Hiker overlooking view from mountaintop

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Snowdonia & the Llŷn

This part of Wales really packs it in, from rugged mountain trails to coastal paths, old industrial sites and heritage train lines. The gem in this diadem is Snowdonia National Park, where the mightiest peaks south of Scotland scrape glowering skies. With such a formid­able mountain shield, it's little wonder that the northwestern county of Gwynedd has held tightly to Cymraeg language and culture. More than 65% speak the ancient mother tongue here – the highest proportion in the country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Harlech Castle

    Harlech Castle

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    Edward I finished this intimidating yet aesthetically pleasing castle in 1289, the southernmost of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to keep the…

  • Erddig

    Erddig

    Snowdonia & the Llŷn

    For a glimpse of the life of the British upper class in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the 'upstairs-downstairs' social hierarchy of their bygone world,…

  • Gwydyr Forest

    Gwydyr Forest

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    The 28-sq-mile Gwydyr Forest, planted since the 1920s with oak, beech and larch, encircles Betws-y-Coed and is scattered with the remnants of lead and…

  • National Slate Museum

    National Slate Museum

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    Even if you're not enraptured by industrial museums, ignore the dull-sounding name and check this one out. At Dinorwig Quarry much of the slate was carved…

  • Llechwedd Slate Caverns

    Llechwedd Slate Caverns

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    Blaenau's main attraction takes you into the bowels of a Victorian slate mine. You descend the UK's steepest mining cable railway into the 1846 network of…

  • Cellb

    Cellb

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    Recently opened in the Edwardian-era police station (hence 'Cell B'), this multifunction centre hosts everything from yoga to live bands to screenings in…

  • Electric Mountain

    Electric Mountain

    Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)

    More than just Dinorwig Power Station's public interface, Electric Mountain is a tourist hub incorporating a gallery, cafe and souvenir shop. It also has…

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Articles

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History

Why North Wales is the UK’s new must-visit destination

Mar 5, 2020 • 4 min read

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