Eryri (Snowdonia) is an epic destination for families looking for an adventure. With a range of attractions to suit all ages and tastes, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy in this beautiful part of North Wales.
In this blog post, we're taking a closer look at some of the top family-friendly activities in Snowdonia. The really great thing is, all these activities can be done year round (weather permitting) and with 2023 being the Year Of Trails we think these activities are a great way of forging a path with your own nearest and dearest!
Why not top it all off with a stay at a beautiful Snowdonia hotel like the Royal Victoria? You can find out more about our latest special offer "Stay & Dine" below.
WALKING UP Snowdon
Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is a bucket-list experience for many visitors to Snowdonia, and it's a great activity for families to enjoy together. While the ascent can be challenging, there are a number of different routes to choose from, ranging from gentle walks to more demanding hikes.
The Llanberis Path is one of the most popular routes up Snowdon, as it offers stunning views and a gradual ascent that's suitable for families with children. The route takes you past the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which is a great alternative for families who prefer not to hike, as it takes you to the summit in the comfort of a train carriage.
Want to know more about climbing Snowdon? Take a look at our blog which delves into the most popular routes to the summit.
Before setting out, it's important to make sure you're prepared for the climb. Be sure to check the weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring plenty of food and water to keep everyone hydrated and energised. To find out more about how to prepare for a day in the mountains, take a look at our blog.
Stay at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis and you'll enjoy the added benefit of being right at the heart of the action. Our hotel is just across the road from the Snowdon Mountain Railway and the start of the Llanberis Path.
Zip World
Zip World is a sprawling adventure park covering multiple sites in Snowdonia that offers a range of thrilling activities for families to enjoy together. Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is home to the world's fastest zip line, which takes riders on a breathtaking journey over a disused slate quarry at speeds of up to 100mph!
Zip World Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog is home to Bounce Below, a subterranean underground playground. It's a great option for families who want to experience something truly unique, as it features giant trampolines, slides, and tunnels, all housed in a series of caverns deep beneath the earth's surface.
Our pick of Zip World sites for a family-friendly day out has to be Zip World Fforest near Betws-y-Coed. Activities here include the Fforest Coaster, a thrilling rollercoaster-style ride through the forest; Treetop Nets, giant trampolines suspended high in the trees; and Tree Hoppers, a fun obstacle course for younger children.
Zip World is a great option for families looking for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, but it's important to note that some of the activities have height and weight restrictions, so be sure to check the website before booking.
With a choice of hotels like the Royal Victoria in Llanberis to base your stay from, all Zip World sites are just a short drive away.
National Slate Museum
The National Slate Museum in Llanberis is a fascinating attraction that's perfect for families who want to learn more about the history and heritage of Snowdonia. In fact, Snowdonia recently received World Heritage Site status from UNESCO, in recognition of our rich industrial past and the museum will take you on a journey into this past.
The museum is housed in a restored slate workshop and features exhibits that showcase the tools, techniques, and working conditions of the miners who once toiled in the quarries. Highlights of the museum include demonstrations of slate-splitting and slate-dressing, as well as a tour of the towering waterwheel that once powered the quarry machinery. The museum also features a range of interactive exhibits and workshops that allow children to try their hand at slate-working and learn more about the industry that shaped the landscape.
The National Slate Museum is a great option for a rainy day excursion as much of it is housed in the quarry's old workshops. It's also excellent value, with free entry for all!
Welsh Highland Railway
The Welsh Highland Railway is a heritage railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the heart of Snowdonia.
The railway began life over two hundred years ago when it carried slate from the quarries of Snowdonia to the coast at Caernarfon. From here, slate was exported all around the world.
It wasn't long before intrepid Victorian tourists started using the line too, when rail operators seized the opportunity to make it an early tourist attraction as it ran so close to Snowdon! Today the Welsh Highland travels through the same spectacular scenery as enjoyed by the Victorians, following a route that takes in coast, mountains, wood and moorland along the way.
There are several day trips to choose from but our favourite is the 'Gelert Explorer' which passes close to Snowdon. Starting from Caernarfon passengers travel to Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia. On arrival you'll have some leisure time to explore the village before heading home. The trip takes around 5 hours in comfort in a modern carriage, fitted out with panoramic windows to make the most of those views! It's a really memorable day out for young and old alike.
Stay with us this spring
If we've inspired you to take a family-friendly short break to Snowdonia, why not stay with us? The Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis is perfectly situated for all the days out covered in this blog plus, until the end of May, you can take advantage of our Stay & Dine offer. For just £109pp for a two night stay including breakfast in a double or twin Classic Guestroom, simply quote promo code STAYDINE23 when booking. Couples will receive a complimentary £30 credit to spend on food and drink in the hotel! BOOK NOW