Kids love coastal holidays and Pwllheli comes with two Blue Flag beaches with sands that sweep forever and gorgeous views across the blue bay towards the mountains. Bring buckets and spades; take away buckets of memories. Enjoy more sheltered swimming and surfing at Morfa Nefyn, Porthmadog and Abersoch.
You’ll spot seabirds, dolphins and porpoises on a day trip to Bardsey Island. Charter a Waterwise Marine boat for a safari from Porthmadog or canoe the aqueduct at Llangollen. Feeling energetic? Reach Snowdon’s peak, the roof of Wales, on foot, or cheat and take the railway to the café up top.
Head to Anglesey’s Foel Farm for family fun on a real working farm: meet and feed cuddly cuties, take the farm walk, ride the pedal tractors and stop off at the chocolate shop. Ride the Ffestiniog train from Porthmadog to Tan-y-Bwlch. Or take a journey deep into the mountains at Llanfair Slate Caverns.
Sample trampolining with a difference at Bounce Below, with six huge nets built into a disused mine in an area twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral. Feed the pigs, lambs and baby goats, meet the horses and walk with the alpacas at Snowdonia Alpacas. Or discover spectacular Harlech Castle, atop a rocky crag high above a beautiful beach.
New to the Llŷn Peninsula? You’ve been missing a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty flush with coastal walks and towering peaks. Wildlife abounds, so get down to Pwllheli’s two Blue Flag beaches to find seals, seabirds and dolphins. And potter the town’s narrow streets to plunder the quirky independents, pubs and cafés.
Ride the Welsh Highland Railway at Porthmadog. Take a trip out to fashionable Abersoch, with its beautiful beaches, stunning sailing, mild microclimate and beachside bars. Or venture out to Snowdonia to conquer Snowdon on foot (or by train), or follow trails to the Aber Falls or Abergwynant Woods.
Play 18 holes and bring your camera for the wild and wave-dashed Nefyn Golf Club: dry off and refuel in the bar and restaurant. Try crazy golf, clay pigeons, go-karts, wakeboarding and more at Glasfryn Parc. Or ride the 125mph lines at Zip World. Stick around for the quarry karts and Zip World Tower.
Discover the history of local slate at Llechwedd Slate Mines. Follow the winding tunnels through Sygun Copper Mines. Buy clocks, coasters and more from Jones Slate Crafts. Discover Portmeirion’s Italianate tourist village and take home the local pottery. Or go castle crazy at Conway, Caernarfon, Castell Dinas and Penrhyn.
