Best Things To Do In Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia in North Wales is one of our favourite parts of Wales, and a place we try to visit once a year. There’s so much to do for adventure loving families. The Snowdonia National Park is one giant outdoor playground with it’s mountains, rivers, beaches and castles. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Snowdonia (with or without kids).

READ ALSO: How To Spend Three Days in Snowdonia with Kids

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SNOWDONIA, NORTH WALES

HIKE SNOWDON: THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN WALES AND ENGLAND

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at a height of 1,085 metres above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Hiking Snowdon is a challenging mountain hike, for which you should be prepared. It will take you somewhere between 5 – 8 hours to hike up and back down. There are seven hiking routes up Snowdon ranging from the easiest (but not easy!) Llanberis Path to the advanced and challenging Watkin Path.

Most recently we hiked the Snowdon Ranger Track, a 12 kilometre hike, with great views, but fewer people than the more popular Llanberis, Pyg and Miner Tracks.

For all you need to know on climbing Snowdon read: Hiking Snowdon with Kids

There is however another option, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which takes you up in just an hour! Booking is very much advised, particularly at peak times.

EXPLORE CAERNARFON CASTLE

Caernarfon Castle is a huge fortress located in the small town of Caernarfon. Built by Edward I, from 1283, it occupies an impressive position alongside the river. The beauty of Caernarfon Castle is that it remains very much intact, with much to explore. In 1969, the investiture of the current Price of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here.

There is plenty to keep everyone occupied at Caernarfon Castle. Wander the impressive castle walls, climb the many towers for outstanding views across Caernarfon and indeed the rest of the castle, and visit the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum based at the castle.

Children are well catered for with an activity sheet which involves finding small plaques all around the castle. This kept our three boys fully entertained throughout our visit, and saw them running from one part of the castle to another! There is also a huge grassy area in the centre of the castle for picnics or indeed just running around.

TRY SURFING AT SURF SNOWDONIA

Surf Snowdonia is in Conwy, in the heart of North Wales – just a short  drive from the A55.  Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc is a world-first inland surf lagoon. It sits just a few metres away from the banks of the River Conwy and the lagoon was built on a derelict industrial site that was once home to an aluminium factory.

You can stay at Surf Snowdonia, as they offer glamping pods, perfect for a weekend stay. Many of the glamping pods over look the lagoon and can accommodate up to five people.

During the glamping weekend my husband and eldest daughter enjoyed surf lessons and my eldest absolutely loved it. There are plenty of options for the surf lessons, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. The surf lesson lasted about 90 minutes which I think was just about the right time. The Surf Snowdonia team teach the children in appropriate age groups – Little Rippers (age 5-7) and Groms (age 8-13). There is also the Splash Lagoon – an opportunity to test your balance, agility and determination by trying out the over-water challenge. The regular crash and splash session is suitable for age 12+, however for the younger children (5+) you can book onto a family crash and splash session.

All in all Surf Snowdonia is fun for all of the family, and there are so many fabulous places to visit nearby.

By Katy at Otis and Us

RAFTING AT THE NATIONAL WHITE WATER CENTRE

The National White Water Centre offers a range of water based activities for tweens, teens and beyond.

For children aged 10 and 11, or those wanting something slightly calmer, the Rafting Safari down the varied white water rapids of the Lower Trywern River is the perfect introduction to white water rafting. You are kitted out in a wet suit and safety gear before getting a training session with your instructor on dry land. Prepare for lots of giggles as you practice hauling your family into the raft! It is then time to get onto the water, where your skills are almost immediately put to the test with a series of challenging rapids, boulder gardens and surf waves in the four mile trip downstream to the town of Bala.

It is a fun day out for those who love the water and if taking part in cooler weather, I would recommend buying some wet suit gloves for the kids taking part. Cold hands are no fun for anyone.

For older kids, aged 12 and over, try the more exhilarating rapids of the Upper Trywern River.

By Kara at Chelsea Mamma

TRY THE FASTEST ZIP LINE IN THE WORLD AT ZIP WORLD

For the ultimate adventure, Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda in North Wales offers the Velocity 2 Zip Line, the fastest zipline in the world. Available to children 10 years old and up (and adults of all ages!), the Velocity 2 is one mile (1.6 km) long, 500 feet (152 metres) high and can reach speeds in excess of 100 miles (160 km) per hour. Talk about an exhilarating experience, especially as up to four people can go side by side.

The excursion is carefully structured. Zip World provides safety suits, helmets and goggles, and you’re provided with instructions before you go. Adventurers start out with a shorter ride first. For safety reasons there are height and weight restrictions. Riders must be a minimum of 4 feet tall and weigh at least 30 kilograms, and riders between the ages of 10 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience itself is one of a kind. It consists of being strapped in in a prone position and shooting off a platform into the sky, then soaring out over the startling blue of the quarry. If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to be a fighter jet, this is your chance.

By Carol at Wandering Carol

VISIT HARLECH CASTLE WITH ITS STUNNING BEACHSIDE LOACTION

visit to Harlech is a must if you’re going to Snowdonia with kids. Harlech Castle was built by King Edward I in the 13th century and it’s a fantastic castle to explore with children. Our two boys loved discovering this medieval castle perched on its rock overlooking the sea. It’s a really fun castle for kids to visit – you can climb inside the towers and walk along the battlements and there’s a good children’s trail to complete as you walk around.

Harlech is even more of a must-see when you realise that you can combine a a visit to the castle with a trip to the beach. It’s only a short drive from the town to the beautiful sandy beach along the northern edge of Cardigan Bay. Walk through the sand dunes from the car park and you’ll reach the stunning four-mile stretch of sand. It’s the ideal place for kids to run around, build sandcastles and paddle in the sea after a trip to the castle.

By Clare at Suitcases and Sandcastles

EXPERIENCE THE THRILLS AT ZIP WORLD FFOREST

While there are a number of Zip World locations in North Wales, the one that offers the best variety is Zip World Fforest, close to the iconic Snowdonia village of Betws y Coed.

The highlight is the Fforest Coaster, an amazing toboggan track that’s a kilometre long, including 700 metres of fast downhill. You can control the speed yourself (with a maximum of about 40 km/h), making it perfect for every age group, tandem or solo.

Also on the site, there are the treetop nets that are a fun series of netted walkways above the ground, leading between trees. And there’s a tree hoppers course of relatively easy elevated obstacles. There is also a zip safari, where you can go between the treetops via zip lines and obstacles.

If you are looking for some adventure, you can try the Skyride, where you swing through the air. Or there’s Plummet 2, the rather terrifying thrill as you drop through a trap door that’s more than 30 metres above the ground!