Top 5 Pubs in Snowdonia – Ales with Mountain Views in Wales

Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is known for its dramatic peaks, lush valleys and wild beauty, and nothing beats unwinding with a pint after a hike amid such scenery. The best Snowdonia pubs combine cosy Welsh charm with truly spectacular mountain views. Each of the five pubs below – from lakeside inns to rugged hillside taverns – offers hearty food, local ales and a warm welcome for hikers, families and tourists alike. We’ve scoured reviews and official sources to bring you a detailed look at the top watering-holes in Snowdonia, inclusive of everything from opening times to signature dishes. Whether you’re summiting Snowdon or strolling the Mawddach Valley, these pubs deliver great beer and stunning views for every visitor.

1. Cwellyn Arms (Rhyd Ddu)

Tucked in the hamlet of Rhyd Ddu at the foot of Mt Snowdon, the Cwellyn Arms is a traditional country inn with unbeatable views. Perched above Llyn Cwellyn and looking straight up Snowdon’s western slopes, its beer garden and windows frame the “majestic” mountain landscape. The pub’s exterior is a classic whitewashed stone building with green trim (dog-friendly, by the way), giving it a real hillwalkers’ vibe. Inside, you’ll find a homey atmosphere with open fires and rustic wood décor. It’s a family-run inn – the owners have been here for over 40 years – and that warm welcome shows: locals and climbers mix over pints and tables of hearty food.

Food & Drink: The Cwellyn Arms’ menu is full of comforting pub classics (homemade pies, fishcakes, steak and ale dishes, plus burgers and veggie options) drawn from locally-sourced ingredients. (They even serve a proper Sunday roast when available.) Portions are generous – no frills, just good honest cooking to refuel walkers. On the drinks front, the Cwellyn is a real ale hub, serving up to nine different cask ales on tap. You’ll often see Welsh brews and guest craft beers alongside a stout and cider. Bartenders here take pride in their pints – ales are well-kept and the beer garden catches the afternoon sun, making it a favourite spot when the weather’s fine. If you prefer something softer, there are local ciders and a basic wine list too.

Atmosphere & Service: The vibe is relaxed and welcoming – think quietly chatting hikers, families tucking into dinner, and regulars at the bar swapping stories. It’s not a loud pub by any means (no TVs blaring sport), but rather a cosy “locals” feel. Staff here are friendly and efficient, reflective of a family-owned place. They’re happy to chat about the best local walks, recommend beers to try, or even swap a hiking tale. Even on busy summer evenings (walkers unloading after a mountain day), the bar service stays brisk and the tables get cleared reasonably quickly.

Practical info: The Cwellyn Arms is open daily (kitchen from noon) except usually a winter break. It also has a few bedrooms and a campsite if you’re staying in the area. There’s ample free parking outside – convenient for day-trippers arriving by car. Overall, this pub is perfect for hikers finishing the Rhyd Ddu or Snowdon Ranger path (they begin right in the village). After a hard climb, nothing beats a pint on the terrace here with Snowdon in view.

2. Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel (Nant Gwynant)

Steeped in mountaineering lore, the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel sits right at the Snowdon base where early Everest climbers trained. Its stone-faced exterior and rustic log-furniture interior feel like stepping into a climbers’ clubhouse. In fact, the hotel proudly bills itself as “the home of British Mountaineering”: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay famously practised here before their 1953 Everest ascent. Framed photos, old climbing gear and even signed Summit registers adorn the bar, giving it a historic, authentic ambiance. The setting is just as impressive – Pen-y-Gwryd has peaks on two sides (Snowdon and the Glyderau), so even from the pub windows you’re reminded of the high mountains all around.

Food & Drink: Pen-y-Gwryd’s public bar (open Fri–Sat all day, plus limited hours other days) serves up “food and drink fit for explorers and mountaineers”. Hearty breakfasts fuel early hikers, packed lunches can be provided, and the evening dinner menu is described as “delicious and plentiful”. Expect classic fare: soups, stews, grill plates, and a traditional Welsh Sunday roast (check availability). Because it’s a licensed hotel, they also serve coffee and homemade cakes, which is a nice touch if you’re just dropping in. Bar-wise, there are well-kept ales on pump plus wines and spirits. The low key bar atmosphere (all tales of the mountain are welcome here) means you can unwind by the fire and swap adventure stories with fellow walkers.

Heritage & Hospitality: Pen-y-Gwryd thrives on its reputation as a legendary meeting point for climbers, but its hospitality is down-to-earth. The bar staff and owners are quick with a smile or recommendation. According to their site, the famous public bar is exactly that – open to anyone – and seating is “cozy” around the old fireplace. Locals and travellers alike appreciate that “mountaineers’ vibe” here, yet you don’t need to be an Alpinist to feel at home. It’s the kind of pub where even weary hikers feel part of the family.

Practical info: The Pen-y-Gwryd Kitchen isn’t huge (you order at the bar) and the pub itself closes early by Snowdonia standards, so it’s best enjoyed in the afternoon or early evening. It’s only a short walk from the Miners’ and Pyg tracks, and a free mountain path runs right past the hotel, so hikers often start or finish here. The Snowdon summit seems far away until you see photos of Hillary and Tenzing above – it’s inspiring just to sit at the bar. By standards of a hotel bar, prices are reasonable (pints and meals comparable to other Snowdonia pubs). With its rich history and comforting mountain hospitality, Pen-y-Gwryd remains a must-see for Snowdonia visitors.

3. Cross Foxes (Brithdir, Dolgellau)

Set in rolling countryside four miles south of Dolgellau, the Cross Foxes is one of Snowdonia’s hidden gems. This white-stone pub (with a modern extension) sits at the foot of Cadair Idris, offering a peaceful backdrop of green hills rather than craggy peaks. Despite being just outside town, it feels remote – the approach road winds through fields and woods. Inside, the décor is contemporary-rustic with open fires and colourful art. The pub is known for its stylish touches and award-winning restaurant, but it still retains a friendly, local inn vibe – think lively chatter over plates of gourmet pub food. (It even has a little beamed snug and outdoor seating in summer.)

Food & Drink: If you’re after top-quality food, the Cross Foxes shines. Its menu features modern British dishes made with local produce (lamb, seafood, game when available) and creative vegetarian options. Reviewers rave about the curries and stews – in fact, the pub runs a “Gourmet Curry Night” every month. Expect a mix of Sunday roasts, hearty pies, and elegant grills, all beautifully presented. The pub’s own Cross Foxes Curry has even made headlines for its flavour. Beers on tap include local Welsh ales and rotating craft brews; the wine list is decent too (with both New World and European choices). Overall, this is more of a dining pub than a plain drinking hole – but don’t let that scare off walkers.

Atmosphere & Service: Though the food is fancy, the mood is unpretentious. You’ll find families, couples and dog-walking locals mingling in the large bar area. The staff are noted as friendly and attentive. In reviews and on its website, Cross Foxes emphasises a “warm Welsh welcome” and consistently high service. On nice days, people spill out onto the patio with a pint or a hot mug of tea, soaking up the valley scene. Evenings can fill up (book ahead), but the crowd is relaxed – it’s not a boisterous late-night bar.

Practical info: Cross Foxes is open every day (food from noon) and even offers accommodation upstairs (a converted barn). It’s a popular stop for hikers tackling Cadair Idris via the Minffordd or Pony Path – you can actually see the foothills of Cadair from the pub’s car park. There’s ample parking and even a small children’s play area. Prices are mid-range but align with its high-quality menu. Notably, Cross Foxes also provides cycle parking and a motorhome stop, making it a versatile base. In short, it’s an “award-winning” Snowdonia pub that pairs countryside charm with culinary flair.

4. Royal Goat Hotel (Beddgelert)

Right in the picturesque village of Beddgelert, the Royal Goat Hotel has been a Snowdonia landmark for generations. This red-brick inn feels both homely and grand: a classic bar with polished wood and a panelled ceiling, combined with a larger dining room and accommodation wings. Its location can’t be beat – the hotel fronts onto the Glaslyn river with mountain views all around (Snowdon and the Glyderau are visible from the terrace in the distance). Visitors praise it as a “warm and welcoming family-owned retreat” snug in Snowdonia’s heart. The clientele is a mix of walkers (the hotel backs onto paths to Snowdon’s Allt Maenderyn and Watkin routes) and village tourists.

Food & Drink: The Royal Goat’s bar and restaurant cover all the bases. As its website notes, it serves continental or cooked breakfasts, lunch and dinner – everything from full English breakfasts and Welshcakes to pub dinners. They even list options like vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, and all food is locally sourced. On any given day you might find fish and chips, lamb hotpots, or seasonal specials using regional lamb or beef. There’s a children’s menu, and you can get Welsh staples like Bara Brith tea loaf with afternoon tea if you fancy. In the bar, the selection includes local ales and a few guest craft beers, plus wines and Welsh spirits. Breakfast pastries and coffees are available too, reflecting the hotel’s long-standing breakfast lounge. Simply put, the Royal Goat does solid pub fare with a local touch, earning it consistent praise for generous portions and quality ingredients.

Atmosphere & Service: True to its family-run ethos, service here is friendly and efficient – you’ll often see the owners mingling with guests. Because it’s both a bar and a hotel restaurant, the downstairs feels spacious; you can grab a pint by the open fireplace or dine at linen-dressed tables. There’s usually a mix of languages heard (many international tourists stay here) but it never feels impersonal. Locals still drop in after work for a quick ale, and hikers unpack their packs in the lounge. The consensus is that staff go out of their way to help: if rooms are busy, they’ll still get your food ordered promptly. As a hostelry, the Royal Goat also has an old-time charm – you might spot vintage beer signs and historic photos in the pub area, underlining its place in Beddgelert’s history.

Practical info: The Royal Goat is open every day, with food served roughly 8am–8pm (times vary by season). It has on-site parking (free) and WiFi. After breakfast or dinner, you can step outside straight onto trails, or stroll through Beddgelert village (the famous Gelert’s Grave is next door). Room rates are mid-range (£) and include that big Welsh breakfast. Given its central location, it’s a convenient stop for visitors – you can be at Snowdon or even the coast (Porthmadog) within a half-hour drive. In summary, the Royal Goat mixes traditional hospitality with a “perfect base” for Snowdonia adventures, and it consistently earns praise for its blend of comfort and local character.

5. Tŷn-y-Coed Inn (Capel Curig)

Tŷn-y-Coed Inn (sometimes anglicised as Tyn-y-Coed) sits on the main road in Capel Curig, a village often called the gateway to Snowdonia. It’s a pint-sized stone pub with a friendly vibe – bright windows, log fires and benches both inside and out. The scenery is superb: the Rhinog and Glyder mountain ranges rise on the horizon, and the banks of the Afon Llugwy (river) are just behind the beer garden. The inn is centuries old and retains many original features (low beams, slate floors) but it feels fresh and welcoming. Locals, ramblers and even skiers (in winter, Silver Mountain ski slope is nearby) all mix here. Management is proud of the pub’s hospitality: they promise a “warm and welcoming atmosphere” in every season.

Food & Drink: Despite its modest size, Tŷn-y-Coed punches above its weight. The menu offers a variety of hearty dishes using local ingredients, as the inn touts. You’ll find daily specials (often fish or lamb dishes), pies, stews and grilled meats, plus vegetarian options. Breakfasts (when served) are traditional – think eggs, bacon, sausages and grilled tomato – making it a good stop for anglers or walkers setting off up Snowdon’s Llanberis path. Importantly for thirsty patrons, the pub carries a “great selection of Welsh beers, ciders and spirits”. A range of ales is rotated on tap, usually including one or two local casks. Wine and soft drinks are also available, but the focus is on real ale and local cider.

Atmosphere & Service: The inn’s small size makes it feel friendly and buzzy. You might share a wooden table with strangers, which encourages banter about the day’s weather or mountain conditions. Dogs are allowed indoors – a cardigan-clad collie may curl up by the stove – adding to the pub’s cosy charm. The landlord is known to be welcoming and knowledgeable about the area; he’ll often happily chat about recent hikes or advise on the best brew for your preference. Despite being busy at times (the parking lot fills up on summer weekends), service tends to be quick – your food will arrive hot and your pint will be on the bar soon after ordering. Overall, visitors describe Tŷn-y-Coed as “cheerful and friendly,” with a true community feel despite its tourist traffic.

Practical info: Tŷn-y-Coed is open daily (except occasional closures), serving food at least through lunch and dinner times. It’s one of the few pubs in Capel Curig, so locals rely on it heavily – avoid peak dining hours if you want a seat right away. There’s limited parking, but it’s walking distance from the Snowdonia Slate Mine and the national park centre in Capel Curig, so many come on foot. Prices are mid-range; a pint here is typically a few pounds, and main meals around £10–£15. In bad weather, the roaring fire and hearty menu here make it an appealing refuge. If you’re hiking nearby (maybe down the Carneddau foothills or heading to Ogwen Valley), Tŷn-y-Coed provides a taste of traditional Welsh pub life and a chance to sample regional ales in welcoming surrounds.

Snowdonia’s landscape is dramatic, rugged and unforgettable, and its pubs are very much part of that experience. Whether you are finishing a long mountain hike, enjoying a scenic drive through Eryri, or settling into a village for the evening, the right pub can elevate your visit from memorable to truly special. From historic mountaineering inns and riverside hotels to cosy countryside locals serving well kept Welsh ales, these Snowdonia pubs showcase the warmth, character and hospitality that Wales is known for. Each offers its own view of the mountains, both literally and figuratively, making them ideal places to slow down, refuel and soak in the spirit of the national park.