The best things to do near our B&B in Eryri | Snowdonia, North Wales

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic places to visit and exciting things to see and do in this beautiful part of Wales!

Nothing is too far from our B&B in Trefriw - for instance, the Isle of Anglesey is only a 45 minute drive from us - and many places are free to enjoy so they won’t even cost you anything!

See our recommendations below for must-see attractions and activities when you are planning your holiday in Eryri | Snowdonia and North Wales.

Planning your days out in North Wales

You will probably already know about many of the popular sights and fun adventure activities here in Eryri | Snowdonia and North Wales that we have listed below.

During your stay though we will happily assist with planning and curating your days out and give you the best ideas and tips, and you will also find a wealth of information to guide you in our guest snug.

This will all help you to discover and explore the more unusual and unique locations, romantic and secret places, and hidden gems that captivating North Wales has to offer.

You can also look at our guides and read our blog in advance of your stay for more ideas and inspiration - we take ‘guest research’ (especially visiting cafes) very seriously!!!

Of course if you do need any more assistance or advice about what to see and do here before your stay then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will help you make a plan!

The best places to visit, attractions and activities in North Wales

For now browse through our pick of the best things to see and do below - just click on the name of the location or attraction for more information :

Eryri | Snowdonia National Park

Distance from us: 0 miles!

The magnificent Eryri | Snowdonia National Park starts from our doorstep and will hopefully be one of the main reasons you are visiting North Wales!

It covers 823 square miles and is the largest national park in Wales, and includes 9 mountain ranges and 23 miles of coastline, meaning the scenery you will see can vary dramatically.

Many come for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself (see below) but of course there are many other popular mountains and peaks to conquer if you enjoy hiking including:

• Tryfan

• Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach

• Moel Siabod

• Yr Garn

• Pen yr Ole Wen

• Carnedd Llewellyn

• Cnicht

• Cadair Idris

… to name but a few, whilst dramatic landscapes featuring imposing mountains and vistas, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, historic sites and old slate mines can be found throughout the national park.

Many of the attractions and activities listed below are found in the park but you can equally enjoy a day just travelling along the roads within it and enjoy the stunning scenery, exploring villages and towns along the way.

Trefriw Woollen Mills

Distance from us: 2 mins walk

The working water-powered woollen mill within our own village is well worth visiting and is just a short walk from us!

Since 1859 they have weaved beautiful Welsh blankets and throws in Trefriw with traditional patterns, as seen in all of the guest bedrooms at our bed and breakfast.

You can do a free self-guided tour and watch the material for the blankets being made on the impressive looms upstairs, then buy examples and other products such as cushions and table runners in the large shop.

Waterfalls in Trefriw

Distance from us:

Fairy Falls - 5 mins walk

Grey Mare’s Tail - 40 mins walk

We have two stunning waterfalls that you can visit in Trefriw!

The Fairy Falls is our closest waterfall and is only a short 5 mins walk from the door - if it has been raining they can be quite spectacular!

The Grey Mare’s Tail is a striking double waterfall and - thus far - remains a relative secret!

You can reach it by car from us but it is also a lovely walk to the waterfall from the door that takes approx. 35-40 mins.

You can then loop round back to Trefriw via Llanrwst, or one of our favourite walks is to carry on to Betws-y-Coed, have lunch and then get the train or bus back here!

Gwydir Mawr & Bach mountain bike trails

Distance from us: 2 miles

Some of the best MTB singletrack, forest trails and routes in Wales are within Gwydir Forest which is just a short bike ride from Crafnant House.

The Gwydir Mawr & Bach mountain bike trails (formerly known as 'the ‘Marin Trail’) offer suitably challenging tracks to ride on and stunning views!

Bike hire is available nearby from:

• Snowdonia Bikes - they offer e-bike rental in Llanrwst

• Beics Betws - they offer bike rental in Betws-y-Coed

Other popular mountain biking locations not far from us include:

• Penmachno Bike Trails - near Betws-y-Coed

• Antur Stiniog Bike Park - near Blaenau Ffestiniog

• Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park - near Dolgellau

As keen cyclists ourselves we can recommend the best MTB and road cycling routes in the region when you stay!

We also have bike storage and washing facilities here at Crafnant House if you plan to bring your own bike with you.

Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionnydd

Distance from us: 2.7 miles

“Llyn” is the Welsh word for lake! These two lakes above our village offer beautiful scenery and numerous hiking trails, and you can easily walk to both from our door.

Watersports, open-water wild swimming, kayaking and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) are allowed at Llyn Geirionnydd.

Wild swimming is also permitted at other rivers and lakes near us - we can advise you on the best locations!

Fishing is allowed with a permit on Llyn Crafnant (permits are available from the cafe there which is also well worth trying).

Eryri | Snowdonia National Park is an ‘International Dark Sky Reserve’ and both lakes are perfect places to go to on clear evenings for stargazing.

Llanrwst

Distance from us: 3 miles 

Our nearest town - Llanrwst - is a pleasant 25-30 minute walk from us across the valley, or a 5 minute drive, and is worth visiting.

It is a handsome, historic small town famous for the three-arched bridge across the River Conwy and Tu Hwnt i’r Bont, a photogenic 15th century riverside cottage.

Tu Hwnt i’r Bont is now a well known tea room upon which the leaves change colour spectacularly each autumn!

Gwydir Castle - on the outskirts of Llanrwst - is an atmospheric, ancient Welsh house known as one of the finest Tudor buildings in Wales.

Independent shops such as OakOwlFox and Siop Sioned are well worth a visit for gifts and homewares, Blas Ar Fwyd deli and wine shop is a must for Welsh food and delicacies, and there are also cafes, restaurants and a supermarket in Llanrwst.

The Wave Garden Spa (and Zip World Conwy)

Distance from us: 3 miles 

The Wave Garden Spa

Offering luxurious spa treatments and wellness packages, the spa is part of what is now the Ixora Hotel & Spa (formerly known as the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia hotel) and remains open at the same location in Dolgarrog.

Pre-booking is essential!

Zip World Conwy

What was formerly known as Adventure Parc Snowdonia changed hands in early 2025 and is currently closed - we await news of when it will reopen and in what form!

The wave pool previously used for surfing is also currently closed.

Oriel Ffin y Parc Gallery

Distance from us: 3.8 miles

This country house and art gallery on the outskirts of Llanrwst closed at this location at the end of 2023.

Their new gallery opened in Llandudno on the North Wales coast in March 2024 (see below).

Betws-y-Coed

Distance from us: 5 miles

A very popular and picturesque mountain village within the National Park, Betws-y-Coed is known as the ‘gateway to Eryri | Snowdonia’.

The pretty village has a wide variety of river walks and hiking trails through the surrounding forests, waterfalls (including the famous Swallow Falls), shops, cafes and restaurants.

There are plenty of stores in Betws-y-Coed where you can buy outdoor clothing and equipment and Welsh gifts and souvenirs if you fancy some shopping.

Whilst the 9-hole golf course right in the centre of the village is a stunning place to have a round of golf!

Zip World Betws-y-Coed

Distance from us: 5 miles

(postcode: LL24 0HX)

This Zip World activity centre is in a forest location just south of Llanrwst and north of Betws-y-Coed.

Fun outdoor activities include the ‘Fforest Coaster’, Treetop Nets, Zip Safari, Skyride and the Plummet tower, and there is a good cafe there too.

The Fear Fforest scare-fest and fright night event every October up to and including Halloween is justifiably popular!

Go Below Underground Adventures

Distance from us: 7 miles

Go Below host daily guided underground caving and mine exploration adventures, providing unique experiences such as the Challenge, Hero Xtreme and Mine to Mountain trips.

It is an adventure activity that is great value for money, and also the perfect thing to do on a rainy day as you will be underground!

New in 2023 was their ‘Deep Sleep’ experience where you can stay overnight in a cabin or grotto underground - maybe combine that with a few nights above ground at Crafnant House!

There are also a number of indoor caving centres with climbing walls in North Wales for enthusiasts:

Read our blog on the best adventure activities for more information! ⮕

Bodnant Garden

Distance from us: 9 miles

These beautiful National Trust gardens have an incredible range of plants and trees and stunning views of the Conwy Valley and Eryri | Snowdonia.

They were seen recently in the feature film ‘The Secret Garden’ and feature regularly on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

The laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden is justifiably famous and flowers around the end of May or beginning of June - people travel from all over the world to see it!

Conwy

Distance from us: 10 miles

The famous medieval walled town of Conwy (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is well worth a visit and makes for a wonderful day out.

Attractions include Conwy Castle itself, the town walls, Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge, the bustling quayside including the smallest house in Great Britain (!), and the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art.

Two very historic buildings - Plas Mawr (an impressive Elizabethan town house) and Aberconwy House (a 14th-century merchant's house) - are also well worth exploring.

The beach at nearby Conwy Morfa is a great place for a day at the seaside, whilst Conwy Golf Club has one of the finest links golf courses in Wales.

Read our blog on the best things to do in Conwy! ⮕

A wide selection of independent shops makes Conwy great for shopping, and a range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants are places for you to eat and drink.

Llandudno

Distance from us: 14 miles

Justifiably popular, the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno has two beaches, a promenade and a long pier with amusements and traditional attractions, and good shopping opportunities.

At one end of the promenade is the Great Orme headland which dominates over the town. It has both a Victorian tramway and a cable car to the top and is great for walks and stunning views.

You might see the famous goats which regularly make the news for their adventures around the town!

The Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines on the Great Orme are also well worth a visit - they were uncovered in 1987 and are believed to date back 4000 years to the Bronze Age.

At the other end of the promenade is the Little Orme which gives equally stunning views of the town and out to the Irish Sea.

Penderyn Distillery creates Welsh whisky in a beautifully restored old school with a striking modern extension in the heart of Llandudno. You can undertake tours and tastings and of course buy examples in the excellent shop.

Art lovers can visit both Mostyn Gallery for contemporary art, and Ffin-y-Parc which has relocated to Llandudno from their previous home in Llanrwst, and specialises in Welsh art.

A visit to both Conwy and Llandudno is a perfect combination and makes a great day out!

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Pen-y-Pass car park

Distance from us: 15 miles / approx. 30 minutes drive

(postcode: LL55 4NU)

Pen-y-Pass is the nearest trails starting point to us for climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet) high it is the tallest mountain in Wales and England.

You can start both the PYG Track and Miners Track from here - they are the two hiking routes we usually recommend to our guests.

Going up the PYG Track and down the Miners Track normally takes about 5-6 hours - to the top and back - walking at a moderate pace.

IMPORTANT!

• Car park spaces at Pen-y-Pass are pay and display in the winter and pre-book only the rest of the year - 1st April 2025 to autumn (up to 8 hours - £20.00 / 8 hours to 12 hours - £30.00)

• Click here to see the latest information on Pen-y-Pass parking

• You can also consider using the regular park and ride service from nearby Nant Peris or the Sherpa bus service from Betws-y-Coed (neither need to be pre-booked!)

Other trails to hike up such as the Llanberis Path, Watkin Path, Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths are just a bit further away from us.

For more advice, information and tips on the different routes visit our blog:

Read our blog on the best walking routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) ⮕

Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea

Distance from us: 15 miles

The long promenade between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea is a fantastic place for a walk or cycle ride by the sea.

A recent investment programme has seen both the sandy beach and the promenade being refurbished with numerous sitting areas and interesting features now dotted all along the front.

Colwyn Bay pier has also been restored and is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the views, whilst Rhos-on-Sea is a pretty seaside village at the other end with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants.

Zip World Llechwedd

Distance from us: 16 miles

(postcode: LL41 3NB)

The Zip World Llechwedd activity centre offers zip wiring and other indoor and outdoor adventure activities.

At their site near Blaenau Ffestiniog you will find the Titan zip lines, ‘Bounce Below’ trampoline park and underground golf!

Quarry tours and a deep mine adventure can also be undertaken at Zip World Llechwedd which will see you take a step back into the 19th century as you’re submerged 500ft underground.

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry

Distance from us: 19 miles

(postcode: LL57 4YG)

Try activities such as zip wiring on the world’s fastest zip wire and the longest in Europe - Velocity (which reaches speeds of over 100mph!) at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

Another action packed activity to try is their ‘Quarry Karts’ which sees you trying downhill go-karting through the quarry.

Whilst in 2023 the new ‘Aero Explorer’ attraction was introduced, which gives you the sensation of gliding across 400m of track.

All of these are located at the Zip World Penrhyn Quarry site just outside Bethesda.

Gwrych Castle

Distance from us: 20 miles

Near the Welsh market town of Abergele on the North Wales coast, this atmospheric ruined castle was the UK location for ITV's I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! when it ‘had a break’ from Australia!

Tours are available of the castle and you can see props and items from the TV series.

Llanberis, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, & Llyn Padarn

Distance from us: 20 miles

The Snowdon Mountain Railway steam train that goes to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) starts from the village of Llanberis at the foot of the mountain - please pre-book to avoid disappointment!

The station is also near the beginning of the eponymous ‘Llanberis path’ - one of the walking routes you can choose if you plan to climb up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Other attractions in and around Llanberis include:

• the National Slate Museum of Wales (closed for refurbishment until 2026)

• Dinorwic slate quarry

• Dolbadarn Castle

• Llyn Padarn lake (popular for watersports and SUP)

• Llyn Padarn lakeside steam railway

• ‘The Lonely Tree’ - a picturesque photo opportunity just off the A4086 road

Aber Falls & Distillery

Distance from us: 20 miles

Aber Falls - seen on the BBC programme ‘Pilgrimage’ - is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in North Wales and is near the village of Abergwyngregyn.

A short hike (approximately 3.7 miles there and back) from the car park takes you to the viewing point for the waterfall.

Nearby is the Aber Falls Distillery which now produces Welsh gin and whisky.

You can do tours of the distillery which ends with you tasting samples in the new visitor centre - highly recommended!

Beddgelert

Distance from us: 21 miles

This beautiful village - famous for the legend of Gelert’s grave - is in a stunning location in the heart of Eryri | Snowdonia National Park and is undoubtedly one of the prettiest villages in Wales.

There are fantastic walks in and around Beddgelert, especially along the Aberglaslyn Pass and in the Nant Gwynant valley.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway stops here en-route to Caernarfon, whilst the Sygyn Copper Mine on the outskirts of the village sees you exploring old mine workings underground.

Portmeirion Village

Distance from us: 27 miles

This enchanting Italianate style ‘tourist village’ (nobody lives there!) was built by the Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1973 at a stunning location right on the coast near Porthmadog.

Portmeirion was the location for the famous 1960s TV series “The Prisoner”, and the pretty and colourful village and gardens are now one of Wales' most popular visitor attractions.

We recommend visiting if the weather is good - the brightly coloured buildings and beautiful coastal location definitely look at their best when the sun is shining and there are blue skies!

TOP TIP!

A pre-booked 3 course lunch at their restaurant Castell Deudraeth includes a complimentary entry voucher for afternoon admission to Portmeirion village!

Porthmadog and The Llŷn Peninsula

Distance from us: 29 miles (Porthmadog)

The Llŷn Peninsula is a beautiful rugged corner of North Wales and there are a variety of interesting villages, towns and attractions, all mainly located along the stunning coastline.

Porthmadog - just beyond Portmeirion - is a popular harbour town and gateway, where trains on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway arrive and depart for Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Other popular places of interest worth visiting on the Llŷn Peninsula include:

• Borth-y-Gest beach

• Criccieth (including Criccieth Castle)

• Amgueddfa Lloyd George Museum

• Pwllheli

• Abersoch

• Aberdaron

• Nefyn

Harlech - with its imposing castle and pretty village - is just south of the Llŷn Peninsula and can easily be combined with a trip to this area.

Read our ‘Castles & Coast’ guide for the perfect day out! ⮕

Isle of Anglesey

Distance from us: 27 miles (Menai Bridge)

You can easily spend a whole day exploring the Isle of Anglesey, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from us and a great day out.

Most of the visitor attractions and places to visit are located on Anglesey’s coastline, and include:

• the Menai Suspension Bridge

• Beaumaris - an attractive Georgian town by the sea, with a castle, historic jail, shops and restaurants

• boat trips around Puffin Island (from Beaumaris)

• ‘Rib Rides’ along the Menai Straits

• Penmon Point - photogenic lighthouse, beach and priory (and a filming location for the HBO series ‘House of the Dragon’)

• Red Wharf Bay

• the pretty fishing village of Moelfre

• Parys Mountain & Copper Kingdom - a photogenic old copper mine, with a visitor centre in nearby Amlwch

• South Stack Cliffs lighthouse and RSPB nature reserve

• Halen Mon Sea Salt

• Anglesey Sea Zoo

• Newborough beach and forest, and Llanddwyn Island

• Other stunning beaches along the west coast of the island

• Plas Newydd House - a National Trust stately home

• Oriel Mon - museum and art gallery in Llangefni

… to name but a few, along with many other beautiful beaches and historic sites and monuments including ancient burial chambers and mounds.

Anglesey also has new found fame due to multiple locations being used to film the HBO series ‘Game Of Thrones - House Of The Dragon’ - read more here!

Oh, and don’t forget to stop to take a photo on the platform at:

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

It is the train station in the village with longest name in the UK, known locally as ‘Llanfair PG’ - something of a ‘tourist trap’ but worth a quick stop to just take a photo!

Bala & Llyn Tegid

Distance from us: 28 miles

The historic market town of Bala has a great outdoors scene as well as a lakeside steam railway, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Bala is well known for the number of water sports available to try, such as canoeing, kayaking and SUP on Llyn Tegid, and it is also home to the National White Water Centre where you can try white-water rafting.

Also commonly known as Bala Lake, Llyn Tegid is 3.5 miles long and it is Wales' largest natural lake.

Caernarfon

Distance from us: 28 miles

The town of Caernarfon is well worth a visit and features the most famous castle in Wales.

The imposing structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the location for Prince Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales (as seen in the Netflix TV series ‘The Crown’!)

Narrow streets in the town host independent shops and cafes, and the redeveloped waterfront and marina provide great views of Anglesey across the Menai Strait.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway leaves Caernarfon for Beddgelert and Porthmadog and is a stunning trip through the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia.

Llangollen

Distance from us: 37 miles

The town of Llangollen nestles on the River Dee and is a popular centre for both walking and white water rafting.

Regular arts festivals - including the International Musical Eisteddfod - add to the lively atmosphere.

A charming riverside walk heads west from the 14th century bridge; you can have a ride on the Llangollen steam railway to Corwen and back; and numerous shops, cafes and restaurants fill the streets.

Just outside Llangollen is the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - a world heritage site - which you can walk across or enjoy a canal boat ride, and the surrounding hills and Dee Valley offer fantastic hiking opportunities.

Llangollen is a great place to stop for a break if you are travelling to us from South Wales, Shropshire or the Midlands!