Snowdonia National Park is 823 square miles of wild, unspoilt countryside in north-west Wales. One of its principal attractions is Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales (1085m or 3560 ft), which is known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, or The Tomb. As well as rugged peaks and lots of empty space (Snowdonia is home to just 26,000 people), the second largest national park in the UK has a number of excellent beaches and three of the most impressive castles in Europe.
Things to do
Conwy is one of the great fortresses of medieval times. With eight massive towers and high curtain walls, it was an important part of King Edward the First's plan to surround Wales with an iron ring of castles to subdue the rebellious population. But Caernarfon was Edward's grandest castle (the cost of building it was 25,000 over 50 years), and the largest was Beaumaris, Britain's most technically perfect moated medieval castle.
Other places to visit include Portmeiron, Llanfair PG (short for Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch, the longest place name in the world), Snowdon Mountain Railway and Ewephoria a tourist attraction that gives a detailed insight into the work of the shepherd and his sheepdog. The word ewephoria also describes the state induced by a journey through a countryside that boasts 12 million sheep.
Nightlife
There are plenty of good pubs, like the Douglas Arms at the tail of Nant Ffrancon Valley (thought by some to be the most awesome mountain valley in Wales), which serves great beer and an incredible range of single Malts. For a more varied nightlife and a wider choice of restaurants, head to Conwy or Caernarfon.
Accommodation
Snowdon Lodge 
claims to be North Wales' premier hostel, located between the sea and mountains of Snowdonia in the birthplace of Lawrence of Arabia. Alternatively, try The Eagles or for a more luxurious stay try the Escape in Llandudno. It is North Wales' first contemporary boutique hotel offering stylish B&B accommodation in a unique Victorian villa.
