The Best Attractions in Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county full of attractions for all the family, from the calm to the adrenaline-fuelled! The most famous attraction in Gwynedd is, of course, Snowdon - the tallest mountain in Wales. To scale the peak of Mount Snowdon is a worthwhile experience indeed, not least for the spectacular views from the summit; on a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man. For those interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park without breaking a sweat, train rides are a more gentle option. Snowdon Mountain Railway takes in stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including a waterfall and ruined chapel, before tackling a steep incline to reach the summit of Mount Snowdon. Ffestiniog Railway ferries passengers from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, through beautiful Welsh countryside with regular stops to allow for exploration.
If one mountain is not enough for you, Gwynedd is also home to the Electric Mountain - a power station built within a mountain. This unique attraction is well worth a trip, as visitors journey inside the mountain to witness a great feat of engineering and see the huge turbines in action.
Other attractions in Gwynedd include the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and castles at Harlech, Caernarfon and Penrhyn; surely enough to keep even the keenest of historians interested. Visitors to Llechwedd Slate Caverns can travel by mine train deep into the earth and experience what life was like for miners. As well as learning the history of the local mining industry and its workers, visitors view huge caverns and a beautiful underground lake. Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle, both dating from the 13th century, are wonderful examples of medieval buildings and visitors can enjoy learning some local history as they take in the handsome architecture. The 19th century Penrhyn Castle, situated just outside Bangor, offers visitors to Gwynedd an insight into more recent history, with a Victorian walled garden, antique furniture collection and doll`s museum.
For an action-packed day out, why not try some of the watersports on offer in Gwynedd? Canoeing, kayaking, surfing and boat trips are all popular activities, allowing visitors to take in the stunning Welsh coastline from a different point of view! A more relaxing day out could be spent enjoying some shopping; Bangor has the longest pedestrianised High Street in Wales and offers all the usual retail outlets. If you`re looking for something a little different, the village of Portmeirion is a must. This Italianate tourist village, designed and built over several decades in the 20th century, is a fun day out for all the family, with shops, restaurants, cafes, its own castle and a very Continental feel. Inigo Jones Slateworks is also a must for any shopper looking for something a little unusual. Here, visitors can watch demonstrations of slate-cutting and buy all kinds of slate goods from the onsite gift shop, from number plates to jewellery.
For a day out with children, look no further than Greenwood Forest Park, a family fun park with an environmental, educational twist. Children learn how energy is used to power rides and can even power themselves on the Jungle Boat Adventure. The Giant Jumper is a particularly popular attraction, known for wearing children out while parents enjoy a well-earned rest!
Gwynedd is home to sleepy villages, market towns, castles, railways, mountains, coastline and beautiful countryside. There really is something for everyone and visits to the area are made easier by the array of accommodation on offer, including hotels, B&Bs and
cottages near Snowdonia. Why not plan your visit now?
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Gwynedd Attractions.