What are the best places to stay in Snowdonia?

With its towering mountains, stunning valleys, rural villages, world-class coastline and UNESCO world heritage slate mines, there is a seemingly endless choice of places to stay in Snowdonia National Park.

The best thing about visiting Snowdonia is the variety of places to stay. From tents pitched on idyllic campsites, cosy cottages in sleepy villages to grand country houses with mountain views and everything in between. The range of award-winning accommodation could not be better.

Beddgelert Bridge

Can you stay in Snowdonia National Park?

Absolutely! There are lots of accommodation options inside Snowdonia. From a luxury spa hotel room to apartments with mountain views, making it is the perfect place to stay during your visit.

Best places to stay in Snowdonia National park

Snowdonia is packed with fantastic places to stay. Consider a number of factors including; proximity to activities & attractions you wish to visit as well as your budget.

Where is the best place to stay for Snowdon?

Snowdon (Mount Snowdon) is the highest peak in Wales and there are six main footpaths starting on different sides of the mountain.

Llanberis - Gateway to Snowdon

Llanberis is known as the gateway to Snowdon and is base camp for many of its climbers.

It is a good location for hiking holidays and is the start of the Llanberis Path, the easiest footpath up Snowdon as well as the starting location of our Snowdon Sunset Walks.

It is also well connected by bus up the Llanberis Pass to Pen y pass where the PYG & Miners Track start. There are lots of accommodation choices and outdoor shops in the village. At the foot of the Llanberis Path is the Royal Victoria Hotel which we recommend for our  clients.

Beddgelert is well situated to the south of Snowdon so is a good location for the Rhyd Ddu Path, Watkin Path, South Ridge and Ranger Path.

If you are using public transport, Bangor and Betws-y-Coed have National Rail Train stations and are all well connected to Snowdon by the Sherpa Bus.

For more information on how to get to Snowdon, please read our article.

Organise your walk up Snowdon today!

Here at Walk Snowdonia we offer inexpensive group walks on set dates or choose your own date with our Private Guiding service.

Climb Snowdon

What are the best villages in Snowdonia?

Snowdonia is dotted with charming villages with incredible views of it's mountains. Here we will take a look at the very best.

Pont-y-Pair Bridge, Betws-y-coed

Beddgelert & Betws-y-coed

The villages of Beddgelert and Betws-y-coed are our favourite locations because of their timeless beauty. They are both capture the essence of Snowdonia like nowhere else. They are nestled in forested valleys with meandering rivers flowing right through them. Crossing these beautiful rivers are quaint old stone bridges such as the Pont y Pair bridge in Betws y coed.

Our recommendation in Beddgelert is the Saracens Head Hotel. It has a fantastic choice of real ales and good food. Just down the road is the Prince Llywelyn Hotel which is a great pub serving a hearty breakfast with a friendly welcome.

Betws-y-coed is a little bigger than Beddgelert with slightly more shops, restaurants and places to get breakfast and coffee. Its Pont y Pair bridge is a stone's throw from the Fairy Glen and just down the road from Swallow Falls waterfall. The Royal Oak Hotel has our favourite rooms in town and even if you don't stay here the restaurant is well worth a visit.

Portmerion

This charming Italianate style village has bags of character. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century the village is still popular with tourists today. It is well situated for those looking to visit the Llŷn Peninsula, Harlech or Barmouth and is also close to Snowdon.

Blaenau Festiniog

If you are looking for a town in the middle of the National Park then Blaenau Festiniog is as central as it gets. There are activities just outside the town such as Bounce Below and Llechwedd slate caverns.

Llandudno

Llandudno is known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts” as it is the largest seaside resort in the country. Because of this, it has a range of accommodation and activities for all ages in and around the town.

Barmouth

One of the best seaside towns in the National park has to be Barmouth. Situated on the west coast of Wales this seaside resort is famous for it's incredible sunsets, stunning harbour (with views of Snowdonia) and is popular for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities.

Just upriver of Barmouth, situated on the edge of the Afon Mwaddach river, is the George III Hotel. With a choice of Estuary View room or Mountain View room, the worst thing about your visit to the George III Hotel will be choosing what to look at when you open the curtains. This is a good hotel if you plan to walk up Cadir Idris.

Types of accommodation in Snowdonia

From Luxury Spa Hotels to lakeside campsites, self-catering cottages with a hot tub to grand rural houses, glamping yurts with a sun terrace to cosy rural inns serving delicious breakfast, the range of award-winning accommodation for guests in and around Snowdonia could not be better.

Bed and breakfasts Snowdonia

Conwy, Llandudno and Barmouth are home to seven of the ten best local B&Bs. In addition to this they all have plenty of attractions for the whole family.

Camping in Snowdonia

There are a range of campsites in the area.

On the shore of the stunning lake, Llyn Gwynant is the Llyn Gwynant campsite. It has a pizzeria, allows small fires and is dog friendly (all essential requirements of a campsite in our humble opinion).

Closest to Snowdon is the Hafod y Llan campsite which is situated right at the bottom of the Watkin Path.

Are there luxury hotels in Snowdonia?

With a plethora of country houses, hotel spas, villas and chateaux this is a great destination for those looking for a touch of opulence whilst enjoying the very best of nature.

Palé Hall is a grand Victorian mansion set in an idyllic woodland garden with individually styled bedrooms and a Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant. This grand Jacobean hall impressed Queen Victoria so much she decided to stay much longer than originally planned. Maybe you will too.

Areas to stay in North Wales

Many people come here to visit Snowdonia. If you have your own transport then staying in any of its wonderful villages will be a great base for exploring further.

The towns of Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Betwys y coed are perfect for people using public transport as they are the major transport hubs and are well connected to explore the area.

The coastal towns are also popular...

Coastal towns in North Wales

The Llyn Peninsula, Cardigan Bay and Anglesey have world class beaches and tasteful seaside towns such as Abersoch and Beaumaris.

Conwy, Harlech and Portmeirion are also lovely seaside towns and have a great choice of apartments and rooms on the edge of the beach.

Portmeirion

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Snowdonia?

One day is needed to climb Snowdon. Getting a feel for the area takes a few more days. To really explore the area you want to spend at least a week here. Many people return again and again over many years.

What town is close to Snowdonia?

Blaenau Festiniog is unique in being surrounded by Snowdonia. Once a slate mining centre, it is now home to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and Ffestiniog Railway.

Conclusion

The choice of accommodation is seemingly endless. You won't want to end your trip and you are likely to come back again and again.

Organise your walking holiday today!

To organise your hiking adventure in Snowdonia simply contact us at Walk Snowdonia

Snowdonia Guided Walks