Porthmadog or “Porth” is one of the most popular towns in North Wales and is definitely one for the bucket list!
This charming harbour town is a great place to enjoy a family getaway or romantic break. Full of rich maritime history, Porthmadog is also an excellent base for exploring Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about picturesque Porthmadog…
Porthmadog
Located on the beautiful vast expanse of the Glaslyn Estuary, and dominated on one side by Moel y Gest, Porthmadog is a great place to spend a weekend or week-long staycation.
Porthmadog is a bustling harbour town, full of independent shops and great restaurants. Its welcoming community includes the nearby villages of Tremadog, Borth y Gest and Morfa Bychan.
Porthmadog is a major transport hub, with three main lines – the Ffestiniog Railway, the Welsh Highland Railway and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. Which means you are ideally placed for visiting all the main tourist attractions of Snowdonia, with the added bonus of award-winning beaches right on your doorstep.
8 Things to do in Porthmadog
1. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Experience the iconic scenery of North Wales aboard The Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland Railways. Jump on a train at either end of Porthmadog and enjoy the outstanding mountain scenery whilst enjoying the luxury of the comfortable carriages. This attraction is a great option for seeing the sights and treating mum on Mother’s Day.
2. The Maritime Museum
The town’s Maritime Museum tells the story of Porthmadog’s long maritime history. The museum is situated in the last remaining slate shed on the harbour. Take a look at the large collection of artefacts exhibited in the museum and learn more about the history of the port and the lives of seafarers.
3. Black Rock Sands
Unlike the name suggests, Black Rock Sands is home to an open, wide beach boasting idyllic golden sands. The beach has all the facilities you need including a shop, toilets and a slipway. Spend a day building sandcastles or watching the array of watersport enthusiasts that flock to Black Rock Sands.
4. Bounce Below
The more adventurous amongst you could head inland to Bounce Below. Ride the little train 100m underground into the old mine and you’ll find amazing trampoline netting, slides and see-through walkways suspended in the caving system for your bouncing pleasure! It’s an absolutely unique and fantastic experience for over 7s.
5. Zip World Velocity
For those of you wanting something more extreme, Zip World’s Velocity 2 is the largest zip line system in Europe, taking you on an adventure at speeds of up to 100mph over Penrhyn Quarry. Not for the faint-hearted!
6. Portmeirion
Wales vs Italy! No, not the six nations……but a rather beautiful Italiante village. Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 on a wooded hillside looking out across the Afon Dwyryd.
7. Plas Brondanw
Whilst Portmeirion Village was perhaps his most famous creation, the gardens at Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’s former home, Plas Brondanw are perhaps even more beautiful and equally justifiable of a short drive from Porthmadog.
Both Portmeirion and Plas Brondanw provide the perfect spot for some post-adventure relaxation, escapism, great food and more of that fantastic scenery.
8. Porthmadog Golf Club
Experience golf at its best, at Porthmadog Golf Club. As one of the best golf clubs in North Wales, Porthmadog Golf Club has often been described as one of the most stunning courses in the UK.
Porthmadog Weather
See below the seven-day weather forecast for Porthmadog.
Porthmadog Accommodation
A Porthmadog holiday cottage is the perfect base to explore the stunning Snowdonia National Park and all it offers, from mountains and forests to lakes and caverns.
When holidaying with the family or as part of a group, there will invariably be a mix of interests, which is why Porthmadog should be high on your list. It offers something for everyone.
A three-day break could include everything from cake and scones in a charming tearoom, right through to zip wires, rock climbing and white water rafting.
