Top Things to do in Gwynedd
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Gwynedd That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Gwynedd, United Kingdom including Talyllyn Railway, Beacon Climbing Centre, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Caernarfon Castle, GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd), Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Penrhyn Castle, Tywyn Beach, Gypsy Wood Park, Bangor University.
Restaurants in Gwynedd
1. Talyllyn Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 988 reviews
The Talyllyn Railway is a historic narrow gauge steam railway, being the Worlds First preserved Railway!. Running continously since 1865, our track runs for 7.25miles from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol through unspoilt Snowdonia. Operated by a dedicated group of Volunteers, the railway carries passengers along the same route their Victorian ancestors would have done. Retrace the quarrymans journey into the hills to mine slate. Our principle station at Tywyn is also home to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, Railway Shop and King's Licensed Cafe & Bistro. A large carpark is available close to the station. The line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. We offer a great day out for all the family, allow 4 hours for a round trip, visit to the museum and something to eat!. Groups receive a discount when booked in advance.
2. Beacon Climbing Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 709 reviews
Rain or shine, come and climb! Beacon Climbing Centre is an exciting all weather venue, with fun activities suitable for the whole family. It's great fun for kids and the perfect antidote to boring gym regimes for adults! Conquer our high roped walls for an unbeatable sense of achievement, experience the freedom of climbing without using a rope in our low level bouldering areas or try something that's entirely off-the-wall: CrazyClimb featuring a series of wacky climbing challenges! No previous experience is required and anyone can have a go. Spectators can watch for free, there is an awesome café on site, and free WiFi is available throughout the centre.
Reviewed By Julesnbillie18
Had amazing fun on our family trip to crazy climb!!! Would definitely recommend to anyone!! Our instructor joe was amazing!!! Couldn’t have asked for s better instructor, friendly and approachable!! Many thanks
3. Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By LejasLou - San Francisco, United States
If you are visiting Snowdonia/Eryri: do not miss this hike! Parking in the summer can be challenging, so it’s best to get here before 11am (9:30am if you want a spot in the paid parking lot). Many cars end up parking on the side of the road, but even that space fills quickly and can be a bit dangerous with little kids/buggies/etc. There is a stand that sells coffee and ice cream just next to the paid parking lot but pretty much all seating is outside so if the weather isn’t great, you might want to keep that in mind. The hike to the lake is a mild/moderate incline but generally well-maintained path with stone steps - for those who don’t hike much it’s absolutely do-able and fun, just take your time. Once you reach the lake, it’s mostly flat with some gentle inclines/declines. It can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to do the entire loop from the parking lot to around the lake - the time depends on how fast you want to go. For the more more advanced hikers, this is also a gateway to more challenging hikes into Devils Kitchen and then beyond access to a range of some of the Eryri’s 3000s mountains (ie the Glyderau range). If you want to do the range, definitely start early but can be done in a day.
4. Caernarfon Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,011 reviews
After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By WendyH291
The castle is huge, be prepared for a lot of climbing up steep narrow stairs to negotiate walking right around the castle battlements. There is an interesting short film to watch giving the history of the castle which is worth watching and quite a big museum which is devoted to the history of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers . The views from the towers over the town and the water are very good. We enjoyed walking around the town afterwards.
5. GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,149 reviews
For family adventure visit GreenWood – Snowdonia’s totally unique eco-attraction! Ride the world’s first people powered rollercoaster and zoom down Wales’s longest sledge run. Explore TreeTop Towers, take the Jungle Boats challenge and conquer the Crocodile Maze. Learn something new – Archery, Stilt Walking or Den Building – then stomp along the BareFoot Trail.This multi award-winning attraction promises an unforgettable family day out, whatever the weather.
Reviewed By Adamhayward1995
Brilliant day out for all the family very reasonable ticket prices and plenty of activities to do including water rides, den building, sledging, treetop adventure, rollercoaster, bare foot walk and lots more
6. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,011 reviews
The Ffestiniog Railway takes you on a 13 1/2-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. We are recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest railway company in the world, being founded in 1832. We still build steam locomotives and carriages in our own workshops and the world's oldest steam engine, Prince, is still in regular use today - more than 150 years after it was built. Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. The Welsh Highland is Snowdonia's newest railway. Trains start their spectacular 25 mile scenic journey from beneath the historic castle walls at Caernarfon. The trains - hauled by the world's most powerful narrow gauge steam locomotives - climb from sea level to over 650 feet on the foothills of Snowdon, before zig-zagging dramatically down the steep hillside to reach Beddgelert, nestling in the heart of the National Park, then through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass - voted the most beautiful spot in the UK by the National Trust - and on to Porthmadog.
7. Penrhyn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,428 reviews
This 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. In addition, it has an outstanding collection of paintings.The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum.The 24.3 hectares (60 acres) of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden.
Reviewed By Scooteraande - Bergen, Norway
Visited this castle on recommendation from mother in law - beautiful grounds it is set in - when I first saw it I was not impressed with the outside appearance however this was soon changed when I went inside the house - what a beautiful maintained property by the national trust -the staff were excellent and explained about the appearance of the outside of the building due to the limestone - staff were very helpful and informative and the history of the castle was very interesting and how it came to be - built on the back of wealth and finally being surrendered due to death duties - the national trust works tirelessly to maintain and restore for our future generations - also plenty of information boards around the house nice to know all the belongings in the house were in the house when it was left. My husband and I had coffee twice in the coffee shop which was clean friendly staff light and airey - the connected railway museum is very informative in relation to local history - the gardens and grounds are beautiful to walk and stroll around in - staff yet again very informative this is a beautiful castle and a beautiful setting well worth a visit x
8. Tywyn Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By BethanGriffiths - Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, United Kingdom
I cannot remember the last time I visited Tywyn but I will be back again soon. We found a good fish and chip shop to have our lunch and was surprised by the number of shops there were there.We went down to the beach and found plenty of benches to sit on and relax. The beach was so clean and you did not have to pay for parking in the car park. Ideal place to take children as there is plenty of sand to make castles. Will be back again soon
9. Gypsy Wood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
Gypsy Wood Park is a magical day out for visitors of all ages. There are loads of things to see and do. Bring your wellies to explore the wetlands, meet all the different animals who live here, find the fairies, make a wish, hop on Woody’s train and enjoy one of our fabulous adventure play areas; just some of the events and attractions available at Gypsy Wood Park. We have an onsite Cafe and Shop but you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Gypsy Wood Park is also available for private hire, school groups and parties. Please note that in inclement weather we may close early, or in severe conditions we may remain closed for the day
Reviewed By 26747Jackie - Chester, United Kingdom
What a great day out! You could easily spend all day here, plenty to do. We were a party of six, grandparents with our seven year old twin granddaughters and their parents.It was a reasonable price and good value for money. Plenty going on including sheep racing,donkey/pony grooming, donkey rides, face painting, various animals, a model railway, also a train ride through the park (which is included in the entry price) go-carts, a zip wire, Fairy Princess (whre you ge a lucky stone and "fairy dust") plus the usual "gift shop" cafe and ice creams. Plenty of picnic areas, we were fortunate we had really good weather. All these items were free the only other charge we saw was for "mini diggers"
10. Bangor University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By poppytilly - Derby, United Kingdom
Wow ! So impressed with Bangor from the minute I got out of the car. A very well organised open day- plenty of staff on hand to direct you to the correct place, welcome tea and coffee , freebies and information a plenty. The accommodation tour excellent Harri was a great chap and enjoyed his banter. The buildings were stunning especially the older parts ( a bit Harry Potter ) and the setting perfect - Snowdonia one side - sea the other. Everything is within walking distance and I only wish I was the student and not the parent visiting. Thankyou Bangor for making us so welcome !
