Porthmadog - Portmeirion - Barmouth 

Situated on the Glaslyn estuary, with the slopes of Snowdon behind it, Porthmadog has a ideal location for a holiday centre. The town is a popular resort for people who wish to visit the coast, or the mountains or alternatively to visit the unique attractions of Portmeirion - 'the loveliest purpose built resort in the world.'

For details of Portmeirion Hotels and Holidays, Guest Houses, Cottages  and Attractions.  Go to Portmeirion Hotels  Guest Houses and Cottages

The visitor is lost for choice with regard to outdoor activities in this area.  Nearby there is excellent hill walking within the Snowdonia National Park and other activities include cycling, climbing, pony trekking, surfing, water skiing, canoeing, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and abseiling.

The Lleyn Peninsular to the west of Porthmadog is another great area for outdoor activities. There are also some excellent beaches along the coast particularly around the resort of Pwllheli. This resort is also popular with sailing folk and there is a large marina and a small harbour. The two main beaches in Pwllheli are South Beach and Abererch Beach which are both sandy and suitable for families. They have a combined length of seven miles - so they won't get too crowded!

Portmeirion

Portmeirion is situated around two miles from Porthmadog and is a 'must' to visit. Built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is something altogether different. Started in 1926, its design is based on the village of Portofino in Italy. The gardens were planted with exotic plants, there is an Italian campanile, a castle and a lighthouse. The hotel is today the centre of the village life, and many of the buildings are available for rent on a weekly basis. Portmeirion was the location for the cult 1970's television series 'The Prisoner' - 'I am not a number!'

Harlech

Also nearby to Porthmadog is the small town of Harlech which is known mainly for its mighty castle. Completed in 1290, the castle was part of Edward I  defensive system. Originally built on a sea cliff it is now half a mile from the sea. The castle has had a chequered history; being a Lancastrian stronghold during the War of the Roses and a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. It was scheduled to be demolished after being taken by Cromwell's men but the order was never carried out. 

Barmouth

Barmouth is a small town situated at the mouth of the River Mawddach and was once a port for the slate trade but today is a centre for tourists. The old town is attractive with steep steps and small cottages huddled together on the hillside. There is a long beach at Barmouth which stretches 6 miles north to the village of Tal-y-Bont. The beach is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest  and adjacent to a national nature reserve. This area is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing and windsurfing. Gwynedd Council have jet ski zoning for the whole of Cardigan Bay. 

What to see in Porthmadog

Criccieth Castle - Castle built by Llywelyn the Great around 1230 - Crccieth Telephone:- 01766 522227

Portmeirion - An Italian style village on the banks of Traeth Bach.

Welsh Highland Railway

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For other sections of the guide you may also enjoy - see below.

Activities

Includes details of many coastal activities such as; surfing, sailing, bird watching and walking.

Attractions - see listings pages

A huge selection of attractions are available within the coastal area and this section will have details of many of them. From piers and harbours to fun fairs and roller coasters, the listings will have details of what's available in your chosen area. For details of attractions look in the resort pages. 

  Padstow

Pubs, restaurants and shopping guide

The listings section will also have details of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and shops available in the locality. Restaurants and shops coming soon.....

                                                                                                                               The  Beach Pub - Exmouth

Features

We will bring you feature  articles  about the coastline and  news items about life in the coastal area. contributions to this section are welcome.

Photo Gallery

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