Tucked into the North West corner of Wales, Snowdonia is a giant adventure playground just waiting to be explored. The national park offers rural retreats, giving you a choice of towering mountains, lakes or traditional villages. If you’re looking to treat yourself, why not book one of our carefully chosen luxury Snowdonia holiday cottages?
Whether you’re looking for post-hike hot tub cottages or you need some outdoor space for the kids, with our large collection of luxurious holiday homes you’ll find what you need. We even have dog-friendly cottages and houses sleeping up to 20 guests, with all the amenities you’ll need to make your holiday really special. And when you book through us, you’ll have access to all of the best staycation deals.
Of course, when you start researching your holiday in North Wales, the big question is where to stay. Our friendly team is on hand 24/7 to offer their advice on the most beautiful spots. And, to help you narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites. Whether you fancy the stylish Italianate village of Portmeirion or the hikers paradise at Betws-y-Coed, we’ll help you find the ultimate Snowdon cottage.
Gwynedd
From: £846
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £1472
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £1378
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £431
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £1687
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £350
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £675
For a 3 night stayGwynedd
From: £510
For a 3 night stayConwy
From: £762
For a 3 night stayBest for: Active holiday-goers
Betws-y-Coed may be the most popular town in Snowdonia, and with good reason. The central location is excellent for getting out immediately into the mountains, including Snowdon and Tryfan. There is also a growing water sports industry, with kayaking, rafting and wind-surfing possible on the nearby lakes and rivers. Despite that, it hasn’t lost its appealing village feel.
Best for: A European vibe but in the UK
You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the Cinque Terre on your visit to Portmeirion. This Italianate village was dreamt up by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925 and lovingly built on the cliffs of the Snowdonian coast. Williams-Ellis wanted to show how a town could be created without detracting from the beauty of its environment. It's fair to say he succeeded!
Best for: Relaxing in a traditional village
If you were to imagine the quintessential British village, Beddgelert might be it. An idyllic stone bridge curves over the river that gently ripples through the village centre. Traditional pubs and coffee shops welcome visitors and excellent mountain biking is available in the Beddgelert Forest.
Best for: Welsh heritage and culture
Known in Snowdonia as ‘the town that roofed the world’, Blaenau Ffestiniog holds an essential place in Welsh heritage. At its peak, it was the most important slate mining town in the world and this history is visibly etched into the landscape. The Ffestiniog railway, the oldest independent railway in the world, played a crucial role in transporting the slate to the coast and beyond. A ride on the track today is like taking a little trip through history.
Best for: Nearby hiking trails
Bethesda is not quite within Snowdonia National Park but sits at its northern edge. As the gateway into Snowdonia’s hiking mecca of the Carneddau mountains, it has a superb location for people looking to get outdoors. To the other side, it’s only a short drive from the coast, where the UNESCO world heritage sites of Caernarfon and Conwy Castle overlook expansive sea views.
Location: Betws-y-Coed
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Four miles
We couldn’t create a list of the best walks in Snowdonia without including the eponymous mountain itself. There are plenty of trails to choose from but if you want an easy one, Snowdon summit circular route then head up the Miners’ Track and down the PYG.
Location: Portmeirion
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Seven miles
Portmeirion to Black Rock Sands is not, strictly speaking, in Snowdonia. Rather, it takes in the Welsh coastal path, passing magnificent views, pretty fishing villages and golden sandy beaches en route.
Location: Beddgelert
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Three and a half miles
The circular walk around Aberglaslyn, Bryn Du and Beddgelert is incredibly varied, not only taking in ancient woodland and mountain scenery, but also the deep Aberglaslyn Gorge. The grave of the legendary hound Gelert is along the route.
Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Six and a half miles
This walk will introduce you to the rich slate mining heritage in this part of Wales. On your way up the hills of Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach, you’ll pass the deep Rhosydd slate quarry; previously one of the largest in the country.
Location: Bethesda
Difficulty: Hard
Walk length: Nine miles
The peaks of the Carneddau are a must-visit for keen hikers. There are a few scrambling sections on this route in the High Carneddau, starting by the lake of Llyn Ogwen, so it’s important to be prepared.
Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia National Park, where majestic mountains, stunning lakes, and ancient forests await. Embark on thrilling hikes to the summit of Mount Snowdon, go kayaking on picturesque lakes, or explore charming villages. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature and indulge in outdoor adventures.
Address: Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, LL55 4UL
Discover the fascinating world of Welsh slate at the National Slate Museum. Explore historic workshops, witness traditional crafts, and learn about the rich industrial heritage of the region. Immerse yourself in the stories of the workers and experience the sights and sounds of the slate industry.
Address: National Slate Museum, Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4TY
The series of treetop adventures at Zip World Fforest provide the perfect day out for families or groups. Soar above the treeline on Europe’s highest giant swing or fly through the canopy on a zip line.
Address: A470, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0HX
Short tours of the village are available from the welcome centre, providing an excellent way to get your bearings. Once you’ve positioned yourself, why not treat yourself to a gelato or espresso at the Italian-style gelateria, and try your hand at giant chess in the piazza. Wales will feel a long way away!
Address: Portmeirion,
Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER
According to legend, Beddgelert is named after the grave of Gelert the dog, the faithful hound of medieval Welsh prince, Llewellyn the Great. Gelert reached a tragic end, but no spoilers here - the tombstone at Gelert’s Grave tells you the full story.
Address: Beddgelert, Caernarfon, LL55 4YA
The interactive tours of Llechwedd Deep Mine are a fascinating snapshot of a time when Wales was at the pinnacle of British industry. Descend into the mine on Europe’s steepest cable railway and visit the open quarry.
Address: Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB
Although built in the 1800s, Penrhyn Castle is unusually built in the Norman style, with a distinctive crenellated, Gothic flair. It’s run by the National Trust, which is notoriously pet friendly, so you’re guaranteed a good run around the gardens for you and your four-legged friend.
Address: Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4HT