Winter Breaks in Porthmadog

Whether you want a getaway from all the festive cheer, or simply fancy a winter break and a chance to explore – then visiting Porthmadog this winter could be perfect for you!

Known locally as the ‘gateway to Snowdonia’, Porthmadog is perfectly placed to offer access to a variety of activities and areas of North Wales.

To help you make up your mind, this blog posting will broadly cover our favourite things to do in and around Porthmadog.

Porthmadog Town Centre
You don’t even have to venture out of Porthmadog to find a wealth of activities and areas to explore. The town centre of Porthmadog plays host to a variety of interesting and unique places to visit, including the famous Purple Moose Brewery tour.

If beer doesn’t tickle your fancy, then why not visit the Rob Piercy Art Gallery or Gloster’s pottery shop – both have workshops running throughout the year, where you have a chance to create some arts and crafts for yourself!

Walks and Snowdonia National Park
Surrounding Porthmadog is Snowdonia National Park, a vast open wilderness full of wildlife and breath-taking scenery. There is so much to do and explore here, from tackling the highest peaks, to exploring forest cycle routes and trickling waterfalls.

If you believe it’s too cold to be wandering the peaks, then why not try the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. The heritage line stretches 40miles across Snowdonia allowing you to experience stunning views from the comfort of your carriage!

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.

Beaches and Castles
There are over 600 castles in Wales, with over 100 still standing as ruins or restored buildings. Porthmadog’s coastal position offers access to a variety of beaches and castles, making it an ideal location to stay!

Just down the road you will find Criccieth Castle, situated between two blue flag pebbly beaches. The castle dominates the landscape, sitting atop a rocky promontory.

To the south lies Harlech Castle, another fine Welsh castle which compliments the landscape. From Harlech beach, the castle still makes quite the statement; you can almost imagine the enemies fear as they landed on the beach, looking up at the castles dominating presence.

For more information about staying in Porthmadog, or to book your next trip, visit our accommodation page today!