Top Things to do in Gwynedd
Top 10 Free Things to do in Gwynedd, Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Gwynedd, United Kingdom including Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Llyn Coastal Path, Beddgelert Forest, Aberglaslyn Pass, Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth), Tywyn Beach, Bangor University, Dinas Dinlle Beach, Plas Glyn y Weddw, Fairbourne Beach.
Restaurants in Gwynedd
1. 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.
2. Llyn Coastal Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
Walk this stunning part of the Welsh Coastal path from the Castle in Caernarfon in the NE along the pilgrim's route to the beautiful church at Clynnog Fawr, and on to Trefor and the Iron Age hill fort of Tre'r Ceiri. Walk the sandy beaches of Nefyn, Morfa Nefyn and Porth Dinllaen, and Porth Penllech and Porth Oer/Whistling Sands as you head to Uwch Y Mynydd - the Lands End of the Llyn and overlook the tranquil island of Ynnis Enlli/Bardsey island. Stay a while and explore more and continue your walk allong the southern coast to Abersoch, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Cricieth and Black Rock Sands and Porthmadog. If you're interested you can stay with us a few days at our B&B and we will happily provide the daily shuttle service to and from any point on the walk from Clynnog Fawr to Pwllheli. That takes all the hassle out of organising your walk and you will stay in some luxury with us. You will not be disappointed check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Reviewed By 443rhianp - Pwllheli, United Kingdom
The Llŷn Peninsula is a bit of a hidden gem and the coastal path is truly lovely. Unspoilt with a great variety of patchwork countryside thanks to the active progressive farming in the area. Wicklow Mountains clearly visible from north west part of path on a clear day.
3. Beddgelert Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By davidrO9072ED - Perth, Australia
Lovely walk through the Welsh countryside and woods. There are several paths to take, well signed with intermittent posts and coloured arrows. Beautiful scenery and great for dogs. Our walk took approximately an hour.
4. Aberglaslyn Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By janicehughes4 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
We parked at the Aberglaslyn national trust car park and walked to Beddgelert and back. The river was in full flow after heavy rain, which made the waterfalls dramatic. The first part of the route is a narrow rocky path. We didn't feel unsafe, but it is reasonably challenging walking and you do need good walking boots. The second part is an easy strong on a well made path into Beddgelert.
5. Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Johnfrisbee - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Wow, such a long, wide and wild-if-windy beach. Perfect for a gentle stroll, or blowing off the cobwebs, depending on the weather. You get a real sense of isolation here, with not that many fellow walkers, (midweek/October). It's well signposted on the local road, with a small car park. Then around 5mins walk along a sandy path through the dunes... And then - the view! We enjoyed reading the various signs, learning a little of the beach's history and wildlife. (The more signs and info the better methinks. History and wildlife very important, as well as giving areas like these context.) We loved it here, spending a very happy hour, walking part of this huge beach. Oh that we had more time to cover it all...no matter, we'll return someday.
6. 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
7. 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 !
8. Dinas Dinlle Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
Reviewed By louw897
This is a great beach, especially if you walk beyond where the road ends. Pebbles and lots of sand at low tide, plus a path on the dunes. You can walk all the way to the end of the accessible part near Fort Belan which is now a private property with some rental units. Amazing photography opportunities over beach and sea towards the mountains, sunrise and sunset both fab. Nearby is Caernarfon airport, a great place to watch the planes while eating something from the cafe. Main part of beach has shops and cafes, but gets busier in peak season.
9. Plas Glyn y Weddw
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By amandacH4897LV - Caernarfon, United Kingdom
I am lucky enough to come here every week for a Welsh language course. Everything about this place is lovely. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, the art and ceramics on display (and for sale) are very tempting; and the cafe serves great coffee and food. Today we had our Christmas lunch, they kindly set us up in one of the exhibition rooms, I’m not normally a fan of commercial Christmas dinners as they tend to be an opportunity to sell poor quality at an inflated price, not so here. The turkey was plentiful and moist, pigs in blankets and stuffing - very tasty - and more than enough vegetables. The after lunch coffe/tea was served with mince pie - can’t normally stand the stuff but this was gorgeous, accompanied by friendly service we all had a lovely lunch thank you Diolch yn fawr iawn, cinio Nadolig blasus iawn
10. Fairbourne Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By 51amandae - Cannock, United Kingdom
This is my most favourite beach in the world (and I have been to many). I have been coming here since I was a child. We often stay overnight in our camper van with our dog. Beautiful sunsets, fabulous scenery, miles of beach when tide out, shallow when tide in. Never crowded even in school holidays.
