The beautiful UK village that makes the best ice cream in the British Isles

Surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Beddgelert has no shortage of natural beauty. As you drive through its narrow, winding roads, there are lush green mountains and hills in the distance, while the Afon Colwyn river runs alongside the village’s main road.

Visiting Beddgelert is a little like stepping back in time. There are rows of stone-clad terraced houses packed tightly along the road, with B&Bs and cafes dotted along the way. There are also a handful of cosy traditional pubs such as the Saracens Head, whose open fire place looks particularly welcoming after a long day of hiking. In the summer months, customers can enjoy the beer garden with its serene river views.

Beddgelert is a walkers’ paradise thanks to its location. The village is at the start of the Lôn Gwyrfai trail, which is 4.5 miles long and ends in Rhyd Ddu.

As a mostly flat path, it’s popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. It’s also a great base for those looking to scale Yr Wyddfa, the park’s highest mountain.

Staying in the village, visitors can discover its rich history. The first record of the village’s name dates back to 1258, and it’s likely that Beddgelert was named after a Christian missionary called Saint Gelert.

However, the village is best-known for it’s association with a folk tale about a faithful dog called Gelert, said to have been owned by Welsh leader Llywelyn the Great.

In the tale, Llywelyn comes home to find his baby missing and the dog with blood around his mouth. Believing the dog has killed his child, Llywelyn drew his sword and killed the dog.

As the tale goes, Llywelyn then heard the baby’s cries and found the infant under his cradle, along with a dead wolf who’d been killed by Gelert while protecting the child.

In the middle of the village, there’s a raised mound called Gelert’s Grave, which brings in many tourists. However, this was part of a publicity stunt in the late 18th-century to bring visitors to Beddgelert.

One of the most photographed parts of the village is the bridge with the river running underneath it, and it’s the perfect place to start a gentle stroll around the village.

Down the road is the Beddgelert Welsh Highland Railway, which runs a couple of different routes running through Beddgelert across the Snowdon mountains.

Leave the car behind and enjoy the views from the comfort of a vintage steam train, with three and five hour tours available.

You can even opt to ride in a plus first-class carriage, or book a pre-packed picnic or cream tea to enjoy along the way.

Another great day out nearby is the Sygun Copper Mine. Dating back to the Victorian era, visitors can explore the winding tunnels and see stunning underground cave formations along the way.

Another attraction that brings visitors to Beddgelert is Glaslyn, an family-run artisan pizza and ice cream parlour. It scooped the coveted Cadbury Trophy at the prestigious annual National Ice Cream competition for best chocolate ice cream.

Glaslyn holds the distinction of being the oldest ice cream parlour in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with a history dating back to 1970. The Rowley family has been at the helm for generations.

In 2010, Derek Rowley, a renowned North Wales ice cream maker, became the first recipient of the Cadbury Trophy. Now, fifteen years later, the secret family has , meaning two members of the Rowley family now have their names etched on the trophy.

The winning , which impressed the judges, uses traditional Italian methods and machinery to produce premium gelato-style ice cream.

“To win this trophy is awesome and an amazing start to the year”, said third generation owner Bonnie Rowley. She said that continuing her father’s legacy by winning the chocolate class again “is very special”.

At this year’s awards, hosted by the Ice Cream Alliance, the dog-friendly café and pizzeria were also awarded the silver medal in the vanilla category, a bronze for their caramelised biscuit ice cream in the flavour category, and fourth place for their passionfruit offering in the sorbet category.

The parlour has overall been awarded seven gold medals, four silvers, four bronzes, and over 100 diplomas throughout its history dating back to the early ’70s when Derek began experimenting with soft serve ice cream.

“We’re over the moon. This was our best set of results ever and I’d like to thank all our production assistants and front of house staff who help make and serve our ice creams throughout the season,” said Glaslyn Head of Ice Cream, Derwyn Roberts.