Places to Visit

Beddgelert is ideally located to explore the mountains and costs of Snowdonia. Some places to visit include Portmeirion, Porthmadog, Isle of Anglesey, Caernarfon, Bardsey Island and the popular seaside resort of Abersoch.

There is a very helpful local information centre in Beddgelert with details on local places to visit, maps, walking guides and public transport information to help plan your stay.

In the village, we have the Sygun Copper Mine where you can go underground and experience life as a miner or even pan for Welsh gold! There is a family farm trail at the National Trust's Hafod y Llan, a short drive away. 

Snowdon

The mountain, at 1085m (3560ft), is one of the most visited places in Wales. It forms the centrepiece of a dramatic range of rocky summits (known as the 'Horseshoe)' razor-sharp ridges, waterfalls and mountain lakes, a magnet to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular scenery. Beddgelert is one of the favourite bases from which to climb Snowdon and many of its surrounding peaks.

If you prefer the easy way to the top, we recommend that you book the mountain railway in advance, as it can be very busy during the summer months.

Beddgelert Forest

This Forestry Commission woodland 1 mile north of the village has an excellent range of amenities, including marked walks, picnic sites and cycle trails. Bikes can be hired from Beddgelert Mountain Bikes.

Llanberis Pass

Llanberis is almost due north of Beddgelert. The two are linked by spectacular mountain passes. From Llanberis the pass runs south-east, with a classic mountain road winding its way through the boulder-strewn slopes of Snowdon. Climbers can be seen testing their skills on the fearsome rock slabs (the training ground for the first successful, British, ascent of Everest) which line the pass. Pen-y-Pass, at the road's summit, is the starting point for two popular walks to the top of Snowdon.

The drive from Beddgelert to Llanberis must be one of the most spectacular to be found anywhere in the country and if  you don't have a car, use the Snowdon Sherpa service which often runs open top buses in summer. 

Once in Llanberis there are a number of attractions including the excellent Slate museum (free), electric mountain, the lake railway, and of course, the Snowdon Mountain Railway. 

Caernarfon

Approx. 10 miles from Beddgelert, this historically important Royal Town is on the Menai Straits, separating the Isle of Anglesey from North Wales. The wonderfully preserved castle dominates the town and is one of the best of the famous Welsh Castles.   Edward I was born in the castle in 1284 and both the Duke of Windsor in 1911 and Prince Charles in 1969, were invested as Princes of Wales here. Lots of small winding streets with interesting shops and a lovely little harbour.

Portmeirion

The famous Italiante village built by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis used in "The Prisoner" cult 1960s show.  It is tucked away in a beautiful estuary surrounded by mountains and features lots of colourful buildings, cafes, shops, woodland walks and lovely sandy beaches. There is also a discounted china shop to buy to ever-popular china.   It is located just a short drive away, a couple of miles from Porthmadog or you can use the Festiniog steam train.

Greenwood Forest Park

Eco-friendly adventure park suitable for all ages of children. Lots of indoor areas with interesting and educational activities to keep kids happy and only 20 mins away by car. (www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk)