Perfect for explorers young and old, holidays in Snowdonia allow you to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Spanning dizzying mountains and surf-friendly swells across 823 miles of national park, this favoured tourist spot also boasts a selection of idyllic towns and villages for those calmer moments throughout your stay.
Whether you’re traipsing around stony castle walls or lush green hills, adventure awaits around every corner. With our stunning selection of houses and cottages in Snowdonia, you’ll have a beautiful base from which to explore it all, featuring options within walking distance to a village or beach.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Snowdonia. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Offering some of the best views from the highest vantage points in the UK, Snowdonia sees over 10 million visitors flock to its national park each year. With plenty to see and do, whether you’re an active adventurer or find your thrills simply watching the world pass by from a quaint cafe, it’s a favourite among families, couples and large groups alike.
Learn about local Welsh culture with a Corris Mine Explorers tour, go back in time at King Arthur’s Labyrinth or take in the majesty of Harlech Castle. Then, allow the hills to tell you their stories too as you take an afternoon walk or more ambitious hike towards the Mount Snowdon summit.
Check out our Wales Travel Guide to see how you could extend your trip and explore more of the country.
Wales is all about comfort food and home cooking – something you’ll surely be grateful for after a long day out in the elements. For meat lovers, a fresh cut of Welsh lamb should be the focus of any meal, drizzled with gravy and served with all the trimmings.
For vegetarians, Welsh rarebit will warm you from the inside out, spreading a beer- and mustard-loaded cheese sauce over thick-cut bread, and sometimes even topping it with an egg – think the best, open-faced toastie you’ve ever had.
Don’t forget to try a Welsh cake or two – these thinner scone cousins are filled with raisins, currants and sweet spices. Pop one in your pocket on the move or enjoy with lashings of jam and cream in a tea room.
When you’re wanting to swap your walking shoes for sandals, Snowdonia boasts some of Wales’ most impressive beaches. Stretching across nearly 200 miles of coastline, you can choose to stay ashore or slip on a wetsuit and hit the swells.
For the most picturesque seaside trip, head to Porthdinllaen and you may even spot dolphins in the distance. Harlech gives you dramatic views of the peaks in the distance as well as its very own castle, while Porth Oer – also known as ‘Whistling Sands’ – is beloved for the way its sand squeaks back at you as you step.
You’ll never be short of things to do in Snowdonia. No matter where you choose to set up camp – whether that’s literal or not – just stepping out each morning will see you greeted by views of towering peaks, clear bodies of water or perhaps even a heritage castle.
The Llanberis Path is one of the most popular routes, stretching 9 miles up to Snowdon’s peak, while the Snowdon Ranger Path is an easier option should you have younger adventurers in tow. For cyclists, you’re spoilt for choice with seven Gwynedd recreational routes to choose from before advancing to the trickier Coed y Brenin Forest Park trail.
There are many other experiences to explore such as:
Snowdonia is perfect for accessing by car, meaning you can pack everything they’ll need for a family holiday. Head to the beach for that first feel of sand between their toes.
There are plenty of attractions on offer for keeping them entertained, with a Children’s Farm Park, steam railways and Pwlheli town centre fair.
Let them escape the virtual world and explore the real one with epic mountains, caves and lakes. For thrillseekers, a visit to Zip World is a must.
Cash: If you’re visiting rural villages, be sure to take cash in case they don’t have card facilities.
Information centres: Take advantage of their expertise before heading out – they’ll have plenty of suggestions to make your experience the best it can be.
The variety of activities on offer means you’ll never be stuck for things to do, no matter your age.
The Blue Lake: It’s not easy to visit this deep pool, but it’s entirely worth the effort. You have to either abseil down the cliffs or find the secret tunnel to access this mineral-rich water.
While Wales is largely a destination spot for outdoor adventurers, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to explore some of the quieter towns and villages around Snowdonia. Bursting with character and the kind of cobbled streets you’d expect to see in a storybook, each one boasts a unique charm that’s worth whittling away a lazy afternoon discovering.
Many of our holiday homes and cottages are in walking distance to local villages so you can explore them at your leisure on your way back from, or en route to, your next hilly walk.
As picturesque as villages come, Beddgelert is bursting with culture, history, and a warm welcome to all who visit. Be sure to stop by Gelert’s Grave – feeding into local lore, it’s a dedication to faithful hound Gelert from the folk tale. The Welsh Highland Railway also runs through the village, connecting you onwards.
This idyllic Italian-style village was designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis in the early 20th century. Boasting fresh gardens, brightly coloured houses and a bustling piazza, this postcard-worthy destination will have you feeling like you’re somewhere else entirely. Take in the rich Mediterranean architecture before exploring the Amis Reunis stone boat.
Often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed holds ample space for hikers, bikers, walkers, and anyone who wants to recharge surrounded by nature. Encompassed by Gwydir Forest Park, this calming spot boasts a miniature railway, 14th century church and several award-winning dining spots.
If you’re hiring a car, use the PayByPhone app to locate the nearest available car park before setting off.
Be on the look out for pedestrians, cyclists (and sheep!) when driving around.
Use Snowdonia’s interactive travel map to plan your visit in advance.
While there is no local airport, you can get connected from Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool airport in under two hours.
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate a high-speed service from Dublin to Holyhead, and from there, it’s just over 30 minutes by car to Snowdonia.
We would suggest travelling by car to visit the more remote towns and villages. Once there, use the PayByPhone app on your phone to pay for all Gwynedd car parks.
The Snowdon Sherpa bus is great for leaving the car at home, travelling around the base of the mountain while also linking you to nearby villages and attractions. These buses are all wheelchair-friendly, and a day pass costs just £5 for adults and £2.50 for adults.
There are six walking routes to the summit of Mount Snowdon, with different levels depending on your ability. Be sure to wear supportive boots throughout the climb, and pack enough food and drink to see you there and back.
