Porthmadog: Best Attractions in the Welsh Harbour Town
Porthmadog is a charming little harbour town situated on the picturesque Glaslyn Estuary in North Wales. The town is famous for its unique maritime history, natural beauty, and bustling harbour, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region.
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Porthmadog also offers great cultural experiences, vibrant craft shops, and delightful restaurants. Best of all, this quaint town has direct access to the Welsh Highland Railway, a historic railroad that ventures deep into the Welsh countryside and explores the natural and historic attractions of Wales.
In this post, we'll explore the most exciting attractions and activities in Porthmadog. Let's get started!
Hop On the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
Taking a train ride on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is one of the most popular things to do in Porthmadog. This unique train journey tours the Welsh countryside, giving visitors the chance to discover the history and natural beauty of the Welsh countryside.
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As you travel, you’ll pass through lush forests, alongside sparkling rivers, beneath the towering peaks of the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia. The route offers panoramic views of the dramatic countryside and allows passengers to stop off and experience charming villages, historic landmarks, and natural attractions along the way. The Welsh Highland Railway journey has multiple stops throughout, which make it easy to experience different areas of North Wales within one day.
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Embarking on your Welsh Highland Railway journey from Porthmadog is a great option, as the route goes from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, and it's best to start in either town if you would like to experience the full route of the Welsh Highland Railway. This route is also great if you want to visit both towns, which I highly recommend, especially as the town of Caernarfon has a beautiful historic castle.
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The heritage centre of the Welsh Highland Railway is an interesting place to pick up some souvenirs and learn more about the history of this route. It includes an award-winning miniature railway, a shop, and a small cafe. Whether you're looking to experience Welsh history or just take in the incredible scenic views, the Welsh Highland Railway is a fascinating way to explore North Wales.
Sunbath at Black Rock Sands Beach
Black Rock Sands Beach is located just a short drive or bus ride from Porthmadog, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and adventurers alike. This expansive beach is renowned for its beautiful golden sands, which stretch for miles, making it an ideal spot for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the stunning coastal views.
The beach is unique in that you can drive your car right onto the sands, providing convenient access for families and those with mobility challenges. Much of the west side of the beach is covered with headland rock, while the rest provides beautiful white sands, making it a great place to walk or relax and take in the views.
Black Rock Sands Beach is also a popular spot for water sports, including windsurfing and jet skiing. Whether you're looking to unwind in the sun, explore the natural beauty, or partake in exciting water sports, Black Rock Sands Beach is a perfect destination within a short journey from Porthmadog.
Portmeirion - A Charming Welsh Town
The Italian-style town of Portmeirion is a beautiful town designed by the famous architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. This beautiful town, situated on the Afon Estuary, has become world-renowned for its unique and colorful architecture, lush gardens, and fairytale-like charm. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through the charming streets, visit local shops, and dine in traditional cafes.
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The town's charm is unlike anywhere else, as it gives visitors the atmosphere of the Mediterranean without leaving the convenience of Wales. Portmeirion is a fascinating place to explore, particularly for those interested in architecture.
Although Portmeirion is an exciting place, it does require an entry fee, which is not typical for other villages in the area. This means there are opening and closing times for the village, and you will need to plan your Portmeirion trip before visiting. If you would like more visiting information, feel free to read my previous post on Portmeirion.
Try out some golf at the Porthmadog Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts will love the Porthmadog Golf Club, an 18-hole course that offers challenging play and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Situated in the heart of the beautiful Welsh countryside, this 18-hole course offers challenging golf and stunning views of the surrounding countryside and sea.
Overlooking Porthmadog Golf Club by Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The course is designed for golfers of all abilities, so whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, you will enjoy the golf. Open to visitors, the club has a very friendly atmosphere, so why not pop in and have a round of golf. With its lovely surroundings and well-manicured greens, Porthmadog Golf Club is a must-have on your Porthmadog itinerary.
Explore Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is one of the most beautiful scenic areas in the United Kingdom, and it is located within a stone's throw away from Porthmadog. The Welsh Highland Railway offers visitors easy access to Snowdonia National Park, particularly as there are multiple stops throughout the journey. However, it's also possible to drive or use bus routes throughout the area.
Snowdonia is best explored through various hikes and nature trails, and there are a variety of natural attractions, making it the perfect place for nature lovers. Hikers can enjoy the numerous high mountain peaks, but keep in mind these can take days to climb depending on the route. For those who are less experienced in hiking, there are many simple walking routes throughout the national park.
Whether you choose to trek up Mt. Snowdon or take a gentle walk through a relaxing nature trail, Snowdonia is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Discover the Beauty of North Wales
North Wales has so much to see, from small historic towns to gigantic castles along the seashores. While Porthmadog is just a small town in this region, it does provide an excellent base for exploring other nearby towns and countryside areas.
The previously mentioned Portmeirion and Snowdonia are two great options, there are also plenty of other options, such as Llangollen, Anglesey, Caernarfon, and Bangor. These are just a few of the nearby towns, which are all great places to visit. North Wales has a great variety of things to see and do, so be sure to explore the surrounding towns and countryside if you find yourself with free time.
Natural Harbour and Deep Water of Porthmadog
Porthmadog Harbour is one of the town's key features, packed with history and natural beauty. This natural harbour was created by William Madocks and once served as the hub for the town's slate-exporting industry.
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The construction of the Cob sea wall in the early 19th century reclaimed land and resulted in the creation of a new natural harbour, which was deep enough to accommodate small ocean-going sailing ships, thus facilitating the town's growth as a hub for slate exporting and shipbuilding.
The deep water is big enough for seagoing vessels and yachts alike, making it perfect for commercial and leisure use. The harbour is in a lovely setting with views of the surrounding countryside and Snowdonia National Park.
Visitors can take a stroll along the sea wall to experience the waterfront views or visit the maritime museum to find out about Porthmadog’s history. The town's maritime museum tells the story of its transformation into a bustling hub for slate exporting and shipbuilding, particularly focusing on the construction of three-masted schooners.
The harbour is also a great place to sit and watch the boats come and go while having a picnic and relaxing. Its natural beauty and history make Porthmadog Harbour a must-see.
Hotels in Porthmadog
Porthmadog offers a range of accommodation options, from small hotels to B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Most of the accommodation in Porthmadog consists of B&Bs and small guesthouses, as the town is quite small and there are not many large buildings within the town.
Many of these smaller hotels and guesthouses are great and provide a cozy place to stay for a couple of nights. For those looking for larger hotels or more luxury options, the countryside near Porthmadog has many larger luxury hotels with more amenities.
Dining Options
Foodies can enjoy a range of restaurants and pubs in Porthmadog, which serve up local dishes and offer a warm welcome to visitors. Enjoying a meal at one of the town’s many restaurants, cafes, and pubs is easy as the town has a great variety of establishments.
Here are some great restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Porthmadog:
The Australia
The Port Cafe Deli and Restaurant
Yr Hen Fecws Restaurant
All Ports Fish and Chips Porthmadog
Thai Harbwr
Kitt's Coffee, Cakes & Sandwiches
The Golden Fleece
Tafarn Pencei
Look out for some traditional Welsh cuisine, such as lamb cawl or Welsh rarebit, which is usually served at local pubs and restaurants. The town also has simple eateries offering fish and chips and other quick bites. Overall, Porthmadog has a good range of food for a small town, especially when compared to other nearby towns.
Summary
Porthmadog is an incredible place to visit in North Wales, especially for those looking to experience the Welsh Highland Railway and Snowdonia National Park. The harbour town is small but charming with great scenic views and a very interesting maritime history. Whether you're enjoying the harbour views, playing golf in the countryside, or enjoying the Welsh Highland Railway journey, Porthmadog has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porthmadog worth visiting?
Yes, Porthmadog is a great place to visit. It has a strategic location close to Snowdonia National Park, and it is the end stop of the Welsh Highland Railway.
What shops are there in Porthmadog?
There are a small variety of shops in Porthmadog, ranging from franchises to local boutique shops.
Where does the steam train go from Porthmadog?
The Welsh Highland Railway goes from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, it's a train ride that passes through the countryside of North Wales.