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 £95 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£95
6 Jul - 7 Jul
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! (515 reviews)
"Very comfortable, clean and great location to base oneself to visit local attractions. A great area to walk."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Aberdunant Hall
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
3 out of 5
Market Square, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is £97 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£97
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (202 reviews)
Perfect birthday at the golden fleece inn.
"We arrived at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, the team were busy and to be expected. We were then attended to within a few minutes. Polite and friendly and shown to our room. It was a building near the pub. Parking was free and able to park outside the pub. Its all situated in a square,like a market square ..."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Royal Sportsman Hotel
Royal Sportsman Hotel
4 out of 5
131 High St, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is £124 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£124
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (87 reviews)
"Staff very good and breakfast excellent"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Royal Sportsman Hotel
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! (69 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
Osprey Cottage
Osprey Cottage
3 out of 5
2 Stepiau Prenteg, Porthmadog, Wales
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Welsh Highland Heritage Railway and Ffestiniog ...
Osprey Cottage
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Porthmadog

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Three excellent narrow gauge railways to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

great place and would surely return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy walking distance from the house.We took both the festiniog and welsh highland railways from the station by the harbour,both great days out.Tremadog itself has 2 good pubs serving food,a great a la carte restaurant and an excellent chip shop.

4/5 - Good

Dave

Definitely need to book evening meal tables before arriving at the hotel. A good base to explore the coast and countryside

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Like the place very much will be moving to the area.

4/5 - Good

janet

Borth Y Fest was a beautiful spot recommend a visit.

Cities near Porthmadog