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

Should you visit Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Snowdonia National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a scenic, rugged, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Southampton and Snowdonia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Snowdonia National Park than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Snowdonia National Park is better known for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Snowdonia National Park is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its beautiful mountain landscape. Also, Snowdonia National Park is famous for Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Snowdonia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Skiing?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is adequate for skiing. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a skiing destination.


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

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

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

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Snowdonia National Park can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Snowdonia National Park area. 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 Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Southampton 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 Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Beaches?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Hiking?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

People visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

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

Southampton offers some nice shopping areas. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Families?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Snowdonia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park Better for Couples?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for couples.

Snowdonia National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Southampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Snowdonia National Park. 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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Snowdonia National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Snowdonia National Park a more walkable city?

Southampton
Snowdonia National Park

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

Both Southampton and Snowdonia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than in Southampton. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 3-7 days is enough time in Snowdonia National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Southampton 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 Southampton or Snowdonia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Southampton 1-3 
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7

One day in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

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

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the stunning national park of Snowdonia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the natural destination of Snowdonia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the stunning national park of Snowdonia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Snowdonia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Snowdonia National Park or Southampton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Southampton is £132, while the average daily cost in Snowdonia National Park is £75. 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 Southampton and Snowdonia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Southampton £85
    Snowdonia National Park £29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Southampton £170
    Snowdonia National Park £58
Compare Hotels in Southampton and Snowdonia National Park

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


Hotels in Snowdonia National Park


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: Southampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Southampton £8.70
    Snowdonia National Park £46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

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

  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.04
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Portsmouth: $8.04
  • Southampton to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Southampton City to Southampton Cruise Port: $35
  • Transfer from Southampton Port to Southampton Airport (SOU): $35
  • Southampton Airport (SOU) to Southampton Cruise-Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Southampton City to Southampton Cruise Terminals - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Southampton Cruise Terminals to Southampton city - Arrival Private Transfer : $35
  • Private Transfer from Southampton Port to Southampton City : $45
  • Private Southampton Arrival Transfer - Airport to Cruise Port: $48
  • Private Southampton Departure Transfer -Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $48
  • Southampton Private Transfer from Southampton Airport to City centre: $67

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

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

Prices for flights to both Snowdonia National Park and Southampton 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
    Southampton £37
    Snowdonia National Park £19
Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    £4.00

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

Tours and Activities in Southampton

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

  • Southampton Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Romsey from Southampton Port: $54
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $158
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $189
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $402

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: $69

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

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

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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



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

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 Southampton or Snowdonia National Park in the Summer?

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

Southampton is a little warmer than Snowdonia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Snowdonia National Park fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Southampton 18°C (64°F) 
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Southampton is around the same temperature as Snowdonia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Snowdonia National Park averages at about 12°C (53°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Southampton 12°C (53°F) 
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F)

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

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

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Snowdonia National Park. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Snowdonia National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Southampton 4°C (40°F) 
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F)

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

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

Southampton is a little warmer than Snowdonia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Snowdonia National Park fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Snowdonia National Park and Southampton

Southampton Snowdonia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)


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