Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway
This is a major attraction in North Wales and a Mecca for railway enthusiasts. You couldn’t be closer so you can wander across and watch the trains come and go. Services run to Caernarfon and Beddgelert.
For bookings and information:
Portmeirion, The Italianate Village
This is a must see for anyone visiting North Wales. Portemeirion is just a ten minute drive from The Lookout. You can walk it in forty minutes by crossing the cob and going over the peninsular. Portmeirion VillageIt is a magical day out in this extraordinary other worldly place. There are coastal walks, sandy beaches, forest walks with rare plants. Plus the food is excellent and a Portmeirion Pottery shop as well as the famous No 6 Shop. You can pay on the gate.
For bookings and information:
Zip World at Blaenau Ffestiniog
Here you can travel down into one of the largest slate quarriees in the world on a wire. One of my guests was given a ride for her seventieth birthday so never say your too old. There is a lot to see apart from Zip World. There is the under ground slate caverns, a cafe and play centres.
For bookings and information:
Black Rock Sands
This has to be one of the best beaches in Wales. You can go on foot via Borth Y Gest from The Lookout or its a twenty minute drive away. You can drive right onto the beach and park up for the day. As a lad I drove my dads car for the first time on this beach. This link from Visit Wales has everything you need to know.
Information on Black Rock Sands
Caernarfon Castle
One of the best preserved castles in Wales, Caernarfon is magnificent. There is a good exhibition as well as guided tours. Caernarfon is a lovely town and worth spending the time going around the centre and to the marina. A great day out and only forty minutes drive from The Lookout.
For bookings and information:
Criccieth Castle
Criccieth is a ten minute drive away from The Lookout and has a fine castle that stands on a promontory overlooking the sea. The town has great cafes including Dylans on the sea front. If you fancy ice cream there’s Cadwaladers and a good fish and chip shop.
You can go west along the promenade and go on a wonderful coastal walk,
For bookings and information: Criccieth Castle
Harlech Castle
Like Caernarfon, Harlech Castle is well preserved. It occupies a commanding view overlooking Cardigan Bay. There is a great cafe at the site as well as numerous places to eat in the town. One of the best being Plas Restaurant in the high street with views of the bay.
It’s a twenty minute drive from Porthmadog.
For bookings and information: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/harlech-castle
Abersoch
This beautifiul coastal town is just forty minutes away and is the perfect destination for a day out. There is The Potted Lobster restaurant as well as many other cafes. Plus a great sandy beach, beach huts and plenty of walks.
Borth-y-Gest
From The Lookout walk around the harbour, past the marina and keep on walking. After about fifteen minutes you will arrive in Borth-y-Gest. This is a beautiful village ideal for short walk with the reward of coffee or lunch if you wish.
If you keep going around the inlet you will find yourself on a coastal walk that is spectacular.
Dorethea Quarry Walk
As a young student I can remember filming in one of the quarries in this area when it was still operatonal. Nowadays it is a spectacular walk where you can go around the edge of the now flooded quarry.
A twenty five minute drive from The Lookout.
For more information about how to get there and the history visit madogwalksgroup.org.uk
National Slate Museum, LLanberis
This is a great day out. The drive to LLanberis is spectacular whatever the weather. The museum is fascinating. Look for the four workers cottages to get a feel for what it must have been like to live as a family in a small cottage. The cafe is good and you can go on a steam train along L:ake Padarn.
Penhryn Castle, Near Bangor
This slate baron’s home needs to be viewed in relation to the housing that the owner’s employees lived in. A strange mix of castle, church and mansion on a scale that needs to be seen to be believed.