11 Must-See Heritage Sites in Snowdonia, Wales

Perhaps Wales’s marketing isn’t as well-funded as its three sister countries, or perhaps most travelers are too dazzled by the promises of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to notice the wonders awaiting them in the western quadrant of Britannia. No matter the reason for the oversight, Wales is a wild and incredible destination, especially for travelers who enjoy a mixture of outdoor adventure and historical education. If you don’t believe me, keep reading to learn more about Snowdonia, one of the most stunning national parks in the U.K. and the home to dozens of important historical sites you simply can’t miss.

Photo by JuliusKielaitis

Prehistoric Places

Humans have always been quick to search out the most beautiful and fertile regions of the globe, so it should come as no shock that archeologists have evidence of human habitation of Snowdonia that dates as early as 11,000 B.C. All over the mountains and coasts of northern Wales, prehistoric humans left their mark with monumental tombs, religious sites, forts, and everyday settlements. So, book your flight to Wales on Flights.com, pack your hiking boots and camera, and prepare to see some incredibly ancient archaeological sites.

1. Tan y Muriau Neolithic Burial Chamber. Containing two rooms for the interment of two eminent individuals, this impressive tomb was once covered by a 35-foot-long cairn.
2. Great Orme Prehistoric Copper Mines. Miles of ancient tunnels below Britain’s copper mines have revolutionized archeologists’ imaginations of prehistoric peoples on the British Isles.
3. Castell Cawr Hill Fort. This is one of the smaller forts of the period, but the still-standing ramparts indicate that it was one of the strongest and best-defended.
4. Meini Hirion. Meaning “long stones” in English, this site contains one of the best examples of religious stone circles in all of Britain, but it predates the druids by several thousand years.

Roman Occupation

For several centuries, Rome tried to conquer the wild peoples of the British Isles and claim the land and riches as their own. Invading Roman armies constructed camps, forts, and roads to connect them in strategic locations to overcome the impassioned indigenous culture. Built in strong, uniform style to suit the machine-like functioning of the Roman military, these structures persist today, which demonstrates the efficient might of the legions.

1. Caer Gai Roman Fort. Though only occupied for about half a century, this fort left a lasting impression on the Welsh, who may have incorporated its commander into Arthurian legend.
2. Segontium Roman Fort. One of the largest Roman forts in Wales, Segontium’s layout — including its granaries, barracks, bathhouses, and great room — can be explored thoroughly today. Plus, this fort is featured heavily in the folklore of Macsen Wledig, a Roman-Welsh hero.
3. Roman Road Rowen. Built on paths used by native Welsh since Neolithic times (and passing by several ancient burial grounds), this Roman road served to connect a variety of forts.

Medieval Royalty

Photo by Radek Sturgolewski.

The princes of Gwynedd were inarguably the most influential royal line in medieval Wales, and all of them claimed ancestry of strong leaders in ancient Welsh civilizations. The princes fought with one another and the English crown to secure rights to land and power, but during their 800-year reign, these monarchs also brought refined European art and culture to their people, much of which can still be spotted around the hills and valleys of Snowdonia.

1. Criccieth Castle. One poem describes this structure as “the bright fortress on the clifftop,” and it’s true: The beauty of the landscape from the imposing castle cannot be denied.
2. Cymer Abbey. Badly damaged in the war with Edward I, and abandoned after Henry VIII’s suppression of monasteries, this abbey’s remaining cloister, arches, and lancet windows still proclaim its majesty when newly built.
3. Castell Dolbadarn. The stage for a vicious royal rivalry, this castle is said to have housed a Welsh prince for the rest of his life after he was defeated by his brother in battle.
4. Llys Rhosyr. The only remaining evidence of a princely court, or “llys” in Welsh, this site has produced coins and pottery of the period.