Dolgellau

Dolgellau's history is a rich tapestry woven around the woollen industry, a gold rush in the 19th Century — British royal wedding rings are made from Welsh gold to this day, including those of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge — and a community of 17th century Quakers who fled to Pennsylvania after being persecuted.

Staying in Dolgellau 

Dolgellau has many hotels, guesthouses and B&B accommodation both in the town itself and in the surrounding area, full of character to make your stay a touch out of the ordinary.

For example, a Grade-II listed building beside the Mawddach Estuary dates back to the 17th Century, with carefully preserved period features as well as 21st Century facilities. Another stone-clad building used to serve as the town's maternity home and combines quirky vintage design and furnishings covered in pretty fabrics with en suite rooms each with its own flat screen TV. 

In addition to this, self-catering holiday lets are easy to find, ranging from log cabins, barn conversions and charming stone farmhouses through to a group of cottages that sleep up to 19 people.

Scenic campsites are available too, as well as budget accommodation in bunkhouses and the chance to stay in a yurt. 

Eating Out in Dolgellau

Delightful opportunities to tantalise your taste buds are to be found in Dolgellau. 

There is four star dining, catering for vegans and vegetarians as well as meat-eating gourmets, in an intimate restaurant in a medieval cellar. Another acclaimed restaurant has been in the Good Food Guide every year since 1990.

Then there are pubs serving home-cooked, locally sourced food, there are cafés, bistros, steakhouses, fish and chips bars, Indian, Bangladeshi and Spanish cuisine — you will never go hungry in Dolgellau. 

Shopping in Dollgellau

Dollgellau is a refreshing place to shop if you would like to get away from high street chains and browse in small independent stores with personality and local colour.

Locally grown produce and farm-reared meat, artisan-baked bread, jewellery made from gold mined in the area, woollen clothing and sheepskin rugs — it is all here to tempt you. There is also a monthly farmers' market if you are lucky enough to be in Dolgellau at the right time. 

Activities in and Around Dolgellau

Dolgellau is the perfect place if you love to wander in areas of outstanding natural beauty, taking in the spectacular mountain scenery. A host of different outdoor pursuits will keep you active, from rambling, mountain biking, horse-riding, fishing and golfing to canyoning and caving. 

The seaside resort of Wales is just 20 minutes away by road, with its beautiful sandy beach and sheltered harbour, or if you feel the need for urban excitements, Aberysthwyth is an hour away.

Dolgellau is a great place to visit, whatever the season.