Beddgelert Holiday Cottages
Beddgelert is Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) loveliest village. A place of legend yet rich with adventure, it is small and friendly with a handful of shops, arts and crafts, restaurants, traditional pubs and a fabulous ice cream shop!
BEDDGELERT
In the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), Beddgelert is a supremely pretty mountain village. Bordered by forest trails with a big mountain backdrop, this is picture-perfect North Wales. Think traditional stone cottages, arched bridges over rivers, and a steam train that chuffs its way regularly through town.
A handsome Conservation Area, the village is full of history and character. It takes its name from Gelert, the legendary hound of a 13th century Welsh king. You can take a stroll along the river to see his grave and read more about how the village came to be named after him.
A handful of shops, places to eat, and an excellent ice cream shop make Beddgelert the perfect place to potter about.
Things to do in Beddgelert
With Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, Cnicht to the east, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) just a few miles to the north, Beddgelert is the ideal base for taking on some classic North Wales hikes.
But it’s not all about the high and mighty trails – there are plenty of easier paths on the doorstep. Beddgelert Forest is a treasure trove of gentle walking and cycling routes, including the Lôn Gwyrfai trail to Rhyd Ddu.
If ever there were a place to sit back and enjoy the nostalgic pleasure of steam railways, Beddgelert is it. A day out on the Welsh Highland Railway is one of life’s great pleasures. Jump on board at Porthmadog.
Copper was mined in these valleys as far back as Roman times, and you can go underground to explore the nearby Sygun Copper Mine with its magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. Back above ground, try your hand at panning for gold and enjoy a beautiful lakeside walk.
A little further afield, head to Zip World Llechwedd at Blaenau Ffestiniog for zip lines, a challenging underground obstacle course, with underground bouncy nets, adventure golf, and a fascinating deep mine tour.
Off the beaten track ideas:
Llyn Dinas – nestled among the wooded foothills south of Yr Wyddfa, beautiful Llyn Dinas is linked to Nant Gwynant by the meandering Afon Glaslyn which flows onwards to Beddgelert. Great for a paddle and a picnic. 2 miles from Beddgelert.
Portmeirion – designed by Welsh Architect Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, Portmeirion is the architectural equivalent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. An eccentric collection of Riviera-inspired houses, ornamental gardens and colour washed villas. 10 miles from Beddgelert.
Beddgelert’s enviable location at the heart of Eryri makes it the perfect North Wales holiday base. Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Pen y Pass – the start of the Miner’s Track for Yr Wddfa are all within 10 miles.
There are some great options for eating out in Beddgelert. Some of our favourites include Bistro Hebog for its locally sourced menu, the Prince Llewelyn pub for family-friendly meals, and the always-excellent Glaslyn ice cream shop and pizzeria. The riverside Caffi Colwyn is another great spot. If you want to stock up the larder at your holiday cottage, the nearest large supermarket is Tesco at Porthmadog.
Borth Y Gest is a beautiful little harbour village on the Glaslyn Estuary, eight miles from Beddgelert. You’ll find some lovely little cafés and shops in the village, and a sandy beach with a stunning mountain backdrop. Swimming is not advisable at Borth y Gest due to exceptionally strong currents, but it is a great beach for walking, rock pooling, and sunbathing. For a more swim-friendly beach head to nearby Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands).
