Plate I
Harlech Beach
Plate II
Into the mountains
Plate III
A mountain lakeMountains, beaches, castles, steam railways, underground adventures, and extraordinary wildlife — all within a short drive. Below: 50 places we'd send you, drawn from our guest pack.
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the towers, walk the ramparts, enjoy views of Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. One of the great medieval castles of Europe.
Two Neolithic monuments side by side. Free entry. Eerie and fascinating — kids love peering into the ancient tombs.
Originally built by Llywelyn the Great. Twin-towered and dramatic, overlooking the sea.
The extraordinary Italianate village built over 48 years by architect Clough Williams-Ellis.
Dedicated to one of the 20th century's most remarkable political figures.
Atmospheric Cistercian monastery ruins. A genuine sense of medieval Wales.
Self-guided walk through St John's Church, Dinas Oleu (the first land ever given to the National Trust), Gibraltar Cottage and the old town's historic cottages.
One of the cleanest and most expansive beaches in Wales, backed by dunes. Rarely crowded even in peak season.
One of the largest tidal islands in Europe, accessible by causeway at low tide. Famous for its abundance of colourful seashells — a treasure hunt for kids.
Flat sands backed by rolling dunes with sweeping views across Cardigan Bay.
Classic British seaside. Long sandy beach, promenade, donkey rides, arcades and fish and chips.
A wide Blue Flag beach where you can drive onto the sand. Facilities and stunning views.
Stunning beach overlooked by Criccieth Castle. Lovely for swimming in summer or a windswept walk in winter.
Cross the famous wooden railway bridge over the Mawddach Estuary on foot — one of the most iconic views in Wales.
Easy circular walk to spectacular waterfalls. Brilliant for all abilities.
Hidden valley walk through ancient paved mountain steps into the Rhinogs. Magical and barely visited.
Flat, beautiful trail to Barmouth along a disused railway following the estuary. Pushchair and bike-trailer friendly.
Rugged, wild and one of the least explored parts of Snowdonia. A true sense of wilderness.
Short climb above Barmouth rewarded with views over Cardigan Bay and the Llŷn Peninsula.
Circular walk with no serious climbing but extraordinary panoramic views. One of Wales' most famous easy walks.
Walk through towering dunes of the National Nature Reserve to the beach. Great for kids.
Major hiking and mountain biking centre. Waymarked trails for all abilities through ancient oak woodland.
The world's oldest narrow-gauge railway, running from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog through spectacular Snowdonia scenery.
Runs from Porthmadog through the heart of Snowdonia to Caernarfon. 40 miles of stunning landscape on vintage steam.
Narrow-gauge railway along the coast connecting to a ferry across the estuary to Barmouth. Kids love the combination of train and boat.
Rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, canyoning, gorge walking — all ages and abilities.
Underground trampolines, the world's first underground adventure golf, Europe's steepest cable railway and 13-zip cavern challenge.
Journey underground by boat with a costumed guide through torch-lit caverns and Welsh legend. Brilliant for families.
Highly rated quad biking experience. Popular with families and groups.
Trial flying lessons from Llanbedr airfield. A truly unforgettable experience.
Gentle rides along sandy beaches and estuary trails. Beginners and children very welcome.
Guided sessions on the estuary. Stunning flat water surrounded by mountains.
Outdoor activity centre.
Climbing wall, air cannons, obstacle course, wooden fort, tunnel maze, animals plus self-guided slate cavern tour. Brilliant value.
Underground trampoline park inside illuminated slate caverns. Surreal and brilliant for older kids.
Charming independent cinema — a perfect rainy afternoon escape.
Contemporary Welsh art with seven galleries, cafés and shops.
Award-winning mine exploration, pottery throwing, craft shops and a great café.
Old-school seaside amusements — genuinely fun for all ages on a rainy afternoon.
Warm cafés, interesting independent shops and charity shops. Great for a long rainy-day lunch.
Watch dozens of red kites swoop down for daily feeding. One of nature's great spectacles.
See the ospreys that nest here seasonally. Near Porthmadog.
Twin glacial lakes high above the Mawddach Estuary with Cadair Idris as a backdrop. Easy walk, stunning picnic spot.
One of Wales' most dramatic mountains. The Minffordd circular path is one of the finest mountain walks in Britain.
Llama trekking through the Snowdonian countryside. Hilarious and brilliant for kids.
Exotic plants, follies and extraordinary views across the Dwyryd Estuary.
Beautifully landscaped gardens with homemade cake in a converted café. Guided tours at 2:30pm.
Walk out across the estuary bridge as the sun goes down over the mountains. One of the most beautiful moments you can have in Wales.
Two restaurants on the Portmeirion estate. Book a table and you get free entry to Portmeirion village. The Hotel Portmeirion dining room was redesigned by Terence Conran in Art Deco style.
Top-rated in Harlech for European, British and Welsh cuisine.
Great sandwiches, outstanding cakes, lovely terrace. Perfect for a post-castle lunch.
Brilliant deli and wine shop with a fantastic café. One of the best spots in town for a proper coffee and lunch.
Your local. Traditional Welsh pub, right in the village. Walk down via the river path (not the road).
Beloved local pub, frequently called a favourite in all of Snowdonia.
A tiny, elegant restaurant with just 7 tables. Beautifully cooked food. One of the best restaurants for many miles.
Great seafood and stunning estuary views.
One of the most reviewed restaurants in all of Snowdonia.
Top-rated in Criccieth. Great for a special dinner.
Vast stretches of golden sand, dramatic dunes, crystal-clear water and panoramic mountain views — and often, even in high summer, hardly another soul.
