10 THINGS TO DO THIS HALF TERM IN NORTH WALES

If you are coming to Snowdonia for February half term, we have lots of great things on offer for all age groups. To give you a bit of inspiration, here are 10 things to do this half term:

GO BELOW

Go below is the ultimate underground experience. It’s a journey through the Snowdonia mountains where you zip line through caverns, climb vertical shafts, boat across an underground lake, traverse over an abyss, scale a waterfall and abseil down to the deepest point in the UK.

ZIP WORLD

Fforest Coaster (an alpine coaster that runs through the forest at exhilarating speeds) opened last year to a great response at the Zip World Betws-Y-Coed location. A total of 5 activities are located here including Zip Safari (a series of 23 zip lines through the trees), Plummet (jump from a 100ft tower), Skyride (Europe’s highest 5 seater swing), Treetop Nets (nets suspended in trees 60ft above the ground to run around in), and Tree Hoppers (a woodland experience for younger ones).

CASTLES

There are 600 castles in Wales and we have some of the best here in Snowdonia. Criccieth, Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy, Dolwyddelan and Beaumaris on Anglesey were built at the time of Edward I’s Iron Ring of Fortress and are incredible buildings with just as incredible histories to go with them. We also have some more modern ones like Penrhyn Castle in Bangor.

RIB RIDES

Choose between four different trips down the Menai Straits. A chance to see and learn more about the famous boats and bridges of the area, the puffins and the seals or the castles and Islands. Expect high speed and adrenalin fuelled adventure packed with fascinating history of the area.

COED Y BRENIN

Coed Y Brenin is one of the best places to visit on a holiday here. With nine mountain biking trails ranging from green to black, there are also four running trails and countless walks through this beautiful forest located in Southern Snowdonia. Free entry (you have to pay for parking) there are lots of places for you to have picnics, but they also have a cafe on site where they sell both hot and cold food.

FFESTINIOG STEAM TRAIN

A trip on a steam train up into the Snowdonia mountains is a very special and unique experience for all ages. Starting from either Caernarfon or Porthmadog, take a trip back in history as the train slowly takes you through the stunning countryside with stops along the way where you can get off and enjoy the cafe’s and local area.

GLASFRYN PARC

This is a great place to entertain the kids for a day. With so many activities on offer from karting, archery, bowling, crazy golf, segway, clay pigeon shooting, fishing and a soft play to SUP, kayaking and wakeboarding in the summer, it really offers everything. There is a cafe on site or plenty of picnic tables for you to bring your own food. Very reasonably priced, this is certainly a place you will want to have a look at.

LLECHWEDD SLATE CAVERNS

Slate mining is a huge part of our heritage here in Snowdonia. At Lechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, take the tour deep down into the mines for a fantastic opportunity to learn about the slate industry including how the miners lived and worked. A fascinating look back into history with workshops on offer too. There are four tours in total, offering both above and below ground experiences.

SWALLOW FALLS

The tallest, continuous waterfalls in Wales, Swallow falls are spectacular to see. You can either see them from the viewing platform which is close to the road with easy access or if you want to make more of a day of it, there are several walking routes that take you through the surrounding forest. Set on the outskirts of Betws Y Coed, you are close to the town where you can then go for tea and cake and a mooch around the shops after.

THE GREAT ORME

Set above Llandudno, the Great Orme has so much to offer. Once you drive or take the tram or cable car up to the summit, the centre there has a restaurant and cafe along with a gift shop. Outside, there is a childrens playground and crazy golf. There are stunning views from the top and a great place to enjoy an afternoon.