Things to do
Zip World
Riverbank Lodge is conveniently located to explore everything that north Wales has to offer. And it has much to offer! Whether you're after excitement and adventure, or just want to chill and relax, there's something for everyone. There's more than we could possibly cover on this webpage, but we've collected together a few ideas for you.
This is definitely one that comes under the heading of excitement! Riverbank Lodge is just a short walk away from Penrhyn Quarry, home of Velocity 2, the world's fastest zip line, where you can reach speeds of over 100mph!! They also have four other adventurous activities at Penrhyn Quarry, including Quarry Karts, a 3km course that you descend on 3-wheeled karts!
Zip World have two other sites a short drive away offering a variety of adventurous activities, both above and below ground!
Go to the Zip World website for full details and online booking.
Mountain biking
Something that Wales has in abundance is mountains, so what better place to go actual mountain biking! The perfect playground for adventurous riders.
Route 82 on the National Cycle Network goes past the park gate, and is a bit up and down in places, but is relatively easy going. If that's a bit too tame for you, there are many other established tracks and centres to choose from. Check out the mountain biking pages on the Visit Wales website for more information.
Walking
If you like a good walk, you're in the right place. You can walk for miles from Riverbank Lodge on various footpaths that are literally on the doorstep. Leave the park, turn right over the bridge, and you're on a path that, depending on whether you choose left or right, goes back up along the edge of the Ogwen valley, or goes off towards Bangor.
And if you don't fancy either of those options, there's plenty of others to choose from.
Whichever way you go, the views are stunning, whatever time of the year you stay.
Castles
If you like a bit of history, Wales has got plenty of it. There are 427 castles in Wales, and Riverbank Lodge has some of the finest examples within easy reach.
Caernarfon Castle is just 25mins drive away and one of the finest examples of buildings from the Middle Ages. Beaumaris is also 25mins away, and with Conwy and Harlech castles, the four form the Gwynedd World Heritage Site.
Visit the Cadw website for more information on historical places to visit.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
The highest mountain in Wales and England, there are two ways to reach the summit; the hard way is walking and the easy way is taking the train from Llanberis.
There are several different walking routes to the summit, and all are classed as "strenuous". The Eryri National Park website has more information if you're considering walking up, including sensible do's and don'ts!
For the less adventurous, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is 20 mins drive from Riverbank Lodge, and will take you to the summit.
However you get there, the views from the summit are worth the trip, assuming the top isn't in the clouds when you get there!😆
Beaches
As well as seaside towns, north Wales is blessed with some fantastic beaches. Whether you want deserted beaches, quaint fishing villages, or amusement arcades and piers, there's a place to suit you.
Anglesey has some great beaches, and the seaside towns on the north coast are easily accessible via the A55 North Wales Expressway.
The UK Beach Guide has an impressive list of beaches in north Wales, and a useful map function to see where the beaches are. Click an area, click a pin, click the name of the beach that pops up and you'll get lots of details about the beach as well as pics.
Activities for kids
There a lots of activities in the area aimed specifically at the younger family members, from active toddlers to moody teenagers!
One example is GreenWood Family Park which is just 20 mins drive from Riverbank Lodge. Whether you're looking for soft play, karting, or rides, there's something for all ages.
Check out the Visit Snowdonia website for their "Twenty family-friendly days out in Snowdonia".
Window shopping
If browsing shop windows is the limit of your adventure 😁, there are many towns and villages within striking distance. Beaumaris is a coastal town on Anglesey, just 25mins drive from Riverbank Lodge. The town has a promenade overlooking the Menai Strait, a short pier, and lots of interesting shops to browse.
In the opposite direction, Betws-y-Coed is 25mins back up the Ogwen valley. Just turn right out of the park and keep going, until you come to the town nestling in the valley, surrounded by the Gwydyr Forest. There's a whole range of places to eat, and independent shops to look around, full of crafts, clothing, gifts, and local homemade produce.
National Trust
As you would expect, the National Trust has a number of properties in north Wales. Both Penrhyn Castle and Plas Newydd House and Garden are a shot drive away from Riverbank Lodge.
See the National Trust website for more properties in the area, as well as full details about admission prices and opening times.
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.