The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Snowdonia National Park, Wales

November 14, 2021 Leida Jutras

Discover the best top things to do in Snowdonia National Park, United Kingdom including Snowdon, Y Garn, Caerau Gardens, Glyderau, Cader Idris, The Mawddach Trail, Harlech Beach, Dinorwic Slate Quarry, Harlech Castle, National Slate Museum.
Restaurants in Snowdonia National Park

1. Snowdon

Snowdonia National Park LL55 4UL Wales https://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/addysg-education/primary-education/snowdonia/snowdon
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,629 reviews

Snowdon

The highest mountain in Wales (higher than any in England) at 3,560 feet.

Reviewed By PD280875 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Came here this year instead of the lakes for our annual walking holiday , an amazing area of outstanding beauty , we went up via Crib Goch which was an exhilarating experience (dont look down) , some fantastic views all the way up and some challenging areas to scramble over , plenty of different paths too the top and even a steam train ! would deffo like to do this again

2. Y Garn

Snowdonia National Park Wales
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Y Garn

Reviewed By Penndela123

what a beautiful place.. even in mid-winter. the paths are well maintained and the scenery is amazing well worth a visit

3. Caerau Gardens

Caerau Uchaf Caerau Uchaf Sarnau, Snowdonia National Park, Bala LL23 7LG Wales +44 1678 530493 [email protected] http://www.caerau-gardens.co.uk/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 119 reviews

Caerau Gardens

Open from April until October, Gardens and Woodland Playground . Caerau Uchaf has the highest private garden open to the public in North Wales at over 1000 ft. We are Toby and Stephanie Hickish, who started building the gardens from scratch in 1994. They were a sideline to our garden design business and have been added to over the years. The cafe has become a significant part of the whole thing and we aim to produce really good home cooked lunches as well as Stephanie's great cakes. We also sell gifts and plants. Caerau Gardens and Cafe is open from Thursdays to Monday’s incl. from 10.00am until 5.00 pm. Dogs are welcome, we have two of our own who will willingly show you around the gardens. There is plenty of space to explore and quite a few unusual plants. Up in the woodland there is a wooden fort and a zip wire. If the weather is cooler we have a large room with a wood burner where you can enjoy great coffee and lovely food!

Reviewed By C3966OOjohnt

Loverly private gardens with glorious views of the surroundings countryside, we booked our visit and enjoyed an amusing time exploring the gardens and looking at the children’s adventure play area, which we knew of grandchildren who would have enjoyed it. There is a cafe onsite that served rally good fair and exceedingly good cakes. A must visit if attractions off the beaten track are for you.

4. Glyderau

Caernarfon, Snowdonia National Park LL57 3LX Wales +44 1248 600954 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carneddau-and-glyderau/
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Glyderau

Reviewed By mrh102018 - Bury, United Kingdom

Sunday 22nd hike. Gorgeous weather. Great views. I did the reverse route and tackled devils kitchen first and the harder scramble up towards Glyder Fawr. Had a wild camp out facing the east facing side of Tryfan... Cold night and quite windy but was worth it for the cloudless night to see the stars and the sunrise was well worth the 5.30 wake up to tackle the return trek. Well worth the hard work

5. Cader Idris

Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau Wales http://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visiting/walking/mountain-walks/pony-path-ty-nant
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 503 reviews

Cader Idris

Reviewed By lucyharries_89 - Cardiff, United Kingdom

After reading about the different tracks you can take up to the summit, I decided to opt for the Minffordd path, and I was not disappointed! I managed to get here on the T2 bus from Dolgellau - it drops you off next to Dol Idris Car Park - just ask the driver where to jump off if you're unsure. Once you reach the car park, follow the signs to the start of the track - there is also a little cafe en route if you need any supplies, but don't rely on it too much as it wasn't open on the day that I went! The Minffordd Path itself is relatively easy to follow. After a steep initial ascent (with lot's of steps through a woodland) you reach a split in the path - a little stone bridge going right will take you up the Mynydd Moel path, which is a giant scree slope. The left will continue your journey along the Minffordd path and takes you to Llyn Cau,which is a really pretty lake, and a gorgeous spot to have a chill and recharge before continuing. After you've relaxed a bit, or just stopped for a photo opportunity, continue along the ridge, keeping the lake to your right and prepare for another steep climb towards Craig Cwm Amarch, the first peak you reach (after climbing over a stile). After taking a moment to admire the views, continue along the downward path for about 10-15 minutes and eventually the path will start ascending again - the path is pretty clearly marked until you get to this point, but then it becomes a bit difficult to follow as you begin the ascent as there is a lot of loose rock - just try and keep to the right and you'll eventually reach the trig point! From the top, you can choose to either go back the same way or choose a different descent. For anyone relying on the buses, like me, you can take the Mynydd Moel path back to the Dol Idris car park. Follow the flat ridge on the summit for a good while (it is essentially a circular route around the opposite side of Llyn Cau that you ascended). After a while you reach a stile - cross this and begin your descent down the scree slope. You eventually cross the little stone bridge that you saw on the way up, which then joins the Minffordd Path again for the final part of the descent back to the car park. Be warned, the descent down the Mynydd Moel is really tough on the knees - I thought mine were okay but this mountain proved me wrong! Overall, this was a challenging hike, but I would do it gain. The views never get tiring and, having done Snowdon 2 years previously, this was a far more spectacular walk. It really is not to be missed!

6. The Mawddach Trail

Dolgellau to Barmouth, Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau Wales +44 1341 422888 http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/Easy-Leisure-Walks/Mawddach-Trail
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 429 reviews

The Mawddach Trail

Reviewed By 533carmelr - Bolton, United Kingdom

Started at Barmouth Beach and walked over the bridge (a train came across at the same time!) It was sunny and such a nice stroll. Bikes overtook us, as did joggers but it didn't matter! We walked from Barmouth to the George 111 pub, and then onto dolleglau. It was about 9 miles so we got the bus back (free on weekends) It's a flat walk and can be done at any pace. I might even try to do a bike next time!!

7. Harlech Beach

Snowdonia National Park, Harlech LL46 2UG Wales
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 592 reviews

Harlech Beach

Reviewed By JSHD2016 - Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

This beach is stunning and the water is quite warm in patches in the summer months. Definitely go and definitley take your golf clubs too because there is a golf course within stones throw of the beach along with camping and the steepest street in the world (according to Guiness World Book of records) just down the road plus castle. Enjoy

8. Dinorwic Slate Quarry

Llanberis, Snowdonia National Park LL55 4TY Wales http://www.penmorfa.com/Slate/dinorwic.html
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 63 reviews

Dinorwic Slate Quarry

Reviewed By 274caroline - Bridgend, United Kingdom

We were lucky enough to have Dinorwig Slate Quarry nearly right on our doorstep when we stayed at Blue Peris for a weeks holiday in September, and there are so many paths to follow , interesting sights to see, and amazing 360* views! Highly recommend a visit 5 Star *+*+*+*+*

9. Harlech Castle

Castle Square, Snowdonia National Park, Harlech LL46 2YH Wales +44 1766 780552 [email protected] http://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/harlech-castle
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,762 reviews

Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again. No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

Reviewed By gparneix - Palm Coast, United States

Harlech Castle (Welsh: Castell Harlech), located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a medieval fortification, constructed atop a spur of rock close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. UNESCO considers Harlech to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.

10. National Slate Museum

Gilfach Ddu Country Park Padarn Country Park, Llanberis, Snowdonia National Park LL55 4TY Wales +44 29 2057 3700 http://museum.wales/slate/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,959 reviews

National Slate Museum

The National Slate Museum Llanberis will reopen to the public on 23rd August 2020. During this unprecedented time the museum will be open for four days a week. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am - 4pm. Entry is FREE but tickets must be booked in advance. For more information please visit the website

Reviewed By IanB535 - Wellington, United Kingdom

What an unbelievable find, a free attraction with slate cutting demonstration and interesting story, check out the miners houses presented over the years and water wheel powering the foundry machines, absolutely brilliant

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