Porthmadog Accommodation

Porthmadog Harbour

Porthmadog Golf Course

Activity holidays

Porthmadog Narrow Gauge Railway, Porthmadog Snowdonia Wales

Popular as a base for easy access into Snowdonia via the Ffestiniog Railway, Portmadog's history is that of former slate port - the town's name is derived from the slate magnet William Alexander Madocks who built both the harbour and the rail route upto Blaenau Ffestiniog. You're ideally close to picture postcard Portmeirion based here too, plus just a hop and skip from the scenic Llyn Peninsula. Some of the best views of Snowdonia are to be had from Porthmadog - checkout the view from the Glaslyn Estuary! As well as the Narrow Gauge Railway, other attractions in the town include a small Maritime Museum, a motor museum, great local climbing locations plus Porthmadog's crowning glory - the 3 mile expanse of Black Sands Beach just to the west of the town centre.

Porthmadog Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, Wales, LL49 9LD. Tel: 01766 512981.

Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway

Like Caernarfon with it's narrow gauge Welsh Highland Railway, Portmadog has it's own narrow gauge railway link into Snowdonia via the Ffestiniog Railway. It's a big attraction in the town obviously, and stretches 13.5 miles all the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here's the slate link - Blaenau Ffestiniog was once a centre for slate in the region, which was shunted down this narrow gauge line to the coastal port of Porthmadog.

A truly spectacular journey, this Welsh narrow gauge railway was founded in 1832 - it's the oldest independent railway company in the World! The Ffestiniog Railway's Harbour Station at Porthmadog (parts of which date back to 1879) is surrounded by historic 19th century buildings, all marks of a slate industry past round here. Many of the slate wharves in the harbour have been preserved (some are now luxury apartments). The Ship Public house has survived however, and you can still partake of some fine ale and pub grub in here. As you set off on the 13 mile journey, the route travels up the famous Cob causeway, a steep climb which also serves as the main road entrance from the south east into Porthmadog.

Having closed in 1946 alongside the decline in slate, the Ffestiniog Railway is alive and kicking again as one of Wales' top tourist attractions. Check the weblink right for full route details, history and special theme weekend events!

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF. General Enquiries Tel: 01766 516000, Booking Office Tel: 01766 516024.

Porthmadog Attractions & Porthmadog Black Rock Sands Beach

Sitting as it does on the coast at the foothills of Snowdonia, Porthmadog's mountain backdrop is an attraction in itself! To one side of the town you've Moel y Gest reaching 262 metres, whilst to the northern and easter side sits the sublime Glaslyn estuary, a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Looking for spectacular views across Cardigan Bay? Head to a site of special scientific interest - Black Rock Sands beach situated just to the west of Porthmadog. Both fishing and windsurfing are popular here, and the beach is surrounded by sand dunes. The rocky headland to the right of the sandy beach is where fishing fans head, especially between May and October for the bass, or Spring and autumn for thornback ray. Whiting comes here in large numbers in the autumn. Access is excellent - you can drive your car right onto the beach.

You can walk from Porthmadog due south to the delightful village of Borth y Gest which also has a superb beach. Checkout nearby Criccieth too for it's historic castle and picture postcard rocky outcrop. Criccieth offers two more superb sandy beaches.

This whole stretch of coast, including Porthmadog, Borth y Gest and Criccieth benefits from a choice of campsites and caravan parks, pulling in the holiday crowds in peak summer season.

Porthmadog Golf

Dating from around 1905, Porthmadog Golf Course is one of Wales' most beautiful coastal golf courses. Check the weblink right for an aerial view of the course!

This golf course is an 18 hole course, with pro shop and practice ground on-site.

Porthmadog Golf Club, Club House, Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9UU. Tel: 01766 512037.

Porthmadog Activity Centre, Climbing & Mountainbiking

Porthmadog has it's own comprehensive activity centre offering a choice of quad biking, mountain biking, and pony riding in the 250 acre surrounds. It's particularly good for children's activities this one and is ideally situated close to Black Roch Sands beach to the west of Porthmadog centre.

Porthmadog Activity Centre, Morfa Bychan Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9UR. Tel: 01766 512468.

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