10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Gwynedd That You Shouldn't Miss

June 9, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

Discover the best top things to do in Gwynedd, United Kingdom including Talyllyn Railway, Black Rock Llamas, Beacon Climbing Centre, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Llyn Coastal Path, Caernarfon Castle, Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth), GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd), Penrhyn Castle, Tywyn Beach.
Restaurants in Gwynedd

1. Talyllyn Railway

Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 988 reviews

Talyllyn Railway

The Talyllyn Railway is a historic narrow gauge steam railway, being the Worlds First preserved Railway!. Running continously since 1865, our track runs for 7.25miles from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol through unspoilt Snowdonia. Operated by a dedicated group of Volunteers, the railway carries passengers along the same route their Victorian ancestors would have done. Retrace the quarrymans journey into the hills to mine slate. Our principle station at Tywyn is also home to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, Railway Shop and King's Licensed Cafe & Bistro. A large carpark is available close to the station. The line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. We offer a great day out for all the family, allow 4 hours for a round trip, visit to the museum and something to eat!. Groups receive a discount when booked in advance.

2. Black Rock Llamas

Morfa Bychan Road, Porthmadog LL49 9UR Wales +44 1766 513344 http://blackrockllamas.co.uk/index.htm
Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 82 reviews

Black Rock Llamas

Reviewed By 326ninak

We visited BlackRock Llamas this morning and both me , my mum and my 2 boys had the best time!! Very friendly reception with lots of very interesting information and a lovely walk round and fun doing llama agility (which I never even knew existed until today) . I would highly recommend to anyone I know and would certainly go back if in the area again! Thank you!!

3. Beacon Climbing Centre

Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon LL55 2BD Wales +44 1286 677322 [email protected] http://www.beaconclimbing.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 709 reviews

Beacon Climbing Centre

Rain or shine, come and climb! Beacon Climbing Centre is an exciting all weather venue, with fun activities suitable for the whole family. It's great fun for kids and the perfect antidote to boring gym regimes for adults! Conquer our high roped walls for an unbeatable sense of achievement, experience the freedom of climbing without using a rope in our low level bouldering areas or try something that's entirely off-the-wall: CrazyClimb featuring a series of wacky climbing challenges! No previous experience is required and anyone can have a go. Spectators can watch for free, there is an awesome café on site, and free WiFi is available throughout the centre.

Reviewed By Julesnbillie18

Had amazing fun on our family trip to crazy climb!!! Would definitely recommend to anyone!! Our instructor joe was amazing!!! Couldn’t have asked for s better instructor, friendly and approachable!! Many thanks

4. Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve

Bethesda, Bangor LL573LZ Wales +44 1248 600954 http://www.first-nature.com/waleswildlife/n-nnr-idwal.php
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 244 reviews

Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve

Reviewed By LejasLou - San Francisco, United States

If you are visiting Snowdonia/Eryri: do not miss this hike! Parking in the summer can be challenging, so it’s best to get here before 11am (9:30am if you want a spot in the paid parking lot). Many cars end up parking on the side of the road, but even that space fills quickly and can be a bit dangerous with little kids/buggies/etc. There is a stand that sells coffee and ice cream just next to the paid parking lot but pretty much all seating is outside so if the weather isn’t great, you might want to keep that in mind. The hike to the lake is a mild/moderate incline but generally well-maintained path with stone steps - for those who don’t hike much it’s absolutely do-able and fun, just take your time. Once you reach the lake, it’s mostly flat with some gentle inclines/declines. It can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to do the entire loop from the parking lot to around the lake - the time depends on how fast you want to go. For the more more advanced hikers, this is also a gateway to more challenging hikes into Devils Kitchen and then beyond access to a range of some of the Eryri’s 3000s mountains (ie the Glyderau range). If you want to do the range, definitely start early but can be done in a day.

5. Llyn Coastal Path

Pwllheli LL53 8LH Wales http://www.visitsnowdonia.info/walking-85.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 160 reviews

Llyn Coastal Path

Walk this stunning part of the Welsh Coastal path from the Castle in Caernarfon in the NE along the pilgrim's route to the beautiful church at Clynnog Fawr, and on to Trefor and the Iron Age hill fort of Tre'r Ceiri. Walk the sandy beaches of Nefyn, Morfa Nefyn and Porth Dinllaen, and Porth Penllech and Porth Oer/Whistling Sands as you head to Uwch Y Mynydd - the Lands End of the Llyn and overlook the tranquil island of Ynnis Enlli/Bardsey island. Stay a while and explore more and continue your walk allong the southern coast to Abersoch, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Cricieth and Black Rock Sands and Porthmadog. If you're interested you can stay with us a few days at our B&B and we will happily provide the daily shuttle service to and from any point on the walk from Clynnog Fawr to Pwllheli. That takes all the hassle out of organising your walk and you will stay in some luxury with us. You will not be disappointed check out our reviews on Trip Advisor.

Reviewed By 443rhianp - Pwllheli, United Kingdom

The Llŷn Peninsula is a bit of a hidden gem and the coastal path is truly lovely. Unspoilt with a great variety of patchwork countryside thanks to the active progressive farming in the area. Wicklow Mountains clearly visible from north west part of path on a clear day.

6. Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle Castle Ditch Pendeitsh, Caernarfon LL55 2AY Wales +44 1286 677617 [email protected] http://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,011 reviews

Caernarfon Castle

After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

Reviewed By WendyH291

The castle is huge, be prepared for a lot of climbing up steep narrow stairs to negotiate walking right around the castle battlements. There is an interesting short film to watch giving the history of the castle which is worth watching and quite a big museum which is devoted to the history of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers . The views from the towers over the town and the water are very good. We enjoyed walking around the town afterwards.

7. Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth)

Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch LL53 7LG Wales
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth)

Reviewed By Johnfrisbee - Christchurch, United Kingdom

Wow, such a long, wide and wild-if-windy beach. Perfect for a gentle stroll, or blowing off the cobwebs, depending on the weather. You get a real sense of isolation here, with not that many fellow walkers, (midweek/October). It's well signposted on the local road, with a small car park. Then around 5mins walk along a sandy path through the dunes... And then - the view! We enjoyed reading the various signs, learning a little of the beach's history and wildlife. (The more signs and info the better methinks. History and wildlife very important, as well as giving areas like these context.) We loved it here, spending a very happy hour, walking part of this huge beach. Oh that we had more time to cover it all...no matter, we'll return someday.

8. GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd)

B4366 Bethel Road, Y Felinheli LL56 4QN Wales +44 1248 671493 [email protected] http://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,149 reviews

GreenWood (Gelli Gyffwrdd)

For family adventure visit GreenWood – Snowdonia’s totally unique eco-attraction! Ride the world’s first people powered rollercoaster and zoom down Wales’s longest sledge run. Explore TreeTop Towers, take the Jungle Boats challenge and conquer the Crocodile Maze. Learn something new – Archery, Stilt Walking or Den Building – then stomp along the BareFoot Trail.This multi award-winning attraction promises an unforgettable family day out, whatever the weather.

Reviewed By Adamhayward1995

Brilliant day out for all the family very reasonable ticket prices and plenty of activities to do including water rides, den building, sledging, treetop adventure, rollercoaster, bare foot walk and lots more

9. Penrhyn Castle

Bangor LL57 4HN Wales +44 1248 353084 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle/
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,428 reviews

Penrhyn Castle

This 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. In addition, it has an outstanding collection of paintings.The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum.The 24.3 hectares (60 acres) of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden.

Reviewed By Scooteraande - Bergen, Norway

Visited this castle on recommendation from mother in law - beautiful grounds it is set in - when I first saw it I was not impressed with the outside appearance however this was soon changed when I went inside the house - what a beautiful maintained property by the national trust -the staff were excellent and explained about the appearance of the outside of the building due to the limestone - staff were very helpful and informative and the history of the castle was very interesting and how it came to be - built on the back of wealth and finally being surrendered due to death duties - the national trust works tirelessly to maintain and restore for our future generations - also plenty of information boards around the house nice to know all the belongings in the house were in the house when it was left. My husband and I had coffee twice in the coffee shop which was clean friendly staff light and airey - the connected railway museum is very informative in relation to local history - the gardens and grounds are beautiful to walk and stroll around in - staff yet again very informative this is a beautiful castle and a beautiful setting well worth a visit x

10. Tywyn Beach

Tywyn Wales
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 338 reviews

Tywyn Beach

Reviewed By BethanGriffiths - Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, United Kingdom

I cannot remember the last time I visited Tywyn but I will be back again soon. We found a good fish and chip shop to have our lunch and was surprised by the number of shops there were there.We went down to the beach and found plenty of benches to sit on and relax. The beach was so clean and you did not have to pay for parking in the car park. Ideal place to take children as there is plenty of sand to make castles. Will be back again soon

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