to test their nerves at Gwydir Castle which is reputed to be one of Wales’s most haunted houses.

It’s not all fun above ground, however. Deepd down in the Sygun Copper Mine and the Llechwedd Slate Caverns you'll learn about Snowdonia’s mining heritage. Bring your sense of adventure and let yourself be transported back to the flickering lights of 1903. 

Food lovers won’t want to miss out on the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre which will tantalise the taste buds of anyone. Taste all the Welsh dishes, perhaps pick up a tasty souvenir or even get hands-on with the cookery school. Visitors can also discover more about bees and beekeeping at the National Beekeeping Centre for Wales which is located within the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre. Alternatively if you're getting thirsty, try the Pant Du Vineyard or a tour of the Purple Moose Brewery.

There are also excellent cultural and artistic attractions to enjoy in the region such as the Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre and the Lloyd George Museum where visitors can learn about the life of the man who served as Prime Minister for the UK during WWI. A visit to the Trefriw Woollen Mills provides great insight into a working mill with weaving demonstrations and a mill museum, while the National Slate Museum offers an entertaining and educational day out for visitors of all ages.

A world of ways to see it all

It's not hard to see why Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most popular national parks. The Mawddach Trail is an easy 9-mile route following on old railway for cyclists, giving you the ideal sedate pace for a full tummy after all those foodie spots. The Coed y Brenin Forest Park offers fabulous mountain-biking trails that can add a real challenge to your trip and help you get in a proper work out. 

The spectacular beauty of the Coed y Brenin Forest Park is best seen on foot. There's a superb selection of walks and hikes - and no excuse not to try them, they're great for all ages. The Cwm Idwal walk is a hard mountainous route that is well worth the effort, providing - you'll barely feel your thighs as your eyes are drawm to fantastic rock formations and the stunning Llyn Idwal lake. For an easier route, take a leisurely ramble along the Llyn Gwernan path which takes in the picturesque Llyn Gwernan lake.  

Or, if you feel like giving your feet a rest, horse riding is a way to discover the beautiful Snowdonia landscape. From mountainous regions to sandy beaches, explorers can see the sights on exciting treks that cater to beginners and experienced riders.

Golfers are spoilt for choice with a selection of 9-hole and 18-hole courses that are great for spending a few relaxing hours in while surrounded by Snowdonia’s stunning landscapes. If the majesty of the mountain doesn't inspire you to go for a hole in one, nothing will!

Once it's time to hit the reset button, snuggle up in a comfy spot and enjoy the pure relaxation of birdwatching. You'll find that Mawddach Valley RSPB reserve and the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve, are tranquil settings that disguise a hive of bird activity. 

Snowdonia is dotted with shimmering lakes, and the more you look at them, the more you want to dive in. For fun in the water, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, surfing, sailing and windsurfing are all on the menu. Leave the land behind and there are also many beautiful locations to enjoy fishing. The Menai Strait Rib Ride takes you along the coast where you can get a glimpse of historic sites such as the statues of Lord Nelson and the Menai suspension bridge.

Museums in the area include Porthmadog Maritime Museum, Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery, and the Lloyd George Museum which will bring the twisting and turns of life as a Welsh prime minister to life, and there are some nice parks such as Padarn Country Park and Glynllifon Park to take a load off afterwards.

Once you're embedded in the past, you'll want to explore traditional Welsh folk music at Ty Siamas. There are performances, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year that evoke the Welsh way of life. It might sound like childish name calling, but Snowdonia does host the Ugly House, Ty Hyll. Despite your expectations, it's a rather chraming historical cottage with surrounding woodland where you can enjoy walks and picnics.

A trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology offers plenty of interactive displays, or the Trefriw Woollen Mills show all the intricacies of hand spinning and you can admire the huge hydroelectric turbines in action. Glasfryn and GreenWood Forest Parks are good for walking and King Arthurs Labryrinth is great for children. The Fairebourne Miniature Railway is also a fun day trip.

An eco theme park and other family magic 

Need a way to get hearts racing? Then take to the trees with Tree Top Adventure which will ensure all family members have a day to remember. Enjoy navigating obstacle courses from up high with the Junior Tree Trail which is tailored to children aged 4 to 8, as well as the Adventure Course which accommodates adventurers as young as 6 years old up to adults. Plus there’s the chance to experience Europe’s highest giant swing, and hang on until you're screaming in delight.

For eco-friendly thrills head, to Green Wood Forest Park - mixing wild rides with green ethics has never been so fun. It's full of one-of-a-kind options, like a rollercoaster that generates more electricity than it uses over the year, pedal-powered karts, sledge runs, jungle boats, archery, den building, craft activities, live shows and much more.

There's no need to split up the generations, Snowdonia is covered with family-friendly walks. There are a mix of easy and moderate walks that enable family members of all ages to participate and dare we even say a good dose of bonding? Why not also spend a day at one of Snowdonia’s family-friendly beaches where long stretches of sand are perfect for digging toes and spades into or for laying down a towel and soaking up the sun.

King Arthur’s Labyrinth enables visitors to step into a world of mystery and fantasy, traveling through an underground waterfall by boat and exploring a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns while discovering fascinating myths and legends. This sheltered attraction is a great choice for family fun no matter what the weather is like. Alternatively for another superb underground attraction, Bounce Below is sure to have you hopping in anticipation to bounce on the huge nets installed within a disused slate cavern.

Charming animal attractions and activities are also sure to delight families, such as the Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm and Animal Park which allows visitors to handle and feed a range of animals, as well as llama treks which combine the fun of walking and feeding gentle llamas with the opportunity to discover Snowdonia’s picturesque countryside on foot.