Things to do in Gwynedd

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Take a drive on the Great Orme Road, the longest of its kind in the UK, with spectacular cliffs, wildlife, and views out to the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Explore the ancient and medieval castle town of Conwy and admire the castle’s domineering and towering walls, whose magnificent towers stand tall over the beautiful estuary. Marvel at this little gem set upon the bank of the estuary and built into the castle walls is Great Britain’s smallest house. With arms outstretched, you can touch either side. Visit the famous Conwy suspension bridge, the first-ever of its kind, built in 1819. Enjoy a 45-minute walk of Caernarfon village and circumnavigate the outside of this spectacular and immense castle. Take a tour of Portmeirion, a colorful enchanting Italianate style colorful village like no other. Riviera-inspired houses, ornamental garden, and campanile are a beautiful pocket of madness like no other in a majestic setting. Travel through Snowdonia National Park and its spectacular driving routes. Pause at several viewpoints, witnessing great lakes, rivers, and views of Mount Snowdonia Summits. Stop at the 360°awe inspiring viewpoint of the valley below and its lakes. See the majestic Swallow waterfalls, where Snowdonia's water cascades over the rocky outcrops in a deep gorge setting. Stop at Tu-Hwnt-I'r Bont, one of Snowdonia’s most photographed and painted images. Take a scenic drive through Conwy Valley and the traditional Welsh villages en route back to Llandudno.

Immerse yourself in Welsh culture, heritage, and history on an unforgettable sightseeing day trip. Visit numerous attractions in the area including Snowdonia National Park, Caernarfon Castle, and Conwy Town and Castle all from the comfort of a minibus.   Start your day with a drive on the Great Orme Road, with spectacular views of cliffs, wildlife, and the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Your first stop may just be the highlight of your day: take a tour of the ancient Conwy Town and Castle. Walk the castle walls, stroll along the Conwy estuary, see some old Tudor houses, and take in traditional Welsh art and craft shops. In town, you’ll also see the finest surviving townhouse of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain, as well as Great Britain’s smallest house and the world's first suspension bridge built in 1819. Drive along the beautiful north wales coastline before heading into the mountains. Visit the fierce fire breathing Welsh dragon guarding the Snowdonia National Park and Welsh from invaders, hidden within the trees Then, drive into the glacial Nant Ffrancon Pass and Roman Road, and Ogwen Valley in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, where you’ll take in views of the lakes, mountain villages, and the towering Snowdonia mountain range. Stop at Llyn Ogwen and learn the history of a fascinating find on the shores of the lakes from the 5th century. Soak up the 360° panoramic and spectacular view of Snowdonia Viewpoint. Possibly the finest view in Wales. Here, your guide will share with you some local history, Welsh myths, and legends along the way, including a drive down the famous Pen Y Pass. Breath-taking Llanberis and Padarn Park National Slate Museum is tlhe unch stop and is set within some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales . Slate industry was one of the main economic motors of Wales. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a variety of talks and demonstrations to give you a real insight into the hardships of past quarry life. Admire the spectacular setting of Dolbadarn Castle ruins through the forest to the gateway of Snowdonia to learn about its fascinating past. Finally, visit Caernarfon Village and Castle. Take a walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading back to the starting point.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort from Liverpool's Port passing under your ship as you cross the Mersey River. This fully narrated day tour will travel through the area known as the Wirral before cutting across the border into Wales where you will see your first glimpse of a castle or two as you make your way to Conwy. Arriving in Conwy, you will have free time to explore this beautiful and popular town, maybe go into the castle and listen out for the voices of those past in the narrow stairways that lead up to the top of the turrets. Or take a walk on the towns defensive wall to get another view of one of the finest examples of a Medieval Castle anywhere in the world. Moving on, head into the National Park known as Snowdonia where you can stretch your legs and build up an appetite for lunch as you walk into the Valley. Maybe even take a short hike up to where the water cascade over the rocks fed by the lake high in the mountains? Lunch time in Betws-Y-Coed offers a number of choices from fast food to table service and pub food (for that sneaky pint of Welsh Beer!). Take a short walk to visit the little 14th Century Chapel that gave name to the town surrounded by a small wood. Some of the trees are over a 1000 years old! Finally, you will need to find a little bit of courage as you walk across the sky at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct also known as "the stream in the sky". This superb piece of industrial engineering was constructed over 200-years ago and crosses the gorge that was cut out by the Dee River, 1000's of years ago. Finally, you will be whisked back to port, your head full of the stories that you heard throughout the day and your camera memory cards crammed with photos that you will look back on in future years with great fondness.

Soak up the beauty of Llyn Padarn lake on this guided kayaking tour in Snowdonia. Take a dip in the glacial waters at the base of Mount Snowdon. Dive into local culture with a local guide that is eager to share the region's history and folklore.Meet your guide near the lake and get set up with kayaks, paddles, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and water shoes. Once your are all geared up, watch as your guide demonstrates the kayaking basics before embarking on your lake adventure. Set sail on the open waters of Llyn Padarn which can only be accessed by boats without motors. Take in the tranquility with views Snowdon Mountain as you glide over water that is fresh from the mountain. Stop to admire a 16th century castle that was once occupied by a Welsh King. Hear the story of the king's ill-fated brother. Pass by the memorizing Welsh Slate Quarries. Keep an eye out for buzzards, peregrines, marlins, and goshawks.Have the option of cooling off with a wild swim or get supper-adventurous by going for a ride on a giant rope swing. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour. 

Day 1: Leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds through England’s prettiest historic villages. Get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales. Travel through the Welsh Marches marked out by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. Head into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and beautiful Elan Valley. Finally, head to the beautiful seaside town and cultural center of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights. Day 2: Travel to the mountainous region of Snowdonia National Park. Visit the mountain village of Beddgelert to see the famous grave of Gelert, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine. Next, head to the town of Machynlleth to see the ancient clock tower and the quaint houses, and go antique hunting. Move on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching the impenetrable medieval Harlech Castle. After a fulfilling day, return to Aberystwyth in the late afternoon. Day 3: Travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through Aberaeron to New Quay. Explore the picturesque harbor and get the chance to spot dolphins and whales. Head into the foreboding Black Mountains to explore a bedrock cave under a castle, before you visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play Under Milk Wood. Move on to Tenby, a charming seaside town and your base for two nights. Day 4: See some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and exploration, and stop in the county town of Pembroke to enter the thick medieval walls of the castle. From here, return to Tenby for a relaxed evening. Day 5: Leaving Tenby in the morning, begin your return journey to London. Head past the industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, and visit the outdoor National History Museum. Take the Severn Bridge back into England, and take a break at Castle Combe, a Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th-century ironstone cottages.

Leaving Chester, the majestic Snowdonia National Park will open up as you travel across a stunning mountain road with a stop at Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful lake with amazing mountain views. Rumored to be the final resting place of King Arthur's sword Excalibur. Proceed towards the honeypot village of Betws-y-Coed. You will have time here to find some lunch and explore this beautiful place. After Betws-y-Coed, head to Great Orme, a giant limestone headland. See the historic seafront with its 19th-century pier and take in fantastic views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Continue towards Llandudno on the North Wales Coast. Along the way look out for great sea views, as you head along the main coastal road.  Leaving Llandudno you will get your first glimpse of the world famous Conwy Castle. The final stop before the return to Chester will be at Conwy where there will be an opportunity to take in views and photograph the famous castle. After leaving Conwy the tour returns back to Chester.

The North Wales Bargain Box Tour includes everything you need for the perfect adventure. When booking select the level of difficulty for your walk (easy/moderate/advanced) and we'll send you out a surprise self-guided route. Your box tour will include: Detailed Tour Itinerary – The in depth route will tell you where to start (& park) & detail every stop along the way to make sure you never lose your feet. In depth marked map outlining your route. Small laminated maps to wear around your neck on your walk with summarised directions & things to look out for. Top tips to make the most of your adventures, help you prepare & keep you safe. Lots of fun facts about the places & things you’ll see along the way. Kit list to make sure you pack everything you need. Support for your trip and emergency contact details. Lots of suggestions of what else to do in the area – including places to eat, visit & other adventures. Novelty compass & ‘how to’ guide to make sure you always stay on track Exclusive Embark whistle & embark goodies Discount vouchers for some of your favourite outdoor brands.

Day 1: Manchester to the border of Wales Depart from Manchester by coach for your first stop of the day, Conwy. Explore the town and its award-winning, picturesque harbor. View a castle perched by the sea, the "world’s smallest house", and traditional restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. Travel to the Llanberis Slate Museum, after you've soaked up the sea air, and learn about the history of the second largest slate mine in the world. Continue to Beddgelert, known as the "loveliest" village in Snowdonia. Admire the beautiful architecture of the stone houses and arched bridges. Travel through the heart of Snowdonia as the evening comes, arriving at your overnight stop in Aberystwyth. Day 2: Aberystwyth to New Quay Set off from Aberystwyth in the morning for the colorful seaside town of New Quay. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the picturesque beach or grab an ice cream. Visit Laugharne, and stand in awe before this village’s towering castle. Carry on towards Carreg Cennen, an imposing fortress perched on top of a hill, nestled within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Roam across the ramparts and experience stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. Make your way to Newton House, a palatial building that boasts rich gardens, unique architecture, and famous ghost stories, before returning to Aberystwyth later on that evening. Day 3: Harlech Castle and Chester Watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you make your way to Harlech Castle, one of the most popular castles to see in the whole of the UK. Take the chance to witness the sea views and learn about its war-torn history. Stop for lunch in the little village of Betws-Y-Coed before journeying to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. Head to the cathedral, rebuilt in the Gothic style from 1250 onward. Arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

Discover the history and heritage of Wales on this day tour. Together with an expert guide, spend the day exploring the locations that made this country what it is today. Visit Bodnant Garden, Snowdonia National Park, waterfalls, castles, and more. Start at the jewel of the Welsh seaside resorts and see the beautiful bay of Llandudno and its Victorian heritage of architecture. Drive the Great Orme Road, the longest of its kind in the UK, in search of the world-famous Kashmiri goats. Marvel at the showcase of spectacular cliffs, wildlife, and elevated views out to the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Head to the ancient medieval castle town of Conwy to view the castle’s domineering and towering walls, whose magnificent towers stand tall over the beautiful estuary. Marvel at Great Britain’s smallest house, a little gem set upon the bank of the estuary and built into the castle walls. With arms outstretched, you can touch either side. Walk across the historic worlds first suspension bridge built in 1819 Visit the world-famous Bodnant botanical gardens, the UK's regular award winner with intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces, and verdant woodland. Reconnect with nature as you explore the 80 acres of formal hillside terraces, riverside dells, woods, and meadows. A gardener’s dream and a lovers’ paradise, there are many things to love at the Bodnant Garden. Later, visit the unrivaled awe-inspiring Snowdonia National Park and its spectacular rugged landscaped driving routes. Stop at viewpoints, witnessing great lakes such as Mymbyr, Gwynant, and Padarn. Spot glacial valleys, rivers, Mount Snowdon where we stop at the 360 panoramic viewport and other surrounding summits. Drive down spectacular route of Pen-y-Pass, one of Wales’ most spectacular drives. Visit the National Slate Museum next. The slate industry was one of the main economic motors of Wales. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a variety of talks and demonstrations to give you real insight into the hardships of past quarry life. Stop at the village of Llanberis and Padarn County Park, set within some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales. Venture to the spectacular setting of the Dolbadarn Castle ruins through the forest to the gateway of Snowdonia to learn about its fascinating past. Visit the dramatic location of menai bridge and and stunning location along the straights. Finish the day with a pleasant scenic drive along the coastline returning to Llandudno