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

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Oxford?

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

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a stunning, natural, and scenic national park. Snowdonia National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking. See Snowdonia National Park travel costs.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Oxford as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oxford travel costs.

Snowdonia National Park and Oxford: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Both Oxford and Snowdonia National Park have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Snowdonia National Park is very popular for its skiing, beaches, and hiking, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a skiing destination.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

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

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Both Snowdonia National Park and Oxford offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. 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.

Oxford is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Oxford is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Snowdonia National Park doesn't offer many options. Pack some beers and enjoy the peaceful setting with friends, but if you're looking for a lively evening, you're on your own to create it.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Snowdonia National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Oxford?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Oxford is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford More Beautiful?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park and Oxford are somewhat similar when it comes to the terrific scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Snowdonia National Park as well. With its lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, this park offers stunning natural beauty.

Oxford is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The history and architecture make this a beautiful destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Snowdonia National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford Better for Students?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Oxford is a must-visit destination for students. However, Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Both Snowdonia National Park and Oxford offer nice 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.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Oxford a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Oxford

Oxford is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a good national park for its ease of walking around.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Snowdonia National Park is not a very walkable national park. While there are plenty of walking paths, the park is large enough that you need a vehicle to reach most places.

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

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

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Oxford?

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

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Oxford 1-3

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Oxford?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Oxford?

Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Oxford 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 Oxford?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the rugged destination of Snowdonia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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, Oxford or Snowdonia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Snowdonia National Park Prices
    UK Prices
    Oxford Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Snowdonia National Park £89
    Oxford £160

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £89, while the average daily cost in Oxford is £160. 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 Oxford in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Oxford £72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Oxford £144
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Oxford

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


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: Oxford Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Oxford £26

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): $246

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer: From Oxford to London Heathrow Airport.: $121
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • London Private Transfer from Gatwick Airport to City centre: $176
  • Stansted Airport to London Transfer: $238
  • Oxford To Stansted Airport Private Transfer: $290
  • Oxford To London Transfers: $414
  • Oxford To Cambridge Transfers: $541

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

Prices for flights to both Oxford 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 £33
    Oxford £71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Oxford £19

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: $34
  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $71

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.30
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $5.18
  • Discovering Cheltenham: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Oxford Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: The Watch Thief: $6.99
  • Self-guided highlights walking tour with mobile app: $7.09
  • Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App: $7.26
  • Cirencester’s Tall Tales and Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Famous Alumni Quest Experience in Oxford: $9.68
  • Oxford's literary legends and landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $10
  • Harcourt Arboretum Entry Ticket: $10
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Oxford £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Gin Distillery Experience with Sky Wave Gin: $34
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $143
  • Wine Tours of Kent Private group booking: $246


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



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

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Snowdonia National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally cooler than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Snowdonia National Park. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Oxford 17°C (63°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Oxford. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

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

The winter brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Oxford. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is much warmer than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in January than Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

Both Oxford and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Oxford. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Oxford. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Oxford 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Oxford and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Oxford
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)