Here at the Oakeley Arms we love a list, as regular readers of our blog will know. So today’s blog post is dedicated to a very simple list…. although admittedly it’s not that short.

We give you the Top Ten reasons to visit Snowdonia, our gorgeous homeland. To be honest it was quite hard to choose just ten of them….. but feel free to add your own to the comments!

• The scenery – Snowdonia is home to Wales’ highest mountain ranges (as well as Wales’ highest mountain!) so the high peaks and jagged hills that make up the landscape here are just awe-inspiring.

With views like this, who needs to go anywhere else?
“Llyn Llydaw from Crib Goch 2” by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net) via wikicommons

• It’s not just mountains – but it’s not all about the hills. The coastline of Snowdonia is rated as some of the finest in Britain, and you’ll also find stunning lowland forests, valleys, rivers and rolling pastures.
• There’s so much to do – whatever floats your boat you’ll find it in Snowdonia. Fancy a hill trek? We’ve got the country’s highest mountain? Fancy a trip to the beach? We’ve got miles of gorgeous, golden sandy beaches. Fancy a pint? We’ve got some of the most delicious local ales you’ll ever taste. Fancy some history? This little corner of Wales is packed with legend, history and culture that goes back thousands of years.
• Steamy holidays – no, not that kind, we’re talking trains!! If you’re a steam train enthusiast, enjoy a bit of culture, like looking at shiny things or are under 5 years old then you will absolutely love Snowdonia’s steam trains. We’ve got the oldest narrow-gauge railway in the world (the Ffestiniog Railway), we’ve got railways that go up mountains, round lakes and through forests. Choo-choo!

We’ve got steam trains aplenty…..
Image “Ffestiniog Railway locomotive Linda 04” by Chris McKenna (Thryduulf) via Wikimedia Commons

• We’re a friendly bunch – a real Welsh welcome is about making new friends and getting them to join in with some of our traditional ways and customs. We’ll have you saying “iechyd da!” in no time!
• We’ve got adventure aplenty – we blogged earlier in the week about how Wales is set to become the adventure capital of Britain next year, but you can beat the crowds and see what we’ve got to offer before then. Whatever adventure fuels your adrenalin, we bet Snowdonia’s got something to offer – zip wires, giant trampolines, surf lakes, kayaking, coasteering, rock climbing. you name it.
• Centuries of history – for historic places to visit, you can’t beat Snowdonia. We’ve got neolithic sites, roman cities, iron age forts, medieval castles and Victorian engineering. All right here on our doorstep!

• We’re tasty – super tasty! Snowdonia prides itself on producing some of the finest local food and drink in Wales. From handmade chocolates to craft beers, and delicious cheeses to sweet, sweet honey. You’ll find it all here.
• We’re quirky – it’s not just the ordinary tourist attractions you’ll find in Snowdonia, there are truly some of Wales’ hidden gems here. How about the wonderful Italianate village of Portmeirion, or the haunting wasteland leftover from the slate-mining industry, or the underground cavern filled with giant trampolines or the smallest house in Britain…..
• The Oakeley Arms – we’ve left the best till last, of course…… Never mind the top ten reasons to visit Snowdonia, there’s only one for us (ok, yeah, we’re slightly biased…..). The Oakeley Arms offers the best in hotel rooms, self-catering cottages, fantastic food, great drinks, service with a smile and a stunning view to top it all off. What more do you need?

So that’s our top ten…. What’s yours?