Dolgellau guidebook
Sightseeing
Famous for the 60s TV series the Prisoner and pottery. Italian style colourful village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925-75. It’s set on the estuary with beach and woodland/garden walks, botanical gardens cafes and hotel.
Get in free if you book a Sunday lunch - worth reviewing if this is cost effective.
383 locals recommend
Portmeirion
Famous for the 60s TV series the Prisoner and pottery. Italian style colourful village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925-75. It’s set on the estuary with beach and woodland/garden walks, botanical gardens cafes and hotel.
Get in free if you book a Sunday lunch - worth reviewing if this is cost effective.
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below with the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
If you are there in the summer check out the amazing local ice cream shop Hufenfa'r Castell – there can be a bit
of a line in the sunshine but it’s worth any wait.
187 locals recommend
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below with the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
If you are there in the summer check out the amazing local ice cream shop Hufenfa'r Castell – there can be a bit
of a line in the sunshine but it’s worth any wait.
Ffestiniog railway (https://www.festrail.co.uk/; Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. LL49 9DY) this is a narrow gauge railway that goes from Fffestiniog to Porthmadog there are various length rides (2.5 to 7 hours and options available from £25 per head so we recommend researching and booking in advance).
There are various steam train options locally:
Welsh Highline Railways (Harbour Station, Porthmadog. LL49 9NF)
Welsh Highline Heritage Railway (Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. LL49 9DY)
123 locals recommend
Ffestiniog Railway Harbour Station
Ffestiniog railway (https://www.festrail.co.uk/; Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. LL49 9DY) this is a narrow gauge railway that goes from Fffestiniog to Porthmadog there are various length rides (2.5 to 7 hours and options available from £25 per head so we recommend researching and booking in advance).
There are various steam train options locally:
Welsh Highline Railways (Harbour Station, Porthmadog. LL49 9NF)
Welsh Highline Heritage Railway (Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. LL49 9DY)
https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/garden/plas-brondanw-gardens-cafe-912461
A twentieth century garden which was owned and designed by the Italy-loving Arts and Crafts architect, Clough Williams-Ellis - mini portmeirion, with good cafe.
18 locals recommend
Plas Brondanw Gardens
https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/garden/plas-brondanw-gardens-cafe-912461
A twentieth century garden which was owned and designed by the Italy-loving Arts and Crafts architect, Clough Williams-Ellis - mini portmeirion, with good cafe.
Activity
Fairbourne miniature steam railway - The Fairbourne Railway has been running from Fairbourne village to the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, connecting with the ferry to Barmouth for over 100 years. It’s a small carriage so we don’t recommend taking pushchairs, check the times before you go, parking is available at Fairbourne.
They also offer small ferry boat rides on the estuary - to and from Barmouth.
22 locals recommend
Fairbourne Beach
Fairbourne miniature steam railway - The Fairbourne Railway has been running from Fairbourne village to the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, connecting with the ferry to Barmouth for over 100 years. It’s a small carriage so we don’t recommend taking pushchairs, check the times before you go, parking is available at Fairbourne.
They also offer small ferry boat rides on the estuary - to and from Barmouth.
The precipice walk - 3 miles, start near Dolgellau
Panorama Walk - 4 miles, start near Barmouth
Abergwynant Woods - 4 miles, start Penmaenpool (nr Dolgellau)
Clogau (gold mines) - 4 miles, Bontddu
Other places of interest:
Trawsfynydd power station and lake https://seearoundbritain.com/venues/trawsfynydd-power-station-open-daily-free-entry
31 locals recommend
Precipice Walk
The precipice walk - 3 miles, start near Dolgellau
Panorama Walk - 4 miles, start near Barmouth
Abergwynant Woods - 4 miles, start Penmaenpool (nr Dolgellau)
Clogau (gold mines) - 4 miles, Bontddu
Other places of interest:
Trawsfynydd power station and lake https://seearoundbritain.com/venues/trawsfynydd-power-station-open-daily-free-entry
Abergwynant Woods
Good for walks, see other notes under Precipice walks
The Mawddach Trail footpath walk and cycle route winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. Whilst the trail can be joined at several points it starts at the picturesque market town of Dolgellau and finishes by crossing the iconic railway bridge over the mouth of the estuary into Barmouth. Pub Dolgellau end (see pubs); families bike it as there are plenty of picnic spots of route. Stunning scenery. Featured in Julia Bradbury's Railway Walks TV show.
52 locals recommend
The Mawddach Trail
The Mawddach Trail footpath walk and cycle route winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. Whilst the trail can be joined at several points it starts at the picturesque market town of Dolgellau and finishes by crossing the iconic railway bridge over the mouth of the estuary into Barmouth. Pub Dolgellau end (see pubs); families bike it as there are plenty of picnic spots of route. Stunning scenery. Featured in Julia Bradbury's Railway Walks TV show.
Coed-y Brenin a renowned mountain bike trail centre (https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/coed-y-brenin-forest-park). As well as cycling there are also nice walks for various levels (forest/waterfall), a playground and café.
62 locals recommend
Coed-y-Brenin
Coed-y Brenin a renowned mountain bike trail centre (https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/coed-y-brenin-forest-park). As well as cycling there are also nice walks for various levels (forest/waterfall), a playground and café.
For local hire - ‘sensible’ bikes – would need to book in advance (LL40 1DF; info@dolgellaucycles.co.uk; 01341 423332) good for exploring the Mawddach Trail on.
Dolgellau Cycles
Smithfield StreetFor local hire - ‘sensible’ bikes – would need to book in advance (LL40 1DF; info@dolgellaucycles.co.uk; 01341 423332) good for exploring the Mawddach Trail on.
Dyfi Bike Park - Mountain trails hand crafted by Dan Atherton (former national champion of Great Britain) https://www.dyfibikepark.co.uk/
Annually the Red Bull Hardline - The world’s best and bravest rider is hosted in the area.
17 locals recommend
Dyfi Bike Park
Dyfi Bike Park - Mountain trails hand crafted by Dan Atherton (former national champion of Great Britain) https://www.dyfibikepark.co.uk/
Annually the Red Bull Hardline - The world’s best and bravest rider is hosted in the area.
Cricceth golf offers frisbee, football golf as well as pitch and put. Boules and water sports also available. Next to Dylans if you are looking for post-activity refreshments/dining.
7 locals recommend
Criccieth Multi Golf
EsplanadeCricceth golf offers frisbee, football golf as well as pitch and put. Boules and water sports also available. Next to Dylans if you are looking for post-activity refreshments/dining.
National White Water Centre LL 23 7NU, There is a café to watch the experts and others. White water rafting experiences for families. https://www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk/
There is now a surfing centre set up at another old slate pit – Surf Snowdonia https://www.adventureparcsnowdonia.com/surf-snowdonia/
Paddleboarding and kayaking at Cricceth http://cricciethmultigolf.com/paddleboarding.html
We haven’t tried these ourselves for a number of years so do some research and book in advance.
72 locals recommend
The National White Water Centre - Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol
National White Water Centre LL 23 7NU, There is a café to watch the experts and others. White water rafting experiences for families. https://www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk/
There is now a surfing centre set up at another old slate pit – Surf Snowdonia https://www.adventureparcsnowdonia.com/surf-snowdonia/
Paddleboarding and kayaking at Cricceth http://cricciethmultigolf.com/paddleboarding.html
We haven’t tried these ourselves for a number of years so do some research and book in advance.
Bala has a humungous lake and taster canoe, sailing days from Bala Adventure and Water Sports LL23 7SR, https://www.balawatersports.com/
87 locals recommend
Llyn Tegid
Bala has a humungous lake and taster canoe, sailing days from Bala Adventure and Water Sports LL23 7SR, https://www.balawatersports.com/
Climb Cader: Guide to walking up Cader Idris | Visit Wales
Or walk up Snowdon but it can be very busy in peak season – there is also the railway up to the top for those who aren’t able to make the walk.
61 locals recommend
Penygader
Climb Cader: Guide to walking up Cader Idris | Visit Wales
Or walk up Snowdon but it can be very busy in peak season – there is also the railway up to the top for those who aren’t able to make the walk.
Neighbourhoods
Barmouth (LL42 1EF) - very popular, big sandy beaches and often busy with lots of facilities - typical seaside entertainment like donkeys, shops, fish and chips, arcade. Carparking available road side near arcade for free or pay and display various spots in the town/alongside the beach. It can get very busy peak season.
121 locals recommend
Barmouth
Barmouth (LL42 1EF) - very popular, big sandy beaches and often busy with lots of facilities - typical seaside entertainment like donkeys, shops, fish and chips, arcade. Carparking available road side near arcade for free or pay and display various spots in the town/alongside the beach. It can get very busy peak season.
Beaches/food
Borth-y- Gest (LL49 9TR) - little bays (with coffee shop and ice cream, see Sea View). The coastal path leads you round to a number of bays, clean expansive dog friendly sands. Quieter beaches via the coastal path walk.
Black Rock Sands - When the tide is out there are miles of beach! You can actually drive onto this beach (this is the post code of the nearest caravan site to this beach LL49 9YH). Lovely spot for an evening beach barbie.
59 locals recommend
Borth-y-Gest
Borth-y- Gest (LL49 9TR) - little bays (with coffee shop and ice cream, see Sea View). The coastal path leads you round to a number of bays, clean expansive dog friendly sands. Quieter beaches via the coastal path walk.
Black Rock Sands - When the tide is out there are miles of beach! You can actually drive onto this beach (this is the post code of the nearest caravan site to this beach LL49 9YH). Lovely spot for an evening beach barbie.
Food scene
Castle, beach, Dylans!
Criccieth (LL52 0HU) - is the next town along the Llyn Peninsula and has a stony beach (great fish and chips and a ruined castle).
62 locals recommend
Criccieth
Castle, beach, Dylans!
Criccieth (LL52 0HU) - is the next town along the Llyn Peninsula and has a stony beach (great fish and chips and a ruined castle).
Purple Moose Brewery
Madoc Stlocal beer!
LL40 1YD
George111 Penmaenpool LL40 1YD. On the estuary along from Dolgellau.
We eat at both and often wander along the Mawddach trail. This runs Dolgellau to Barmouth.
33 locals recommend
The Grapes Hotel
We eat at both and often wander along the Mawddach trail. This runs Dolgellau to Barmouth.
Beechwood House
Local cocktail bar
There are several pubs within Dolgellau that are a short walk from the house (Stag Inn, Royal Ship, Yr Unicorn) and if you enjoy a cocktail Beechwood House is highly recommended. We recommend pre-booking for Sunday lunches in the pubs.
Yr Unicorn
Smithfield SquareThere are several pubs within Dolgellau that are a short walk from the house (Stag Inn, Royal Ship, Yr Unicorn) and if you enjoy a cocktail Beechwood House is highly recommended. We recommend pre-booking for Sunday lunches in the pubs.
Mawddach pizza local restaurant with stunning views and really good homemade pizza – you will need to book in advance. LL40 2TA (01341 421 752; open Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm)
http://www.mawddach.com/
£15-25 per head
21 locals recommend
Mawddach Restaurant
Mawddach pizza local restaurant with stunning views and really good homemade pizza – you will need to book in advance. LL40 2TA (01341 421 752; open Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm)
http://www.mawddach.com/
£15-25 per head
TH Roberts - Meg is the owner of this old semi converted original hardware shop makes all the cakes they are amazing. It’s unique, dog and child friendly and well worth a visit.
Her son runs an off shoot in Porthmadog. Called Siop Coffi T.H not as big but with a range of Meg’s cakes.
If you are visiting for a special occasion they also offer amazing cakes to pre-order and collect (£15 upwards, we recommend the chocolate).
LL40 1BD; 01341 423573; 9am-5pm, Note it’s closed on Sundays Cake from £3
18 locals recommend
Roberts Bros
Bridge StreetTH Roberts - Meg is the owner of this old semi converted original hardware shop makes all the cakes they are amazing. It’s unique, dog and child friendly and well worth a visit.
Her son runs an off shoot in Porthmadog. Called Siop Coffi T.H not as big but with a range of Meg’s cakes.
If you are visiting for a special occasion they also offer amazing cakes to pre-order and collect (£15 upwards, we recommend the chocolate).
LL40 1BD; 01341 423573; 9am-5pm, Note it’s closed on Sundays Cake from £3
Dylans, iconic Art Deco restaurant on the sea (also a Clough Ellis building) with local produce, pizza, seafood contemporary dining – great food, views, family friendly. Book in advance.
In the summer you can sit outside, and they also have a drinks van; we’ve never visited the other locations at Meai Bridge or Llandudno so if you do let us know what it’s like. They also now have a bakery in Llangefni.
LL52 0HU; 01766 522773
https://www.dylansrestaurant.co.uk
£30 per head
109 locals recommend
Dylan's Criccieth
Dylans, iconic Art Deco restaurant on the sea (also a Clough Ellis building) with local produce, pizza, seafood contemporary dining – great food, views, family friendly. Book in advance.
In the summer you can sit outside, and they also have a drinks van; we’ve never visited the other locations at Meai Bridge or Llandudno so if you do let us know what it’s like. They also now have a bakery in Llangefni.
LL52 0HU; 01766 522773
https://www.dylansrestaurant.co.uk
£30 per head
Seaview occupies two premises adjacent to one another - one providing full dine in service & the other fully take away.
Breakfast, Lunch & Evening meals, drinks, coffees & cakes & of course ice creams!
Situated opposite a large pay and display car park (charged from March to October) however this is adequate street parking within the village.
Dog friendly and they even sell dog friendly ice cream! Combine with a visit to the beach coves and a cliffside ramble.
Good location for fish and chips.
LL49 9TR; 01766 515 931; https://seaview.wales/
open minimum Wed-Sunday but times/menus and days vary depending on the season so check in advance.
£15-25 per head
11 locals recommend
Seaview Cafe Bistro & Coffee Lounge
4 & 5 Sea View TerraceSeaview occupies two premises adjacent to one another - one providing full dine in service & the other fully take away.
Breakfast, Lunch & Evening meals, drinks, coffees & cakes & of course ice creams!
Situated opposite a large pay and display car park (charged from March to October) however this is adequate street parking within the village.
Dog friendly and they even sell dog friendly ice cream! Combine with a visit to the beach coves and a cliffside ramble.
Good location for fish and chips.
LL49 9TR; 01766 515 931; https://seaview.wales/
open minimum Wed-Sunday but times/menus and days vary depending on the season so check in advance.
£15-25 per head
Tafarn Y Gader
Smithfield StreetLocal tapas restaurant
Good local lunches also open late for evening meals, nice seating upstairs.
8 locals recommend
Y Sospan
Queen's SquareGood local lunches also open late for evening meals, nice seating upstairs.
Bistro Bermo
6 Church StGood local restaurant
The Bank
Good local restaurant
Shopping
Celf Aran Arts
Great local craft shop - run by the artists themselves
Pieces for Places
High StreetFancy furniture and homeware shop