Snowdonia Mountain Railway
Travel on Britain’s only rack and pinion railway to Hafod Eryri, the stunning new visitor centre at the Summit of Snowdon. Visit the website
YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NPOverview
A gem of a hostel set in 42 acres of land, YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant is a Victorian mansion, perfectly placed for holidays exploring the Snowdonia National Park. Bryn Gwynant is dominated by its wooded grounds and stunning views over Llyn Gwynant and Snowdon itself, and is ideal for family breaks and activity breaks.
If walking holidays are your thing, set out from the hostel and take the scenic Watkin Path up Snowdon. There are plenty of brilliant attractions within driving distance too, with castles, caves and plenty more nearby.
Why guests love YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
Accommodation at YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
Bed in a shared room
Dorms are not currently available.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our dorm rooms have en-suite facilities.
Private rooms
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
Private en-suite rooms
For added privacy, relax with your family, friends or by yourself in a private en-suite room.
Private en-suite rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus shower and toilet facilities solely for the people in your room.
Hire the whole place
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This characterful Victorian mansion offers comfortable accommodation, with large windows, original wooden staircase and beautiful views. Dogs are welcome too!
Things to do around YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
Walking and rambling in Snowdonia
From the front door of all our Snowdonia hostels you will be treated to unrivalled access to some of the UK's finest walking and hiking territory. From YHA Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass: There are three route
Zip World - Slate Caverns
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience Europe's longest Ziplines, or massive underground trampolines and high-rope cavern adventures called Bounce Below. See the Zip
Llanberis Lake Railway
Discover the timeless appeal of narrow-gauge steam trains. Enjoy views of Snowdonia as you travel along the shores of Llyn Padarn.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion, the setting for the cult 60s series The Prisoner – 'I am not a number. I am a free man.
Plas Menai National Watersports Centre
Ideal for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating with easy access to the open sea and superb coastal scenery. Visit the website
Climbing in Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
There are many local crags within easy walking distance in the area, so you won’t have to walk far before you can start climbing.
Electric Mountain
Electric Mountain is home to the Dinorwig Power Station, set in the mountains of Snowdonia and dubbed "Britain's largest battery" this hydroelectric station houses 6 electric generators producing
Sygun Copper Mine
Tour the large colourful chambers, magnificent stalactite and stalagmites and copper ore veins with traces of gold and silver. Visit the website
Bach Ventures
Bach Ventures offers courses in rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and adventure activities in the beautiful area of Snowdonia. Open to families, friends, youth groups, and school trips. Visit
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Travel on the glorious line from Caernarfon through Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog – some 40 miles of narrow-gauge steam! These are 2 separate railways which meet at the central station of Por
Snowdonia Riding Stables
Located between Snowdon and the sea, experience superb riding amongst some of the best mountain and coastal scenery in the British Isles, whatever your ability. Visit the website
Zip World - Penrhyn Quarry
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience the world's fastest Ziplines, or a tour of the quarry.. See the Zip World website for full details of all the adventures.
Zip World - Fforest
In a stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley, close to the iconic Snowdonia village of Betws y Coed, a host of forest adventures and foodie delights await.
Beddgelert Bikes
Bike hire for all ages so you can have a memorable day out in Snowdonia. Set off to explore Beddgelert Forest and get away from it all. Visit the website
Caernarfon Castle
Mighty Caernarfon is the most famous of Wales' castles, built over 800 years ago. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest. This is where the investiture of
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Breakfast
- Contactless payments
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Lake view
- Large garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Mountain view
- Near bus stop
- No mobile coverage
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Seasonal opening pattern: YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant is open for bookings all year round.
Hostel opening hours: YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant is open to the public from Monday - Sunday, 07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Reception hours: From 07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Restaurant opening hours: YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant’s restaurant is open to the public from Monday - Sunday, 18:00 - 20:30. Breakfast is served daily from 07:30 - 09:00.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant - Access Statement
(PDF download - 104.46 KB)
YHA School Trips
If you're looking for a Wales school trip in the Snowdonia National Park, YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant offers great accommodation for field trips. Visit the YHA School Trips website to find out more.
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
History
Bryn Gwynant was an extensive house, built in 1834. It had been looked at by YHA in the early days and rejected because it had fallen into bad repair, but two succeeding owners had improved the place substantially. In 1958, YHA looked again at Bryn Gwynant, and liked it much more than in 1930. It was perfectly situated, alongside Llyn Gwynant, for climbing Snowdon. The location is just breath-taking and YHA didn’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity. The hostel opened in 1959 and continues to attract hundreds of visitors each year.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: A nice contrast to on-the-go activity breaks and walking holidays, the quiet calm of sunset over the lake is a perfect end to any day. Set in 40 acres of wooded grounds with stunning views over Llyn Gwynant and Snowdon, a Snowdonia national park holiday in this beautiful rural retreat would make a marvellous family break.
