Try These 6 Things to Do in Gwynedd
From the peak of Snowdon to the medieval fortress at Caernarfon, you’ll want to try these things to do in Gwynedd. North Wales is scattered with castles and the Gwynedd region is no different, so come ready to dive into the battles of medieval Wales.
When you’ve had your fill of fortresses, head to the pretty seaside towns of Portmeirion and Criccieth, or take a ride on a steam train from Porthmadog. Whatever your interests and however long you've managed to escape your desk for, check out these six things to do in Gwynedd.
Snowdon
Wales’ highest peak
Want to reach the highest point in Wales? Hike up to the summit of Snowdon and you’ll be there in a few hours. You’ll also have stunning views over the lakes, valleys and mountains of Snowdonia National Park, and all the way to Ireland on a clear day.
There are a few walking tracks up to the peak – the Llanberis path is probably the easiest, but it’s also the longest at nine miles – and most will take about six hours as a round trip. Look out for the Snowdon Lily, a rare flower you can only see in Snowdonia in the UK, as well as birds like peregrine falcons and ravens.
If you don’t want to walk all the way, take the Snowdon Mountain Railway through the dramatic rock-strewn landscape, lush valleys and across the Afon Hwch river.
Pitch up at campsites in Gwynedd.
Caernarfon Castle
Imposing fortress in Caernarfon
Take a tour of the huge medieval fortress of Caernarfon Castle, see the 13 towers, arrow-slit walls and grand entrances and get an insight into life here in the 13th century. The castle is on the estuary of the River Seiont and its huge walls dominate the town around it.
Learn about the huge cost of the castle when it was built, the battles and sieges that raged around it and, more recently, what Prince Charles was doing here when he visited in 1969. There are several art galleries in the town of Caernarfon too, including the fairly new Life: Full Colour gallery as well as restaurants and pubs like the award-winning Black Boy Inn.
Go camping near Caernarfon Castle.
Portmeirion
An Italian village in Gwynedd
Italy in northern Wales? That’s Portmeirion, famous for being a replica of an Italian village in coastal Gwynedd. See the ornamental gardens, campanile and pastel-coloured houses, shop at the local boutiques and try one of the restaurants. Have afternoon tea at the Hotel Portmeirion or try the tasty gelato in Caffi'r Angel while you’re here too.
Surrounding Portmeirion village is the Gwyllt, a subtropical forest with 20 miles of paths through woodlands, past rare flowers and along the coves on the coast. Visit surprising sites like the Dog Cemetery and the Ghost Garden as you explore this unusual part of the world.
Looking for more coastal resorts? Check out these must-visit beaches in Gwynedd.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden
A fantasy castle with a dark history
Discover the neo-Norman fantasy castle at Penrhyn, walk around its extensive grounds and have a picnic in the gardens or head to the café for a sandwich or an ice cream. Inside, you can potter through the vast hallways, see the Victorian kitchens and admire the fine art collection. There are fountains and flowers in the walled garden, while the bog garden has a wilder, almost jungle-like atmosphere. Walk around the grounds on a one-mile trail to see a ruined chapel and the lime and redwood groves too.
The castle was built with money earned from the sugar plantations in Jamaica, so you can also explore Penrhyn’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism in exhibitions inside the castle.
Find a campsite near Penrhyn Castle.
Porthmadog’s Railways
Heritage Railways from Porthmadog
In Snowdonia National Park, Porthmadog is a harbour town and an important hub for railway enthusiasts. But you don’t have to be mad about trains to enjoy a ride on one of the steam railways that leave from here.
Take the Ffestiniog Railway’s Woodland Wanderer service from the harbour to the mountains, through tunnels and forests, past waterfalls and lakes and around spirals and bends. In Tan-y-Bwlch, you’ll have an hour to walk to the pretty lake of Llyn Mair or get some homemade cakes from the station tearoom before the train returns to Porthmadog.
If you’re travelling with children, take a shorter ride on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway to Pen-y-Mount station instead. When you're there, you'll have time to check out engine sheds, a museum with hands-on exhibits for kids, and ride on a miniature railway.
Discover campsites near Porthmadog.
Criccieth Castle
Medieval Castle overlooking Cardigan Bay
Criccieth is in a striking position on a rocky headland that overlooks Cardigan Bay. Trek up the steep hill to see the huge twin-towered gatehouse that looms above you and ramble through the ruins of this 13th-century building. Built by Llewelyn the Great, the Welsh and the English fought over the castle until it was captured and burnt by the famous Welsh independence fighter Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century.
The town of Criccieth below the castle is a pretty Victorian seaside resort with several places to eat, including the popular Dylan’s, which serves a range of dishes from lobster to pizza. If you want to give your legs a workout, sections of the Wales Coast Path are easy to reach from the town too.
For more hikes in the area, read about our favourite Gwynedd walks to try.
Looking forward to a holiday in Gwynedd? Read our guide to all you need to know about camping in Gwynedd before setting off.