|
There's something really special about springtime in Snowdonia, when daffodils nod in the breeze and newborn lambs frolic in the fields. Planning a spring break in Snowdonia? Here are ten tips for making the most of a Snowdonia springtime. 1. Back to nature There are plenty of ways to get closer to Snowdonia's wildlife. Take the Glaslyn Osprey Project, for example. Run by the RSPB, the site features a large hide, as well as extra large plasma screens for watching osprey activity close-up. Along the coast, keep an eye out for herons, oystercatchers, seals and dolphins. And if you're walking on higher ground, look out for wild mountain goats - there are several family groups in Snowdonia. 2. Connect with the past From ancient burial chambers to medieval castles, we've worked hard to preserve history in Snowdonia - so you'll never be stuck for an historic attraction to visit. There are plenty of hands-on historic attractions in Snowdonia, too. You could pan for gold at Sygun Copper Mine, or try life as a Victorian schoolchild at the Lloyd George Museum. Or for a really unusual (and somewhat ghoulish) history lesson, visit the Dinorwig Quarry Hospital, Llanberis. 3. The wetter, the better If you're fortunate enough to visit Snowdonia during a warm, sunny springtime, you might enjoy some cooling, exhilarating watersports. Snowdonia has a huge number of watersports centres to choose from, including the National Whitewater Centre, the National Watersports Centre, a purpose-built Wakeboard park - and that's without all the rivers, lakes and beaches, where you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting wet. 4. Singing in the rain If your Snowdonia spring break is interrupted by rain, don't despair; there are plenty of rainy day attractions in Snowdonia, too. Snowdonia has plenty of theatres, museums and galleries to visit, as well as historic houses, family attractions and leisure centres. And if you want a really novel way to spend a rainy day, try your hand at indoor go-karting at Redline in Caernarfon. 5. Happy families If you're visiting Snowdonia with children, there are plenty of ways to keep them amused. From crabbing and rock-pooling on Snowdonia's beaches to den-building and people-powered rollercoasters, there's enough going on in Snowdonia to keep your little lambs happy for the entire Easter break. For older children there are uber-cool activities like surfing lessons, paintballing and pony trekking; for under-12s attractions try Gypsy Wood, Dwyfor Ranch and the Fun Centre. 6. Go do! If you enjoy active holidays, you couldn't pick a better destination than Snowdonia - often described as the UK's number one activity centre. Cycling, geocaching, orienteering, climbing, sailing, quad biking, surfing, white water rafting, windsurfing, and good old-fashioned walking... take your pick! 7. Tiptoe through the tulips Yes, Snowdonia's countryside is wild and rugged - but don't let that fool you. We have plenty of well-tended gardens, parks and woodlands, too. Bodnant is worth a visit at any time of year; and Portmeirion, the famous Italianate village that seems to grow out of the surrounding rocks, is a delight whatever the weather. 8. Take it easy Snowdonia's not just about fast-paced activities. It's a great place to relax, too, and some of the best places to just chill out and enjoy the spring sunshine and fresh air can be found around the Snowdonia coast. Snowdonia's beaches are as different as peas in a pod. We have pebbly beaches and soft sand beaches. We have broad, flat beaches, and beaches backed by dunes. We have massive family beaches where you can park your car on the sand, and peaceful, secluded beaches that only a few locals know about. Snowdonia even has beaches where the sand squeaks underfoot... 9. Full steam ahead If you're looking for a really special way to see Snowdonia's sights, take a trip on one of the many steam railways of Snowdonia, which chug across the countryside, around lakes, and even to the top of Snowdon. Throughout the Snowdonia region there are lots of different steam train routes to take, so leave the car at your B&B for the day and try sightseeing the old-fashioned way. 10. Shop until you drop Shopping in Snowdonia is a heady mix of high street giants, quirky independents and everything between. Of course, you can visit chain stores wherever you go, but many of Snowdonia's tiny retailers are one-branch affairs, and better for it. The Snowdonia region is full of natural materials, inspirational scenery and raw talent that combine to produce the most beautiful arts and crafts. And food shopping is a pure joy in Snowdonia, too; locally reared meat, locally landed fish and locally brewed beers and spirits equal tasty produce with fewer food miles. Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation.
Related Articles -
Snowdonia, Snowdonia attractions, Snowdonia activities, Snowdonia days out, visit Snowdonia, Snowdonia breaks,
| 
