Geography School Trip to Snowdonia

There are a number of good Youth Hostel Association (YHA) properties in the region, either in Snowdonia itself or nearer the coast. We also can provide Premier Inn accommodation in Conwy or Llandudno if you wish to be more urban based, and near the coast!

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Let Snowdon Mountain Railway take you on a journey of a lifetime to the rooftop of Wales. Snowdon, at 1085 metres high, dominates the landscape of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. 

Since 1896 visitors have been travelling to Llanberis, to experience the unique rail journey to the Summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England. Claim this mountain peak, the highest in Wales, as a lifetime’s achievement. See exactly why Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most unique and wonderful railway journeys in the world. With stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views it's all part of a great day out for you and your family in North Wales. Your adventure starts here!

Nant Ffrancon Valley

Nant Ffrancon is a deeply glaciated and visually dramatic valley in north Snowdonia, dropping down to Bethesda between the Carneddau and Gludeiriau Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The valley begins in Cwm Idwal, carrying water from Llyn-y-Cwn to join the Ogwen Valley below the Ogwen Falls on Afon Ogwen. Major features of the area were formed during the last glacial period. During this time, the whole of Snowdonia was veiled in a vast ice sheet that extending outwards forming deep glacial troughs; Nant Ffrancon is one such trough.

Nant Ffrancon is possibly the least agriculturally developed glaciated valley in Gwynedd. The inhabiting wildlife is fascinating to explore and range in locality from the Bethesda area up towards Llyn Ogwen. 

Culturally and historically the surrounding area is richly endowed with plenty to offer including the extensive remains of slate quarries and tips; ancient monuments of the Neolithic and Bronze Age; Iron Age hill forts and medieval settlements. Some examples of early fields and dwellings can be seen east of LLanllechid, with certain areas of Cwm Caseg and Moel Faban marked by ancient settlements and enclosures.

Cwm Idwal

Cwm Idwal is a spectacular hanging valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Snowdonia, serving as a classic example of a prospect dramatically sculptured by ice thousands of years ago. It is situated next to the Nant Francon.

Officially recognised in 1954 by the Nature Conservancy, Cwm Idwal was Wales’ first National Nature Reserve (NNR) and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Encircled by towering high crags, screes, moraines and wind shattered rocks, it is one of the finest places to see how glaciation and post-glacial processes shaped our landscape. The Cwm forms a magnificent amphitheatre behind the glacial lake of Llyn Idwal, where fresh water flows from mountain waterfalls. 

The beauty of the area attracts thousands of visitors each year and according to a survey by the Radio Times in 2005, Cwm Idwal was ranked the 7th greatest natural wonder of Britain. Indeed, its fascinating geological features drew the famous nineteenth century naturalist Charles Darwin to the area. 

Llandudno Cable Car & The Great Orme

This unique experience continues to be one of town’s most popular attractions. As the Llandudno Cable Cars glide silently from Happy Valley to the summit of the Great Orme, 679 feet up, you can take in the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Bay of Llandudno, the Little Orme, the Conwy Estuary and miles out over the Iris Sea. And then look down on the beautiful gardens of Happy Valley.

The distance to the summit is just over a mile and the leisurely journey takes about nine minutes on an endless steel rope.

The Great Orme headland is a massive chunk of limestone rising 207m/679ft straight out of the sea.

Once at the summit, there are more spectacular views to enjoy. Anglesey, the mountains of Snowdonia, Puffin Island and beyond are all visible.

You can explore the Great Orme by following one of the many footpaths.

Call into the Great Orme County Park Visitor Centre where interactive and audio-visual exhibits describe the Great Orme’s history, geology and wildlife.The Great Orme Summit Complex has a restaurant, café, bar and shop in addition to an adventure playground and Rocky Pines Adventure Golf.

Great Orme Bronze Age Mines

Uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape an area of the Great Orme, the copper mines discovered  represent one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of recent times. Dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age they change our views about the ancient people of Britain and their civilized and structured society 2,000 years before the Roman invasion.

Over the past 28 years mining engineers, cavers and archaeologists have been slowly uncovering more tunnels and large areas of the surface landscape to reveal what is now thought to be the largest prehistoric mine, so far discovered in the world.

The tour of the mines is self – guided with most visitors taking approximately 45 minutes. We recommend that you wear sensible flat shoes. The route through the mine is approximately 200 metres. There are 35 steps going down into the mine and the same number coming back up. In addition, there are a number of sloping tunnels.

Sygun Copper Mine 

Winner of the Prince of Wales award for tourism, Sygun Copper Mine is one of the wonders of Wales – a remarkable and impressive example of how our precious industrial heritage can be reclaimed, restored and transformed into an outstanding attraction.

Llandudno

Llandudno is a fantastic family friendly resort with penty to explore. With  beautiful beaches and the historic Llandudno Pier , the promenade is a popular attraction with tourists, along with the shopping and restayrants & Cafes.

The cable car up to the Great Orme Headland is always a highlight!

The Welsh Mountain Zoo

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is set in North Wales, high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery; its beautiful gardens are home to this caring conservation zoo. Roam the wooded pathways, relax on the grassy slopes and spend a lovely day learning about many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world including Snow Leopards, Chimpanzees, Red Pandas and Sumatran Tigers!

Enjoy the Penguin Parade, Chimp Encounter, Bear Falls, Lemur Lookout, Condor Haven and the Children's Farm plus much more. Visit 'Sea Lions Rock' and watch our Californian Sea Lions being trained. Enjoy the exciting and extensive Jungle Adventureland and Tarzan Trail Adventure Playground. For the more technically inclined, visit the Media Centre, where you can do a virtual tour of the Zoo and play some great educational games.

Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is a gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere.

The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell.

There are no concentric ‘walls within walls’ here, because they were not needed. Conwy’s massive military strength springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle (the walls form part of the UNESCO world heritage site administered by Cadw) an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time.

The views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. 

Greenwood Forest Park

At GreenWood Forest Park, all the  main  rides and attractions are completely powered by visitors, including the only people powered rollercoaster in the world?

A school visit to GreenWood is packed with adventure, fun and education. In advance of your visit, we will also help you develop a timetable to get the most from your day including…