Snowdonia in North Wales is a region of stunning natural beauty, breathtaking mountaintop railways, castles and culture, writes David Powell. Find out more about Snowdonia, including Snowdonia attractions and travel information.

Snowdonia Travel - Snowdonia Attractions

As I drove into Snowdonia from Mid-Wales the scenery was breathtaking. This region of North Wales is truly an outstanding area of natural beauty. Dramatic rugged mountains cascading down into green wooded valleys, with streams, waterfalls, and rivers leading to the sea with wonderful, neat, pleasant villages scattered around. Spectacular coastlines beckon with sandy beaches, headlands and estuaries across to the Lynn Peninsular. Snowdonia has a fabulous variety of amazing attractions to discover - here’s just a small selection I experienced on my recent trip.

Snowdonia Travel: Portmeirion Hotel & Village

Croeso is Welsh for welcome and I received a very warm one when arriving at my accommodation. From the reception area to reach the Portmeirion Hotel (pictured) I had the pleasure of driving through the unique Italianate village, setting of ‘The Prisoner’, a cult TV series in the sixties (it’s a pity my transport wasn’t a mini-moke!)

Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1973, on its own private peninsular, there are over 50 buildings of various styles and character. There are shops, cafes, restaurants and cottages, many let as self catering accommodation or part of the Hotel Portmeirion. Surrounding the village are over 70 acres of sub-tropical woodland gardens.

The Hotel offers superb, luxury accommodation, with outstanding service, excellent restaurant facilities and a sensational view across the estuary. There are regular offers listed on their website and this is a great base from which to discover all that this region has to offer. Visit www.portmeirion-village.com

Snowdonia Travel: Snowdon Mountain Railway

On a visit to Snowdonia the itinerary has to include the highest mountain in England and Wales, peaking at 1085 metres. To stand on the ‘roof of Wales’ is truly awesome and to reach this fantastic view you can walk or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis. In the interest of research I decided to take the train! Since it first opened in 1896, many visitors from around the world have ridden on Britain’s highest rack and pinion railway.

At the Llanberis station there’s an audio visual theatre where you can learn how the railway came about all those years ago and the difficulties which had to be overcome in its construction. Once onboard, with in-carriage commentary, the train climbs steadily through woodland crossing two viaducts after which it breaks in to open countryside. This is when you get your first view of the peak. The train continues slowly, higher and higher, following a ridge for you to experience the spectacular views, weather permitting of course.

Snowdonia Travel: Castles and Culture

There are castles galore in Wales and Snowdonia has its fair share. Two popular ones, within easy reach, are Penrhyn Castle and Harlech Castle. Penrhyn Castle, owned by the National Trust, is set in 50 acres of beautiful gardens. This castle was built in the 19th Century by the wealthy Pennant family who made their fortune from the profits of the Welsh slate industry and Jamaican sugar. There are plenty of things to see including a one ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and a Grand Staircase that took ten years to build. The iconic Harlech Castle is also within easy reach of Portmeirion.

On my visit to Harlech I popped into the Cemlyn Tea Shop. Situated in the High Street, the owner is passionate about tea. There are over 30 selected teas being offered from around the world in comfortable, relaxed surroundings, which look out onto the Castle and views of the estuary. The Llyn Peninsular was my next stop visiting the Plas Glyn-y-weddw Arts Centre, a superbly maintained and listed Victorian Mansion, one of the oldest public art galleries in Wales. Pictures, prints, arts and crafts are all exhibited and for sale - well worth a visit.

Snowdonia Travel: Industrial Heritage

Tracing the history of slate mining, the award winning Llechwedd Slate Caverns enable you to go back in time and explore the life of the Victorian slate miner and witness the difficult and dangerous working conditions on two spectacular underground tours. I descended deep underground on the miners’ railway to learn the moving story of how a 12 year old boy came to work in the mine with his father and uncle in 1856. The story is brought to life by the clever use of light and sound, similar technology to that used by the Disney Corporation. I would strongly recommend this attraction on a visit to Snowdonia, but mind your head!

Snowdonia Travel: The Little Trains of Wales

Continuing my action packed tour of Snowdonia, I took a journey on one of the many little trains you’ll find in Wales – The Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog). Situated in Porthmadog, this is a delightful, family friendly, steam railway which takes you on a short trip through the Snowdonia countryside. The engines and carriages have been extremely well restored and maintained. Once you’ve completed your train ride there’s an opportunity to pop into the museum and the engine sheds where you can climb aboard all sorts of locomotives to your hearts content!

Holidays and short breaks in Britain are back in fashion, but with a difference. Nowadays we tend to travel in search of new experiences; culture, heritage, activity and adventure. In addition we expect excellent standards of accommodation and food - I’m sure you’ll find Snowdonia ticks all these boxes.

For more information Snowdonia visit www.star-attractions.co.uk