Things To Do in Beddgelert And The Wider Eryri National Park
Beddgelert is nestled in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Its picturesque beauty is enriched by legend, culture and history, making it a popular tourist destination. There are a variety of things to do and see in and around Beddgelert and we have highlighted some of our favourites here.
Heritage and Culture
Not only is Eryri (Snowdonia) a beautiful natural landscape - but its rich history has shrouded our mountains and coastline in countless mediaeval castles, world heritage sites and slate quarries which makes our home a fascinating place to adventure into and learn about.
Below, you will find some of the greatest attractions and sites where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of Eryri from the ancient Celtic burial chambers to how it came to be today.
Caernarfon Castle
This intimidatingly well maintained fortress is one of the most impressive structures in Wales. Dominating the skyline of Caernarfon, this castle is a testament to mediaeval military architecture. Here you can walk the walls, marvel at the towering turrets and learn about its history in The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum located within.
National Slate Museum
At the heart of Welsh industry lies slate quarrying. The National Slate Museum, located in the scenic village of Llanberis in the shadow of Elidir and Yr Wyddfa, is a journey into the past, telling the life story of the quarrymen who worked there and their culture. Visit reconstructed homes of the workers and learn about the slate that made them their living.
Myths & Legends
Of course, the Legend of Gelert is one close to our heart here at Glaslyn in Beddgelert as we’re so closely connected to it. Read the Legend here.
Giants are huge - not only in size but in Welsh mythology. There are resting places of Giants all over Eryri. Yr Wyddfa (roughly translated as ‘grave’) marks the final resting place of Rhita Gawr who challenged King Arthur to battle where he was defeated and had his head cut off.
Idris Gawr was a wise giant who sat upon the highest mountain in the Meirionnydd (Cader Idris) to contemplate the trials and tribulations of man.
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Yr Ysgwrn
Yr Ysgwrn is a traditional 19th century farmhouse located in Trawsfynydd which was home to the famous Hedd Wyn, whom we remember as a war poet, lost his life on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele.
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Yr Ysgwrn is now a grade II listed building and stands as a symbol of cultural, social and agricultural history at the turn of the 20th century.
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Read more and plan your visit to learn more.
Family Fun and Adventure
There's a lot to do in this beautiful rural villege in Eryri.
Here are some highlights we think you'll like
Sygun Copper Mine
An impressive example of how our industrial heritage can be transformed into an attraction for the whole family. This maze of winding tunnels and large colourful chambers can be explored on a self-guided tour where you can marvel at the stalactite and stalagmite formations and copper ore veins which contain traces of gold, silver and other precious metals.
ZipWOrld Penrhyn Quarry
Zipworld’s Summit Site located near Bethesda is a thrilling experience for the whole family. Feel the wind through your hair as you wiz through the air on the world's fastest zip wire! Hights not for you? Try the Quarry Karts and race along the Penrhyn Quarry slate track, but be sure to avoid the obstacles!
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Embark on a picturesque journey through the beautiful countryside of Eryri on these trains. Travel from Caernarfon, stop off in Beddgelert for a slice of pizza and an ice cream, and then continue your journey all the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Learn more about this historical railway on their website and book our favourite trip - The Gelert Explorer!
Glaslyn Ospreys
Are you a nature lover? Visit the Glaslyn Ospreys and get to meet Mrs G, Aran, Elen and other Ospreys soaring above.
These are the first breeding Ospreys in Wales for hundreds of years which has attracted the attention of people from far and wide and this community-led centre is a beautiful place to meet other like-minded nature lovers.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion Village is one of Wales’ greatest premier visitor attractions. Designed by the famous Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, this village, gardens and estuary, built on a private peninsula is a testament to how a naturally beautiful site can be developed without spoiling it. Today there are hotels, shops and restaurants to visit in the village after exploring the beautiful gardens.
