Things to do in Gwynedd

Visit Snowdonia National Park to hike up snow-capped mountains and across untamed coasts. Walk through wild woodlands alongside bubbling rivers. Explore ancient castles and underground caverns. Relax in some of the most picturesque towns in Wales.

Caught between the rugged mountains of the Snowdonia National Park on one side, and the mouth of the river, this long stretch of sand offers the perfect location for family picnics, long contemplative walks or a variety of watersports. Even Wordsworth sung the beaches praises: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival,’ the poet wrote.

Make your way past the walls and towers of the historical Caernarfon Castle. Scale the Eagle Tower to see the stone heads built to fool enemies into thinking the castle was heavily guarded. Walk along the walls and climb the towers to enjoy the commanding views of Caernarfon and the surrounding countryside.

Choose your path and climb to the peak of spectacular Mount Snowdon. From the summit, see several parts of the British Isles, with glimpses of Ireland and England. Even Scotland is visible on a clear day.

Results of the 2014 National Student Survey ranked Bangor as the number one university in Wales for overall student satisfaction and quality of teaching. The A-Z of Universities and Higher Education Colleges has also named it as “one of the cheapest places in Britain” to be a student and cost of living surveys consistently rank it as one of the most economical places to study in the UK.

The castle was built in the late 13th Century during the reign of Edward I and boasts double walls around its perimeter, four large towers and a robust gatehouse. These fortifications later played a crucial role during numerous blockades. Most famously, in a siege immortalised in the famous Welsh anthem "Men of Harlech", the castle was held for seven years by the Lancastrians in the War of the Roses. It was also the last remaining stronghold of the Royalists during the English Civil War.