Snowdonia National Park

Most Snowdonia National Park tours run from the North Wales towns of Bangor, Holyhead, or Caernarfon, and a day trip offers plenty of time to admire the scenery. Highlights of a day tour typically include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Caernarfon Castle, a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top of Mount Snowdon, a visit to the family-friendly Llechwedd Slate Caverns or the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, and a scenic hike through the valleys.

Alternatively, visit as part of a multi-day tour of the United Kingdom and combine a stop in Snowdonia with a visit to the Peak District National Park and the English towns of York and Cambridge.

• Although entrance to the national park is free, some natural attractions, including Swallow Falls, have an admission fee.

• There are several car parks in the national park (fees apply).

• Bring comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and a raincoat—the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

• Insect repellant is a must in summer, when midges are common at dawn and dusk.

• Many attractions in Snowdonia National Park may not be accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Trains and buses link Welsh towns such as Llandudno, Bangor, and Caernarfon with cities such as Cardiff, London, and Manchester. From most north Wales towns, trains run to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia National Park. However, the best way to explore the park is by private vehicle—well-marked roads connect all the main sights—or on a guided tour.

It’s possible to visit Snowdonia all year round, but the most popular time is in July and August. Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities, although you can still explore the area in winter—just keep an eye on the weather and don't venture out without telling someone where you're going.

Climbing the 3,560-foot (1,085-meter) peak of Snowdon tops the bucket list for many avid hikers, but with some 90 peaks to choose from, there are plenty of other options. Popular hiking destinations include Lake Bala, Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, and the challenging Llanberis Path. Other fun activities include bike tours through the mountain valleys, river rafting along the River Tryweryn, bird-watching along the sea cliffs of the Llyn Peninsula, or lake sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding.

Summer is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park for hiking and other outdoor activities. The weather is warmest between June and August; however, this is also the busiest time in the park, so to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

When visiting the Snowdonia National Park, spend at least 2–3 days there, and preferably up to five days, if you have time. With 2–3 days, you can enjoy some walks and camping within the mountainous park, but staying longer allows you to explore further and to get away from the most crowded spots.

Yes, it’s possible to visit the Snowdonia National Park without a car. You can use public transport to get there since trains and buses service the nearby towns. There are also bus and train lines between towns in the park. From there, explore the park on foot or on a bicycle.

Yes, Snowdonia National Park is worth visiting if you love nature and want to experience one of Wales’ most beautiful natural landscapes. The park is crisscrossed with walking and biking trails, lakes and valleys, campsites, and other outdoor adventures. It’s most appealing to travelers who like to get active outdoors.

Yes, there are many restrooms throughout Snowdonia National Park in the villages and towns within the park. However, there are limited toilets on Mt. Snowdon itself, apart from in a building at the summit with limited seasonal opening hours. Hikers are advised to use the restrooms at the foot of the mountain before ascending.

Tours of Snowdonia National Park focus on the park’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. Day tours from other cities in England or Wales tend to visit some of the villages and towns within the park, as well as castles in North Wales. Active tours include hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking.