Castles, Beaches & Restaurants
Castles
Gwydir
A stones throw, you could even walk there in about 40 minutes. This castle is magical and has been painstakingly restored by it's current owners. Regarded as one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales, the castle was formerly the ancestral home of the powerful Wynn family. Gwydir was given the highest rating (4 stars) by Simon Jenkins in his book ‘Wales, Churches, Houses, Castles.’ Gwydir castle
Harlech
A great castle to visit as it also has a good café and is close to Traeth beach where you will enjoy the long golden sandy beach. There is also a great deli on the high street and a must visit cafe is Llewglas, which serves great food in a lovely contemporary setting. About 40 minute drive.
Conwy
Another great castle to visit and enjoy crab fishing on the harbour wall and the high street has lots of cafes and restaurants about 30 mins drive.
Beaches
Black Rock Sands (near Porthmadog)
Great long sandy beach which you can even drive onto. Take picnic as there are no concessions nearby. Just less than one hour but go early to avoid horrendous traffic on weekends/ school holidays.
Harlech
A lovely long open sandy beach (about one hour drive) see note on castle above and cafes below....
Criccieth
Is 5 miles away from Porthmadog, it is another popular village, and there’s a branch of Dylan’s for a good burger, bbq lunch or supper. See also Portmerion which you could visit on the same day.
Cafes & Restaurants
Hangin’ Pizza
In Betws-y-Coed turn left at train station. Great pizzas & salads (15 min walk from cottage over the suspension bridge, when the bridge finally reopens). Hangin’ Pizza
Alpine Café
Same owners as above and the same great quality – in Betws-y-Coed, next door to train station. The owners also own the Platform Galeri in the station where you find an eclectic array of art, mostly Orang U tan themed - if you love apes then you have found spiritual home.
Ty Gwyn
An old coaching inn, in Betws-y-coed, good food in nice atmosphere on A5 next to waterloo bridge - walking distance from the cottage about 15 minutes – 01690 710383. Booking advised. Ty Gwyn
Bodnant - Welsh Food Centre
This is towards Conwy through Llanrwst village on the right about a 25 min drive. Great food & good for food shopping. You must also visit the Bodnant gardens - they are stunning even if you're not into gardening the grounds are spectacular!
Tir A Mor
The best fish & chips in area are on Denbigh street, Llanrwst next door they have a sweet Bistro not only serving fish & chips but burgers & pizzas too, we recommend fish & chips with a glass of Picpoul which they only serve by the bottle so take it back to the cottage to finish. Ask for Wynne or Paula - the friendliest (& hardest working) people in North Wales!
Caffi Llew Glas
“A contemporary coffee space” in Harlech about 40 minute drive but worth it for this cafe, see more info under the castle and the beaches. Caffi Llew Glas
Tu Hwnt Ir Bont
This is a quintessential Welsh tea room and worth popping in for a cup of tea and their Bara Brith and Welshcakes.
Dylan's
All of the Dylan's chain restaurants are pretty good and have their own unique settings and ambience, we like Criccieth and the Conwy ones best... Worth stocking up from the deli in the Conwy one.