The first weekend in May, my boyfriend Tom and I visited Snowdonia in Wales for a long weekend to celebrate our one year anniversary as well as to visit my flatmate from my third year of University, Ffion. We chose Snowdonia mainly because that is where Ffion lives but also because neither of us had ever been there before and we both wanted to climb Snowdon.

Where to Eat & Drink

The Alpine Cafe

Situated in Betws-y-Coed, The Alpine Cafe advertises itself as a cafe with a conscience, serving delicious homemade free-range produce. Ffion recommended this cafe to us due to its reputation for excellent food as well as its vast vegetarian and vegan options, which we were beginning to learn would be a rarity in Wales. We were definitely not disappointed upon our arrival as it lived up to its expectations and the kale burger I ordered, which I half-expected to taste like a bleak salad, was surprisingly delicious and I would definitely order again.

The Anglesey Arms

Situated in Caernarfon, a 10 minute car ride from where we were staying, The Anglesley Arms is a pub that overlooks the harbour. The main reason that we chose this restaurant was because of its alternative vegetarian options, which were usually limited to a vegetable burger or chickpea curry, as well as the fact it overlooked the sea so offered a beautiful view of the harbour and the sea beyond. There was also live music playing on the patio to accompany you whilst you ate which helped to set the mood further.

What To Do

Climb Snowdon

Probably the number one activity to do whilst staying in Snowdonia was to climb Snowdon, or at least get the steam train up to the top to admire the views over the national park. Tom and I had been ‘training’ for the month prior to Snowdon to prepare ourselves for the climb by taking long walks over the English countryside but still climbing Snowdon itself was not easy. However, this only made us prouder of ourselves when we finally made it to the summit after 2 hours and 30 minutes. Of course I had to have a photo-shoot once we finally made it to the summit, especially once I saw how beautiful the view was!

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry – Velocity 2

Aside from climbing Snowdon, one of the activities that we were determined to try whilst in Snowdonia was Velocity 2, the longest zip wire in Europe and the fastest in the world, achieving speeds of up to 100 mph. It was definitely on the expensive side for what it was but it was worth it for the experience and bragging rights. Definitely not an activity for the faint-hearted!

Zip World Fforest – Fforest Coaster

Run by the same company as Velocity 2, the Fforest Coaster is a metal track based toboggan that can achieve speeds of up to 25 mph down 710 metres of twisting and turning track. Ffion and I had the bright idea of sitting in the same toboggan to make it heavier so that we could achieve the fastest speed possible and we even went down once without braking, through which we found out the toboggan actually brakes for you. What a spoil-sport!

Great Orme Family Golf

Great Orme Family Golf is a 9 hole pitch and putt golf course located in Llandudno, probably very similar to every other pitch and putt golf course in the United Kingdom. However, what makes this course special, is its location on top of a steep hill, meaning the course offers incredible views over the town and the beachfront. We even had some goats try to join in our game!

Have you ever visited Snowdonia? What was your favourite part?