A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Snowdonia National Park vs. Orkney Islands for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

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 Orkney Islands 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Snowdonia National Park and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Snowdonia National Park and Orkney Islands are both popular with visitors, Orkney Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orkney Islands is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Snowdonia National Park is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its beautiful mountain landscape. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also home to The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands Better for Skiing?

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

While in the area, visitors like to go to Snowdonia National Park for snow skiing. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a skiing destination.

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

Orkney Islands is very good for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Orkney Islands offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for the beach.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Snowdonia National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Snowdonia 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and Orkney Islands are very good destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and Orkney Islands offer good public transit options.

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.

Orkney Islands has some public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

Both Snowdonia National Park and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Snowdonia National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Orkney Islands. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and museums around the natural archipelago of Orkney Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Orkney Islands?

Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands?

In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Most people come for the beaches. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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.

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

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

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 Orkney Islands in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 12°C (54°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 Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

Both Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Snowdonia National Park is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 12°C (53°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

Both Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orkney Islands. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Snowdonia National Park