24 Hours in Porthmadog

Every now and again, it’s important to have a little break. With a family, it's never as easy as just dropping everything and swanning off for the weekend, so you need to have the perfect destination in mind before you go. If you want to clock out on Friday and spend 24 hours in an area with affordable accommodation and a plethora of family-friendly attractions, try Porthmadog in North Wales.

Assuming you've bundled everyone into the car and driven on Friday evening, you could be checking into a charming hotel or B&B in the beautiful bay of Porthmadog. If you want to try a holiday cottage, you might have to check in early on a Saturday, but the reward will be a more rural and secluded experience.

Once you're settled in, it's time to explore. Porthmadog itself is a wonderful port town, packed with cafés and restaurants, providing hearty breakfasts next to the Afon Glaslyn River – the perfect spot to plan the day ahead.  

Some great eateries to look out for Breaktimes Cafe, Thai Harbwr and The Big Rock Café. 

Snowdonia National Park is just a stone's throw away from lots of Porthmadog accommodation, and there’s an incredible amount of things to see and do there. The most popular amongst visitors is Mt Snowdon and the surrounding scenic beaches dotted about the coastline. Black Rock Sands is an especially popular destination – a gorgeous, sweeping sandy beach with impressive caves and rock pools.

If you’re after something a little more sedate, perhaps if you’ve got young children or a family member with limited mobility, the Welsh Highland Railway is a great option. Get a day pass and explore at your own leisure, hopping on and off the beautifully restored steam engines and enjoying Wales' wonderful countryside.

Vibrant hamlets like the scenic Portmeirion Village is just a short drive from Porthmadog. With its beautiful architecture based on quaint, Italian villages, acres of exotic woodland, and miles of stunning woodland and coastal walks, it’s well worth a trip. 

You’re guaranteed to have worked up a big appetite after your hike, walk, swim or surf. Whether you want to enjoy fresh seafood from the Irish Sea, a hearty pub dinner or even a delicious Thai, Porthmadog has plenty of delicious restaurants available. You can squeeze in a quick nature walk or one more meal by the shore before it's time to pack up.  Taking a stroll along The Cob at Porthmadog is fantastic for nature lovers.  The scree slopes of The Cob are colonised by wild flowers including the yellow horned poppy; whilst the salt marsh are is an area that bird lovers will enjoy.  Look out for wigeons and the rare grebe. 

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end, and at some point, you'll have to make the drive back home – hopefully, with a smile on your face, tired legs, and great memories!

Any recommendations for great places to visit in North Wales that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!