Eryri, or Snowdonia, National Park offers a warm Welsh welcome to anyone wishing to discover its breath-taking mountains, valleys, and crystal-clear lakes year-round, but spring, no matter where you are, holds something special. As temperatures warm, it’s a time of growth and rejuvenation as nature bursts back into life after its winter pause.
Spring in Snowdonia invites you to take in the finest views, from the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself, to turrets of some of Wales most impressive castles. Take to the water, walk mountain trails, wander through quaint villages and ride heritage railways.
When you visit our Llandudno hotel for your spring break, be sure to set out and explore our cherished Snowdonia National Park’s must-see spots.
The award-winning Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are a great way to discover Snowdonia during your spring break. Whilst the Welsh Highland Railway, at 25 miles long, is the UK’s longest heritage railway, the Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge, from their respective stations there are a number of journeys that you can take to sit back in comfort and view the beautiful green mountains and spotting the excitable leaping lambs as you pass.
For more views, impressive peaks and lush green valleys, leave our Llandudno hotel for a drive through Eryri to take in Dyffryn Ogwen, or Ogwen Valley, a stunning glacial valley in the heart of Eryri National Park. Stop here to walk the circular trail around Llyn Ogwen or enjoy the Cwm Idwal walk which takes you around the lake, Llyn Idwal, for dramatic scenery in the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales.
Another beautiful must-do springtime drive takes you along the Llanberis Pass and up to Pen-y-Pass between the Snowdon and Glyderau mountain ranges. [Note that parking at Pen-y-Pass must be pre-booked.]
The town of Llanberis sits at the foot of the highest mountain in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). From here you can walk the popular Llanberis route up, hop on a bus to reach Pen y Pass and other walking routes up, or book a ticket on the Snowdonia Mountain Railway. But Llanberis isn’t just known for its mountain. There are must-see spots all around, from the immersive National Slate Museum, the former Dinorwig slate quarry, and walks around the great lake, Llyn Padarn which is home to one of the most photographed trees in Wales – the Lonely Tree. In Llanberis there’s also a medieval fortress, Castell Dolbadarn, considered the guardian of Llanberis Pass, it’s thought to have been constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century.
Speaking of castles, during your spring break in Llandudno, add the medieval fortresses of Castell Harlech and Castell Conwy to your must-see list, these impressive castles may sit outside of the National Park but they’re certainly worth a visit.
As is the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, recognised as one of the gateways to Snowdonia, this idyllic town is surrounded by forest and mountains and is a hive of activity; walk into the mountains and to waterfalls, snap the charming Pont-y-Pair bridge, visit the Conwy Valley Railway Museum and don’t miss the 14th century St Mchael’s Church, the oldest building in the village.
At the edge of Eryri National Park there is nothing more wonderful than to see life thriving; at Glaslyn Wildlife, run by the RSPB, the first breeding Ospreys in Wales for hundreds of years were seen in 2004, capturing the hearts of the community but also nature-lovers world-wide. Today the Visitor Centre welcomes thousands of visitors every year to view the nest through their high-quality cameras that stream live pictures to screens, capturing everyday life, from the Ospreys soaring above the nest to chicks feeding as these elegant birds deliver food to their young. The centre is free to visit but suggests a £3 donation and is open daily from March – September 10.30am to 4.30pm.
When you think of spring you may think of glorious green leaves and buds bursting into life, so if you’re passionate about beautiful gardens plan a visit to the National Trust’s Bodnant garden just outside of Snowdonia National Park, near our Llandudno hotel. Certainly, a must-see, its 80-acres have been transformed over the last 150 years, boasting formal gardens, wildflower meadows, woodland walks through Champion trees and water gardens.
There may be too much to see for just one visit to Snowdonia, but you can enjoy a taste of what the National Park has to offer with a drive through one of it’s breath-taking valleys, a stop in one of its picturesque villages and if energy calls for it, a hike along one of the many spectacular walking trails. Our hotel near Eryri will be the perfect base on the North Wales coastline for your Snowdonia adventures, inviting you back after a day in the mountains, to delicious food and your most comfortable night’s sleep.