One of the great advantages which comes with staying at Marine Holiday Park is our close proximity to the world famous Snowdonia National Park. 

However, what many people don’t know is that the entire region of Snowdonia National Park is about much more than just a mountain. In fact, there are a wealth of fantastic attractions in the region with something to offer all members of the family.

For the benefit of our owners and holiday makers, we’ve put together a short list of the 5 best things to do in Snowdonia National Park ready for the next time that you are staying with us at Marine Holiday Park. 

From Rhyl to Snowdonia…

Let’s start by making a clarification. Many tourists assume that Snowdonia is nothing more than a set of mountains. This is a common misconception, with Snowdonia actually being a designated national park which spans 823 square miles of the North Wales region. 

Rhyl is situated less than 20 miles away from the outermost section of Snowdonia Mountain Park and less than 40 miles away from Snowdonia Mountain Railway station which sits at the foot of its most famous and highest mountain.

For the benefit of our holiday home owners & holiday makers, we will therefore provide an estimated journey length to each of these attractions from Marine Holiday Park to help you decide whether or not it is the right destination for you and your family.  

1. Climb Snowdon

Distance from Marine Holiday Park: 38 Miles (to Llanberis)

Any list of the best things to do in Snowdonia has to start with a journey to the very peak of its highest mountain. Before deciding where to park, you must first decide which of the Snowdon walking routes you are looking to complete. 

The easiest and most popular of these Snowdon walking routes starts in the village of Llanberis which is perfect for families with children to take into consideration. With a total journey length of 9 miles (there and back), the route is easy to follow and not overly challenging despite the fact that it is one of the longer routes available. 

If walking to the summit isn’t for you, then you can instead park up next to the Snowdonia Mountain Railway Station and take the scenic train journey right to the top of the mountain. 

2. National Slate Museum

Distance from Marine Holiday Park: 42 Miles

North Wales was once the slate capital of the world, with a workforce of 17,000 producing over half a million tonnes of slate per year by 1898. You can now explore the Victorian workshops where this work was undertaken in the National Slate Museum which is overlooked by the now disused Dinorwic slate quarry.

The museum is like a time portal, providing visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the workers who powered this once dominant industry. You’ll be able to see live demonstrations of quarry craftsmanship and explore examples of the homes that the workers would return to after another day of hard graft. 

While it may not be the ideal Snowdonia attraction for families with young children, it does provide a fascinating insight in the history of the region and will no doubt prove to be a worthwhile education visitor for slighter older offspring. 

3. ZipWorld

Distance from Marine Holiday Park: 42 miles

Over the past decade ZipWorld has established itself as one of the most popular places to visit in Snowdonia National Park. Now spanning three different parks each with a very different offering, ZipWorld provides thrilling attractions that are sure to satisfy all members of the family.

Perhaps the best ZipWorld site for families with young children is located in Llechwedd, just over 40 miles away from Marine Holiday Park. Here your young can enjoy the underground trampolines in bounce below or join the rest of the family for a fun game of crazy golf on the world’s first underground cave based course which looks absolutely spectacular under the lights.

4. Portmeirion

Distance from Marine Holiday Park: 64 miles

You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate the stunning beauty of Portmeirion village. Created from the ground up by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, the village was designed to replicate the aesthetic of the Italian Riviera and you’ll feel as though you have been transported to the Mediterranean from the moment you set foot on-site.

The village is perhaps most famous for having been the filming location for the TV Show ‘The Prisoner’ which ran for just one series in 1967. Despite its limited run, the show made an indent on the public consciousness and established Portmeirion as one of the best places to visit in Snowdonia for foreign tourists.

5. Welsh Highland Railway

Distance from Marine Holiday Park: 42 miles

Perhaps the most famous railway in the Snowdonia National Park is the aforementioned Snowdonia Mountain Railway. Whilst the scenery provided on this journey are spectacular, they can’t quite surpass those which can be enjoyed whilst taking a journey on the Welsh Highland Railway.

This is a must do for train enthusiasts as it provides tourists with the opportunity to jump aboard an old fashioned steam locomotive on a scenic journey across the Snowdonia Mountain Park. The closest of the stations that are part of this network is to be found at Caernarfon which is located less than 42 miles away from Marine Holiday Park.

Once you arrive, you can choose from two different routes with the shorter three hour journey which runs to Rhyd Ddu and provides families with a more affordable option. If you want to milk the experience though you should opt for the full 25 mile ride from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. This is a full day experience with passengers also given the chance to explore Porthmadog before making their return journey.