Barmouth, where the mountains meet the sea, has been welcoming visitors for over 150 years. We welcome you to discover the area, the people, the scenery and to relax and rediscover yourself. The sunsets are amazing. The town looks out over the Cardigan Bay in the Southern part of Snowdonia. If you are looking for the outdoors, walking, cycling, paddle boarding , kayaking, paddling in the sea or building sandcastles, then Barmouth is the perfect centre. Barmouth’s history can be explored via the Heritage Trail and visiting the two museums. There is a wide range of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Why not spend a day dipping in and out of the shops, with regular coffee stops and maybe an ice cream on the harbour watching the boats and seagulls? There are many places to visit for a day out- slate mines, steam trains, castles gardens and prehistoric monuments.

Places of Interest

1. Barmouth Beach

For that vintage seaside atmosphere of candy floss and donkey rides, set up your deckchair in the section closest to the town. The Blue Flag beach is hardly ever overcrowded and also has trampolines, bouncy castle and pirate ship during the Summer. If you want a quieter space for your picnic and to be closer to the sea, then venture further along the one-mile long promenade perhaps using the land train which runs the length of the promenade. Here you will find a stretch of beach to yourself. The Min-y-Mor Hotel has an excellent beer garden overlooking the beach near the end of the promenade and offers a range of lunch options.

2. Barmouth Bridge

Barmouth Bridge, 150 years old in 2017. Currently free for pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Barmouth and Fairbourne. Once on the Fairbourne side, there is a path into Fairbourne itself, or you can travel up the famous Mawddach Trail along the disused railway line towards Dolgellau via the George the III pub. Bike hire is available in Barmouth or Dolgellau. Barmouth Bridge (Welsh: Pont Abermaw), or Barmouth Viaduct is a Grade II* listed single-track wooden railway viaduct across the estuary of the River Mawddach near Barmouth, Wales. It is 699 metres (764 yd) long and carries the Cambrian Line.

https://mawddachtrail.com/barmouth-bridge/

3. Mawddach Trail

http://www.mawddachtrail.co.uk/mawddach-trail.html

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.

4. Ty Crwn

Just behind the quay and to the rear of Wynnstay Apartment is Barmouth's old lock-up called Ty Crwn or the Round House. Built during the 1830's as the town's gaol - at a cost of £55. It must have been widely used to accommodate the inebriated and/or troublesome of the town. Ty Crwn is set amongst landscaped gardens which are a place to sit and enjoy the evening sun.

5. Dinas Oleu

An area of National Trust Land above the town of Barmouth. The walk takes you from Barmouth town centre through the steep narrow winding streets of the Old Town and up to the top of the gorse-covered hill, known as Dinas Oleu (Citadel of Light). As you make your way upwards, dramatic views over the Mawddach Estuary and Cardigan Bay - stretching towards the Llyn Peninsula - unfold. The walk is rich in history and you will explore the first area of land donated to the National Trust in 1895 by Mrs Fanny Talbot.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/dinas-oleu-walk-barmouth

6. Cader Idris

For grandeur and rugged beauty, few locations equal Cadair Idris, a spectacular chain of peaks in the south of Snowdonia National Park.

The highest peak, and one of Wales’s highest mountains, is Penygadair and the views from the summit overlook most of Wales, from the Llŷn peninsula in the north-west to the Brecon Beacons in the south-east

Cadair Idris visitor centre and Cadair Tea Room are 250 metres from the car park on a wide level path at the Minford entrance.

The visitor centre houses an exhibition showcasing the wildlife, geology and legends of Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve. 

https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/north-west-wales/cadair-idris-national-nature-reserve/?lang=en

https://www.cadairidriswales.com/

7. Cwm Nantcol

Cwm Nantcol is a magical place at the head of a beautiful valley, crouching beneath the craggy Rhinog mountains in the Snowdonia National Park. The area also has a campsite, which gets very full in the Summer months, but has a car park and facilities.

8. Shell Island

Most people come to Shell Island for Shells. Shells are found in abundance after the winter storms and high tides. More than 200 different varieties of shells can be found over a season. Some are so small, a magnifying glass is a necessary piece of equipment!.

Bathing Beaches - Shell Island has three fine sandy bathing beaches. The main bathing beach which extends for several miles is overlooked by a car park and backed by sandunes. Shell island is also renowned for its wild flowers, fishing and birds.

For more details, visit the website;

https://www.visitwales.com/product/958731

9. Portmeirion

Situated Portmeirion Village is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Shops and Cafes close at 5.30pm. Portmeirion Village is home to two hotels, a cluster of historic cottages, iconic architecture, a spa, stylish shops, award-winning restaurants, casual cafes, an Italian ice cream parlour, exotic gardens and sandy beaches.

For more details, please visit the website; https://portmeirion.wales/

10. Harlech Castle

To the North of Barmouth in the village of Harlech, Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.

The castle has a dramatic setting, 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.

To find out more, visit the website; https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/harlech-castle

Places to Eat and Drink

Trip Advisor have collated a list of best restaurants in Barmouth. To access these, follow this link; https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g316013-armouth_Gwynedd_North_Wales_Wales.html

1. Davey Jones’ Locker

Just a stone’s throw away, this all day licensed café is in an excellent location on the harbour and serves a range of freshly prepared food. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

2. Isis Pizzeria

Situated on the harbour, in a prime location and a very short stroll away from Wynnstay, this cafe offers tasty pizza, salads and a range of meal options. The café serves breakfast, lunch and evening meals and is licensed to sell wines and beers.

3. The Bank Restaurant

This tastefully renovated old bank is home to this restaurant. The restaurant offers great food in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

The Bank brings a contemporary venue to Barmouth serving an inventive menu of locally sourced seasonal ingredients, such as Shell Island Lobster & Coed Y brenin Venison. A well-balanced wine list and a tempting selection of cocktails are on offer to complement. For more information visit the website;http://thebankrestaurantbarmouth.co.uk/

4. The Last Inn

The Last inn is a renowned and friendly pub situated on Barmouth Harbour where locals and visitors mingle.  Here they enjoy a quiet pint, a relaxing and tasty meal, or the frivolity of the famous live music. For more information visit; http://last-inn.co.uk/

5. The NorBar

Situated a few miles north of Barmouth, this bar and restaurant is an excellent location and serves a range of beers. The bar also has a pizza oven and serves authentic pizzas alonsgide a more traditional menu. For information and reviews, visit; https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g551983-d12316094-Reviews-Norbar-Llanaber_Barmouth_Gwynedd_North_Wales_Wales.html

6. Nineteen57

This award winning restaurant is situated North of Barmouth in Talybont providing a contemporary and comfortable place to dine. For more information, visit http://www.nineteen57restaurant.com/index.htmk your table today

7. Min-y-Mor Hotel

This seafront Hotel , restaurant , bar and beer garden offers a great place to escape and unwind. https://www.minymor.com/

 If you have any recommendations which you feel we are missing out on, please get in touch.