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

Should you visit York or Snowdonia National Park?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a rugged, stunning, and natural national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

York and Snowdonia National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is York 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 York. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park is a moderate national park for snow skiing. However, York 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.

York is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

York is a must-visit destination 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.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Nightlife?

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

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place for its beaches. However, York 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for its Old Town?

York is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of York can be explored in its historical center. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, York 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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Snowdonia National Park?

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

York offers some nice shopping areas. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Families?

York is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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.

Is York or Snowdonia National Park Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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

Both York and Snowdonia National Park are great destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

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

Both York and Snowdonia National Park offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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 York or Snowdonia National Park a more walkable city?

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

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

How long in York or Snowdonia National Park?

Both York 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 York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-7 days is enough time in Snowdonia National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than York. 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 York 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 York.

One day in York or Snowdonia National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fanciful city of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Snowdonia National Park?

York is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Snowdonia National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Snowdonia National Park?

York is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 rugged destination of Snowdonia National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Snowdonia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Most people head to the area for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 natural national park of Snowdonia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

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

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

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

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Snowdonia National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Snowdonia National Park averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Snowdonia National Park. York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Snowdonia National Park during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Snowdonia National Park receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

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

Both Snowdonia National Park and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Snowdonia National Park. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Snowdonia National Park fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Snowdonia National Park. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Snowdonia National Park receives 101 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Snowdonia National Park. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Snowdonia National Park receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Snowdonia National Park. Many visitors come to York 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.

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

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Snowdonia National Park during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Snowdonia National Park receives 63 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Snowdonia National Park. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Snowdonia National Park receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Snowdonia National Park. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Snowdonia National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Snowdonia National Park averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Snowdonia National Park. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Snowdonia National Park receives 179 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Snowdonia National Park. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Snowdonia National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Snowdonia National Park and York