6 of the best days out in Snowdonia
25th October 2022
Discover mighty mountains, brilliant beaches, and classic castles on a day trip to Snowdonia. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a group seeking adventure, or a couple in search of the great outdoors, there’s a Snowdonia day out for you. And they’re all easy to get to by train for less with a Railcard.
Hike Mount Snowdon
Towering above Snowdonia, Wales’s mightiest mountain is an epic day out for all.
At 1,085 metres tall, Snowden is no slouch, with 6 different paths leading to the summit. Choosing the path that best matches your ability is vital. Despite being the longest (a 9-mile round trip), the Llanberis Path is considered the easiest, followed by the Miner’s Track, Pyg Track, and Watkins Path, in that order. The Rhyd Ddu and the Snowden Ranger are the toughest of the lot.
Don’t fancy the hike? Take the train instead. The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs to the summit daily, making it an easy day trip for families.
Hit the beach in Barmouth
Although better known for its mountains, Snowdonia’s eastern edges are fringed with miles of long, sandy beaches. Abermaw beach at Barmouth offers a taste of classic British seaside, surrounded by epic Welsh scenery.
With Blue Flag status, the water here is incredibly clean and clear, while the wide beach is perfect for cricket and football. Barmouth itself has all the trimmings of a proper coastal town, with fairground rides, amusements and fish and chips on tap.
If Barmouth’s not your cup of tea, miles of sand stretch up the coast, with regular rail stops along the way between Barmouth and Porthmadog.
Take a trip to Italy in Portmeirion Village
One of Wales’s kookier attractions, Portmeirion Village is an absolute must for a Snowdonia day trip.
Designed between 1925 to 1973 by the eccentric architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the village looks like a little piece of Italy amid the moody mountains of Wales.
While he couldn’t recreate the weather, tourists still flock here in their droves, snapping photos of the candy-coloured houses and beautiful coastal views.
As well as the village itself, there are ample restaurants and shops to explore, including The Prisoner gift shop, which features everything and anything to do with the Cult 60s TV show (the village was a fittingly surreal backdrop to the quirky series).
The Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway, Wales’s iconic steam train services, both stop in Porthmadog, the nearest station to Portmeirion Village.
Visit the National Slate Museum
A great day trip for kids and history buffs, the National Slate Museum tells the fascinating story of the Welsh slate industry.
The museum resides in the original Victorian workshops of the nearby Dinorwic quarry where, once upon a time, almost 3,000 men would have worked mining and crafting this steel-grey stone. Learn about the life of a quarryman, the history of slate and the rock’s impact on Wales and the wider world.
After your visit, be sure to ride the Llanberis Lake Railway around the scenic waters of Lake Padarn.
Enjoy family fun at GreenWood Family Park
With wild roller coasters, adventure playgrounds and awesome outdoor activities, the kids will have a blast at eco-friendly GreenWood Family Park.
Hidden away in the woods of Gwynedd, every inch of the park has been designed with the environment in mind. Splash around on the UK’s only solar-powered water ride Solar Splash; weave through the woods on Green Dragon, a people-powered rollercoaster; and clamber through the TreeTop Towers, an epic adventure course built into the woods.
For the under-3s (who go free), there’s a wonderful soft play area within the café. This really is a full day out, so don’t worry about making plans after – the kids will be tired out!
Explore castles and cathedrals in Bangor
As the “Castle Capital of the World”, no visit to Wales is complete without a visit to one of its epic castles.
The imposing grey-stone walls of Penrhyn Castle are some of the best preserved in Snowdonia. Built in the 19th century, this stunning National Trust property sits surrounded by the rolling hills of North Wales.
Back in Bangor, be sure to visit the cathedral for its soaring choral performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). Storiel, a museum in the nearby bishop’s house, tells the story of the area through ancient artefacts and visual exhibitions.
Getting to Snowdonia by train
Getting to Snowdonia by train is easy. North Wales is well connected to the rest of the UK, with main stations in Bangor and Llandudno. From Llandudno, the Conwy Valley Railway runs down into the park, with plenty of connecting services for onward travel. Planning a Snowdonia day trip from Manchester or Liverpool? This is your best route.
If you’re travelling to Snowdonia from London or the Midlands, services run through Shrewsbury and Machynlleth before linking up to the Cambrian Line. Porthmadog is one of the main transport hubs at the centre of the park, offering access to some of Snowdonia’s best bits.
With a Railcard  you could save 1/3 on your train fare for only £30 a year.