Things To Do In Wales!
Things To Do In Wales!
So, what can you do while you're here? We have a few suggestions here but you'll no doubt want to explore and discover new places and activities. Whether you want to relax in peace and tranquillity, laze on a beach, climb a mountain, or learn about the history and Welsh culture, it's all here and there is something for everyone of all ages and abilities.
This guide mentions just a few ideas local to where you might be staying, and some more general places to visit and activities, and we've added some of our tips. It is by no means a comprehensive guide so do please check online for more information about places that interest you.
Harlech is a charming little town on the Welsh Cambrian Coast and on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park (known as Eryri in Welsh). Of course the most prominent feature is Harlech Castle, which is well worth a visit. The castle can be seen for miles around and views from the castle and surrounds are stunning. You can see across the sea to the Lleyn Peninsula , the Italian-style village of Portmeirion , and the vast beach and sand dunes.
The town has plenty of little shops to explore, an art gallery, and an abundance of places to eat. We recommend Y Groser (The Grocer's) in the High Street, for it's delicatessen, wines and Welsh cheeses, as well as locally sourced groceries. Another place we love is the Plas Cafe bar and grill a little way past Galeri Harlech on the High Street, where you can have a meal and drink while enjoying a panoramic view across lower Harlech, the beach and dunes, and the ocean. If you're staying at Fron Hyfryd these places are very close by.
Harlech Castle is over 700 years old, but the visitor centre and restaurant have been quite recently refurbished and it's a great place to eat. While exploring the castle the views are amazing!
To the east of Harlech are the Rhinog Mountains and beautiful surrounding hills and valleys.The roads are narrow and winding but very worthwhile negotiating to see the hills, rock outcrops and lakes. Rambling on the foot hills is generally quite safe but you can climb to over 2,000 feet (600 metres) if you enjoy a challenge. Whether you climb to the summits or just wander in the foothills the views are still amazing. We love the area because not only is it close to where we live (and close to where your staying), but it isn't crowded.
A friend visiting from New Zealand wanted to climb Snowdon, but she was put off by the need to get a bus from Nant Peris to start the climb, but then we suggested just walking out of our back door into the Rhinogs and we all had a wonderful and peaceful day out, stunning views and a few challenges with navigation! Our friend was most surprised and impressed.
Harlech has a huge beach, which is easy walking distance (0.8mi, 1.3km) from the town centre, or you can drive to the pay and display car park among the dunes. The beach road leads off the A496 near the railway station, the school and a convenience store. The beach has an area for dogs, and a dog-free area to accommodate everyone's preferences. The beach has plenty of sand which goes out a long way at low tide. It is safe for children, and if you forgot them you can get a bucket and spade at Seasons and Reasons in the High Street.
n the way to the beach, look out for golf balls! The road goes through the Royal St David's Golf Course. It boasts one of the best links golf courses in the UK and ranked within the 'Top Fifty' British golf courses, and it was second in the Top Fifty Welsh golf courses.
Llanfair is a village one mile south of Harlech and there are interesting places to visit.
Llanfair Slate Caverns
Explore the tunnels and savour the geological and mining history. You can also savour the cave-aged cheese.
https://www.llanfairslatecaverns.co.uk/
Llanfair Farm Park
This is especially attractive for younger children. They can get up close to many animals, like Shetland ponies, lambs, goats and rabbits. There are play areas, go karts, tractors and mini diggers as well as crazy golf. And for those wanting a technical challenge there is a mini climbing wall.
https://childrensfarmpark.co.uk/
Llanbedr is 3 miles south of Harlech, a picturesque little village with little bridge over a fast running stream. It is beautiful but be prepared for a little traffic jam sometimes as the bridge is only one vehicle wide. We recommend the Victoria Inn (known locally as The Vic), because they have great food at reasonable prices and you can sit out in the gardens beside the river.
If you drive from the A496, past the Vic, the road leads off into beautiful countryside, with narrow roads winding up into the hills. Stop by the stream, listen to the waterfalls, admire the lakes. Just cruise around, take your time, and stop when you find something interesting. You'll come across a sign directing you to Nantcol Waterfall. There is an admission fee for the car at the waterfall, but just cruising around the country lanes is of course free. Sometimes you'll come across gates along the road, but you can go through. Just close the gates behind you.
The Church in the Sand, near Llanbedr, may be worth a visit. St Tanwg's, Llandanwg is a grade I listed early medieval church. Restored in 1884 and 1987 the Church is a very atmospheric building retaining many medieval characteristics and features. This church is mentioned in the description of the Wales Coast Path in the section Harlech beach car park to to Llanbedr via Llandanwg . The church is about 20 metres from the mean high water mark, among the dunes (https://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/).
This is ideal for children. It is only an island at high tide. Three beaches, 350 acres, massive sand dunes, two hundred varieties of shells, marina, picnic areas. Admission fee per car around £5. Directions: The road to Shell Island leaves the A496 at the little bridge in Llanbedr.
As well as shells there are some great rocks for building finely balanced rock towers!
While at Shell Island you'll often see gliders being towed up from the airfield.
From the little bridge in Llanbedr turn off the A496, past the Victoria Inn. Keep going to the end of the road. The public car park is just a field with an honesty box for parking fees. This is one of the most delightful drives you could imagine, with the narrow lane following the river all the way up to the lake. Keep a look out on your left for a lovely waterfall with easy access alongside.
Leave the car in the car park mentioned above and follow the signs. It is worth looking it up online before going. The full circular walk will take about three hours and has astounding views.
Dyffryn is two miles south of Llanbedr and if you're staying at Streamside your excursions will be from here, and it's a very convenient base.
Only a few meters from the driveway to Ael Y Bryn, the former hotel, is a junction on the A496. The road name is Ffordd y Briws. Follow the lane in a semi-circular route and it will bring you out on the main road in Llanbedr. You will encounter a few farm gates to keep the sheep in, but it is a public road. Close the gates behind you.
Nantcol Waterfall is worth a look, so look out for the signs. There are fantastic views over the bay and peninsula. You could spend about an hour and a half and call at the Victoria Inn in Llanbedr.
There isn't really much to see in Talsarnau itself, but it is a very convenient base for venturing out, both in the local area, and out into Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula. There is a pub, the Ship Aground, which is good for a pint and pretty good meal. Next to the pub is a garage called Red Performance, so if you need a tune-up or tyres, call in. For those on the road travelling through there is the Pit Stop snack bar next to the garage where you can sit outside and munch your lunch.
The ruins are believed to date back to 3000 years BC and the walk is beautiful. You can either walk all the way, or drive to Llyn Tecwyn Isaf and park there to start the walk.
It's about 8 miles to the stones and back from Talsarnau, but you could return by a different route. It's wise to have a good map.
All the little roads and footpaths in this whole area are worth exploring and if you're staying in Talsarnau you can leave the car in the car park. Although the walks are not mountaineering, it is wise to check the weather forecast and go prepared. The views are stunning but you can also be up in the clouds, so planning is vital.
Near Moel-y-Geifr, east of Eisingrug, you might see the lamas. The kindly farmer will tell you how you can have the best chance of seeing these majestic creatures as well as advise on the route through the farmland as it isn't very obvious. The lamas are not dangerous, but apparently you should not look them in the eye.
From Talsarnau, take the road to the railway station, cross the track and you can walk across the salt marsh to Ynys Gifftan (Gifftan Island) at low tide. It can be quite a challenge to find your way across the deep sandy channels in the marsh but it is safe enough, although you might get wet feet. On the island is a derelict house and around the island the sands continually shift around, sometimes making pools of warm water for paddling and maybe a swim.
This is a sunset view across the estuary and Ynys Gifftan from just above Talsarnau, on the route to the little lake and on up to Bryn Cader Faner.
At low tide you can walk almost all the way across the estuary to Portmeirion. There is just a narrow channel where the River Dwyryd flows out to the sea, but beware of the strong current as the tide goes in or out. We have swum across but would not advise others to do so.
This Italian-style village is worth a visit, and if you are there the first weekend in May you might see us at the Steampunk festival. In the first weekend in December there is a craft and food fair.
The architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, was an ardent environmentalist who wanted to create a functional and attractive private village that would act as 'propaganda for good manners'. It opened in 1926.
https://portmeirion.wales/visit/plan-your-visit/tckets
This was Britain's first purpose-built mountain bike centre and it remains one of the sport's top destinations.
Mountain bike trails of varying lengths and difficulty start from the visitor centre car park and range from easy trails for families and beginners up to technical routes for expert riders.
Other facilities for mountain bikers include a bike shop and a skills area where you can develop your riding techniques.
There are also children's play areas and plenty of picnic tables.
https://naturalresources.wales/coedybreninvisitorcentre
Barmouth has lots of places to eat and drink as well as a huge beach. Some recommendations are, Davy Jones' Locker Cafe overlooking the harbour, The Last Inn near the long railway bridge across the estuary that goes to Fairbourne. In the summer time there are fairground rides and amusement arcades. If art is more your scene, then take a walk up the hill to St John's Hall Gallery where there is some very creative and often wacky work to be seen.
http://whatsonbarmouth.co.uk/stjohnshallgallery.html
You can walk across the estuary bridge or you can take the ferry to Fairbourne and perhaps ride the Fairbourne miniature railway. You could come back via the mainline station, just across from the miniature train station.
There are beaches all the way along the coats from Harlech to Barmouth, and a nice little cafe half way between Llanbedr and Harlech, in Llanfair, just north of the slate mine attraction. All local beaches are fantastic. Look for the sign for the Beachside Cafe. Barmouth's beaches, all along the promenade are first class, with plenty of things going on around. While you're on the beaches or on the hills looking out to sea, at the great expanse of the horizon from Fairbourne to Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula, it is breathtaking - and, ha, ha, ask yourself whether the Earth is flat or a globe!
This walk is 6.5km, takes about 3 hours and has spectacular viewpoints over the Mawddach Estuary, the Cader Idris mountain range and Cardigan Bay.
The Panorama Walk is one of many trails that are available along the Mawddach Estuary. It is a strenuous route and therefore not suitable for novice walkers. For a more accessible option, the Mawddach Trail on the estuary's southern shore is the perfect alternative.
The route features steep climbs and can be very wet underfoot. Wear appropriate footwear in wet weather conditions.
https://eryri.gov.wales/walk/panorama-walk/
What 3 words: ///redeeming.joggers.overtime
The Mawddach Trail between Dolgellau and Barmouth is one of the most flexible and accessible trails in the National Park. It is 9 miles and follows the southern shore of the Mawddach estuary. It is suitable for people of all abilities. The trail's wide and even surface makes it a perfect choice for wheelchair or off-road mobility scooter users. This trail is ideal for cycling.
https://eryri.gov.wales/walk/mawddach-trail/
The journey is very pretty and goes across the estuary bridge at Barmouth and along the edge of the sea for the whole journey. The train calls at all the stations along the Cambrian Coast. It is the mainline Transport for Wales service, not the heritage railway. To the north, the train will take you to Harlech, Porthmadog, Criccieth and Pwllheli, each of which offers lots more to see and do. Important: You need to tell the conductor if you want to get off at a small station, and on the platform, wave to indicate you want the train to stop (otherwise it might not!) https://tfw.wales/plan-a-journey
At 893 metres (2,930 ft), Cader (or Cadair) Idris is one of the highest mountains in southern Eryri (Snowdonia).
There are three recommended routes up Cader Idris but none of them are easy routes. They are all designated 'hard/strenuous', and you should allow five to eight hours to get to the summit and back. You'll need to take plenty of food and drink as there isn't a cafe on the summit.
As with all mountain activities, check the weather, be prepared, and don't take risks. If you're not confident or competent we can recommend our friend Martyn who will organise guided hikes for all ages and abilities - https://mountainstothesea.co.uk (and he has a cottage in Talsarnau that we manage for him - https://cabins-n-cottages-wales.uk/003.html)
https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/adventure-and-activities/walking/guide-to-walking-up-cader-idris
There are so many places to visit and activities you can do, that we can only suggest you just explore or look up what is available online before you go.
Beddgelert is a pretty village with lots of little shops for visitors, and of course you can follow the legend of Gelert the faithful dog. Betws-y-coed is another famous visitor magnet, with lots of shops and eateries, and a lovely walk up the path beside the river and waterfalls.
If you want more energetic adventure, perhaps a guided hike by our friend Martyn might be worth investigating. https://mountainstothesea.co.uk/
Our favourite mountain in Snowdonia is Tryfan, between Snowdon and the Ogwen valley. Tryfan is in the range of mountains called the Glyders with peaks called Glyder Fawr (Big) and Glyder Fach (Little).
Tryfan is quite a technical challenge, being rocky and involving scrambling rather than just walking. It is important to research the routes beforehand because it is easy to find yourself facing a huge chasm and wondering how to get around it. Yep, dunnit! We missed the "chimney" which leads up to the summit.
Just a little further along the Ogwen valley, to the northwest, is Cwm Idwal, which is great for a circular route around the lake carved out by an ancient glacier. Or you can venture higher and go up through the Devil's Kitchen and up on to Glyder Fawr to the south, or Y Garn to the north.
If you want to spend the day in this area, make sure you get there very early because parking is limited and it is a popular area. Parking is free.
If you want to go up to the summits, make sure you are well prepared with strong boots, waterproofs, emergency rations, map and compass. These are real mountains!
These are just our favourites, there are many more mountain walks in Snowdonia.
The view of Llyn Ogwen from part way up Tryfan. Sometimes, the aircraft from RAF Valley on Anglesey fly below you along the Ogwen Valley!
Many people want to climb the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon, or in Welsh, Yr Wyddfa, but it is very popular so there is a system involving parking in Nant Peris and getting a bus up to the start of the climb (Pen y Pass). https://snowdoninfo.com/snowdon-park-and-ride/
LL55 4UG What 3 words: ///stall.seagull.verbs
There is a mountain railway from Llanberis to the summit, but again it is very popular so you need to book well in advance. https://snowdonrailway.co.uk/
It is very pleasant walking around Llyn Padarn from Llanberis and there is the old Dolbadarn castle to explore, and lakeside train ride if you want to take it easy. And in the summer you can swim in the lake or canoe across it. But be early, it is popular!
These gardens are amazing, an absolute masterpiece of horticultural development and landscaping that uses the natural features of the topology. There are hundreds of varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees, waterfalls, lakes, and paths.
The gardens are very extensive but they give you a map, and of course there are places to stop for refreshments.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/bodnant-garden
Tal-y-cafn, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5RE 01492 650460
bodnantgarden@nationaltrust.org.uk
Porthmadog is good for shopping. Great harbour. When shopping we like to encourage people to support the shops in the High Street and use cash wherever possible (some ask for it, some are card only).
There two railway journeys available: Porthmadog to Caernarfon and Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. If you go to Caernarfon, the castle is well worth a visit. It is said to be one of the finest early fourteenth century castles in existence today.
The Welsh Highland Railway, the UK's longest heritage railway, was fully reopened in 2011. The 25-mile route from Caernarfon to Porthmadog includes the foot of Snowdon, the beautiful resort of Beddgelert, and the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass. The sights are incredible, and the voyage in their comfy coaches, especially the elegant first-class Pullman, is an unforgettable experience.
Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF 01766 516000
https://www.festrail.co.uk/
enquiries@ffwhr.com
Porthmadog Maritime Museum, Porthmadog LL49 9LU Tel: 01766 514581 - Seafaring Artefacts https://portmm.org/
Zip World Llechwedd - Bounce Below, Titan 2 Zip Wire, Deep Mine Tour & Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB
https://www.zipworld.co.uk/locations/llechwedd
Go Below Underground Adventure - Hero Xtreme, Ultimate Xtreme near Betws y Coed LL24 0PP https://www.go-below.co.uk/
Cartref Hedd Wyn, Trawsfynydd LL41 4UW Tel: 01766 772508 - Home of famous welsh poet yr.ysgwrn@eryri.llyw.cymru http://www.yrysgwrn.com/
Zip Worid Betws y Coed LL24 0HX ˜ Zip Safari 2, Forest Coaster, Treetop Nets, SkyRide 2
https://www.zipworld.co.uk/locations/betws-y-coed
Glasfryn Parc - Go Karts, Archery, Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling
Y Ffor, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6PG Tel: 01766 810 000
info@glasfryn.co.uk
https://www.glasfryn.co.uk/ f:@glasfryn.parc
AirWorld Aviation Museum, Caernarfon LL54 5TP Tel: 01286 832154 - Interactive Aviatlon Museum & Shop. You can also arrange flights over the area in a light aircraft and we could even arrange for a friend of ours to give you a flight in his autogiro (call Mike on 07711 146867). Of course, flying all depends on the weather!
Caernarfon Airport, Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon, LL54 5TP Tel: 01286 832154
https://www.airworldmuseum.com/
Greenwood Family Park, Caernarfon LL55 3AD - Over 30 adventures to explore
https://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk/
...and that isn't enough, try:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186435-Activities-North_Wales_Wales.html
Pub grub is easy to find, but if you want a decent restaurant meal then there is a shortage. There is a brasserie right below Harlech Castle which is good and middle priced. Also there is a small Italian restaurant Tony's in Talybont which many guests enjoy visiting. One of our favourites is the Victoria Inn in Llanbedr. It has a fantastic riverside beer garden and play area for children. There is the Nineteen.57 in Talybont. You won't be disappointed there. To find it, head towards Barmouth and in the next village, Talybont, go over the narrow bridge and turn right. Keep going and the third turning on the left has a signpost to the restaurant and bar. Overall, the quality and experience is very good. In the same complex is Billy's Fish and Chips takeaway and restaurant. We like Y Groser Harlech for a deli snack (see Food Shopping below). A favourite, with fantastic pizzas and range of beers, is Davey Jones' Locker in Barmouth Harbour, for breakfast, brunch and lunch. For its stunning view we really love to eat at Plas Cafe in Harlech High Street.
| Places to eat | Telephone | Post code |
|---|---|---|
| Whitehall Pub, Tywyn | 01654 711103 | LL36 9DF |
| Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn | 01654 710472 | LL36 9EY |
| The Royal Ship Hotel, Dolgellau | 01341 422209 | LL40 1AR |
| Y Sospan Caf'e/Restaurant, Dolgellau | 01341 423174 | LL40 1AW |
| T H Roberts Coffee Shop, Dolgellau | 01341 423552 | LL40 1BD |
| Yr Hen Efail, Dolgellau | 01341 422977 | LL40 1DL |
| Cosy Takeaway Fish & Chips, Dolgellau | 01341 422221 | LL40 1LN |
| Coed y Brenin Forest Park | 01341 440747 | LL40 2HZ |
| Zip World Cafe, Blaenau Ffestiniog | LL41 3NB | |
| Oakley Arms Hotel, Maentwrog | 01766 590277 | LL41 3YU |
| Y Manod Pub, Blaenau Ffestiniog | 01766 832101 | LL41 4DB |
| The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog | 01766 590365 | LL41 4HN |
| The Cross Foxes, Trawsfynydd | 07506 710820 | LL41 4SE |
| The Royal Pub, Barmouth | 01341 213992 | LL42 1AB |
| Harbour Fish Bar, Barmouth | 01341 280189 | LL42 1EH |
| Davy Jones Locker, Barmouth | LL42 1ET | |
| The Mermaid Fish & Chips, Barmouth | LL42 1LT | |
| The Victoria Inn, Llanbedr | 01341 241213 | LL45 2LD |
| Cafe Castell Harlech Castle Cafe, Hariech | 01766 780200 | LL46 2YH |
| The Ship Aground, Talsarnau | 01766 770777 | LL47 6UB |
| The Eating Gorilla (vegan), Penrhyndeudraeth | 01766 770292 | LL48 6BN |
| The Ship Pub/Restaurant, Porthmadog | 01766 512990 | LL49 9AP |
| The Creel Takeaway Fish & Chips, Porthmadog | 01766 513653 | LL49 9NW |
| The Golden F!eece Inn, Tremadog | 01766 512421 | LL49 9RB |
| The Union Inn, Tremadog | 01766 512748 | LL49 9RB |
| Inigo Jones Slateworks Cafe, Caernarfon | 01286 831188 | LL54 7UE |
| Hennighan's Fish & Chips, Machynlleth | 01654 702761 | SY20 8EF |
| Corris Craft Centre | 01654 761437 | SY20 9RF |
Dyffryn - SPAR minimarket and also a general store/post office/newsagent.
Barmouth - SPAR small supermarket on the High Street, Co-op behind the railway station LL42 1PH, Iceland LL42 1LU.
Harlech - Y Groser Harlech, LL46 2YA a lovely little shop where you can buy groceries, wine, traditional Welsh cheeses, hampers and you can stop to have an Emporium deli pick and choose meal with a glass of wine and exceptional service. https://www.ygroserharlech.cymru/
Porthmadog - Tesco, Lidl, Aldi supermarkets. But why not take a walk down the High Street and try some of the small local stores, and offer them cash rather than card.
Dolgellau - Co-op LL40 1HR, Spar LL40 1AD, There is a farmers' market on the third Sunday of every month (except January and February) 10am to 2pm.
A lively market with a variety of stalls including local foods and crafts.
https://dolgellau.uk/information/farmers-market/