One of the great things about owning a holiday home at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park is our close proximity to Snowdonia National Park. 

However, contrary to common opinion, the Snowdonia region is about far more than just a mountain. Covering over 823 square miles of the Gwynedd and Conwy counties in North Wales, there are plenty of great things to do in Snowdonia in the rain, snow or summer. 

Our expert guides have put their heads together to come up with a handy list of the best things to do in Snowdonia in the rain so that you aren’t stuck for activities on those days where the sun has failed to put his hat on. Without further delay, let's get to what we consider to be the no.1 wet weather activity…

1. Snowdonia Mountain Railway

Just because it is raining doesn’t mean that you can’t make your way to the very top of Snowdon’s highest mountain. Instead of making the journey on foot, you can instead opt to reach the summit aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

It takes roughly one hour to get to the very top of Snowdon on the mountain railway, but during this time you will be able to marvel at the stunning views which reveal the many secrets that Snowdon holds. From abandoned chapels and mediaeval villages, to beautiful waterfalls, there is plenty to see during the trip. 

Once you reach the summit, which is 1,085 metres above sea level, you will have 30 minutes to take advantage of the facilities. Hafod Eryri visitor centre was opened in 2009 and provides tourists with the chance to grab a bite to eat and a drink as they admire the stunning views that are afforded as you make the most of your time being at the highest point in the UK outside of Scotland. 

2. Welsh Highland Railway

Staying on the theme of classic locomotives, you may instead prefer to enjoy a ride aboard a classic steam train when you head to the Welsh Highland Railway.

The closest station to Bryn Defaid Holiday Park that is part of this route is located in Caernarfon. Here you can choose from a selection of journeys which vary in length from 3 to a full 7 hours. Both of these trips provide passengers with amazing views of the region as you take in quaint villages, outstanding countryside and marvellous historic relics which hark back to a bygone age.

While the 3 hour journey is a great cost effective option for families who are looking to experience something a little different, the 7 hour trip is tailor made for train enthusiasts or those with a little more time on their hands. This longer trip takes passengers to the stunning coastal town of Porthmadog where you will be given time to depart and explore the many attractions that it has to offer. There is plenty to do in the rain here with the town being home to a vibrant shopping scene and a selection of excellent restaurants with something to appeal to all tastes and dietary needs. 

3. The National Slate Museum

If you are a history buff, then we can’t recommend a trip to The National Slate Museum enough. Located in Llanberis and overlooked by the now disused Dinorwic Slate quarry, the National Slate Museum provides visitors with a fascinating insight into an industry which once dominated the North Wales region.

During the late 19th century, up to 17,000 people worked in the slate industry in North Wales, with the area producing over half a tonne of slate every year. Approximately 3,000 workers conducted their duties on this site which now acts as a living museum, providing visitors with fascinating tales about the lives of the workers during this period and the style of work that they carried out.

Not only is the National Slate Museum home to the UK’s largest remaining water wheel, but you’ll also be able to explore recreations of workers' homes from the era. This provides fascinating details about their personal lives in the context of the hardships that they faced working in this once dominant industry. 

4. Zip World in Llechwedd

Zip World has taken the Snowdonia National Park region by storm with there now being three different sites in the region, each of which offers adrenaline junkies with a very different selection of thrilling adventures.

Unfortunately, many of the activities that are available are weather dependent with attractions such as the world’s fastest zip line, only really being possible during clement weather. However, the Zip World site in Llechwedd is almost entirely underground and is home to the world’s first underground crazy golf course. 

The Llechwedd Zip World site is perfect for families, with other activities available including the fun filled bounce below trampoline course and a thrilling three hour tavern based climbing course which isn’t for the faint hearted. 

5. Platform Galeri

If you prefer art and culture to adrenaline fuelled adventures, then we would highly recommend a visit to Platform Galeri which is located at Betws-y-Coed Railway Station. The gallery is primarily used to display the works of owner Jacha Potgieter; an artist who communicates his environmental conservationist views via his works. 

Potgieter has spent a lot of time in Borneo and Cameroon where he developed a deep affection for the local wildlife. This is also reflected in his creations, with countless paintings and sculptures of the animals that he encountered on his journeys. The vast majority of creations are of apes which is reflective of Potgieter’s role as an ambassador for the charity Ape Action Africa.

While you are there you can also pay a visit to the on-site home interiors store where you will find a wide selection of items which have been designed by the artist personally. All of which are ideal for those who are looking to add their own personal touches to their Colwyn Bay Holiday Home at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park.