The Prettiest Places in Snowdonia

Snowdonia is one of the most idyllic locations in Britain and we are so lucky to be close to it, with a pretty Country House hotel in Caernarfon. Our fantastic Country House boasts gorgeous, well-styled rooms , our fantastic fine dining restaurant in Caernarfon has been described as absolutely superb, and we believe that we are a perfect place to stay for those that wish to explore the great, untamed wilds of the North Wales countryside, and we have selected a small list of places to explore which we find quite beautiful.

Swallow Falls
This waterfall on the Afon Llugwy has been featured on film, postcard and canvas. With principal viewpoints situated on the south bank of the Llugwy River and ample parking along the A5, it is best approached along the Northern Bank. Spectacular and dramatic, the Swallowtail Falls have served Betws y Coed as a form of income since 1913, when it was given to the region by the then Lord Ancaster — a gift to help pay off it’s debt of £15,000 from the installation of water and electricity supplies to the village.

The Swallow Falls are certainly not an all day affair, but are very beautiful and scenic. Costs are a mere £1.50 to enter. Please be aware that prams and pushchairs are not advised. Furthermore, wheelchair users may suffer the fact that the falls features very steep steps.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway
The Quintessential Snowdonia attraction! The Snowdon Mountain Railway takes you on a journey of a lifetime to the rooftop of Wales, the fantastic Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon. The Highest mountain in Wales; Snowdon stands proudly at 3560 ft above sea level, and is the very highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. We highly recommend traversing the mountain from the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which starts in Llanberis. Constructed in 1894 at a total cost of £63,800 (That might not sound much, but in 2016, that’s the equivalent of over 6 million pounds!)

The Snowdon Mountain Railway is an excellent day out for all of the family, and isn’t far from us, situated in Llanberis. Tickets start from £29.00 return for adults, and £20.00 for children.

Llyn Padarn
One of the largest naturally formed lakes in Wales, Llyn Padarn is just north of Llanberis, with the village lying on the southern banks. Kayaking, rowing, and sailing are permitted on the lake, though travellers should be advised that anything with a motor requires permission. Llyn Padarn is also used by Bangor University and their rowing club. Furthermore, Llyn Padarn has a spectacular walking route which follows the lake, emerges into a car park and then takes a turn into y Glyn woodland. Ideal for travellers that wish to bring their dogs along. Furthermore, Llyn Padarn is completely free to visit.

Gwydir Forest
This enchanting and wonderful forest derives it’s name from the ancient estate of the Wynne family, of Gwydir Castle. The forest is second-to none when it comes to panoramic views of the Glyderau, Carneddau and Snowdon Mountain ranges. The forest is divided by three rivers – Llugwy, Lledr and Machno. Offering fantastic views in both summer and winter, the forest has been seemed a site of special scientific interest, though of course is still open to members of the public. Perhaps you’ll be able to see the wildlife. A popular spot for wildlife watching, Gwydir Forest features buzzards, peregrines, merlins, goshawks and black grouse.

Image Credit: Hefin Owen | CC BY-SA 2.0