Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
Snowdonia / Eryri Hotels Map From Hotel Finder UK
The Snowdonia National Park was the third of the UK's designated areas to be created October 1951, and the first to be opened in Wales, preceded by the Peak District National Park and the Lake District National Park in the same year.
The park is located in North West Wales within the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy which extends to parts of the the coast in the north and the west and you can therefore be sat on a beach, yet with stunning views of the mountains Inland.
The National Park also contains the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh at 1, 085 metres / 3560 feet, and with several walks to the Cafe topped summit this is one of the area's most visited destinations. Llanberis at the foot of the mountain though just outside / right on the edge the park boundary is another extremely popular place with lots to see and do in the area, including the base station for the Snowndon Mountain Railway, The National slate Museum, Llyn Padarn (Lake) and the narrow gauge railway that runs along its shore and to the village.
Other popular areas include Portmeirion Village in an Italian / Mediterranean style where the buildings are not to full scale but quirky, the village was made famous by the 1960's TV series "The Prisoner". The pretty village of Betws-y-Coed is a pretty location surrounded by wooded hills, again another popular tourist destination with the Swallow falls nearby.
On the west coast there are several very good sandy beaches and villages to visit, plus the town of Harlech with its impressive castle which incidentally contains the steepest street in the world.
Visitors to Snowdonia National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, water sports, and wildlife spotting. The area offers numerous walking routes, including the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway for those who prefer a more leisurely ascent to the summit.
Some suggested popular destinations and attractions within the Snowdonia National Park from Hotel Finder UK include:
1. Mount Snowdon, now called Yr Wyddfa: At 1,085 meters above sea level, Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and England offers challenging hikes, breathtaking views, and a mountain railway for a more relaxed ascent. 2. Betws-y-Coed: This picturesque village, considered the gateway to Snowdonia, is surrounded by dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls, offering a range of outdoor activities, shops, and dining options. 3. Harlech Castle: Perched on a rocky outcrop, this medieval fortress offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside, as well as a fascinating history dating back to the 13th century. 4. Llyn Ogwen: A beautiful glacial lake nestled between the mountain ranges of the Glyderau and the Carneddau, Llyn Ogwen offers serene walks along its shores and a variety of more challenging hikes in the surrounding mountains. 5. Swallow Falls: A spectacular waterfall located near Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls offers picturesque walking trails and viewing platforms to appreciate its beauty. 6. Coed y Brenin Forest Park: This expansive woodland area features miles of walking and cycling trails, a visitor centre, and a range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and orienteering. 7. Portmeirion: Designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this unique Italianate village is a popular tourist attraction with colourful buildings, beautiful gardens, and a range of shops and restaurants. 8. Llanberis, a picturesque village in North Wales, is nestled at the foot of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. It serves as a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llyn Padarn lake, and the National Slate Museum.