A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Snowdonia National Park vs. Inverness for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Snowdonia National Park and Inverness can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a rugged, stunning, and natural national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Inverness than Snowdonia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Inverness is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Snowdonia National Park is more popular for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Also, Inverness is famous for Loch Ness. Snowdonia National Park is well known for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Inverness and Snowdonia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is a moderate national park for snow skiing. However, Inverness is not a skiing destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Inverness is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Inverness is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Inverness is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Snowdonia National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Inverness is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is very good for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Snowdonia National Park to enjoy the beach. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Inverness is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Inverness is a family-friendly national park. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Snowdonia National Park has plenty to offer. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Inverness is a good national park for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Snowdonia National Park is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Inverness a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Inverness

Inverness is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Inverness Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Snowdonia National Park and Inverness. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than in Inverness. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Inverness.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Inverness. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Snowdonia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Inverness. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Snowdonia National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Inverness if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Inverness 1-3

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

You'll find food around the national park of Snowdonia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Inverness. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

You'll find food around the rugged destination of Snowdonia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Inverness is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

You'll find food around the natural national park of Snowdonia National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Inverness is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Snowdonia National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Snowdonia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Inverness is £168. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Snowdonia National Park and Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Inverness £91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Inverness £182
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Inverness? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Inverness


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Inverness £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $249

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $370
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $617
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $773
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $773

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness and Snowdonia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Inverness £49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Inverness £44

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $69

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57
  • From Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Inverness £23

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,113


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Inverness, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Snowdonia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Snowdonia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Snowdonia National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Snowdonia National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Snowdonia National Park Expensive? and Is Inverness Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness in the Summer?

Both Inverness and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Inverness in the summer. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Snowdonia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Inverness. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Inverness averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Inverness. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Snowdonia National Park is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Inverness. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months.

Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Inverness in the spring. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Inverness. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)