The Hidden Gems of Porthmadog

The festive season is a chance to spend time with your family and the ones you care about – whether that be a quality family night in, or a short winter break.

If you are considering the latter, then why not visit Porthmadog this winter? And discover some of the hidden gems on offer.

Thankfully, you won’t have to search for these gems blindly – here at the Golden Fleece Inn, we have compiled a list of our favourite places to check out.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
If you want to experience quality time with your family in a timeless way, then the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway is the perfect place to do so.

The heritage railway stretches 40 miles across Snowdonia National Park, allowing you to experience stunning views from the comfort of their gleaming steam carriages.

December also brings the annual visit of Santa and his elves, who pass through the train giving out presents, with plenty of laughter and jokes along the way.

Santa trains will run from Porthmadog to Beddgelert – departing from Porthmadog on 9th/10th, 16th/17th and 22nd/23rd December at 11.00 and 14.15.

Please note: from previous years, we know just how popular these trains can be, so don’t delay book your ticket here.

Purple Moose Brewery Tour
With a name Purple Moose, you can just imagine how quirky and unique this ’40-Barrel’ micro-brewery is. Over the Christmas period as well, the tour will take you through the process of their legendary Merry X-Moose ale.

Lasting just over an hour, the tour is the perfect opportunity to learn about the entire brewing process and sample some of their award-winning beers.

Guided by one of their expert brewers, you will learn the key differences between brewing different types of ale – and of course there is a tasting session at the end!

The price of the tour is a reasonable £7.50, and their website advises that you book in advance.

Rob Piercy Art Gallery
If you’re a fan of art and the Welsh countryside, then the Rob Piercy Art Gallery is the perfect place to visit. Piercy is a renowned local artist, winning ‘Welsh Artist of the Year’ in 2002, and has currently published two books called ‘The Snowdonia Collection’ and ‘Portmeirion’.

Established in 1986, the gallery is artist ran and boasts four exhibition spaces. Many of Piercy’s watercolour and limited-edition pieces are on show, as-well-as a selection of unique craftwork and jewellery from other local artists.

Glosters
Located in the heart of Porthmadog, this unique pottery and lifestyle shop offers a collection of handmade items from the UK’s best makers and designers. The family run enterprise are firm believers in anything handmade, with a selection of their ceramics created on-site in the workshop upstairs.

The shop also offers a selection of ceramic and craft workshops throughout the year, which are suitable for all the family. And a trip to Glosters would not be complete without meeting Arthur, their beautiful Miniature Dachshund which can be found patrolling the shop!