Porthmadog is a coastal town in Gwynedd, North Wales, in the county of Caernarfonshire. Porthmadog is most famous for its railways and steam trains. Black Rock Sands is the local beach that stretches for 1.5 miles from the headland of Black Rock to the Glaslyn estuary.
The village of Portmeirion is situated around two miles from Porthmadog and is a ‘must’ visit. Built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is based on the village of Portofino in Italy. There are plenty of things to do near Porthmadog. Here are just a few things that might be of interest to you and your family.
Black Rock Llamas
https://www.blackrockllamas.co.uk/
Tyn Y Dref, Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog LL49 9UT
How do you fancy some Llama Trekking in North Wales? You can discover these beautiful animals in a family-friendly adventure. This is a wonderful interactive experience where you will get the opportunity to interact with and handle one of the friendly llamas. The llama experience lasts approx 1.5 hours, and you will be guided by an expert guide who will give an interesting talk about these amazing animals.
Please visit their website for further details.
Morfa Bychan
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-wales/gwynedd/morfa-bychan-black-rock-san ds.html
Black Rock Sands Beach
Morfa Bychan, known locally as Black Rock Sands, is a sandy beach with rocky areas. The beach stretches for about 2 miles and is backed by dunes, plus there are plenty of rockpools to explore here. The beach has lovely views of the mountains and the countryside of Snowdonia National Park. There are a number of holiday parks in the area surrounding the beach. In the village of Morfa Bychan, there are shops, places to eat and a golf club. There are more facilities in the town of Porthmadog, about two miles away from the beach.
Porthmadog Maritime Museum
https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/porthmadog-maritime-museum
The Harbour, Porthmadog LL49 9LU
Porthmadog’s harbour was very busy 150 years ago. Discover the reason at the museum, which tells the story of the port’s shipbuilding and slate exporting. The museum is housed in the quayside’s last remaining slate shed. The museum tells you why the port’s Western Ocean Yachts were renowned for their combination of elegance and seaworthiness.
Please visit their website for further details
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF
The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through forests, past lakes and waterfalls, tight round bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain. The Ffestiniog Railway and its infrastructure are now an integral part of the UNESCO “Slate landscape of North Wales” World Heritage Site.
Please visit their website for further details.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village. In addition to its architectural heritage, stunning setting and sub-tropical gardens, Portmeirion has two hotels, self-catering cottages, shops, a spa, cafes and restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria.
Please visit the website for further details.
Criccieth Castle
http://www.castlewales.com/criccth.html
Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
Criccieth Castle is a native Welsh castle situated on the headland between two beaches in Criccieth, Gwynedd, in North Wales, on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay. You can purchase your admission tickets for your visit to the Castle on arrival or book them online in advance.
Please visit their website for further details.
Llanfair Slate Caverns
https://www.llanfairslatecaverns.co.uk/
Cae Gethin Farm, Harlech LL46 2SA
The tunnels and caverns at Llanfair Slate Caverns were all man-made over 100 years ago, with only a candle for lighting. The slate in this mine, found in the veins between layers of Precambrian rocks, is among the oldest in the world, and many industrial towns of Britain and Ireland have the original roofs of Llanfair slate. Descend Jacob’s ladder and wander through the tunnels and chambers. As you emerge from the caverns, you face the view of Cardigan Bay, from the Preseli mountains to the Lleyn Peninsula.
Please visit their website for further details.
Plas Brondanw Gardens
LLanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6SW
Plas Brondanw was the home of Clough Williams-Ellis and his wife. The house and gardens are now open to the public. Surrounded by mountain peaks, Plas Brondanw is one of the best-kept secrets in North Wales. Inspired by the gardens of renaissance Italy, strong architectural influences are evident within the gardens; stone walls, topiary, pools, fountains and avenues of trees lead the eye to the dramatic borrowed landscape beyond the garden.
Please visit the website for further details.
Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife
Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife, Pont Croesor Nr, Prenteg, Porthmadog LL49 9SP
Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife (BGGW) was set up as a community interest company to continue the work of protecting ospreys in the valley and highlight the wealth of other wildlife in the area. It is open daily from March to September, and entry is free, but a suggested donation of £3 per adult is welcome. Visitors can watch fish deliveries to the nest, chicks feeding on screen and see ospreys soaring high above the valley.
Please visit their website for further details.