There’s one thing we can’t guarantee when you stay at Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert: the weather. But Beddgelert is just as good in the rain as it is in the sunshine. The mountains soften under the mist, the River Glaslyn runs faster, and the whole village takes on a quieter, more atmospheric feel.
A wet day here simply gives you the excuse for a different kind of Eryri adventure — starting underground and ending on a steam train.
Sygun Copper Mine
Your first stop is Sygun Copper Mine, just a short drive from the village and one of the best rainy day options in Eryri. Winding tunnels lead you into the mountainside past dramatic rock formations and mineral-stained walls — colourful greens, blues and ochres that feel completely unexpected underground. An immersive audio guide features recordings from former miners, which gives the whole thing a real sense of history rather than a theme park feel.
It’s genuinely atmospheric in a way that works especially well on a grey day. The low light, the echoing passages, the dripping walls — the rain outside almost adds to it.
“One practical tip: you get helmets at Sygun, and you’ll be glad of them — the tunnels are low in places and you will bump your head without one. Consider yourself warned.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
Sygun is great for children and adults alike. Allow a couple of hours to do it properly.
A Ride on the Welsh Highland Railway
After the mine, head back towards the village for a ride on the Welsh Highland Railway. The vintage carriages, warm interiors and steamed-up windows make everything feel cosier when it’s wet outside — there’s something about watching the rain on the mountains through a carriage window that suits Snowdonia perfectly.
The railway winds through some of the most dramatic scenery in Eryri, with waterfalls, cloud-covered peaks and views that change at every turn. It’s a proper heritage railway experience — not a tourist gimmick.
“It’s not cheap, and I’ll be honest about that — but it’s not something you do every day either. For a special rainy day out it’s well worth it, especially with children. The views through the mountains are really something.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
Check the Welsh Highland Railway timetable and fares before you go — booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
Why Rainy Days Work Well in Beddgelert
A wet day here slows everything down in the best possible way. Instead of chasing views from the top of a mountain, you end up in a copper mine listening to recordings of the men who worked it, or watching waterfalls from a warm train carriage. It’s a different way of experiencing the place — and often the one guests remember most.
The village itself is worth a wander in the rain too. The cafés are welcoming, the river is dramatic when it’s running high, and Beddgelert has the kind of stone-built character that looks better under grey skies than most places do.
Both Sygun and the Welsh Highland Railway are within easy reach of Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert. If you want advice on timings or what to combine on a wet day, just ask when you arrive — we’ve done both more times than we can count.
About the author: Delyth Pyrs runs Perthi self-catering holiday cottages in Beddgelert, Eryri. Her family has farmed in the area for generations.
