3-Day Eryri, Snowdonia North Wales Tour

The Great Orme Copper Mines, located near Llandudno in North Wales, are some of the oldest known metal mines in the world, dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. Extensive underground tunnels and caverns reveal the scale of prehistoric mining, where stone and bone tools were used to extract malachite ore for smelting into copper. Rediscovered in the 1980s, the site is now open to visitors, offering guided and self-guided tours through restored passages and an exhibition that explores ancient mining techniques and the lives of the miners.

St Tudno’s Church is a small 12th-century stone church located on the Great Orme above Llandudno. Dedicated to St Tudno, a 6th-century missionary, it stands on the site of his original Christian community. Surrounded by a peaceful hillside graveyard with sweeping views of the sea and town below, the church is known for its simple medieval architecture and serene atmosphere. Regular services and open days welcome visitors during the summer months.

From St Tudno's Church you have three options, hike the 2 km Wales Coast Path to the pier OR take either the cable car or tram to Llandudno Pier. Hiking is free but there is a cost associated with the cable car or tram. Llandudno Pier is a Victorian-era pleasure pier that stretches 700 metres into the sea, making it the longest in Wales. Opened in 1877, it features elegant ironwork, traditional kiosks, cafés, arcades, and seating areas with panoramic views of the bay and Great Orme. Popular for leisurely strolls, fishing, and seaside entertainment, the pier retains its historic charm while remaining a lively attraction for visitors year-round.

The Aber Falls hike is 5 km. If you don't want to hike to the falls then you can explore either the seaside village of Abergwyngregyn or the forest near the falls. Aber Falls, near the village of Abergwyngregyn in Snowdonia, is a stunning 37-metre waterfall that cascades dramatically from the Carneddau mountains into a rocky pool below. Surrounded by lush woodland and accessible via a well-maintained walking trail, the falls offer an impressive natural spectacle, especially after rainfall. The area is rich in wildlife and history, making it a popular spot for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers.

The Ogwen Valley, located in the heart of Snowdonia, is a dramatic glacial valley framed by rugged peaks such as Tryfan and the Glyderau range. Known for its striking scenery, waterfalls, and lakes like Llyn Ogwen, it’s a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and photographers. The valley offers a mix of accessible trails and challenging mountain routes, showcasing some of Wales’s most iconic landscapes.

nestled along the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig in Snowdonia National Park. Despite its unflattering nickname, the house boasts a charming, rustic appearance, with moss-covered walls and a thatched roof, making it a beloved spot for visitors.

Llanberis is a scenic village in Snowdonia, North Wales, located at the foot of Mount Snowdon and alongside Llyn Padarn. It serves as a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and watersports, and is the starting point for the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The village is also home to attractions like the National Slate Museum and offers charming shops, cafés, and accommodations, making it a popular base for exploring the mountains and surrounding lakes.

Dolbadarn Castle is a small but historically significant 13th-century fortress located at the foot of Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, North Wales. Built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great, it was strategically positioned to control the surrounding valley and routes through the mountains. Constructed mainly of stone, the castle features a prominent round tower and defensive walls. Though now a ruin, it offers visitors striking views of the mountains and insights into medieval Welsh history.

The hike to the Slate Miners’ Cottages in Llanberis is a short but fascinating walk that explores the village’s industrial heritage. The trail winds past the remains of historic slate workings and leads to the charming miners’ cottages, once home to workers of the local quarries. Along the route, walkers enjoy views of Snowdon, Llyn Padarn, and the surrounding valleys, combining a taste of history with scenic landscapes. It’s an accessible and rewarding walk for families, history enthusiasts, and photographers alike. For those not wishing to hike the exploration of Llanberis or the slate mine museum are good options.

Bryn Celli Ddu is a prehistoric site on the island of Anglesey, North Wales, featuring a well-preserved Neolithic passage tomb dating to around 3000 BC. The site includes a long, narrow burial chamber aligned with the summer solstice sunrise, surrounded by a circular stone setting and an earthen mound. Often called the “silent tomb,” it provides insight into ancient ritual practices and is set in a peaceful, rural landscape, making it a popular destination for archaeology enthusiasts and visitors interested in Wales’s prehistoric heritage.

Llanfairpwll Railway Station, located in the village of Llanfairpwll on Anglesey, North Wales, is famous for having one of the longest place names in the world. The station serves the North Wales Coast Line, connecting the island to Holyhead and mainland Wales. With its distinctive signage and charming rural setting, it’s a popular stop for tourists who often pause to photograph the iconic name, while still functioning as a practical transport link for local commuters.

Caernarfon Castle, located in northwest Wales, is a striking medieval fortress built by King Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his “Iron Ring” of castles across North Wales. Designed with polygonal towers and massive walls, it served both as a military stronghold and a symbol of English authority over the region. The castle overlooks the town of Caernarfon and the Menai Strait, and its impressive architecture and royal associations make it a major historical and tourist attraction today.

Beddgelert is a picturesque village in Snowdonia, North Wales, set at the confluence of the Glaslyn and Colwyn rivers and surrounded by dramatic mountains. It is famed for the legend of Gelert, Prince Llywelyn’s loyal dog, whose grave—a small stone mound—is a popular spot for visitors seeking a touch of folklore. From the village, a scenic hike downstream along the river offers tranquil woodland paths, views of waterfalls, and peaceful riverside landscapes, making it a favourite walk for both families and nature enthusiasts.

Swallow Falls, located just outside Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, is a spectacular waterfall on the Afon Llugwy. Dropping dramatically over jagged rocks, the falls create a powerful and photogenic cascade, surrounded by lush woodland. Easily accessible via a short walk from the road, Swallow Falls is a popular spot for visitors seeking scenic beauty, nature photography, and a taste of Snowdonia’s dramatic river landscapes.

Blaenau Ffestiniog is a historic slate-mining town nestled in the mountains of North Wales. Once a global centre for slate production, the town’s landscape is marked by quarries, steep inclines, and industrial heritage. Today, it serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking, mountain biking, and visits to the nearby Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Its unique history and dramatic scenery make it a compelling destination for both heritage and nature enthusiasts.

It is known for its historic slate quarrying heritage and scenic surroundings. A popular hike from Tanygrisiau leads to Llyn Ystradau, a nearby reservoir, passing rugged quarry landscapes, wooded paths, and open mountain views. The trail offers a combination of industrial history and natural beauty, making it a rewarding walk for hikers and photographers alike. Explore the village, OR hike to the mine workings OR have an adventurous hike with undergound mine visits and a steep incline descent - Adventure hikers must have good footwear and waterproofs as this is a mountain environment.

Portmeirion is a whimsical Italian-style village on the coast of North Wales, designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1973. Famous for its colorful buildings, ornamental gardens, and seaside views, the village combines architecture, art, and landscape in a unique, picturesque setting. Portmeirion is popular with tourists, film and TV enthusiasts (notably The Prisoner), and visitors seeking a charming and unusual escape on the Lleyn Peninsula.

For those not wanting to visit Portmeirion, Porthmadog is a great alternative! Porthmadog is a coastal town in North Wales, situated on the estuary of the River Glaslyn. Historically a port for shipping slate from nearby quarries, it retains much of its maritime and industrial heritage. Today, Porthmadog serves as a hub for visitors exploring Snowdonia, offering shops, cafés, and access to attractions such as the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Its scenic waterfront and nearby beaches make it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Final Stop! Criccieth is a charming seaside town on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales, known for its sandy beaches, promenade, and traditional holiday atmosphere. Overlooking the town stands Criccieth Castle, a striking 13th-century fortress built by Llywelyn the Great and later expanded by Edward I. The castle’s ruins, perched on a rocky headland, offer panoramic views of Tremadog Bay and the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts and visitors seeking both coastal scenery and medieval heritage.