Last updated: 13 July 2023
Previously: 2 July 2021
If you're looking to get the most out of your stay and want to combine sight seeing with adventure then this is the blog to read! We've come up with a few ideas for you.
As always, we suggest you visit each website in case you need to pre-book tickets.
Zip World Fforest, Betws-y-Coed
During peak season and the school holidays Zip World Fforest is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday (the off peak season runs from October to March).
Located in the North Wales Conwy valley, the centre is only a 35 minutes drive from Hafannedd.
There are 6 adventures to choose from, catering for all age ranges and ability. There's free parking on site and is dog friendly (good to know!). For the little ones (3 years and up) there's Treetop Nets where you can experience Europe's longest net walkway (little feet will probably find this an easy traverse) and is 18 metres off the ground.
Tree Hoppers is an hour's woodland adventure for years 5 and upwards. Here youngsters can fine-tune their balance and bounce skills and perhaps encounter their first zip wire ride! There are 12 zip lines - an adult must join in with children 8 and under.
Fforest Coaster is the coolest rollercoaster - set in woodland! Little ones can enjoy the thrill of whizzing through the trees of the 6 minute run (you get 3 runs) but will need to be accompanied by an adult (we think most adults will jump at the chance anyway!).
The adventure Zip Safari 2 is a longer challenge, lasting around 3 hours and adventurers will face obstacles and 21 zip lines, 18 metres above. This isn't for the little ones - children must be 9 years and over.
For those that love heights the 2 remaining adventures, Skyride 2 and Plummet 2 are 80 feet and 100 feet high. Skyride 2 is not for the faint hearted - it's 30 minutes of madness up in the trees on a giant swing. Plummet 2 drops you from 100 foot platform through a trapdoor. If you like views, you'll be above the trees for a while (until they drop you, of course).
Explore caves and slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog
The slate cavern can be explored as you'll be taken 500 feet below ground. Enjoy the Deep Mine Tour where you can learn about the Llechwedd slate mine (this is where the famous Llechwedd Cheese is matured). Discover 16 levels of mine and 8 underwater levels.
The site also offers the chance to traverse, fly and climb through the unused slate mines in their Caverns adventure - the minimum age is 10 (participants must have a reach of 1.8 metres). Children (up to 17 years) must be accompanied by a participating adult (so bear this in mind). You'll master zip lines, rope bridges and a tightrope!
Penrhyn Quarry offers speed and flight
Also part of the Zipworld family, Penrhyn Quarry has more adventures for you to try. Why not book Quarry Karts for a 2 hour experience, travelling down the Penrhyn quarry mountains. The track length is 3 kilometres and runs parallel to the zip line. Participants must be 15 and over and make sure you're arms and legs are fully covered for graze protection.
If the karts weren't fast enough, book to travel on Velocity 2- the world's fastest zip line over the Penrhyn Quarry. You have to be 10 and over to experience the ride and it's probably best left to the speed junkies - you'll be travelling at up to 125 mph.
Meet the challenges at Go Below, Snowdonia
If the adventures we've listed still sound a bit tame (!) then why not seek out Go Below located in Conwy Falls, just outside Betws-y-Coed. Here, you can experience the Go Below Challenge - of zip lines, climbing a vertical shaft and traversing an abyss. Participants must be 10 and over. You'll also enjoy a boat across water whilst also learning about the history of the mines. It's physical and educational!
At the Tanygrisiau sister base you can choose from the Go Below Hero Xtreme trip (which last 6 hours and is for those 14 and over) or the Ultimate Xtreme experience (which is of 7 hour duration and you'll need to be 18 plus). Both these have a 'tough' difficulty rating but will be worth the effort!
And if that wasn't enough, there's always the Mine to Mountain endurance adventure. Starting at the base in Blaenau Ffestiniog you'll travel down 1,375 foot underground and then scale Snowdonia sitting at 3,560 feet! The challenge lasts around 14 hours and you'll be pleased to learn that you'll be accompanied by a professional guide - in a maximum group of 6. For obvious reasons, this challenge only runs in the spring, summer and autumn months. If you fancy a setting for a charity challenge this could be it!
