Ffestiniog Railway
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[24.9 miles]
The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway offers the chance to travel deep into Wales’ most spectacular mountainscapes.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours
Best places to stay:
A home-from-home escape in style is the order of the day at this Victorian mansion, located towards the quieter southern fringe of the Snowdonia National Park. It’s family run and feels very homely.
Set in a 21-acre estate, the vibe is relaxed reading in the wood-panelled drawing room and gentle strolling around the grounds to the sunken rose garden. Plus, of course, traditional-styled rooms and great local flavours on the menu.
The hotel boasts a gloriously rural setting near the village of Penmaenpool, ensuring fab views from the hotel’s conservatory and plenty of countryside tranquillity.
The nearby market town of Dolgellau is worth a visit, notably for delicious coffee and cake at the T.H. Coffee Shop, a delightfully retro café set in a historic building.
For something more active, nearby Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park is home to some of Wales’ finest mountain biking trails and geocaching. The nearby village of Penmaenpool picks up one of the most popular sections of the Mawddach Trail, heading towards Barmouth Beach.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[24.9 miles]
The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway offers the chance to travel deep into Wales’ most spectacular mountainscapes.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15 miles]
The spiritual home of Welsh sustainability since 1974, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an eco-consciousness hub, nestled into the Dyfi Valley outside Machynlleth. It has educational displays, nature trails and offers a range of short courses, such as gardening for nature.
Best for ages: 13+ | £9
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[17.4 miles]
Picture-postcard Harlech is most fairytale of the four castles, its imposing towers set atop a 200ft rocky outcrop overlooking the Cambrian coastline. An exhibition in the visitor centre explores the story of the castle’s military history.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[21.7 miles]
The fairy-tale village, located outside Porthmadog, was the labour-of-love lifework of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His visionary collection of Italianate-style buildings makes for an eccentric family day out. Join free daily walking tours.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free