Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
A 19th century village inn, with a friendly atmosphere. Located in the beautiful village of Tremadog, this little pub is a great place to enjoy some delicious pub grub with all the family. Try some local ale, cosy up in front of a roaring fire or book a table in their more formal dining room.
Tir-a-Mor - 28.7 Miles (45.9 KM)
An excellent place to enjoy some delicious cuisine at the heart of Wales. Spend an evening relaxing with a bottle of wine and a tasty, home cooked meal, created from locally sourced produce. Try the walnut bread and enjoy some of the best Welsh cheeses around.
Poachers - 28.8 Miles (46.1 KM)
A delightful restaurant enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Recently refurbished, this charming place is perfect for enjoying a romantic meal or a celebrating with friends and family. The impressive menu is updated regularly and features the best seasonal local produce.
Fun Days Out
Nestled in the hillsides of Southern Snowdonia, this is one of the world's most renowned eco-centres, featuring interactive displays and practical examples of sustainable living.
Bards Quest challenges you to find the hidden legends amidst the Maze, beneath moss and rocks, in the trees, in rippling waters and lying in lakes waiting to be discovered. Take your time, why not make a day of it? Tickets are half price when combined with a ticket for the adjacent King Arthur's Labyrinth Underground Adventure. Remember to visit the Corris Craft Centre to pick yourself up a unique hand crafted souvenir of your visit.
Corris Craft Centre comprises ten individual and very different craft workshops. Visitors can watch the craftspeople at work and buy unique gifts directly from them. From original Celtic jewellery to handmade cards, the products made here make great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
An exciting underground adventure unfolds as you sail along a subterranean river, through the great waterfall, deep inside the spectacular Labyrinth and far into the past .... into a world of myths, legends and storytelling. There is a children's outdoor play area and picnic tables to let off some steam. The labyrinth is open daily from Easter to the end of October. This is well worth a visit!
Experience what life would have been like down a mine as you follow the 'Miners Trail'. The self guided path takes visitors on a tour through the old mine site, featuring fascinating exhibitions. Admire the water wheels, pan for silver-lead and iron pyrites, hear the 'captain's tale' and have fun discovering the history of the mine and the lives of the miners.
Llanidloes - 17.9 Miles (28.6 KM)
A great place to hike or bike, especially over the beautiful mountain road between Machynlleth and Llanidloes. It is also the perfect place to simply relax, stroll around and soak up some of the lovely Welsh scenery. The town is also known for its counterculture and liberal views and was awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2006.
These 100 year old caverns were man made with only a candle for light. Descend Jacob's Ladder and wonder through the tunnels looking for old drilling holes. Afterwards, experience the views of Cardigan Bay from the Preseli Mountains in the south to the Lleyn peninsular.
Enjoy a relaxing day out in the country. Travel by steam train through the beautiful Banwy Valley. Don't miss the very popular tearooms serving homemade cakes.
Enjoy a gentle ride through the Snowdonia countryside, a thorough exploration of the engine sheds, a ride on the miniature railway before the return trip to the station and lunch in the cafe. This child-friendly attraction makes for a great day out.
Ride the 13 mile long journey through scenic countryside and the outstanding natural beauty of Snowdonia. Climbing to over 650ft, it ends at Blaenau Ffestinog and its slate quarries and mines.
You'll need your binoculars here to watch the only pair of breeding ospreys in Wales. Situated on the Glaslyn Estuary, this public viewing point has four powerful telescopes and a live feed of the nest projected onto a widescreen monitor.
Beach
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway - 10.2 Miles (16.3 KM)
Enjoy a relaxing train journey where you can take in the breathtaking views over the seaside town of Aberystwyth. At the summit, you can have a birds eye view of the land and seascape from the worlds largest camera obscura - on a clear day it is possible to see 26 mountain peaks spanning much of the length of Wales! Also available are fascinating historical displays, a kids play area, a well-stocked gift shop, and a cafe selling delicious home-made snacks.
Devil's Bridge Falls - 12 Miles (19.2 KM)
Visit these world famous unique waterfalls which attract thousands upon thousands of visitors. One of these visitors was William Wordsworth who wrote 'Torrent at the Devils Bridge'.
Harlech Beach - 23 Miles (36.8 KM)
Golden sands and clean waters await you at Harlech beach. Huge sand dunes create an impressive backdrop whilst the 13th century castle looks down over its rocky outcrop. This is a fabulous, safe environment for families. Better still, local amenities are close by.
Black Rock Sands - 27.7 Miles (44.3 KM)
This wide expanse of golden sands stretches for over 2 miles and is one of the few locations where you can drive your car onto the beach. This beach is popular with windsurfers and bathers and the impressive sand dunes are the perfect for a game of hide and seek!
Hell's Mouth Bay - 29.3 Miles (46.9 KM)
A must for surfers. A south-westerly facing four mile beach framed by some impressive clay cliffs. A great place to bring the family for kite flying, wake-boarding, sailing and many other watersports! The flat sands are also ideal for a cricket tournament or a game of football.
Biking & Hiking
Get out and about with Bird Rock Cycle Hire. Family groups and individuals can hire bikes from here and go exploring around the dramatic landscape of southern Snowdonia. There are ample facilities to take a break and enjoy some lunch along the way. The beautiful Dysynnii Valley near Tywyn in Snowdonia boasts virtually traffic-free countryside, so there is no need to worry about keeping the kids safe.
If you enjoy walking and cycling then Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park is perfect for you. All clearly marked, the trails and tracks criss-cross the park and are suitable for all abilities whether running, biking or hiking. Rest up at the café and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Kerry Ridgeway - 29.7 Miles (47.5 KM)
A lovely route of about 15 miles encompassing some beautiful countryside and fascinating historical landmarks. The ridgeway follows a gentle trail which is perfect for cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike. Its line can be traced back as far as the Iron Age and along the route visitors can spot Bronze Age burials and remains.
Golf & Sports
This golf club has earned a reputation for its friendly and warm welcome. Visitors can play a round of golf, relax afterwards in the newly refurbished clubhouse and take in the beautiful surroundings. Visitors are known to return each year for the top links course at Aberdovey golf club.
Experience the beautiful greenscape that is Fairbourne Golf Club! This gorgeous outdoor space offers a great challenge to sportsmen who want to test their abilities with a club. A comfortable timber covered club house was constructed in 1910 and has since been converted to strong stone. Players can stop by for a break and a meal during their time at Fairbourne.
The 16 acre lake at Llyngwyn is a popular fly-fishing destination. Rainbow and brown trout are found in the lake throughout the year. River fishing is available on the river Wye for elan, marteg, trout, grayling, and some coarse fish. Elan Valley contains 4 lakes which cover an area of 850 acres.
A world renowned golf club, set in some truly spectacular scenery. This championship course has beautiful greens and undulating fairways and is in short what you would expect of a course of this nature.
A great leisure centre featuring a 20m swimming pool, fitness suite and squash courts. Whatever your age or fitness level there is something for you. Why not go for a relax in the jacuzzi or take a swim in the pool?
Rhayader is a small market town in the heart of the 'Lakeland of Wales' on the banks of the River Wye which stretches 1 mile south and 4 miles north of the town. Brown trout and Grayling fishing available and salmon fishing is renowned on the River Wye.
Ustrike - 26.4 Miles (42.2 KM)
Freshen up your bowling skills and enjoy an evening at Ustrike - the only ten-pin bowling centre in Mid Wales! If you get a bit hungry or thirsty, a bar and dining area is also available.
This course offers a mixture of heath land and linksland for the discerning golfer. The front nine are away from the coast and the back nine heading for the sea. There are 2 bars, a dining room, snooker room and pro shop.
Set amongst spectacular mountainous scenery Bala is the largest natural lake in Wales. This 4.5 mile long lake is popular for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. Mountain biking, rock climbing and archery are among the non-water based activities on offer here.
Whether you like a relaxing day coarse fishing or the challenge of bigger carp you will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great views at Eisteddfa Fishery. For the game angler, there's a trout lake and for people looking for variety then the pleasure lake offers a mixed bag.
Nature Reserves
Ynys-hir - 5 Miles (8 KM)
Ynys-hir mixes Welsh oak woodland with wet grassland and salt marshes. In the spring, the ground is carpeted in flowers and birdsong fills the air. You might see flycatchers and redstarts emerging from the nestboxes. Each season brings a different experience to the nature reserve. Recent sightings include a marsh harrier, hen harrier, peregrine and a hobby as well as the regular red kites, buzzards and sparrowhawks.
Nature Reserve with bird watching and well marked out nature trails you can walk round. A beautiful location at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, with a whole host of differing habitats. There are also events that are set up at Gilfach Nature Reserve such as Badger Watching.
Pen y Banc - 27 Miles (43.2 KM)
Pen y Banc nature reserve sits on the Glaslyn estuary, an area popular with visitors in the summer for its sandy beaches. You can often spot species such as the curlew, redshank and black-necked grebe during the winter as well as an abundance of plant life. The coastal path winds its way through the nature reserve as well as a number of other paths.
With commanding views over the bay at Borth y Gest, this beautiful nature reserve covers about 15 hectares of woodland and wild flower meadows. Follow the paths through the woods to take in the views from the top of the hill. Do a quiz on your way around and learn about the local area. The perfect place to take the kids.
Gardens & Woodlands
Hafod Uchtryd is classified as probably one of the best examples of an 18th century picture perfect landscape, occupying 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and encircling hills it provides stunning views and scenery. There are six different trails on offer, they all vary in length but all will ensure you get the most of this stunning estate, from the magnificent views, cascading waterfalls, gorges, woodland, loads of local wildlife. There is lots of history to the area too and a guided walk will allow you to get the most from this area. Located amongst the estate are a number of structures of interest including an icehouse and obelisk. Hafod Uchtryd is a place of peace and tranquillity as well as stunning beauty. The perfect place for a leisurely walk amongst beautiful surroundings.
Elan Valley - 23.4 Miles (37.4 KM)
Located near Rhayader, this picturesque Site of Special Scientific Interest is a fabulous location for a leisurely stroll, a mountain bike ride or a fishing trip. With stunning lakes, abundant wildlife and superb views it is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
This unique village is set on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. It is surrounded by 70 acres of sub-tropical woodland gardens. Take a stroll around the two lakes and enjoy viewing the gardens.
Local Attractions
Hufenfa'r Castell are located in castle Square, Harlech and is the place to go for the very best ice cream around. They make award winning indulgent artisan ice cream that is sold here in the shop. Using local premium quality milk and cream as well as other premium ingredients together with a large input of passion and devotion they produce some of the finest ice cream about, you will struggle to beat theirs. There is a wonderful variety of flavours from traditional to the more unusual, like wedding cake, but all are delicious. The shop is open daily from 1st April to 30th October, from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Also on sale are coffee, freshly baked bread and cakes as well as delicious pasties. They also stock a good range of Welsh products including, cheese, preserves, honey, confectionery, bara brith and welsh cakes all locally made. Hufenfa'r Castell is a lovely friendly and welcoming shop that has the most fabulous ice cream where you can sit outside and enjoy views of the castle, a must stop when you are in the area.
Portmeirion - 27.1 Miles (43.4 KM)
This unique village is set on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. It was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it. On the main driveway is Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian mansion recently restored as a brasserie style restaurant and hotel.
This quaint unspoilt village with its cliffs and coves was a regular haunt for smugglers. Just a short walk along the cliff top will lead you to a quaint sandy cove, with views towards Harlech and Cardigan Bay.
New Quay - 29.1 Miles (46.6 KM)
New Quay is the perfect destination for sightseeing, beach lounging, walking and dolphin spotting. Enjoy a walk along the front to the end of the Quay and watch the boats sail by. Or sit in one of the cafes overlooking the harbour and see the dolphins.
Historical & Heritage Sites
The Silver Mountain Experience is a unique and interesting day out, located high in the Cambrian Mountains, the site consists of abandoned mine workings, mystical forests and plunging streams that will take you back through time. Not for the faint hearted is the Black Chasm, this is classified as 12A and will take you on a terrifying underground experience, as you travel through the dark and abandoned mine tunnels you never know who you will encounter, be prepared, not recommended for the faint hearted! For the younger adventurers there is the Dragons Tale, you will help to find Grotty, Silvers Mountain's resident and bashful dragon. Being one of Wales best maintained Silver-Lead Mines, there is lots of history and you can experience for a short time what it was like to be a miner in these mines in a bygone era, uncover interesting facts of mining life during the A Miner's Life tour, your guide will lead you through the passageways and impart the history of the mines. The whole area offers so much to explore for all ages, junior members of your family can take part in the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood, where they can construct dens amongst the trees, build dams in the stream or play in the water area. Other activities include gem and gold panning, interactive challenges, nature trails and quiz trail, there is so much to see and do here. Onsite is a cafe where you can relax and have some refreshments. As the terrain is uneven in many places, flip flops/sandals are not recommended and also the underground can be cold so warm clothing is also recommended. The staff are friendly and helpful and add to the overall experience. A great day out regardless of age that is reasonably priced.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway offers you the opportunity to step back in time to the evocative era of steam travel. This narrow gauge railway was constructed in 1902 and this railroad has been traveling through the stunning scenery of Rheidol Valley for over a century, the route has a number of sharp turns and arduous inclines which, all add to the experience. There are various carriage options, the luxurious First Class Observation Saloon, Third Class or the Open Summer Carriages that allow the fresh air to blow through, any of the carriages gives fantastic views of the panoramic vistas. Your journey will take you through a delightful mixture of landscapes from meadows to craggy mountains as you gradually climb the hillside from Aberystwyth to Devils's Bridge, the journey takes about an hour each way. At the summit there is a cafe and gift shop. You can leave the train at one of the renovated intermediate stations to enjoy the great outdoors or take a walk along many of the trails the valley has to offer and look to the skies to see the birds of prey who habitat here such as Red Kite and Buzzard. There are a number of special events that place during the year so do check the calender to see what is taking place. With friendly staff, amazing scenery and a journey back in time it is an excellent day out for all ages.
Y Lasynys Fawr is located in an isolated and unusual position and enjoys the shelter of the hills, it would have taken some effort to build the house here. Much of the remaining external stone walls were constructed around the 16th century, there is a panel from the 17th century that indicates that internal upgrades were made at this time. There is a stone staircase that takes you from the Great Hall up to the bedrooms and this is considered to date to the 15th century, so this implies that there was a structure here prior to this. Further work was undertaken in the 18th century with the property being extended and remodelled internally and these works contrast with the earlier building. This heritage house was home to the poet Ellis Wynne and is a great example of a bygone era. The emphasis here is on the structure and history of the house as opposed to the furnishings as it is sparsely furnished with a few period items. It has been well restored and preserved and consists of a maze of rooms that offers an insight into life at this time. The guides who show you around are volunteers, you will find them to be friendly, knowledgeable and most helpful. They give a interesting and informative history of the house and as well as lots of interesting facts on Ellis Wynne. The house is open from the 1st April until 31st October from 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, there is a nominal charge to view the property. Y Lasynys Fawr is a beautiful property with many interesting features and gives a wonderful insight into how people used to live, as well as having lovely views of the local countryside.
The Bala Lake Railway, also called Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid, covers a breathtaking 9 mile stretch that runs along the shores of Bala Lake through Snowdonia National Park. The journey begins at the Llanuwchllyn station. Observe steam trains being serviced and see the Victorian signal box in action! Light refreshments are offered at the station buffet.
Delve into the fascinating world of Rhayader Museum and Gallery, where various exhibitions document and explore local heritage. These exhibitions are constantly changing and offer great insights into numerous projects. The museum gallery focuses on the nature of culture, society and economics in the shaping of the local community.
A beautiful grade II listed property and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in Wales. The hall was originally built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson; however a huge expansion project led by the Philips family in 1869 doubled its size. Recently restored by the current owners, this magnificent house features some beautiful interiors and impressive collections. Take a stroll around 12 acres of gardens overlooking the ?Abbey of the Long Valley? which dates from the 12th century.
This castle is a marvellous sight to behold; its twin-towered gatehouse sitting high and majestic atop a rocky hill which juts dramatically out into Tremadog Bay. Built in the 13th Century over three phases, speculation still exists as to which areas of the castle belong to which building period.
Discover the personal and professional life of the hugely influential statesman. David Lloyd George, was a turn of the century, Liberal politician who became leader of Britain's national government in 1916. As Prime Minister he led the country out of World War One and his government gave women the vote in 1918. A fascinating character who played an important role in shaping the history of Britain and the Liberal Party.
