10 charming places to stay in Snowdonia

Home to the largest national park in Wales, Snowdonia is all about adventure. Whether you come to conquer the dizzying peaks of Mount Snowdon, the second highest mountain in Britain, go hiking through lush valleys or brave the fastest zip line in Europe at Zip World Velocity, there's something here for everyone.

Before we take you through our list of the very best places to stay in Snowdonia, we've put together a little guide of everything you might need to know if you're planning a Welsh country escape. Like the most wonderful places to stay in the Brecon Beacons (another Welsh beauty spot we love), our pick of accommodation in Snowdonia, which includes some of the best hotels in Wales, offer the perfect base to get to know the region, whether you're travelling solo, with friends, the family or the dog.

Why visit Snowdonia?

Wales' largest national park and home to Britain's highest peak after Ben Nevis, there's plenty on offer in Snowdonia. Covering more than 800 square miles across the west coast of Wales, Snowdonia National Park offers stacks of natural appeal. Hike up no less than nine mountain ranges, ride the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which trundles to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, or go deep underground and explore the slate caverns of Llechwedd.

What's there to do in Snowdonia?

Of course, there's more to Snowdonia than climbing mountains. A more gentle approach is a ride on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway. Hop aboard at Porthmadog, a charming harbour town on the Glaslyn Estuary, and wind through the beautiful wilds of Snowdonia National Park before arriving at Blaenau Ffestiniog, a former slate mining town.

Dip your toes in the Irish Sea at Conwy, the quaint seaside town best known for its well-preserved medieval castle built by Edward I. Wander around Portmeirion, a tiny tourist village designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the style of an Italian folly.

Taking some 50 years to complete, the fascinating and colourful town is most famous as the backdrop for 1960's cult classic TV show, The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan.

What adventures can you have in Snowdonia?

Snowdonia is fast becoming the thrill-seeking capital of the British Isles. Kids will adore Bounce Below, a giant subterranean trampolining complex housed in a disused coal mine. It's twice the size of St Paul's Cathedral. Meanwhile, the brave of all ages can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour on Europe's longest zip line at Zip World Velocity 2. It's also home to Surf Snowdonia, the world's first inland artificial surf lagoon, which serves up perfect barrelling waves every minute.

Where are the best places to stay in Snowdonia?

From a luxury safari tent overlooking the mountains to a grand French-style château on the banks of the Menai Strait, there's plenty of cool places to bed down in Snowdonia. Our roundup of the best places to stay in Snowdonia includes elegant B&Bs, swish spa resorts and stylish holiday homes in converted Welsh chapels.