A weekend in Snowdonia (Eryri)
Wales's mountain heartland, with Snowdon at its centre
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
Snowdonia, also known as Eryri, is Wales's largest national park, home to its highest mountain, Snowdon, as well as lakes, waterfalls, slate heritage and the Italianate village of Portmeirion. It offers some of the best mountain scenery in Britain.
It suits active weekends, but you can also take the mountain railway and enjoy the scenery from the window.
Check prices for a weekend in Snowdonia
Top attractions in Snowdonia
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Wales's highest mountain, climbed by several paths or reached by railway.
Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
A pretty woodland village and a famous waterfall nearby.
Portmeirion
A colourful Italianate village on the coast, known from The Prisoner.
Slate heritage
Quarries and museums that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Coed y Brenin
A forest park with mountain bike trails and walking routes.
Best things to do in Snowdonia
Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.
Snowdon walk
Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres. Allow 5 to 7 hours.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a rack and pinion railway that climbs from Llanberis for nearly five miles toward the summit of Snowdon. Allow about 2.5 hours return.
Mountain biking at Coed y Brenin
Coed y Brenin forest is widely known as one of the UK's first purpose-built mountain bike trail centres, with graded trails from gentle family loops to hard technical descents. Allow 2 hours to a full day.
Best areas to stay in Snowdonia
Betws-y-Coed
A walkers' village in the forest, with plenty of pubs.
Llanberis
Handy for Snowdon and the railway, with cafes and lakeside walks.
Beddgelert
A pretty, quiet village near Snowdon's southern paths.
Best hotels in Snowdonia
These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.
Hotel Portmeirion
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Best time to visit Snowdonia
May to September for the best weather and longest days. It is one of the wettest parts of Britain, so pack waterproofs.
Seasons that suit Snowdonia well: spring, summer, autumn.
Estimated budget for a weekend in Snowdonia
| Hotel or B&B, per night for two | £90–£150 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink, per day for two | £55–£85 |
| Activities and extras for the weekend | £30–£90 |
| Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel | £320–£560 |
Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.
Getting to Snowdonia
- From Chester: About 1.5 hours by car.
- From Liverpool: About 2 hours by car.
- From Manchester: About 2.5 hours by car.
Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.
A sample weekend in Snowdonia
- Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Betws-y-Coed.
- Saturday: Start with Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), then Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls. In the afternoon, head to Portmeirion.
- Sunday: Visit Slate heritage or Coed y Brenin, then head home.
Packing list for Snowdonia
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Cycling gear
Good to know
- Weather changes fast. Carry waterproofs and navigation.
- Popular start car parks are busy, so check parking arrangements.
Snowdonia weekend FAQs
Is Snowdon difficult?
The paths are well-trodden but long and steep, so allow a full day and take it seriously.
Can I enjoy Snowdonia without hiking?
Yes. The mountain railway, scenic drives, waterfalls and villages offer plenty to do.
More weekend ideas
A grand Victorian seaside resort beneath the Great Orme
ChesterCheshireRoman walls, medieval Rows and a riverside setting
PembrokeshireWalesA rugged coast of golden beaches, seabirds and a famous coast path
Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best weekend breaks in Wales · Best countryside weekend breaks in the UK
Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.
Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.