Britain’s Best Getaways: Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Wales’ biggest National Park, Snowdonia, named after its highest mountain (which is the highest mountain in Wales and England at 3,560ft) stretches out 2,175 square kilometres and covers most of northwest Wales. The National Park’s amazing scenery features more than a hundred lakes and peaks, an unspoilt 60 kilometre coastline and spectacular cliffs and beaches. No wonder the area is extremely popular with walkers and hikers!

Snowdonia National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year where they can take in its natural beauty, wildlife and amazing cultural heritage.

To help you plan your visit to the stunning National Park, we have listed a few of the events, attractions and outdoor activities which you can enjoy there with your family and friends.

1. GeoCaching – Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which is played by adventurous people armed with GPS devices. The main goal of GeoCaching is to hunt down geocaches based on a set of clues. It is a fun and adventurous hobby, which you can enjoy in Coed y Brenin.

2. Walking/cycling – Take in the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling through Snowdonia National Park. Explore the off-road cycle tracks or the Mawddach Trail and the challenging climbs through the woods down the Gwydir Trail. If you prefer hiking, then you are in the right place as there are many different types of walks ranging from smooth and relaxing walks to something more challenging through the mountain passes. We recommendthat you wear sturdy footwear when walking or hiking the trails and have suitable equipment for all weather conditions.

3. Mountain biking – Like cycling but want something more exciting? Does mud, rough terrain and steep slopes appeal to you? Then you should go mountain biking in Coed y Brenin and Betws y Coed, it’s a mountain biking mecca.

4. White water rafting or canoeing – Don’t mind getting soaked? Hop on a raft and let the adrenaline kick in while you white water raft along the steep and rocky mountain river at Tryweryn.

Other not-to-miss activities which we recommend include visiting the gardens of Snowdonia National Park Environmental Studies Centre, you could take the Snowdon Mountain railway to visit the top of mount Snowdon, or you could visit the spectacular Harlech Castle which was built between 1283 and 1289. Snowdonia is truly the perfect place to get outdoors!

Upcoming events

  1. September 5th to 7th, Festival No6, Portmeirion – Festival No6 is an intimate weekend of music, culture and arts in stunning Portmeiron. Artists include the Pet Shop Boys, London Grammar as well as Motown legends Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Bonobo, Jon Hopkins and more!
  2. September 8th, The Tour of Britain 2014 – Stage 2: Knowsley to Llandudno – Are you a big fan of cycling? Then don’t miss the Tour of Britain at one of Britain’s most impressive and unique holiday destinations!

There is more to explore in Snowdonia! Click here to find out more about the National Park.

Enjoy your getaway in Wales at its fullest by staying at The Imperial Hotel, Llandudno, Conwy. The Imperial Hotel enjoys an outstanding reputation for food and service as well as spectacular and panoramic views across Llandudno Bay from its central Promenade position. The Imperial is the perfect venue to relax in or from which to explore beautiful North Wales.And with Snowdonia, castles, National Trust properties, and the dramatic coastline at your fingertips, there’s no shortage of things to do!

Have a great time at Snowdonia!

Sunset in Snowdonia image by Hefin Owen.