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Dotted across North Wales’s Snowdonia National Park you’ll find these scenic towns and villages that offer everything from picturesque mountain and river walks to epic coastal castles and cycle paths.
1. Harlech | Towns and villages in Snowdonia
Harlech rests on the western edge of Snowdonia and is dominated by an impressive hilltop castle. The sandy shores of Harlech beach sweep around Cardigan Bay with beautiful mountain views to the north. There’s a golf course and several holiday parks around Harlech, such as Min-y-Don where you can book a pitch for your caravan or motorhome and walk onto the beach through the sand dunes.
2. Beddgelert | Towns and villages in Snowdonia
The pretty village of Beddgelert gets its name from a local legend about a 12th century hound called Gelert. Gelert’s grave lies on the edge of Beddgelert which today is an ideal base for hikers wanting to ascend Snowdon or to embark on scenic river walks right on your doorstep.
3. Barmouth
If you desire an active family holiday in Wales, Barmouth is an excellent choice with its miles of coastal paths for walking and cycling.
Near Barmouth harbour is a great fish and chip shop called Harbour Fish Bar, and around the coast is a vast stretch of sandy beach next to amusement rides and an indoor arcade.
Related: 8 pretty coastal towns to visit in Wales
4. Conwy
Edward I’s magnificent castle is bound to impress as you approach the seaside town of Conwy.
Conwy is only around 10 minutes by road from Snowdonia National Park and you can expect spectacular mountain and river views from the castle turrets and fortress walls that surround the historic town centre.
There’s plenty of pretty holiday homes to stay in and around Conwy, including ones near the Marina where you can watch visitors set off on sightseeing cruises, or be first in line to peak inside Great Britain’s Smallest House.
Related: An afternoon inside Conwy Castle and town
The town’s proximity to the North Wales Expressway means you can travel from the border of England to Conwy in around 45 minutes, or arrive by train on an epic coastal route that passes right alongside the castle walls – book your train tickets to North Wales.
5. Llandudno
Just a few miles further north from Conwy you’ll find the picturesque promenade of Llandudno town, lined with grand sea view hotels and tall townhouses turned B&Bs. If you choose to holiday in Llandudno you will be following in the footsteps of the Victorian’s who used to flock here each summer to enjoy its impressive coastline, pier and later the tramway that started taking visitors up and down the Great Orme in 1902!
Related: My guide on places to stay in Llandudno, Wales
6. Portmeirion
The Italian-style village of Portmeirion is Wales’s Mediterranean jewel situated on the Dwyryd Estuary near Porthmadog. Designed by Architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the colourful buildings, delightful gardens and acres of nature trails makes it a popular day trip when visiting the Snowdonia region.
You can also stay in Portmeirion Village by booking a self catering cottage or checking in to one of the two on-site hotels. Staying guests also benefit from an outdoor heated pool and tranquil morning and evenings in the village before the day visitors arrive.
Related: A photo tour of Portmeirion Village
7. Betws-y-Coed | Towns and villages in Snowdonia
Built out of grey stone amongst soaring pine trees, the leafy village of Betws-y-Coed is one of Wales’s unspoilt wonders with a tonne of outdoor activities nearby including river trails, waterfalls and Zip World.
This is not an exhaustive list, there’s plenty of other beautiful towns and villages in and around Snowdonia National Park to explore, such as Porthmadog and Caernarfon where you can set off for Snowdonia on a stream train via the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway.
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North Wales is a fantastic place to visit. If you have yet to visit I would highly recommend.
Your photos look lovely. We were going in October, but our plans got cancelled. I love the story of Beddgelert. Will have to remember that when we finally get there!
Thank you Jan! I hope you’re able to rearrange your trip – it’s a lovely area to explore, particularly Beddgelert.