What’s not to love about Snowdonia?
Honestly, this place is something else. Snowdonia is widely celebrated as one of the finest National Parks in the UK, and the moment you arrive, you instantly understand why. Everywhere you look, there is something breathtaking waiting to be discovered.
Picture towering peaks, dramatic valleys, and sparkling lakes stretching across the landscape. Add to that ancient woodlands, charming villages, and crystal clear waterfalls, and it becomes clear why Snowdonia welcomes more than 10 million visitors every single year.
With so many incredible experiences waiting for you, choosing what to do first can feel like a real challenge.
But after exploring, researching, and thinking it through carefully, we have gathered what we truly believe are the absolute best highlights you should not miss in this spectacular National Park.
As regular visitors to Snowdonia, trust us on this one. If you jump into any of the must-try activities below, you are almost guaranteed to have an unforgettable time exploring this incredible place.
The Best Things to do in Snowdonia National Park
Climb Mount Snowdon
Let’s get straight to the highlight of the National Park. Snowdon is the main reason many travelers make their way to Snowdonia.
Rising proudly above the surrounding landscape, Mount Snowdon reaches an impressive 1,085 metres, making it officially the tallest peak in all of Wales.
Snowdon is also famous for being part of the legendary National Three Peaks Challenge. This intense adventure pushes hikers to summit Snowdon, Scafell Pike the tallest mountain in England, and Ben Nevis the tallest mountain in Scotland, all within just 24 hours.
Here’s a fun piece of local legend. Snowdon is deeply tied to ancient mythology. It is said that King Arthur once fought a fierce ogre at the summit of the mountain. After defeating the terrifying creature, the large pile of stones at the top is believed to be the makeshift grave Arthur and his warriors built to bury the monster. Keep your eyes open on the way up and see if you can spot it.
When it comes to climbing Snowdon, you will find several different routes to choose from. The trail you pick really depends on your hiking experience and how adventurous you are feeling that day.
If you are a beginner or prefer a gentler climb, the Llanberis Path is widely known as the easiest route to the summit. But if you are the type who loves a real challenge and a bit of scrambling, then the famous Crib Goch or the Watkin Path will definitely raise the adrenaline.
Take a dip in Watkins Path Waterfall & Pools
Speaking of the Watkin Path, if you love wild swimming, you absolutely have to visit the Watkins Pools and Waterfall.
Located near the start of the trail, these beautiful cascading falls are well worth the trip, even if you are not planning to hike all the way to the summit of Snowdon.
The falls sit just about 30 to 45 minutes on foot from the main road at the start of the trail, right before the Watkin Path begins to seriously ramp up in difficulty.
This spot is home to a series of breathtaking turquoise plunge pools and cascading waterfalls. After a hike in warm weather, nothing feels better than taking a refreshing dip in these cool, crystal clear waters.
Top tip. The place has grown hugely popular in recent years, so if you want to enjoy the pools without the crowds, it is best to arrive early in the morning.
Track down Snowdonia’s Secret Infinity Pool
Another hidden gem of the National Park, the Secret Snowdonia Infinity Pool has equally grown in prominence as of late.
Built by local farmer Wyn Mostyn Jones in 2016 as part of a green energy project, this £400,000 pool quickly captured the attention of both locals and visitors, rising in popularity to become one of Snowdonia’s most talked about attractions.
Even with its growing fame, those who know about the infinity pool have always stayed quite secretive about its exact location, so you will need to put on your detective hat and track it down yourself.
Now, I am not about to reveal the exact spot and spoil the mystery of this hidden gem. But I will leave a link to a blog post that shares a few helpful clues to guide you in the right direction.
Take a ride on the Snowdon Railway
If climbing Snowdon’s most famous peak feels a bit too demanding, why not hop on the Mountain Railway instead.
Right in the heart of Llanberis, this historic railway has been carrying visitors up the mountainside for more than 100 years. Every year, it still transports over 140,000 travelers to the summit.
Once you reach the top, grab a warm drink at the Summit Café and soak in the magnificent views stretching across the landscape from high above.
Explore Llanberis
Whether you choose to ride the mountain railway or not, the village of Llanberis, home of the railway, is absolutely worth exploring thanks to the variety of activities and sights waiting there.
Beyond the railway itself, Llanberis offers several great attractions including the National Slate Museum, the beautiful Llyn Padarn Lake, direct hiking access into Snowdonia through the Llanberis Path, and even a hidden waterfall waiting to be discovered.
Llanberis is also home to a small, picturesque hidden waterfall. Known as Ceunant Mawr, the falls are only about a 15 minute walk from the village center and make a fantastic spot for some beautiful photos.
While the village itself is charming and definitely worth exploring, my favorite part has to be the lake. It is an amazing place for a refreshing swim, and you will often see paddle boarders gliding across the calm water in a peaceful, almost Zen like scene.
Top tip. If you are planning to stay overnight in Llanberis, the Camping in Llanberis Campsite is a great choice. Perched on the hills just above the town and conveniently located near the Llanberis Path up Snowdon, it is a perfect base for adventurers. For more details about our experience camping there, make sure to check out the blog post mentioned above.
Try your hand at camping
There is nothing quite like unzipping your tent in the morning and being instantly greeted by views like this.
Speaking of camping, sleeping in a tent has always been my favorite way to stay in Snowdonia. It is the perfect way to step away from the usual 9 to 5 routine and truly reconnect with the beauty and calm of the great outdoors.
Personally, I always choose to camp right in the heart of the National Park near Mount Snowdon. There is something incredibly freeing about being able to hike straight up the mountain from the campsite on foot without even needing a car.
Spend the day in Betws-y-Coed
Among all the charming towns and villages scattered across Snowdonia National Park, Betws y Coed easily stands out as one of my favorites.
Much of the village dates back to Victorian times, and as you wander through its streets admiring the classic architecture, you will discover a delightful mix of independent shops, cozy cafés, welcoming pubs, and small art galleries tucked around every corner.
We had such a great time grabbing some delicious pastries from the local bakery and enjoying a relaxed stroll through the historic town and its nearby park.
Often called the gateway to Snowdonia, the Welsh name Betws y Coed actually translates to the prayer house in the woods.
For some truly scenic views, make sure to visit one of the town’s highlights, the Pont y Pair Bridge.
Take a moment to admire the riverside scenery and look down from the bridge into the rocky gorge below. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can even climb around the rocky landscape beside the water. It is also the perfect place to enjoy some tasty food from the nearby fish and chips spot.
Stroll around Gwydir Forest Park
For hiking lovers visiting Betws y Coed, exploring the trails of Gwydir Forest Park is an absolute must.
With four color coded routes to choose from, each offering a different level of difficulty, there is a trail here that suits every kind of adventurer.
Home to ancient woodlands, steep hillside trails, beautiful lakeside views, and gentle boardwalk paths, the forest offers a wide variety of scenery and also attracts many passionate mountain bikers.
It is a fantastic activity to add to your day in Betws y Coed, and all four circular trails can be easily reached from the Pont y Pair Bridge.
Hike one of Snowdonia’s numerous peaks
While Snowdon is the king of mountain hikes in the National Park, there are plenty of other peaks that are just as worthy of your time and adventure.
Depending on the route you choose, Snowdon can become extremely crowded during peak seasons, so choosing a different mountain trail can also help you avoid the large crowds.
There are many peaks across the park to explore, and honestly there are still several I have yet to tackle myself.
One mountain I am planning to summit on my next visit is Glyder Fawr. Located close to Mount Snowdon, this peak is famous for its dramatic rocky formations that crown the summit. I will include a video below so you can see its unique landscape for yourself.
Try surfing at Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Located in the north east of the National Park, did you know there is a surfer’s paradise sitting about 7 miles inland from Conwy.
While ocean coasts are usually the place known for waves, Adventure Parc Snowdonia features the world’s first man made surf lagoon, meaning you are always guaranteed perfectly timed surf breaks.
Whether you are a complete beginner, a passionate wave rider, or somewhere in between, lessons and equipment are available right on site, making it a fantastic activity for anyone looking to try something a little different during their visit to the National Park.
Make a stop-off at Beddgelert
Beddgelert is an idyllic stone built village surrounded by breathtaking countryside and is often considered one of the most charming spots in Snowdonia.
With a population of only 455 residents, this peaceful village attracts many visitors and is especially famous for its picturesque bridge stretching across the River Colwyn.
Did you know. The 2003 blockbuster film Tomb Raider 2 Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life used the village of Beddgelert as one of its filming locations.
With Snowdon to the north, Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, and Nant Gwynant to the east, the village also serves as a perfect base for hiking lovers who want to explore more of the surrounding landscapes.
Just a 3 minute drive or a 20 minute walk from the village center, you will also find the Sygun Copper Mine. This historic Victorian site offers fascinating audio visual tours through the underground mine, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Discover the scenic Isle of Anglesey
Alright, this spot is not technically inside Snowdonia, but it simply had to be included on this list.
There is so much to see and experience within Snowdonia itself that you might not feel the need to leave at all. But if you are thinking about exploring a little further, then Anglesey would easily be my number one recommendation.
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