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

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Manchester?

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 Manchester can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a scenic, rugged, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Snowdonia National Park and Manchester: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Snowdonia National Park and Manchester are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Snowdonia National Park is adequate for skiing. However, Manchester is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Manchester is not a skiing destination.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

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

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Music?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Snowdonia National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Snowdonia National Park is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Snowdonia National Park is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

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

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Snowdonia National Park or Manchester.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Manchester. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Snowdonia National Park is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Snowdonia National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester Better for Students?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester is a well-known place for students. However, Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Snowdonia National Park has some 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.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Manchester a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Manchester

Manchester is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Snowdonia National Park or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Snowdonia National Park 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 Manchester.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Manchester 2-4

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester?

With food around the rugged national park of Snowdonia National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester?

With food around the destination of Snowdonia National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Snowdonia National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this national park makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. 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, Manchester 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 Manchester is £184. 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 Manchester in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Manchester £71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Manchester £142
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Manchester

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Manchester? 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Manchester £19

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): $250

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Bucklow Hill: $50
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Adlington (Macclesfield): $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Eccles to Manchester Airport (MAN): $56
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Eccles: $56
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Salford: $59

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

Prices for flights to both Manchester 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
    Manchester £55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Manchester £30

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

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

  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Manchester £9.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Manchester, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive?.



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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Manchester. The summer months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Snowdonia National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in July than Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Manchester 16°C (62°F)

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

Both Manchester and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Manchester 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Manchester and Snowdonia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Manchester 4°C (39°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Manchester. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manchester. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Manchester 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Manchester and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Manchester
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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