Try These 6 Things to Do in Gwynedd
From the peak of Snowdon to the medieval fortress at Caernarfon, there are lots of great attractions in Gwynedd. This is the second-largest county in Wales, and it’s an area where locals and visitors alike can explore historic castles, spend time in pretty seaside towns, hike mountain trails, ride steam trains and so much more.
With so much to see and do it can be hard to know where to start, so to help you we’ve put together this list of six of the best things to do in Gwynedd – covering all sorts of tastes and interests.
Gwynedd may be a large county but it’s also very sparsely populated, and that means lots of fabulous rural space for outdoor stays – so you may want to consider adding camping or glamping to your list of things to do. Staying outdoors is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in that stunning scenery, whether you like the simplicity of wild-style camping or the luxury of glamping with a hot tub and a proper bed. Take a look at Pitchup’s full list of Gwynedd campsites to find the place for you.
Browse all campsites in Gwynedd
Snowdon
Wales’ highest peak
Want to reach the highest point in Wales? A hike to the summit of Snowdon (known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa) is a must-do for many visitors to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It’s an approachable activity for most visitors with decent fitness, and the rewards are some stunning views over lakes, valleys and mountains – all the way to Ireland on a clear day.
There are six marked trails up to the peak – each with its own pros and cons. 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. While all the trails can get busy at times, the Rhyd Ddu path is usually the quietest – partly because it includes a rather steep section that’s suitable for experienced hikers only.
Whichever track you choose, remember that, despite its popularity, this is still a mountain and it needs to be treated with respect – you’ll need to bring proper boots and suitable clothing to cope with changeable weather conditions. Take it slowly and you’ll be able to look out for the Snowdon Lily (a rare flower only found in Eryri/Snowdonia in the UK), as well as birds like peregrine falcons and ravens.
Non-hikers needn’t miss out on the trip to the summit thanks to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which runs through the dramatic rock-strewn landscape, lush valleys and across the Afon Hwch river.
Caernarfon Castle
An imposing medieval fortress
A visit to the huge medieval fortress of Caernarfon Castle – with its 13 towers, arrow-slit walls and grand entrances – is always an impressive day out. The castle is on the estuary of the River Seiont and its huge walls dominate the town around it, making it a truly spectacular sight.
Tours of the castle give visitors an insight into life here in the 13th century. Learn about the huge cost of the castle when it was built, the battles and sieges that raged around it and, more recently, what the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) was doing here when he visited in 1969.
Once you’ve toured the castle, continue your trip with a walk around the ancient city walls and atmospheric corners like Hole in the Wall Street. There are several museums and art galleries around the town too, plus some good restaurants and pubs to round off your trip.
Portmeirion
An Italian village in Gwynedd
A little corner of Italy in north Wales? That’s Portmeirion, a unique attraction in the form of a replica Italian village in coastal Gwynedd. Architect Clough Williams-Ellis knew exactly what he wanted to create here – and on a sunny day you’re likely to feel like you’re many miles away as you stroll around the ornamental gardens, take in the village’s campanile and pastel-coloured houses and treat yourself to a delicious gelato.
Surrounding Portmeirion village is the Gwyllt, a subtropical forest with 20 miles of paths through woodlands, past patches of rare flowers and along the coves on the coast. As you explore this unusual part of the world, look out for surprising sites like the Dog Cemetery and the Ghost Garden.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden
A fantasy castle with a dark history
A very different beast to the imposing medieval fortress of Caernarfon, Penrhyn Castle and Garden is a neo-Norman fantasy that’s packed with opulent decor and a fine art collection. Built in the 19th century, its construction was funded with money earned from the sugar plantations in Jamaica, so a visit here also includes exhibits about the castle’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.
Tours of the castle take in the vast hallways, the living rooms, the staff quarters and the Victorian kitchens – and there’s plenty to see outside too. The 60 acres of gardens and woodland include a walled garden, a jungle-like bog garden, a natural play area and a mile-long walking trail with some fabulous views over towards the mountains of Eryri and the Great Orme at Llandudno.
The site is now managed by the National Trust, which has also installed a shop, a second-hand bookshop and two cafés for a cup of tea and slice of cake after you’ve explored.
Porthmadog’s Railways
Heritage railways connecting coast and mountains
Porthmadog, a harbour town in Eryri National Park, is a popular destination for railway enthusiasts, as it’s one of the hubs of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. But you don’t have to be mad about trains to enjoy a ride on one of the steam railways that leave from here – it’s a great day out for all ages, with several different routes available.
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, a shorter ride on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway to Pen-y-Mount station might be more suitable. When you're there, you'll have time to check out engine sheds, explore a museum with hands-on exhibits for kids, and ride on a miniature railway.
Criccieth Castle
Medieval castle overlooking Cardigan Bay
Another castle – and another glorious location. Criccieth Castle 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 a sandy beach and access to the Wales Coast Path for those who’d like to stretch their legs a bit more. There are also several places to eat, including the popular Dylan’s, which serves a range of dishes from lobster to pizza.
Along with all these great Gwynedd days out, you might also like to fill some time with the area’s best walks, or just relax at its top beaches. There’s certainly plenty to see and do in this scenic area, so it’s a fantastic region for a short break – or indeed a longer one. Camping and glamping are both affordable breaks with the added bonuses of splendid scenery and a sense of adventure. Take a look at Pitchup’s range of Gwynedd campsites to find somewhere that suits your style and budget.