To put it simply, Fistral Beach is a big deal.

Of the nearly six million people that visit Newquay every year, most will make their way up to Fistral Beach at some point during their stay. It’s one of those things that you just have to do when you visit the town.

Once you’ve had a Cornish Pasty – obviously!

Overlooked by the Headland Hotel, which is iconic in its own right, Fistral Beach is the perfect place for the entire family, with golden sand, rocks to explore, first rate facilities, and, of course, those incredible surfing conditions.

If ever you are in the area, and you haven’t already been, I would urge you to make time for a trip to Fistral Beach. It’s reputation is more than deserved, and you will find that there is plenty more to it than just the surfing for which it is so well known.

Let me tell you exactly why me and my family adore Fistral Beach, with all the information you’ll need to have the perfect day there.

How To Get To Fistral Beach

One of the many incredible things about Fistral Beach is that it is just outside Newquay Town Centre. The location dictates that there always feels like a crowd of people are making their way up to the beach – particularly in the summer months.

To be honest, parking at Fistral Beach isn’t great at all. There is a small, very expensive, car park right next to the beach, and a number of small car parks along Tower Road – however, these fill up incredibly quickly, especially if the weather is nice. You will need to get there very early to secure a spot, or consider one of the car parks in the town and walk the rest of the way. There is some street parking towards the south of the beach, but again, this fills up very quickly.

I very naively took my family for an afternoon at Fistral beach in our car last summer – it ended up with us abandoning our plans and having to find a different beach to visit as we couldn’t find anywhere close enough to park. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

Most people access the beach from the north end. There is level access to get onto the beach, and there are several sets of steps dotted along the top of the beach to access the sand from other points down to the south end.

Fistral Beach Facilities

It won’t surprise you that we are going to start listing the facilities on Fistral Beach with surfing. The two headlands at each end of the beach work as a funnel for the waves, which results in fantastic surfing conditions – it’s a great place to learn, and Fistral has got you covered here.

The Fistral Beach Surf School is based right there on the beach, and there are a whole host of other companies that can provide you with surf lessons in the area. You’ll see plenty of groups taking their first steps into the world of surfing all along the beach , so don’t worry if you are a novice – you certainly won’t be alone.

Right next to the surf school, at the north entrance, is the main complex – the International Surfing Centre. This is the main hub of, not just the beach, but of British Surfing. Here you’ll find everything you might need for a full day at the beach.

You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink – fancy a quick pasty from Pasty Shack, or pizza and cider from The Stable? Maybe you fancy a beautiful sit-down meal at The Fish House or Rick Steins? Maybe a chilled out drink and snack at the Fistral Beach Bar?

All of that is available to you, with stunning views out to sea. The level of choice and quality of the food must be unrivalled on any other beach in the UK.

Forgotten your bucket and spade?

Don’t worry, there is a traditional Seashore Beach Shop there, selling everything you’ll need from towels to sunglasses. But that is far from it when it comes to retail at Fistral.

There is a Fat Face shop and an Ann’s Cottage shop, both selling trendy surf and skate wear – including equipment. There is even a lifestyle shop, Bon Bon, which specialises in really cool jewellery and clothes.

Finally, there is the surf and beach hire shop, at which you can get everything you could possibly need to maximise your enjoyment at Fistral – from wetsuits to sunloungers. Like I said – they’ve got you covered.

On top of all this, they also host incredible events at Fistral. The highlight being Boardmasters – the biggest surf festival in Europe which takes place every August. Fistral is just one of the venues, but it’s the main hub of the surfing action, as well as art installations, some live music and workshops.

Fistral is always rammed during Boardmasters, but it is an incredible experience if you can cope with the crowds.

Why We Love Fistral Beach

We love Fistral Beach for much the same reason that everyone else seems to love Fistral Beach – it’s simply one of the best beaches in the UK. It has everything.

Fistral isn’t just a beach that you might head to for a couple of hours to keep the kids happy – this is a beach that you can spend an entire week at without getting bored. You could have a different meal every day if you wanted to, and by the end of the week you would be a competent surfer!

It’s a busy beach, there’s no getting around that, and that might put some people off – but our family loves it.

There is such a pleasant atmosphere there, it’s so lovely to see families and children of all ages having such a great time – whether they’re heading into the sea with their boards or just burying their dad in a massive hole… The satisfying buzz of conversation and laughter all adds to the experience.

It’s no surprise to us that Fistral Beach has such a fantastic reputation – it is one that has been earned over the years, and they keep adding new additions to the hub to keep ahead of the game.

Take a trip to Fistral beach. You won’t regret it.

Written by Alex Whybrow

Alex is a full time writer who loves to travel. He has two young boys and as a family they love to explore all corners of the UK. Having spent a lot of time in his childhood in Cornwall and South West of England, Alex has a particular passion for travel writing about these sorts of destinations.

The post Fistral Beach appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

The thing about Watergate is that it is so vast, that even when it is at its busiest during the summer, it doesn’t feel busy. There is plenty of room for you to have a quiet bit of sand, all to yourselves.

This huge stretch of coast also provides some excellent surfing conditions, which is what its popularity has built from. You can partake in all kinds of water sports here, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this is all Watergate Bay beach has to offer – there is plenty more than that as we will see.

My family and I cannot get enough of this beach. Whenever we are in the area, we make sure we spend time here, as it has something for all of us. In this article we are going to provide you with all the information that you’ll need to fall in love with it too as well as helping you to plan the perfect day at Watergate Bay.

How To Get To Watergate Bay Beach

Watergate Bay beach is located around 3 miles north of Newquay – it would take you about an hour to walk from the town centre, or 10 minutes to drive. It’s close to Newquay’s small airport – if you decide you want to fly down!

Whatever the time of day, you will find space in one of the car parks. There is a lot of land nearby, and the fields surrounding the area are all used as car parks or overflow car parks, so you don’t need to worry about getting a space. Jus be aware that the later you get there, the further you may have to walk to get to the beach.

All the car parks seem to have independent coffee vans though, so you can pick up a drink before you head down.

The main car park, which is opposite the entrance to the beach, is the one we prefer. There are some public toilets located there (always helpful when you’re travelling with young children), but it is right on a nasty bend which can mean that it is difficult to get out of if there is a buildup of traffic – which can be the case at the end of the day.

You might be better using one of the car parks a little further away if you want a quicker exit.

To get on to the beach, there is a ramp that goes all the way down to the sand from the main road, which makes it easily accessible for people. You’ll see a lot of little trollies and wagons with families packing up all of their shelters, toys and snacks!

If you are walking, there are a number of coastal paths that lead to the beach, and you can head down to the sand further up the beach if you take one of these routes.

Watergate Bay Beach Facilities

As I indicated above, Watergate Bay is best known for its excellent surfing conditions. All year round, you’ll find enthusiastic surfers racing into the sea, hoping to catch the perfect wave.

Due to the position of the beach, facing to the West, Watergate catches some great Atlantic swells, which is why it is so popular with surfers. 

If you are a novice, but are keen to get involved, there are three main surf instructor companies that are based down there by the beach – O’Neill Surf Academy, The Extreme Academy and Westcountry Surf School. You can just hire equipment if you don’t want to take part in the lessons, but if you are starting from scratch, a lesson will speed up the learning process.

It’s not just surfing that these guys can help you with – Watergate Bay is also popular with kite surfers, paddle boarders, wave skiers, bodyboarders and hand planers (don’t worry if you have to look up what some of those are – I certainly did).

You can get all the equipment you need to take part in any of these water sports, and have lessons with experts as well. It’s always advisable to book in advance, especially in the summer, as it can get very busy down there.

There is much more to Watergate than water sports, though. The main attraction is the sheer size of the beach – stretching two miles along the coast, with beautiful golden sand.

It’s the kind of beach that never feels busy, even when there are hundreds of people there. You can always find a little quiet spot for you and your family by just walking for a few minutes away from the main hubbub.

That area is where you’ll find all the main facilities, though. The Beach Hut is right there on the beach, a restaurant that serves relaxed, but excellent quality food and drink – it’s like a high-end cafe, offering everything from cooked breakfasts to salads and ‘fish of the day’ dishes.

It isn’t that cheap (you’re looking at between £15-£20 for a main meal), but it is of excellent quality, and the views of the beach are wonderful.

There are other options, though. At the top of the ramp that leads onto the beach, you’ll find a pizza bar. There are few benches there if you want to sit down, but they are all served ‘to go’, so you can take a pizza down to the beach, or pick one up after a long day to take home with you. They also serve some great beers and other drinks there.

Add to that the various coffee and ice-cream vans – there is everything you will need for a lovely day there at Watergate Bay Beach.

Why We Love Watergate Bay Beach

The main reason that I love taking my family to Watergate Bay beach is that it has something for everyone.

My wife and I have had surf lessons there, which were as fun as they were rewarding. The first time I stood up on a surfboard, albeit for about 2.3 seconds, was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life! In that moment I understood why people spend hours floating in the sea, waiting for the perfect wave.

My boys are too young to take up surfing, but they love this beach just as much as we do. Their favourite bit is a stream that runs down from the top of the beach into the sea. We take our spades to construct dams and pools off this stream, we race boats and balls down it and we paddle in it.

Then we grab an ice cream for the kids, and a beer for the adults. We sit on the beach, in a nice little quiet spot, and look out at the surfers, the kites, the swimmers, and the hundreds of people having a great time. Last time we were there we got chatting to families from Scotland and families from New York – without exception, everyone loved this beach.

Watergate Bay beach is a bit out of the way, which is why it works perfectly. It never feels as busy as the beaches closer to the town centre, and they have everything you need right there for you.

Have a day out at Watergate Bay – you won’t regret it.

Written by Alex Whybrow

Alex is a full time writer who loves to travel. He has two young boys and as a family they love to explore all corners of the UK. Having spent a lot of time in his childhood in Cornwall and South West of England, Alex has a particular passion for travel writing about these sorts of destinations.

The post Watergate Bay Beach appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Maybe you want some decent surf, or rock pools and caves to explore? Or perhaps a restaurant and bar, so that you can take in your surroundings with a drink and some food?

Well, whatever you want from a beach, I’m pretty sure Lusty Glaze beach has it.

It’s Newquay’s worst kept secret.

About Lusty Glaze

The winner of Britain’s Best Beach according to the Sunday Times, plus it was named Cornwall’s Most Instagrammable Wedding Venue, which may be a pretty obscure sounding award, but it goes some way to illustrate what Lusty Glaze has to offer – it’s a truly stunning beach.

The ever-growing reputation means that this is often a busy beach, particularly during the peak summer period.

But that shouldn’t put you off, in fact, the number of people on a busy day just seems to add to the wonderful atmosphere – the laughter of children and the satisfying hum of chatter from holiday makers.

A quintessentially British experience, but on a beach packed full of modern amenities – what’s not to like?

I was lucky enough to have family living around the corner from Lusty when I was growing up, so this is a beach with many happy memories attached to it – and it is one that I love taking my children to now.

Allow me to guide you through everything that you need to know for a perfect day at Lusty Glaze beach and walk you through exactly why it is such a special place.

How To Get To Lusty Glaze

The beach is located under a mile outside of Newquay Town Centre, around a 15 minute walk from the train station, just the other side of the Barrowfields.

It is tucked away behind residential roads, which I think adds to the charm of the place – it’s not difficult to find, but you need to know that it is there in the first place.

There is a large main car park on Lusty Glaze Road, which can get busy in high season, but you should find space there whatever time of day you arrive. You can expect to pay around £12 for a full day’s parking, which is pretty standard for a beach car park. The good news is that you don’t need cash to pay – you can use your phone.

There is plenty of street parking nearby, but just be aware that many of the roads will require residential permits to park on – so make sure you have a look around before you abandon your car! For this reason, it’s probably less hassle and stress to use the main car park which is very close to the entrance to the beach.

That’s the main appeal of that car park – its proximity to the beach. You see, the main challenge you’ll face is not finding your way to Lusty Glaze Beach, but finding your way onto Lusty Glaze Beach.

There are 133 steps that you’ll need to negotiate to find yourself down on the sand, and the stairway is pretty narrow along the way, so you often find yourself having to step to one side to let people pass. As a kid, this was all part of the adventure, but it is important to be aware of when you plan what to take down there – pack light, and be aware that small children and the elderly might struggle.

Trust me, though, it is more than worth the effort, even if you need to take a few minutes to catch your breath when you get down there (and when you come up again!)

Lusty Glaze Beach Facilities

Lusty Glaze is a privately owned beach, and has been for centuries. It was actually originally an iron ore mine – which made it an attractive proposition for investors and ownership was transferred from the Crown to its first owner for the princely sum of £100.

This decision, way back in the 19th century, has given Lusty Glaze a fairly unique history, turning to focus on tourism in 1921 as a ‘bathing resort’ – and this classic British seaside feel is still felt today with the purpose-built wooden huts that line the top of the beach.

By 1999, the beach had become run-down, but it was purchased by its current owner – Tracy Griffiths – who has transformed the beach into the integral part of the local community and tourism industry that it is today.

Hospitality has become the main focus for the beach. The café is open daily from 9.30am-4.30pm, and it offers incredible waffles, pizza and drinks. There is a wood-burner in there, so it is a really cosy place to go in the winter months – just sit in the warm and watch the waves crash into the rocks. It’s mesmerising.

The café is just the start, though – they host The Pickled Chef. This is a pop-up dining experience with incredible seafood and inventive dishes. It’s more than you probably expect from a beach-side restaurant, but it really works. It’s a proper ‘foodie’ experience, and one I would urge you to give a go.

There is a bar there as well, which is the perfect setting for a beer in the sun, or a glass of wine before you head back up into the real world! They manage to get the vibe just right – it’s a nice, stylish place, but with a chilled-out beach atmosphere. The sort of place you could sit and enjoy for hours.

If you don’t want to tear yourself away from the beach at the end of the day, they do have a couple of accommodation options – The Cottage and The Chalet. These are both situated right there on the beach – you wake up in the morning and you’re greeted by nothing but sea and sand (maybe sun too if you are lucky).

These aren’t cheap options, but they are really special little hideaways – you don’t get many chances to stay on a beach like this in the UK.

These accommodation options are ideal to compliment the wedding packages that they offer. Getting married on Lusty Glaze Beach has become incredibly popular in recent years, and you can see why. It’s a beautiful setting, with fantastic facilities. Unfortunately, it was out of our budget when I married my wife!

Why We Love Lusty Glaze

I went back to Lusty Glaze for the first time in a long time a few years ago. I had such fond memories of going there when I was young, that I was bracing myself for some disappointment – things rarely live up to your childhood recollections of them.

Well, the opposite happened this time around. Lusty has transformed itself into so much more than I remembered. The bar, the café, the restaurant – it is more than I expected, and the key thing is that they do it so well – everything is pitched just right.

I have two boys, both under 6, and the entire family always has a great time at Lusty Glaze. There is so much to do, that we never seem to have the same day twice – whether we’re exploring rock pools, or playing football, or eating pizza, or paddling in the sea, or playing hide and seek in the caves, or watching the surfers, or staying down there for dinner – you get the picture!

And all of those steps on the way back up seem to make bedtime go a lot quicker than usual!

Written by Alex Whybrow

Alex is a full time writer who loves to travel. He has two young boys and as a family they love to explore all corners of the UK. Having spent a lot of time in his childhood in Cornwall and South West of England, Alex has a particular passion for travel writing about these sorts of destinations.

The post Lusty Glaze Beach appeared first on Big Little Travels - Your Travel Guide.

Obviously the incredible natural scenery is a huge pull. The largest mountain in England and Wales, the craggy peaks, the views across the sea to Ireland, the waterfalls, the woodland – we’re barely scratching the surface here.

On top of that, though, is everything you can do in this region – the adventure capital. Whether you want to be zooming through the air on a zip wire, hike along one of the many trails, kayak in whitewater, explore the caves or have a round of golf, Snowdonia will have you covered.

And then there’s the history! With human activity in the area stretching back to the prehistoric era, you can see settlements dating back to 200 BC, plus Roman camps and castles galore. It’s an area steeped in history, right at the centre of fierce rivalries, and rife with many myths and legends.

There is so much to see and do, it could feel overwhelming, but don’t worry because we are here to help. Here are our top things to do in Snowdonia.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

We’ll kick things off with a classic Snowdonia attraction – the Mountain Railway. To put this simply, it is one of the most beautifully scenic railway journeys on the planet, and one that you should definitely take a trip on if you ever get the chance.

The thing is, though, that it isn’t just the scenery that is so impressive about this narrow gauge track – it’s the fact that this is a remarkable feat of engineering that has been taking tourists up to the summit of Snowdonia since the 19th century. A fact that is truly mind blowing.

The track is 4.7 miles long and reaches a height of 3,493 ft, with seven stations along the way. The total journey time from Llanberis, at the bottom, to the Summit Station is roughly an hour, and along the way you can enjoy the exquisite views that can stretch all the way to Ireland on a clear day.

Please note, though, that the Summit is only available between late Spring and the end of October. Outside of that time, you can travel as far as Clogwyn, which is about 75% of the way up.

You can even pick what fuel you would like to use to get you up there! There are two services that run – the Heritage Steam Experience, and the Traditional Diesel Service. Whichever you pick, you are in for a treat as you look down on the valleys below. 

I would recommend booking in advance, though, as it can get busy during peak periods. Check out the weather forecast as well, as you get a much better experience when the sky is clear, and don’t forget to pack your camera.

Explore the Iconic Village of Portmeirion

A little piece of the Mediterranean nestled into North Wales, Portmeirion is a village unlike any other. Created and designed by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925, it was built in the style of an Italian village – his objective was to see how a naturally beautiful site could be developed to enhance it, rather than spoil it.

It is a fascinating little place.

You could spend hours taking in the buildings set in this picturesque backdrop, but there is so much more to this village than just the architecture. There are some incredible restaurants, a superb spa and acres of woodland to explore.

There are two hotels in the village, The Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth, which are both 4 star and both benefit from excellent service and attention to detail. On top of that, there are plenty of self-catering cottages there, so lots of choice if you decide that you want to make the most of your time there.

Our advice is to not make any plans for your time there, and just wander around. See where the day takes you – you might end up in the subtropical forest (with hidden lakes) or maybe you’ll find yourself at the Amis Ruins, the famous Stone Boat which you can only see when the tide is out.

This delightful little village is well worth your time. It’s a truly unique place, which stands as a monument to one man’s dream to bring the Mediterranean riviera to the Welsh coast. We’re very grateful that he did.

Take a dip in The Secret Infinity Pool

“Is it a secret if you include it in this article?” I hear you ask. Well yes, actually, because I am going to hold up my end of the unwritten bargain here by not revealing exactly where it is – that’s all part of what makes it such a magical place.

It cost £400,000 to build, a project that was undertaken by local farmer Wyn Mostyn Jones in 2016 as part of a green energy initiative. Over the years it has grown in popularity with tourists and locals alike, but if you want to find it for yourself, you’re going to have to put in a bit of effort to track it down.

What you will find when you get there is a magically serene setting…

Gentle running water and sounds of the wildlife are the only things you’ll hear, and the views of the surrounding area are simply magnificent. Time seems to stand still, but before you know it an hour has passed, and you slowly emerge from this dream-like tranquillity. It’s one of those experiences in life that you really just need to try out for yourself to fully appreciate it.

The only clue as to the location of Snowdonia’s Secret Infinity Pool that seems to be widely available is that it is on the Llanberis Pass, one of the most popular paths in the region.

That should narrow your search down a bit, but for the rest you are going to have to put in the work yourself. We would recommend looking at other people’s photos, have a look on Google Maps and search on YouTube for extra clues.

It’s such a fitting attraction for Snowdonia – adventure and tranquillity all rolled into one.

Hike Through Gwydir Forest Park

Right in the heart of Snowdonia National park is this idyllic forest park – all surrounding one of the prettiest villages in Wales, Betws-y-coed.

If you are starting out from the village, which we would urge you to do because the village is worthy of a place on this list in itself, then there is a choice of four different coloured trails to guide you through the forest – all with varying degrees of difficulty. There will be a path for you, whatever your experience and ability.

The paths range from a quick 30 minute walk (1.2 km) to a 3-5 hour hike (10.6 km, and a climb of 500m), but whichever one you choose you will be able to take in some incredible views, walk under majestic Douglas fir trees (some which are around 100 years old), and read some facts about the area that have been dotted around.

The most strenuous trek is well worth your consideration though, as you’ll get to walk around some stunning lakes and up to get some incredible views of the scenery below. The paths are less than a metre wide in some places, and conditions can get tough in wet weather, but if you are up for the adventure, then the peaceful atmosphere at the top of the climb is certainly worth it.

There is even an orienteering course there, so you can test your map-reading skills – just make sure that your relationship is secure before starting a course with your partner!

One of the best things about hiking around Gwydir Forest Park, though, is that you invariably end up back in Betws-y-coed where you can find yourself a lovely pub or cafe to reward yourself with a well-earned drink.

Visit Conwy Castle

Looming above the mediaeval market town of Conwy is Conwy Castle, one of the best-preserved castles of its kind in the world.

Built by Edward I in the late 13th century as a show of dominance over the rebellious Welsh, the castle remains one of the best examples of the period’s military architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It really is quite remarkable how the castle has remained in such good condition in the centuries since it was built. Edward was known for his extravagance when it came to castles, but Conwy castle really is a testament as to how well built his castles were. It is a masterpiece, even if it didn’t fully do its job in uniting England and Wales – plenty of mountainous areas in North Wales remained out of his control.

There is so much history to discover at the castle, but even if that doesn’t interest you, the views that you have from there certainly will. It overlooks Conwy’s idyllic harbour and you also can look back at the Snowdonian peaks, as well as the 1.3 km wall that surrounds the town.

The castle has also been the setting for blockbuster movies – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, starring Jude Law, was shot there, as well as 2020’s The Secret Garden. There really is something for everyone here.

Once  you have spent time at the castle, be sure to go for a walk around the town. The whole town is packed full of historical buildings and landmarks, and with the river, harbour and beaches nearby, it’s a perfect location for a base for a Snowdonian holiday.

Delve into the Underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Wales is a country with mining buried into its soul, and this rare opportunity to experience a trip 500 feet underground is not one to be missed. It is a tour that will stay with you long after you have returned to the surface.

The Deep Mine Tour at Llechwedd will walk you through the world of slate mining, which was so important to the area during the 19th and 20th centuries. You will be taken on an exhilarating trip up to the peaks of the site (on an ex-military truck), and en route you will be able to take in yet more stunning views of the surrounding Snowdonia landscape.

Then you’ll be led deep into the mine along Europe’s steepest narrow gauge railway, into the now-disused slate caverns. You’ll be told stories of the individual miners, as well as facts and information about the slate industry which was so important to the country.

It all culminates with a stunning light and sound display at the underground lake – a spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a critical part of why the Llechwedd Slate Caverns have won awards as one of the best tourist attractions around.

We get that slate mining might not be the most exciting topic for everyone – largely because we felt the same when it was first suggested to us – but you need to trust us here, this is a thrilling attraction that you won’t regret visiting.

Go Below, with Go Below

The Llechwedd Slate Caverns that we have listed above are a great fun for all the family type of tourist attraction, that explores the industry and majesty of these incredible mines. But Go Below takes things up a notch…

Here, at Conwy Falls (just outside Betws-y-coed), you get to put yourself to the ultimate underground test involving zip lines, abseiling, boating, scaling waterfalls and climbing up vertical shafts. The kind of adventure that really gets your pulse tracing and your heart skipping a beat.

There are three different adventures to choose from, ranging from a 5-hour challenge, suitable for anyone aged 10 and up, to a 7-hour over 18s only extreme challenge with freefall jumps and the ‘goliath zip line’. This one is not for the fainthearted.

You can abseil down to the deepest point in the UK, guided by a friendly, experienced team of instructors that will make sure you are kept safe at all times. It’s the kind of activity that would be perfect for a stag do, but at the same time, ideal for anyone that loves a challenge.

They have also just constructed some underground cabins, so you can actually stay the night down there – 1375 ft below the surface, billed as ‘The Deepest Sleep In The World’.

This is the sort of once-in-a-lifetime experience that Snowdonia can provide. A slightly bonkers adventure, using a combination of nature and human industry to create something unique. If you like your trips with a bit of extreme adventure, this is the place for you.

Inland Surfing at Adventure Parcs

Surfing can be a frustrating pastime in the UK. The amount of time you need to wait to get the right conditions just means that it isn’t a viable hobby for 99% of the population that don’t have access to beaches on the right part of the coast. Even for those that do live near a great surfing beach, timing is everything.

Even though there are some truly spectacular beaches in North Wales, surfing is always difficult because the right kind of waves are very rare. So they have come up with a solution: Inland Surfing.

At Adventure Parcs, they have created a man-made lagoon which produces perfect waves every 90 seconds. This is done by an underwater snow plough, which runs along rails to create the pressure needed for the waves to materialise. The best thing of all, though , is that this can be fully controlled so that you can select which sort of waves you’d like to surf on.

There are four different levels: beginner, two intermediate levels and an advanced level. There is also an option to have lessons, so that you can learn from experts – it is the perfect environment to learn how to surf, rather than getting out in the sea and finding out that the waves are too rough or gentle for you to have a proper lesson.

Surfing is the type of thing that you can only learn by doing it, and here you can ensure you get plenty of waves to practice on.

If you have always wanted to get into surfing, but didn’t know where to start, let me help you out – start here at Adventure Parcs.

Just a quick note here – surfing is just one of the watersports available in Snowdonia. If you would like to try wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding etc – Snowdonia is the place to head.

Strike Gold at Sygun Copper Mine

A change of pace now, as we look at the Sygun Copper Mine – another fascinating site that will help to illustrate the importance of the mining industry in the area.

This is a great day out for a family. The tours are self guided and you are permitted to explore on your own the winding tunnels and colourful chambers as you try to remember the difference between stalactites and stalagmites…! The copper ore ‘veins’ look magnificent in these perfectly lit caverns.

The mine has been disused since 1903, but this perfectly preserved mine gives you a direct look at what it would have been like during those busy Victorian years, a rare opportunity to experience this era.

While it is fascinating for guests of any age, there is plenty to do for children, with a playground, museum of antiquities, a metal detecting area and the opportunity to ‘Pan for Gold’.

The tour lasts about 40 minutes, and with the additional activities, it would make a nice activity for a family for a morning. We would suggest heading down to the beautiful village of Beddgelert when you are finished to get some lunch. It’s only three quarters of a mile down the road, and is picturesque with plenty of places to grab some lunch or a drink.

Climb Snowdon

Okay, we couldn’t write a list of things to do in Snowdonia and not include the most obvious one – it is, quite literally, the high point of any visit to the area.

There are six different paths to get you to the top: Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path, which all vary slightly in terms of distance and expected time to complete, but they all have the same difficulty rating which is ‘Hard/Strenuous’.

This is not a jolly little walk up a hill and back again – you are going to scale the biggest mountain in England and Wales.

You’ll need to allow at least 7 hours for the trip in total, and make sure you have prepared sufficiently – plan your route, wear comfortable/suitable clothing, have plenty of food and drink with you and make sure you tell someone about your trip so they can check on you.

Every year there are around 200 call outs for help from people that get into trouble up there.

This isn’t supposed to put you off, far from it, we include this to leave you with no uncertainty – climbing Snowdon is a proper adventure. The sense of achievement when you get up there is very real, and you are rewarded with some of the most incredible views in the UK. 

There is plenty of information available to help you prepare for your trip, so use it and make sure you know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Then all you have to do is keep safe and enjoy one of the most incredible hikes in the UK.

Why we love Snowdonia

So there you have it, our list of things to do in Snowdonia.

Reading that, I am sure you have already seen why we love this region so much. Where else in the world could you visit a quaint disused copper mine in the morning, and then go inland surfing in the afternoon? Or have a mooch around a picturesque rural village on your way to an underground zip line?

It’s a region that brings together the modern and the past. Nature and man-made industry. Beauty and exhilaration. That’s why we love Snowdonia.

Written by Alex Whybrow

Alex is a full time writer who loves to travel. He has two young boys and as a family they love to explore all corners of the UK. Having spent a lot of time in his childhood in Cornwall and South West of England, Alex has a particular passion for travel writing about these sorts of destinations.

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