Cottages in Gwynedd

With rolling hills, mountains, rivers and lakes, Snowdonia National Park is home to miles of trails that take you through a diversity of splendid scenery. There are six trails that climb to the top of the mighty Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and the distinctive Penygader. The Llanberis Trail is the longest of the six trails and follows the mountain railway track offering fantastic views, whilst the Rhyd Ddu Way is the quietest of the six routes and the Llanfihangel and Pennant Trail is the easiest of the six but one of the longest. From steep gradients and rocky paths, all are so-called “hard/ strenuous” routes, but have the most rewarding views that are worth the effort.

Undoubtedly, the coolest indoor activity you'll find in Gwynedd is Llechwedd Caverns, located in the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. These ancient caverns, which once provided some of the world's best shale, is now a park with huge elastic nets suspended underground! The underground bounce park is a unique experience for all ages, with three levels of trampolines, the highest suspended 180 metres above the ground. You, your children and teenagers will be able to move between trampolines and an industrial-sized slide. However, the caverns also have other adventures such as a zip line and mine tour. Gwynedd also boasts the largest indoor climbing centre in North Wales, The Beacon Climbing Centre, which offers a range of very extravagant climbing challenges.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only public rack railway in the UK and gives you an incredible experience to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, that you won't want to miss. Travel 4 miles (6.44 kilometres) of picturesque scenery from Llanberis to the top of the mountain, breathe in the fresh air and discover the alpine panorama. This unforgettable journey is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world and will take you past majestic waterfalls, open fields and rock-lit scenery.

With 4 spectacular zip lines, Zip World Penrhyn Quarry gives you a thrilling experience on the world's fastest zip line that is not to be missed from your bucket list. Climb up to the launch point, travel 700 feet (0.21 kilometres) above the mountain lake, feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you reach speeds of 100 km/h and get bird's-eye views from above! This double zip line experience is an epic adventure similar to flying and offers the perfect day for couples, families, and friends.

Portmeirion Village is a miniature Italianate fantasy village with sculptures and ornamental ponds that you must visit. Discover the classical, baroque, and Arts & Crafts buildings painted in pastel shades and gaze out over the central pond and subtropical gardens of this historic site. Portmeirion was the setting for the British TV classic 'The Prisoner' and has pieces of reclaimed buildings, which is why its creator Williams-Ellis called it a 'home for fallen buildings'. In addition to its architectural heritage, the village has shops, cafés, restaurants and an Italianate ice cream parlour.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle is Wales' most attractive medieval monument and a must-see attraction in the county of Gwynedd. Take a tour of this mighty fortification and explore the hidden exhibits in its towers and see jewellery, coins, medallions, uniforms, weapons, and Celtic gold from hundreds of years ago. Awaken your imagination in this dream castle and watch history come to life through the statues and intact walls of this intimidating architecture. Although many of the structures do not survive, there is still much to see.

Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest railway company, The Ffestiniog Railway will give you a 13-mile journey through breathtaking scenery from Porthmadog Harbour to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Climb aboard these historic trains that ascend from the sea into the mountains, relax in the scenery of forests, pastures, lakes, waterfalls, and the ocean and zigzag down the steep hillside. A trip on these steam engines is an iconic thing to do on holiday!

Discover the marine life off the coast of Wales and Britain with a visit to Anglesey Marine Zoo, Wales' largest marine aquarium. See all about the creatures that live in the British seas, from seahorses, octopus, jellyfish, sharks, rays, and rays to lobsters. Explore marine habitats, see colourful reefs, dive into the Boneless Zone and delve into the Seven Sisters wreck. With over 150 species, there is plenty to see in the 40+ tanks.

The White Water National Centre offers you an adrenaline-filled experience on the incredible Tryweryn River. Try a rafting session on the white water and natural rapids of the Tryweryn River, and sample the other exhilarating activities the centre has for you. The six kilometre session will take you through the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park to the town of Bala. Other activities include Canyoning where you'll test your bravery as you climb, scramble and swim in a remote river.