Porthmadog

Travel Guide
Porthmadog
Photo by Andrew
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Photo by Anna Hamblett
Photo by J Glynne Jones
A charming harbour town on the Glaslyn Estuary in Gwynedd, North Wales, Porthmadog makes the ideal base for exploring the rugged coves and inlets of the Cambrian Coast. Backed by the mountainous Welsh countryside and facing the dramatic sweep of Cardigan Bay, the town will make the perfect destination for an unforgettable Welsh break.

Boasting a rich maritime history, easy access to Snowdonia National Park and a pretty seaside setting, Porthmadog combines some of the best qualities Wales has to offer. Throw in a vibrant culture and heritage train line, and you can see why Porthmadog draws visitors from all across the UK.

History in Porthmadog

Located in an historic part of Wales, Porthmadog has some fantastic history right on its doorstep. Both Harlech and Caernarfon Castles are within a 30-minute drive of the town while the impressive Conwy Castle lies a little further up the coast.

All three castles are on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to their beautifully preserved structures and historical importance.

Culture in Porthmadog

The culture in Porthmadog is distinctly Welsh, with around 75% of the population speaking the language as a mother tongue. Independent craft shops sell a variety of locally made products and many of the restaurants and bakeries offer a choice of regional produce.

Visitors wanting to learn more about the area’s cultural history should head to the fascinating Porthmadog Maritime Museum on Oakley Wharf. Here, a variety of displays chronicle the town’s rise from tiny harbour settlement to international maritime centre.

Trains in Porthmadog

With both the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway passing through the town, Porthmadog is a fantastic destination for heritage rail enthusiasts.

Both routes are easy to access from the town centre and offer passengers fantastic views of the surrounding area. Of the two lines, the Ffestiniog Railway is longer and more varied, though both trips make fun family days out.

Beaches in Porthmadog

With five beaches within a stone’s throw of Porthmadog, visitors to the town can enjoy bracing coastal walks in the winter and relaxing days by the sea in the summer.

If you’re looking for wide expanses of sand, the seaward beaches are perfect. For calmer waters and smaller bays, head to the sands along the estuary. Telly addicts may well recognise the nearby beach in the village of Portmeirion, made famous by cult 1960s TV The Prisoner.

Activities in Porthmadog

With the Irish Sea on one side and Snowdonia National Park on the other, it’s no surprise that Porthmadog makes a fantastic destination for visitors looking to explore the Welsh landscape.

Visitors staying in Porthmadog have a fantastic variety of activities to choose from including walking, pony trekking, climbing, cycling, surfing, water skiing, quad biking and abseiling.

A vast network of walks crisscross the nearby Snowdonia National Park, with all ages, abilities and fitness levels catered for.

Enjoy Porthmadog

With its stunning location, wide range of activities and distinctive Welsh feel, Porthmadog is a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to climb the formidable Mount Snowdon, explore the National Park by rail, learn about Welsh history in a real life castle or relax on a wide sandy beach, Porthmadog has it all.

Aberdunant Hall
Aberdunant Hall
4 out of 5
Prenteg, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is S$221 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
S$221
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (450 reviews)
"Really pleasant hotel and fantastic surroundings"

Reviewed on 10 Nov,2024

Aberdunant Hall
Royal Sportsman Hotel
Royal Sportsman Hotel
4 out of 5
131 High St, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is S$147 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
S$147
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (80 reviews)
"Very helpful and friendly staff, breakfast was amazing."

Reviewed on 30 Oct,2024

Royal Sportsman Hotel
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
3 out of 5
Market Square, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is S$93 per night from 26 Dec to 27 Dec
S$93
includes taxes & fees
26 Dec - 27 Dec
Stay at this 3-star inn in Porthmadog. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (176 reviews)
Good value room.
"Good value room. Good service. Clean rooms."

Reviewed on 2 Nov,2024

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Fanny Talbot
The Fanny Talbot
3 out of 5
High Street, Barmouth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Barmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Ty Crwyn and Barmouth Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"Great stay at the Fanny Talbot the room was exceptional along with the restaurant. We stayed for 3 nights and had a very enjoyable relaxing visit."

Reviewed on 23 Sep,2024

The Fanny Talbot
Upper Lake Chalet , Dog and Pet Friendly
Upper Lake Chalet , Dog and Pet Friendly
3 out of 5
Glan Gwna 84 & 50, Caeathro, Caernarfon, Wales
Stay at this 3-star chalet in Caernarfon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Caernarfon Castle and Redline Indoor Karting ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Great location
"Great location, quiet, comfortable, good equipped kitchen, reliable wifi."

Reviewed on 13 May,2024

Upper Lake Chalet , Dog and Pet Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Porthmadog

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Three excellent narrow gauge railways to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

great place and would surely return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy walking distance from the house.We took both the festiniog and welsh highland railways from the station by the harbour,both great days out.Tremadog itself has 2 good pubs serving food,a great a la carte restaurant and an excellent chip shop.

4/5 - Good

Dave

Definitely need to book evening meal tables before arriving at the hotel. A good base to explore the coast and countryside

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Like the place very much will be moving to the area.

4/5 - Good

janet

Borth Y Fest was a beautiful spot recommend a visit.