Gwynedd Travel Guide

Wales

Menai Bridge showing a river or creek, a bridge and heritage elements
South Stack Lighthouse showing a gorge or canyon, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Menai Bridge featuring heritage elements, a bridge and a river or creek
South Stack Lighthouse showing general coastal views, hiking or walking and rocky coastline
Criccieth Castle which includes heritage elements, château or palace and building ruins
Thehistoric kingdom and modern-day county of Gwynedd isone of Wales’largest and richest regions. Situated in the northernmost part of Wales andcovering most of the SnowdoniaNational Park, Gwynedd is comprised largelyof natural surrounds, such as the Llŷn Peninsula – consideredto be one of the most unspoiled regions in the UK.

However, Gwyneddoffers much more than beautiful landscapes, and is also home to many towns andvillages. Between them, these offer great shopping, fantastic culture and sometruly unforgettable places to stay. Visit Gwyneddand you’ll soon see why this is one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations.

Get Outdoors in Gwynedd

If you love outdoor activitiesthen Gwynedd is for you. Break some waves withsome unbeatable surfing on the coast in AbersochOpens in a new windowor Borth, try out twitching in one of Gwynedd’sRSPB reserves near Conwy or Lake Vrnwy, or just head out horse-riding in thecountryside. Why not even attempt to conquer Mount Snowdon?This dramatic peak is the highest in Wales and is the namesake for SnowdoniaNational Park.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns

From the peak of Snowdonto the caverns beneath it, you’ll find the LlechweddSlate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog make an unforgettable visit. Thisslate mine boasts the steepest cable railway in Britain, and makes for athrilling ride into the darkest depths of these impressive caverns. Thechambers are mind-blowing for their size alone, and you will learn all aboutthe historic Welsh mining industry.

Llŷn Peninsula

Reaching out like a great arm intothe cool, crashing waters of the Irish Sea, the Llŷn Peninsulais over 30 miles long and is one of the least densely populated areas of Wales.Its isolation is a factor in why two thirds of the locals here speak Welsh, makingthis a wonderful place to visit for a remote break that will expose you to theessence of preserved Welsh countryside, culture and coast.

Heritage in Gwynedd

There are medieval fortificationsthroughout Wales, but those in Gwynedd are no mere ruins. The castles here aresome of the best preserved in Wales, drawing the past into the present day withincredible clarity. You’ll find wonderful examples in towns and villages suchas Harlech, Conwy and Penrhyn, but the jewel in the crown has to be CaernarfonCastle. This medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a gargantuanconstruction of grey stone that will quite literally take your breath away.

Shopping in Gwynedd

While you mightn’t expect an areaknown for its countryside to be a shopping hub, the shops in Gwynedd’stowns and villages are stuffed with character and charm. Find armour and swordsas well as fresh local produce from small town farmers’ markets and stalls.With arts, crafts and pottery all available too, plus much more, you’ll findthe perfect gift or souvenir in Gwynedd.

Enjoy Gwynedd

Visit Gwyneddfor the quintessential Welsh getaway. Search online and book your trip withExpedia today.

Popular cities in Gwynedd

Caernarfon featuring a small town or village, boating and a river or creek
Caernarfon
Known for Dining, Friendly people and Bars
Dominated by its huge medieval fortress and surrounded by calm waterways, Caernarfon is one of Wales’ most picturesque towns.

Reasons to visit

  • Yr Wyddfa
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Pen-y-Pass
Pwllheli
Pwllheli
Known for Small town, Golf and Coffee
Experience relaxing Pwllheli: its coffee, golf, countryside and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Nefyn Beach
  • Llanbedrog Beach
  • Nefyn & District Golf Club
Bangor featuring a beach, a river or creek and a bridge
Bangor
Known for Friendly people, Universities and Mountains
Situated on the north coast of Wales along the Menai Straits, Bangor is blessed with a wonderful setting. With views of the Isle of Anglesey and the Menai Suspension Bridge in one direction, and Snowdonia’s towering peaks in the other, this friendly coastal city packs a powerful scenic punch.

Reasons to visit

  • Bangor University
  • Menai Bridge
  • St Tysilio's Church
Dolgellau
Dolgellau
Known for Friendly people, Gardens and Countryside
Dolgellau is a historic market town at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park, in north Wales, set at the foot of the rugged slopes of Cader Idris. The town is on the banks of the River Wnion, crossed by an ancient stone bridge, Y Bont Fawr, dating back to 1638.

Reasons to visit

  • Cader Idris Mountain
  • Torrent Walk
Snowdonia National Park featuring a river or creek, farmland and a bridge
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Small town
Experience quaint Blaenau Ffestiniog: its bars, mountain views, castle and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Llechwedd Slate Caverns
  • Rhinog National Nature Reserve
Machynlleth
Machynlleth
Known for Nature, Hiking and Museums
Home to the 15th Century Welsh rebel parliament, the town of Machynlleth is known locally as the “Ancient Capital of Wales”. Skirting the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, it is an ideal retreat and delightful spot from which to explore the best of rural Wales.