Porthmadog Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Porthmadog
Photo by Andrew
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Photo by Anna Hamblett
Photo by J Glynne Jones

A charming harbour town on the Glaslyn Estuary in Gwynedd, North Wales, Porthmadog makes the ideal base for exploring the rugged coves and inlets of the Cambrian Coast.

Backed by the mountainous Welsh countryside and facing the dramatic sweep ofCardigan Bay, the town will make the perfect destination for an unforgettable Welsh break.

Boasting a rich maritime history, easy access to Snowdonia National Parkand a pretty seaside setting,Porthmadog combines some of the best qualitiesWaleshas to offer. Throw in a vibrant culture and heritage train line, and you can see why Porthmadogdraws visitors from all across the UK.

Located in an historic part of Wales,Porthmadoghas some fantastic history right on its doorstep. BothHarlech andCaernarfon Castlesare within a 30-minute drive of the town while the impressiveConwy Castle lies a little further up the coast. All three castles are on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to their beautifully preserved structures and historical importance.

The culture inPorthmadogis distinctly Welsh, with around 75% of the population speaking the language as a mother tongue. Independent craft shops sell a variety of locally made products and many of the restaurants and bakeries offer a choice of regional produce.

Visitors wanting to learn more about the area’s cultural history should head to the fascinatingPorthmadog Maritime Museumon Oakley Wharf. Here, a variety of displays chronicle the town’s rise from tiny harbour settlement to international maritime centre.

With both theFfestiniog Railwayand theWelsh Highland Heritage Railwaypassing through the town,Porthmadogis a fantastic destination for heritage rail enthusiasts. Both routes are easy to access from the town centre and offer passengers fantastic views of the surrounding area. Of the two lines, the Ffestiniog Railway is longer and more varied, though both trips make fun family days out.

With five beaches within a stone’s throw ofPorthmadog, visitors to the town can enjoy bracing coastal walks in the winter and relaxing days by the sea in the summer. If you’re looking for wide expanses of sand, the seaward beaches are perfect. For calmer waters and smaller bays, head to the sands along the estuary. Telly addicts may well recognise the nearby beach in the village ofPortmeirion, made famous by cult 1960s TV The Prisoner.

With the Irish Sea on one side and Snowdonia National Park on the other, it’s no surprise thatPorthmadogmakes a fantastic destination for visitors looking to explore the Welsh landscape.

Visitors staying inPorthmadoghave a fantastic variety of activities to choose from including walking, pony trekking, climbing, cycling, surfing, water skiing, quad biking and abseiling.

A vast network of walks crisscross the nearby Snowdonia National Park, with all ages, abilities and fitness levels catered for.

With its stunning location, wide range of activities and distinctive Welsh feel,Porthmadogis a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to climb the formidableMount Snowdon, explore the National Park by rail, learn about Welsh history in a real life castle or relax on a wide sandy beach,Porthmadoghas it all.

Aberdunant Hall

Aberdunant Hall

4 out of 5
Prenteg, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is £112 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
£112
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (527 reviews)
Wonderful family break with great service!
"We recently stayed at this site as a family (my wife, daughter, and I) and had a fantastic time. There was plenty to do throughout the day to keep our little one entertained, and in the evenings, it was lovely to relax in the private hot tub once she was asleep — a real bonus! The location was great ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Aberdunant Hall
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog

3 out of 5
Market Square, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is £100 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£100
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star inn in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (204 reviews)
Pretty good for the price
"Very friendly welcome. The room was in a separate building and you could hear guests next door and upstairs. There's a weird pump in the bathroom for the toilet and the bathroom - I expect a result of it being an old building and plumbing. No problem for the price. The team were very welcoming and ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog

Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog

Porthmadog, Wales
Stay at this holiday home in Porthmadog. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Couldn't ask for more
"Excellent location, clean, modern with fantastic views. Thank you."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog

Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog

Porthmadog, Wales
Stay at this holiday home in Porthmadog. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
Couldn't ask for more
"Excellent location, clean, modern with fantastic views. Thank you."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Sea View Holiday Cottage Porthmadog
TY Capel - A Truly Beautiful Escape!

TY Capel - A Truly Beautiful Escape!

Penmorfa
Stay at this apartment in Porthmadog. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways ...
TY Capel - A Truly Beautiful Escape!
Fisherman Cove

Fisherman Cove

3 out of 5
Robert Owen Marine Oakley Wharf, Porthmadog, Wales
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and Welsh ...
Fisherman Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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