North Wales is one of the best places in Britain for a touring holiday. Dramatic mountains, a long and varied coastline, historic towns and winding valley roads mean there is always somewhere new to explore at your own pace. Whether you tow a caravan or drive a motorhome, Eryri (Snowdonia) and the coast around it make a superb trip, as long as you plan around a few local rules.
Why tour North Wales?
A touring caravan gives you a comfortable base to come back to at the end of a long day on the hill, while a motorhome makes it easy to move between areas. Conwy is particularly well placed: from here you can reach the mountains, the coast and many of North Wales’s most popular towns without following the same itinerary every day. If you are looking for a caravan for sale in Conwy, think about how you will use it: longer touring trips around Wales, or a comfortable base for exploring locally. If you are weighing up a static van instead, see our guide to buying a holiday caravan in Eryri.
Know the rules before you go
This is the most important part of planning a motorhome trip in Eryri.
- No overnight stays in National Park car parks. Eryri National Park Authority says staying overnight in a car park in a campervan or caravan is not permitted, and camping on roadside verges is not allowed either. Use official campsites, most of which welcome motorhomes and caravans. Our guide to campervan touring in Eryri covers campsites and the rules in more detail.
- Book campsites early. From April to September, popular sites fill quickly, especially around Llanberis, Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed.
- Check vehicle limits at Pen y Pass. The car park at the top of the Llanberis Pass uses pre-booking in the main season. Standard spaces are for vehicles up to 5 metres, vehicles of 5 to 8 metres need prior arrangement with the National Park, and anything over 8 metres will not fit.
- Watch for changes. The National Park has been reviewing car park charges and introducing number-plate recognition, so check the latest rules on the Authority’s website before you travel.
Our parking and transport guide has more detail on where to park and how to get around.
Leave the van, take the bus
Many of Eryri’s mountain roads are narrow, and parking near popular paths is limited. The best approach is often to park at your campsite and let someone else drive. The Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus runs to Pen y Pass from Llanberis, Nant Peris, Caernarfon and Bangor, and links the start points of several paths up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It is simpler and far less stressful than squeezing a motorhome into a busy car park.
Yr Wyddfa and Eryri National Park
Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in Wales, at 1,085m, and there are several routes to the summit with different levels of difficulty. Our Yr Wyddfa guide compares them, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis is an alternative if you would rather ride. Weather changes quickly, so check the mountain forecast and take proper clothing, footwear and food. You do not have to climb to the summit to enjoy the area: lower-level walks, lakes and viewpoints are everywhere.
A touring route
Conwy
The historic town is famous for its medieval castle and town walls, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a good place to start, with the coast on one side and the Conwy Valley leading into the mountains on the other. Our castles guide has more.
Betws-y-Coed
Surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains, Betws-y-Coed is one of the prettiest villages in North Wales, with walks, waterfalls and viewpoints close by. Autumn is especially beautiful, when the woodland turns red and gold. See our Betws-y-Coed guide.
Llanberis
Beside Llyn Padarn, Llanberis is the busiest base for Yr Wyddfa, with the mountain railway, lakeside walks and the National Slate Museum. Larger vehicles should take care on the Llanberis Pass, which is narrow and twisting.
Beddgelert
A small stone village where two rivers meet, ringed by mountains and woodland, Beddgelert is a lovely stop for a walk along the Aberglaslyn Pass. Parking is limited, so arrive early or use the bus.
The coast
From Conwy you can easily add coastal days: the beaches and promenade at Llandudno, the Llŷn Peninsula or Anglesey. One day in the mountains, the next by the sea; that variety is the joy of touring here. Browse our villages guide for more stops.
Caravan or motorhome?
A touring caravan suits people who like to set up a base for several nights and use the car for day trips. A motorhome makes it easier to move between destinations, because your accommodation travels with you. Think about the trips you are likely to take, how many people will travel, and whether you prefer to stay put or keep moving. If staying put appeals, our guide to choosing a holiday park near Eryri may help, and our guide to caravan holidays in North Wales weighs up coast and mountain sites for a touring pitch.
On the road: practical tips
- Fill up with fuel and water before heading into the hills. Fuel stations are scarce in the higher valleys.
- Empty waste only at proper disposal points. Campsites have chemical toilet and grey water points; never empty tanks in lay-bys or drains.
- Know your height, width and length. Some car parks have height barriers and some minor roads have low bridges or tight bends, so keep your dimensions on a note on the dashboard.
- Carry levelling ramps. Farm campsites in the valleys are not always flat.
- Allow extra time. Mountain roads are slow, and you will want to stop at the viewpoints anyway.
Whichever you choose, “taith dda” (have a good trip).
FAQ
Can I stay overnight in a motorhome in Eryri car parks?
No. Eryri National Park Authority does not permit overnight stays in its car parks in campervans or caravans. Use an official campsite.
Can motorhomes park at Pen y Pass?
Only if they fit the limits. Standard spaces are up to 5 metres, vehicles of 5 to 8 metres need prior arrangement, and vehicles over 8 metres will not fit. The Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus is usually the easier option.
When should I book a campsite?
As early as possible for April to September, particularly for school holidays and weekends.
