When I picture the perfect mountain village – with a dramatic backdrop, a crystal-clear river, characteristic stone cottages and vivid flowers – I imagine a place in North Wales that also happens to be one of the most popular.
Tucked into the foothills of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Beddgelert feels as though it could have stepped out of a fairy tale. Two rivers meet at its heart – the Afon Glaslyn and the Afon Colwyn – creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, where life slows down and the landscape takes centre stage.
Beddgelert makes a perfect base for walkers and adventurers eager to explore Eryri. Around the village lie forests and waterfalls, an iconic steam train journey, and even a legend waiting to be discovered. At the same time, it can be a place of quiet retreat – as long as you avoid the busiest holiday periods.
Photo Credits
Except the cover photo at the top, all the remaining pictures in this article are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales.
Things to See and Do in Beddgelert
The picturesque corners of Beddgelert are so iconic that exploring the village itself is a pleasure, and the first thing you’ll want to do. Admire its stone-built houses and the pretty bridge over the Afon Colwyn. You’ll also find traditional pubs, craft shops, cafés, and the excellent Glaslyn Artisan ice cream shop. Soaking in the ambience – with its strong Welsh cultural flavour, well-kept gardens and floral displays, and riverside views – is part of the village’s charm.
You may wonder where the village’s name comes from, and discovering its origin is a wonderful way to connect with the place. Just south of the village, a five-minute walk along the Glaslyn brings you to Gelert’s Grave, a small memorial commemorating one of Wales’s best-known legends: the story of Prince Llywelyn and his faithful hound, Gelert. It’s an atmospheric spot, with the sound of the river and views of the surrounding hills.
To add even more fairy-tale charm, take a ride on the Welsh Highland Railway – one of the most scenic narrow-gauge preserved railways in the country. Beddgelert is a stop along the line between Porthmadog and Caernarfon, and watching the great steam locomotives pass through the village is a sight not to be missed. The narrow-gauge trains chug through woodland, valleys and over bridges, offering a nostalgic journey through breathtaking scenery.
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Nature lovers will find plenty to do. The village is the ideal base for exploring some of Eryri’s classic beauty spots, such as the Aberglaslyn Pass to the south, Nant Gwynant to the east, and, of course, Yr Wyddfa – the highest mountain in Wales – to the north. There is also the Lôn Gwyrfai, a 4.5-mile walking and cycling trail running north from the village to Rhyd Ddu. Parts of the route are accessible to all-terrain mobility vehicles and power-assisted wheelchairs.
For those seeking a more challenging climb, the nearby Moel Hebog rewards walkers with superb views across Snowdonia, including Yr Wyddfa on a clear day.
Another adventure lies underground at the Sygun Copper Mine, just a mile outside the village. Here, twisting tunnels, colourful chambers and striking geological formations make for a fascinating walk. Above ground, Lake Dinas is not far away and offers scenic paths and picnic spots – a great day out for the whole family.
Beyond walking, the area also white-water and water-sport opportunities. The River Glaslyn can provide thrilling kayaking in the right conditions, while calmer inland lakes and gentler stretches are ideal for paddling or boat rides. For permits and local advice, the Tourist Information Centre in the village is the place to go.
Finally, wildlife enthusiasts should visit the Glaslyn Ospreys Centre, where breeding ospreys can be seen in spring and summer. Live images from the nest are broadcast directly to the Visitor Centre and hide, giving a rare glimpse of these magnificent birds.
quick facts about beddgelert
- The name Beddgelert means “Gelert’s Grave”, from the legend of a loyal hound killed by Prince Llywelyn, who wrongly believed it had harmed his son. Although the grave is a relatively recent monument (dating from the 18th or 19th century), the tale has become an integral part of the village’s identity.
- In reality, the village name more likely derives from an early Christian missionary and leader named Celert, who is thought to have settled here in the early 8th century. This points to the village’s deep roots in early Christian times; indeed, you can still find the ruins of a 13th-century priory nearby.
- The Sygun Copper Mine, located just outside the village, was operational between 1700 and 1900, peaking during the Industrial Revolution when demand for copper was at its highest.
- Today, Beddgelert is also recognised for its charm and community spirit, having won multiple awards for its floral displays, environmental care, and overall appearance.
Best Time to Visit Beddgelert
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Beddgelert, as the woods and valleys come alive with wildflowers and the village bursts into bloom. Flower tubs, pots, and window boxes brighten the streets, making the whole place spectacularly colourful. It’s also a quieter season compared with summer, when the small village becomes packed with visitors. Summer does have its advantages, though: attractions and restaurants usually keep longer opening hours, and the trains run more frequently.
Autumn is another rewarding time of year, with the valleys glowing in rich seasonal colours and dramatic light often accompanying the changeable weather.
Beddgelert also has plenty of charm in winter, especially if you are lucky enough to see snow falling. Do bear in mind, however, that alongside the cold, some attractions and cafés or restaurants may be closed or operating on reduced hours.
Useful Information When Visiting Beddgelert
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Public Transport: The nearest mainline station is at Porthmadog, served by the Cambrian Line running from Birmingham to Pwllheli. From there, the S4 bus will take you to Beddgelert, and the S3 bus also stops in the village. There is also the option of arriving by steam train on the Welsh Highland Railway, though do keep in mind that this is primarily a tourist attraction and far more expensive than a regular bus service. Read more about public transport in Wales.
Parking: There are two main car parks in Beddgelert: Cae Morys, and Colwyn Banc to the north on the opposite side of the River Colwyn. Both fill up quickly during busy holiday periods.
EV Charging Points: Four 22kW chargers are available at the Cae Morys car park.
Public Toilets: Facilities are available in the village centre, at the Visitor Information Centre, and at the railway station.
Welsh Highland Railway: The line runs from late March until the end of October, though not every day – so do check timetables in advance. Ticket prices range from around £29 to £105, depending on the service and carriage type. See the official website for up-to-date information.
Sygun Copper Mine: Open from early February to early November, and again during the Christmas holidays (27 December – 2 January). Pre-booking is not required. More details can be found on the official website.
Glaslyn Ospreys Visitor Centre: Closed from early October until March, except for selected weekends. Check the official site for seasonal opening times.
