EXPLORE SNOWDONIA
Our portfolio of information on local events, activities and tourist attractions will help you decide where to go and what to see during your visit to Plas Hafod in Snowdonia. Plas Hafod is within easy reach of Dinas Dinlle beach and the Llyn Peninsula, the mountain trails of Snowdon at Llanberis and Beddgelert, the steam railway through beautiful countryside from Caernarfon to Beddgelert, World Heritage site Caernarfon Castle or other Castles at Criccieth, Harlech or Conwy. The famous Italian Village at Portmeirion is also within easy reach making Plas Hafod’s unique location a perfect base to explore all the wonders of North Wales….
Sygun Copper Mine, Near Beddgelert
Another remarkable underground experience. Abandoned in 1903 but now reopened to visitors, Sygun tells the story of Victorian miners. Nowadays, it’s hard to believe that such industrial heritage exists surrounded by so much natural beauty. Take a self-guided tour of the old workings on foot. See stalactites and stalagmites as well as copper ore veins containing traces of silver and gold.
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CAERNARFON CASTLE
Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace.
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WELSH SLATE MUSEUM, LLANBERIS
This is the national slate museum, which traces the history of the slate industry in the Dinorwig and Llanberis area. The museum is situated in Padarn Country Park in Llanberis. The park has a pay and display car park, which is free to visitors who are Blue Badge holders.
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BODNANT GARDENS, TAL Y CAFN
These gardens are the property of the National Trust, and they stand above the river Conwy. There are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, and parking is free to all.
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Padarn Country Park, Llanberis
Here, you will be able to enjoy accessible paths and beautiful views of the forestry at the foot of Elidir Fawr. An accessible path leads to the quarry hospital, which is now a visitor centre. There is an accessible toilet and a car park with accessible spaces in the Park. From here, it is possible to visit Padarn Railway.
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Rib Ride, Menai Bridge
Rib Ride sail from Menai Bridge and Holyhead to explore the stunning coastline of North Wales.
Experience the tranquility of the Menai Straits, its stately homes, ferocious tides and whirlpools or travel seaward to Llandwyn Island, a rocky peninsula of outstanding beauty surrounded by white sandy beaches.
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Pant Du Vineyard & Cafe, Penygroes
Planted in 2005, Pant Du lies in the former quarrying valley of the Nantlle Vale, in the village of Penygroes. The vineyard has been in production since 2009, and will join the ranks of the most westerly vineyards in the UK, clustered around Ynys Mon and the Menai Straits.
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Portmeirion, Minffordd
Clough Williams-Ellis is the architect behind the wonderful Italianate Portmeirion village. He began the building of the village in 1925. Portmeirion is a truly beautiful village, with interesting buildings and stunning gardens – many of which, including several shops, restaurants and trails.
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Glasfryn Parc, near Pwllheli
Think of an activity and there’s a good chance that you can do it here. Go karts, quad bikes, archery, fishing and ten-pin bowling are just some of the things you can get up to. There’s also a state-of-the-art wakepark packed with exciting features. It’s billed as North Wales’s premier action and activity centre’. There is also an award-winning farm shop.
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Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Two separate railways, little in gauge, large in appeal. The 13½-mile Ffestiniog from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog now carries passengers, not slate. It’s one of Wales’s best-loved Great Little Trains. The Welsh Highland from Caernarfon to Porthmadog travels through some of Snowdonia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery and the show-stopping Aberglaslyn Pass – a whopping 25 miles from start to finish, making it Britain’s longest heritage railway.
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Glynllifon Country Park
A great day out for the whole family at Glynllifon’s historic gardens and country park. The park is open daily between 10am and 4pm
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Caernarfon Airport , Dinas Dinlle
Visit the Air Museum - featuring local aviation history, Welsh flying V.C.'s, the first RAF Mountain Rescue service, cinema, well stocked museum, shop, children's play area, pleasure, flights, flying school, restaurant and coffee shop, picnic/ viewing area, car park, coach park. Adjoins blue flag beach of Dinas Dinlle. Seven miles south west of historic Caernarfon.
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Sygun Copper Mine, Near Beddgelert
Another remarkable underground experience. Abandoned in 1903 but now reopened to visitors, Sygun tells the story of Victorian miners. Nowadays, it’s hard to believe that such industrial heritage exists surrounded by so much natural beauty. Take a self-guided tour of the old workings on foot. See stalactites and stalagmites as well as copper ore veins containing traces of silver and gold.
LEARN MORE
CAERNARFON CASTLE
Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace.
LEARN MORE
Padarn Country Park, Llanberis
Here, you will be able to enjoy accessible paths and beautiful views of the forestry at the foot of Elidir Fawr. An accessible path leads to the quarry hospital, which is now a visitor centre. There is an accessible toilet and a car park with accessible spaces in the Park. From here, it is possible to visit Padarn Railway.
LEARN MORE
Rib Ride, Menai Bridge
Rib Ride sail from Menai Bridge and Holyhead to explore the stunning coastline of North Wales.
Experience the tranquility of the Menai Straits, its stately homes, ferocious tides and whirlpools or travel seaward to Llandwyn Island, a rocky peninsula of outstanding beauty surrounded by white sandy beaches.
LEARN MORE
Pant Du Vineyard & Cafe, Penygroes
Planted in 2005, Pant Du lies in the former quarrying valley of the Nantlle Vale, in the village of Penygroes. The vineyard has been in production since 2009, and will join the ranks of the most westerly vineyards in the UK, clustered around Ynys Mon and the Menai Straits.
LEARN MORE
Portmeirion, Minffordd
Clough Williams-Ellis is the architect behind the wonderful Italianate Portmeirion village. He began the building of the village in 1925. Portmeirion is a truly beautiful village, with interesting buildings and stunning gardens – many of which, including several shops, restaurants and trails.
LEARN MORE
BODNANT GARDENS, TAL Y CAFN
These gardens are the property of the National Trust, and they stand above the river Conwy. There are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, and parking is free to all.
LEARN MORE
WELSH SLATE MUSEUM, LLANBERIS
This is the national slate museum, which traces the history of the slate industry in the Dinorwig and Llanberis area. The museum is situated in Padarn Country Park in Llanberis. The park has a pay and display car park, which is free to visitors who are Blue Badge holders.
LEARN MORE
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Two separate railways, little in gauge, large in appeal. The 13½-mile Ffestiniog from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog now carries passengers, not slate. It’s one of Wales’s best-loved Great Little Trains. The Welsh Highland from Caernarfon to Porthmadog travels through some of Snowdonia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery and the show-stopping Aberglaslyn Pass – a whopping 25 miles from start to finish, making it Britain’s longest heritage railway.
LEARN MORE
Glasfryn Parc, near Pwllheli
Think of an activity and there’s a good chance that you can do it here. Go karts, quad bikes, archery, fishing and ten-pin bowling are just some of the things you can get up to. There’s also a state-of-the-art wakepark packed with exciting features. It’s billed as North Wales’s premier action and activity centre’. There is also an award-winning farm shop.
LEARN MORE
Glynllifon Country Park
A great day out for the whole family at Glynllifon’s historic gardens and country park. The park is open daily between 10am and 4pm
LEARN MORE
Caernarfon Airport , Dinas Dinlle
Visit the Air Museum - featuring local aviation history, Welsh flying V.C.'s, the first RAF Mountain Rescue service, cinema, well stocked museum, shop, children's play area, pleasure, flights, flying school, restaurant and coffee shop, picnic/ viewing area, car park, coach park. Adjoins blue flag beach of Dinas Dinlle. Seven miles south west of historic Caernarfon.
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YR WYDDFA / MOUNT SNOWDON
The route to the top from the Llanberis Pass is easy. The route via Crib Goch, 3,023 feet (921m) is, however, a serious climb and should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
PYG Path – The favourite route, well made path, contours around the cwm, 3.25 miles, starts from the car park by the Pen-y- Pass Youth Hostel.
Watkin Path – The hardest and longest climb, 3.5 miles, commences from the Car Park beyond Llyn Gwynant.
Snowdon Ranger Path – An easy path with superb views, 3.75 miles, commences from the car park at Llyn Cwellyn.
Rhyd Ddu Path – East to follow but steeper near the top, 3.75 miles, commences from car park at Rhyd Ddu.
Miners Track – Follows the old miners track to lake then rises more steeply to adjoin the Pen-y-Gwryd route to the summit, 3.75 miles, commences from car park near Pen-y-Pass Youth Hostel.
Llanberis Path – Stays close to the railway, easy but long, 5 miles, commences Llanberis.
Stay safe by following a few simple rules: Obtain a reliable local weather forecast before setting off and plan a route suitable to those conditions. Check your equipment before leaving, take waterproofs, warm spare clothing, hat and gloves, food, drink, a map, a compass and survival bag. Learn basic mountaineering skills particularly navigation. If weather conditions turn bad, turn back. Don’t rely on mobile phones.
