Just booked for a short break in a place called Llanberis (Snowdonia), North Wales. I would love to hear of any opinions you guys have of North Wales...what to see, visit, niceability etc.

Cheers

I think you made a mistake booking a short break.
with so much to see and do you'll wish you had longer with activities as gentle or strenuous as you like.
I did a lot of climbing in my youth but even if you don't fancy the outdoors stuff there are the little railways, museum, walks.
I used to stay at Betws-y-coed at the other end of the Llanberis pass but did loads of exploring over the years, the Llanberis Information office has hundreds of leaflets to get you started.
I'm going back in sept for a weeks fishing holiday along the Menai and can hardly wait, take your waterproofs though, they see plenty of rain even in summer.

I passed my driving test in Bangor - it was a lovely area as I drove around terrifying the local populas...:loopy:

North Wales is realy nice.

(excuse all spellings)

Conwy is a very picturesque seaside village

Portmeirion is great (though a bit dear to get in) : http://www.portmeirion-village.com/

Bangor is ok, but I thought it was a bit scruffy, same for Carnarvon.

Try to visit Bodnant gardens, they are spectacular : http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-bodnantgarden/

Without going very far at all you can have a look round Caernarfon castle, walk or get the train to the top of Snowdon, do a tour of the Electric Mountain, - just down the road at Dinorwic.

There are some nice beaches on the Lleyn peninsular and over the bridge in Anglsey. Dunno if they still run the ferry from Bangor pier to Beaumaris, but that was a nice trip and of course you're surrounded by beautiful mountain and coastal scenery.

If the weather is good you'll be wishing you had booked for a week. ;)

There's so much to see and do! Where to start?

You must have a look around Padarn Country Park, and also follow some of the trails - my son used to go scuba diving in the old quarry there. You can take a trip on the boat across the lake (Llyn Padarn), and/or a ride on the little train. Don't forget to explore nearby Dolbadarn Castle.

You will probably find a visit to the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre worthwhile, where you can book a trip to go deep inside Dinorwig Power Station. The pumped power station is actually built inside the 'mountain'.

If you're feeling energetic, why not walk up the Llanberis path to the summit of Snowdon? Don't forget to wear stout boots and adequate clothing though. Alternatively, you can catch the Snowdon Mountain train - but it is a bit pricey, although worth the expense if the views are clear from the summit! There are some lovely short walks up the nearby hillsides - and the waterfall walk (starts near the Snowdon Mountainn railway station) is well worth the effort.

There are extensive walks high up along the slate workings on the other side of Llyn Padarn (with fabulous views of Snowdon).

The little town itself has some artist's shops, cafes and pubs, etc. Places of interest nearby include Bangor (pier), Caernarfon (castle), Betws-y-Coed (Swallow Falls), and Beddgelert (copper mine; Gelert's grave; and the beautiful Afon (river) Glaslyn).

Keep your fingers crossed it's not raining though!

we've just been to Rhyd Ddu for 2 days camping, ive never been to wales before and thought it was just so spectacular, well worthy of another longer visit. If only to go up snowdon when its a clear day.

As Greybrad suggested, get yourself over to Anglesea. there's tones of nice walks on the island with some spectaucular views and beaches, and it tends to be less busy then the paths in the national park.

Get yourself to a village called Beddgelert just the other side of the Llanberris Pass. Legend has it that Prince LLewwellin's dog is buried there and there is a memorial to the hound there. Best of all though is the walk through the village and along the river. The place is absolutely magical. I first went there as a young boy back in the '70s and try to get back as often as I can.

I would say that North Wales holds some of the most spectacular scenery known in the British Isles, it is amazing. I have been to Snowdonia many a time and love going back. If you make a checklist of things to do make sure it includes

- Climbing Snowdon (Walking and walking down or getting the train.)

- Visiting Betwys-y-Coed and hire mountain bikes to do the Marin Bike Trail.

I like Betwys-y-Coed and it is great at night too. You meet people from all over the British Isles to dicuss how stiff your legs are over a drink.

You will come back a much more relaxed person - have fun.

Originally posted by crazybabe
we've just been to Rhyd Ddu for 2 days camping, ive never been to wales before and thought it was just so spectacular, well worthy of another longer visit. If only to go up snowdon when its a clear day.

I've taken 4 kids up the Rhyd Ddu path to the summit of Snowdon, returning via the Snowdon Ranger path, then back up the road to the car-park. Rhyd Ddu is a good starting point for Mynedd Mawr (the 'elephant' mountain) and also the Nantlle Ridge walk.

Nice little cafe in Rhyd Ddu (have a look at the selection of second-hand books on sale), and the Cwellyn Arms pub is worth a visit too.

The little train line has now reopened from Caernarfon as far as Rhyd Ddu, and will eventually reach Beddgelert.

We shall be back in the area in October. Ace place :thumbsup:

as a welshman living in denbighshire ( previously of hillsborough) you will love north wales

make sure you go to conway,angelsey,


enjoy"!!!!!!!!!!

Thumbs up from me too and I agree you will need plenty of time for all the sights!

Bangor is a bit of a hole really but it's the closest thing you'll get to a city around those parts (yes, technically it *is* a city).

Caernarfon Castle is worth a visit and it's a nice little town... in a way. Nice enough in the summer anyway.

If you like your countryside walks then you're ideally situated.
You can hit Beddgelert / Snowdon very easily from there.

Beddgelert is a lovely little village. It's not hard to understand why it's constantly full of tourists!

Remember though that North Wales' grasp of the English language isn't great. If you speak with a strong Yorkshire accent then expect some puzzled looks from the locals.

Passed my driving test in Llandudno!!!

Only one set of traffic lights!

went to Portmadog last year going back in September
we fell in love with the place

the scenery is breathtaking..the food gorgeous,,the people lovely

went up Snowdonia in the wee train,what an experience

Every corner we went round we would let out a Wow!!!at the views

we hadnt planned any particular routes,we just drove,stopped, at the slate mines,rivers,mountains
it wont matter where you go,you will enjoy yourself if you slow down take your time and enjoy the break

Have a Great Time