The best things to do near our B&B in Eryri | Snowdonia, North Wales
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to the best places to visit and fantastic things to do in this beautiful part of Wales.
Our recommendations below are all worth considering when you are planning your holiday in Eryri | Snowdonia and North Wales.
Nothing is too far from our B&B in Trefriw - for instance, Anglesey is only a 45 minute drive from us - and many places are free to enjoy so they won’t even cost you anything!
We are here to give you help and advice!
You will probably already know about many of the popular attractions and fun adventure activities in North Wales that we have listed below.
During your stay though we will happily assist with planning your days out and give you the best ideas and tips, and there is also a wealth of information available in our guest snug.
The Snug
You can spend time researching your days out in our guest snug!
It is full of local information, maps, walking books, suggested itineraries and downloadable guides that we have prepared for your time with us.
We will also help you discover and explore the more unusual, unique and romantic locations - and secret places and hidden gems - that scenic North Wales has to offer.
Of course if you do need any advice before your visit about what to see and do then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
“This is the place to stay for exploring Snowdonia! ”
The Best Attractions & Activities
For now browse through our pick of the best things to see and do here - just click on the name of the location or attraction for more information :
Trefriw Woollen Mill
Distance: 2 mins walk from our B&B
The working water-powered woollen mill within our own village is well worth visiting!
Since 1859 they have weaved beautiful Welsh blankets and throws with traditional patterns, as seen in the guest bedrooms at our bed and breakfast.
You can watch the material being made and then buy examples and other products such as cushions and table runners in the large gift shop.
Waterfalls in Trefriw
Distance: Fairy Falls - 5 mins walk from our B&B / Grey Mare’s Tail - 40 mins walk
We have two stunning waterfalls that you can visit in Trefriw!
The Fairy Falls is our closest and only approx. 5 mins walk from the door - if it has been raining they can be quite spectacular!
The Grey Mare’s Tail is a striking double waterfall and - thus far - remains a relative secret!
You can reach it by car from us but it is also a lovely walk to the waterfall from the door that takes approx. 35-40 mins.
You can then loop round back to Trefriw via Llanrwst, or one of our favourite walks is to carry on to Betws-y-Coed, have lunch and then get the train or bus back!
Gwydir Mawr & Bach mountain bike trails
Distance from us: 2 miles
Some of the best MTB singletrack, forest trails and routes in Wales are within Gwydir Forest which is just a short bike ride from Crafnant House.
The Gwydir Mawr & Bach mountain bike trails (formerly known as 'the ‘Marin Trail’) offer challenging tracks to ride on and stunning views!
Mountain biking
Some of the best trails in Wales are just a short distance from Crafnant House!
Bike hire is available nearby from:
Snowdonia Bikes - they offer e-bike rental in Llanrwst
Beics Betws - they offer bike rental in Betws-y-Coed
Other popular mountain biking locations not far from us include:
As keen cyclists ourselves we can recommend the best MTB and road cycling routes in the region when you stay!
We also have bike storage and washing facilities here at Crafnant House if you plan to bring your own bike with you.
Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionnydd
Distance from us: 2.7 miles
“Llyn” is the Welsh word for lake! The two lakes above our village offer beautiful scenery and various hiking trails, and you can walk to both from our door.
Llyn Geirionydd is perfect for wild swimming!
Watersports, open-water wild swimming, kayaking and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) are allowed at Llyn Geirionnydd.
Wild swimming is also permitted at other rivers and lakes near us - we can advise you on the best locations!
Fishing is allowed with a permit on Llyn Crafnant (permits are available from the cafe there).
Llanrwst
Distance from us: 3 miles
Our nearest town - Llanrwst - is a pleasant 25-30 minute walk from us across the valley, or a 5 minute drive.
It is a handsome, historic town famous for the three-arched bridge across the River Conwy and Tu Hwnt i’r Bont, a 15th century riverside cottage and now a famous tea room.
Gwydir Castle on the outskirts of Llanrwst is an atmospheric, ancient Welsh house known as one of the finest Tudor buildings in Wales.
Shops such as OakOwlFox and Siop Sioned are well worth a visit for gifts and homewares; Blas Ar Fwyd deli and wine shop is a must-visit for Welsh food and delicacies; whilst cafes, restaurants and a small supermarket are other useful stops in the town.
The famous tea room - Tu Hwnt I’r Boat - in Llanrwst
Zip World Conwy & The Wave Garden Spa
Distance from us: 3 miles
What was previously Adventure Parc Snowdonia reopened as Zip World Conwy in March 2024, offering indoor activities such as ‘Adrenaline Indoors’, ‘Elevation Indoors’, ‘Altitude Climber’, ‘Adrenaline Drop’ and a soft play area for children, along with a cafe.
Offering luxurious spa treatments and wellness packages, the spa is next to the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia hotel at the same Zip World location in Dolgarrog.
Pre-booking is essential!
Oriel Ffin y Parc Gallery
Distance from us: 3.8 miles
This country house and art gallery on the outskirts of Llanrwst closed at the end of 2023.
Their new gallery opened in Llandudno on the North Wales coast in March 2024 (see below).
Betws-y-Coed
Distance from us: 5 miles
A very popular and picturesque mountain village within the National Park, Betws-y-Coed has river walks and hiking trails through the surrounding forests, waterfalls (including the famous Swallow Falls), shops, cafes and restaurants.
There are plenty of stores where you can buy outdoor clothing and equipment and Welsh gifts and souvenirs if you fancy some shopping.
Whilst the 9-hole golf course right in the centre of the village is a stunning place to have a round of golf!
The Afon Llugwy river passing through pretty Betws-y-Coed
Zip World Betws-y-Coed
Distance from us: 5 miles (postcode: LL24 0HX)
This Zip World activity centre is in a forest location just south of Llanrwst and north of Betws-y-Coed.
Fun outdoor activities include the ‘Fforest Coaster’, Treetop Nets, Zip Safari, Skyride and the Plummet tower, and there is a good cafe there too.
Go Below Underground Adventures
Distance from us: 7 miles
Go Below host daily guided underground caving and mine exploration adventures, providing unique experiences such as the Challenge, Hero Xtreme and Mine to Mountain trips.
It is an adventure activity that is great value for money, and also the perfect thing to do on a rainy day as you will be underground!
New in 2023 was their ‘Deep Sleep’ experience where you can stay overnight in a cabin or grotto underground - maybe combine that with a few nights above ground at Crafnant House!
There are also a number of indoor caving centres with climbing walls in North Wales for enthusiasts.
Bodnant Garden
Distance from us: 9 miles
These beautiful National Trust gardens have an incredible range of plants and trees and stunning views of the Conwy Valley and Eryri | Snowdonia.
They were seen recently in the feature film ‘The Secret Garden’ and feature regularly on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’.
The laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden is justifiably famous and flowers around the end of May or beginning of June - people travel from all over the world to see it!
Spectacular autumn colours at Bodnant Garden
Conwy
Distance from us: 10 miles
The famous medieval walled town of Conwy (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is well worth a visit and makes for a wonderful day out.
Attractions include Conwy Castle itself, the town walls, Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge, the bustling quayside including the smallest house in Great Britain (!), and the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art.
Two very historic buildings - Plas Mawr (an Elizabethan town house) and Aberconwy House (a 14th-century merchant's house) - are well worth exploring.
The beach at nearby Conwy Morfa is a great place for a day at the seaside, whilst Conwy Golf Club has one of the finest links golf courses in Wales.
Read our blog on the best things to do in Conwy! ⮕
A wide selection of independent shops makes Conwy great for shopping, and a range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants are places for you to eat and drink.
Llandudno
Distance from us: 14 miles
The justifiably popular Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno has two beaches, a promenade and a long pier with amusements and traditional attractions, and good shopping opportunities.
The Great Orme headland (which has both a Victorian tramway and a cable car to the top) dominates the town. It is great for walks with stunning views, and you might see the famous goats which now regularly make the news!
At the other end of the promenade is the Little Orme which gives equally stunning views of the town and the Irish Sea.
Penderyn Distillery creates Welsh whisky in a beautifully restored building in the heart of Llandudno. You can undertake tours and tastings and of course buy examples in the excellent shop.
Art lovers can visit both Mostyn Gallery for contemporary art, and Ffin-y-Parc which has relocated to Llandudno from their previous home in Llanrwst, and specialises in Welsh art.
A visit to both Conwy and Llandudno is a perfect combination and makes a great day out!
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Pen-y-Pass car park
Distance from us: 15 miles / approx. 30 minutes drive (postcode: LL55 4NU)
Pen-y-Pass is the nearest trails starting point to us for climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet) high it is the tallest mountain in Wales and England.
You can start both the PYG Track and Miners Track from here - they are the two hiking routes we usually recommend to our guests.
Going up the first and down the second normally takes about 6 hours, to the top and back, walking at a moderate pace.
** IMPORTANT! **
car park spaces at Pen-y-Pass have to be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance from spring to autumn but are pay and display in the winter
click here to see the latest information on Pen-y-Pass parking
You can also consider using the regular park and ride service from nearby Nant Peris.
Other trails to hike up such as the Llanberis Path, Watkin Path, Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths are just a bit further away from us.
For more advice, information and tips:
Read our guide to the best walking routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) ⮕
Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
We are keen walkers ourselves and will happily help you plan your day climbing the famous mountain!
Or we can help you with alternative walks in North Wales if you fancy hiking somewhere more quiet as Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) can get VERY busy.
Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea
Distance from us: 15 miles
The long promenade between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea is a fantastic place for a walk or cycle ride by the sea.
A recent investment programme has seen both the sandy beach and the promenade being refurbished with numerous sitting areas and interesting features now all along the front.
Colwyn Bay pier has also been restored and is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the views, whilst Rhos-on-Sea is a pretty seaside village at the other end with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants.
Zip World Llechwedd
Distance from us: 16 miles (postcode: LL41 3NB)
The Zip World Llechwedd activity centre offers zip wiring and other indoor and outdoor adventure activities.
At their site near Blaenau Ffestiniog you will find the Titan zip lines, ‘Bounce Below’ trampoline park and underground golf!
Try the ‘Titan’ zip wire at Blaenau Ffestiniog!
Quarry tours and a deep mine adventure can also be undertaken at Zip World Llechwedd which will see you take a step back into the 19th century as you’re submerged 500ft underground.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
Distance from us: 19 miles (postcode: LL57 4YG)
Try activities such as zip wiring on the world’s fastest zip wire and the longest in Europe - Velocity (which reaches speeds of over 100mph!) at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
Another action packed activity to try is their ‘Quarry Karts’ which sees you trying downhill go-karting through the quarry.
Whilst in 2023 the new ‘Aero Explorer’ attraction was introduced, which gives you the sensation of gliding across 400m of track.
All of these are located at the Zip World Penrhyn Quarry site just outside Bethesda.
Gwrych Castle
Distance from us: 20 miles
Near the Welsh market town of Abergele on the North Wales coast, this atmospheric ruined castle was the UK location for ITV's I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! when it ‘had a break’ from Australia!
Tours are available of the castle and you can see props and items from the TV series.
Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis & Llyn Padarn
Distance from us: 20 miles
The Snowdon Mountain Railway steam train that goes to the top starts from Llanberis - please pre-book to avoid disappointment!
The station is also near the beginning of the ‘Llanberis path’ - one of the walking routes to choose if you plan to climb up the mountain.
Other attractions in Llanberis include the National Slate Museum of Wales, Llyn Padarn lake (popular for watersports and SUP), and the lakeside steam railway.
Spectacular views on the Snowdon Mountain Railway
Aber Falls & Distillery
Distance from us: 20 miles
Aber Falls - seen on the BBC programme ‘Pilgrimage’ - is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in North Wales and is near the village of Abergwyngregyn.
A short hike from the car park takes you to the viewing point.
Nearby is the Aber Falls Distillery which produces Welsh gin and whisky! You can do tours of the distillery which ends with you tasting samples in the new visitor centre - highly recommended!
Beddgelert
Distance from us: 21 miles
This beautiful village - famous for the legend of Gelert’s grave - is in a stunning location in the heart of Eryri | Snowdonia National Park.
There are fantastic walks in and around the village along the Aberglaslyn Pass and in the Nant Gwynant valley.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway stops here en-route to Caenarfon, whilst the Sygyn Copper Mine on the outskirts of the village sees you exploring old mine workings underground.
Portmeirion Village
Distance from us: 27 miles
An enchanting Italianate style ‘tourist village’, Portmeirion was created by the Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis at a beautiful location on the coast near Porthmadog.
Portmeirion was the location for the famous 1960s TV series “The Prisoner”, and the village and gardens are now one of Wales' most popular visitor attractions.
We recommend visiting if the weather is good - it looks at its best when the sun is shining and there are blue skies!
TOP TIP!
A pre-booked 3 course lunch at their restaurant Castell Deudraeth includes a complimentary entry voucher for afternoon admission to Portmeirion village!
Anglesey
Distance from us: 27 miles (Menai Bridge)
You can easily spend a whole day exploring the island, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from us.
Most of the visitor attractions and places to visit are on Anglesey’s coastline, and include:
the Menai Suspension Bridge
Beaumaris - a pretty Georgian town by the sea, with a castle, shops and restaurants
boat trips around Puffin Island from Beaumaris
‘Rib Rides’ along the Menai Straits
Penmon Point - photogenic lighthouse, beach and priory
Red Wharf Bay
the fishing village of Moelfre
Parys Mountain & Copper Kingdom - a photogenic old copper mine, with a visitor centre in nearby Amlwch
South Stack Cliffs lighthouse and RSPB nature reserve
Halen Mon Sea Salt
Angelsey Sea Zoo
Newborough beach and forest, and Llanddwyn Island
Other stunning beaches along the west coast of the island
Plas Newydd House - a National Trust stately home
Oriel Mon - museum and art gallery in Llangefni
… to name but a few, along with many other beautiful beaches and historic ancient sites and monuments including burial chambers and mounds.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop to take a photo on the platform at :
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
It is the train station in the village with longest name in the UK, known locally as ‘Llanfair PG’ - something of a ‘tourist trap’ but worth a quick stop to take a photo!
Bala & Llyn Tegid
Distance from us: 28 miles
The historic market town of Bala has a great outdoors scene as well as a lakeside steam railway, shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Bala is well known for the number of water sports available to try, such as canoeing, kayaking and SUP on Llyn Tegid, and it is also home to the National White Water Centre where you can try white-water rafting.
Also commonly known as Bala Lake, Llyn Tegid is 3.5 miles long and it is Wales' largest natural lake.
Caernarfon
Distance from us: 28 miles
The town of Caernarfon is well worth a visit and features the most famous castle in Wales.
The imposing structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was the location for Prince Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales (as seen in the Netflix TV series ‘The Crown’!)
Narrow streets in the town host independent shops and cafes, and the redeveloped waterfront and marina provide great views of Anglesey across the Menai Strait.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway leaves Caernarfon for Beddgelert and Porthmadog and is a stunning trip through the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia.
The magnificent castle in Caenarfon
Llangollen
Distance from us: 37 miles
The town of Llangollen nestles on the River Dee and is a popular centre for both walking and white water rafting. Regular arts festivals - including the International Musical Eisteddfod - add to the lively atmosphere.
A charming riverside walk heads west from the 14th century bridge; you can have a ride on the Llangollen steam railway to Corwen and back; and numerous shops, cafes and restaurants fill the streets.
Just outside Llangollen is the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - a world heritage site - which you can walk across or enjoy a canal boat ride, and the surrounding hills and Dee Valley offer fantastic hiking opportunities.
Llangollen is a great place to stop for a break if you are travelling to us from South Wales, Shropshire or the Midlands!
Don’t miss the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct if driving to us on the A5 through Llangollen!
“I’ve never stayed in a B&B before, or in North Wales, but this little place made me want to come back to Wales for sure and definitely stay in the same place”
