The village of Talsarnau is approximately mid way between
Harlech and Porthmadog (around 4 miles to each) and lies within easy
reach of all the major attractions North Wales has to offer. The area
is well served by public transport, details of which you can find here,
this is also the best place to book train or bus tickets.
Some of the biggest attractions are listed here with more below.
1 Portmeirion
Village & Gardens
2 Llechwedd
Slate Caverns
3 Bodnant Garden
4 Electric
Mountain
5 Anglesey
Sea Zoo
6 Llangollen
Wharf
7 Bodelwyddan
Castle
8 Marquess
of Anglesey Column
9 Great
Orme
10 Welsh
Mountain Zoo
If you would like to see some pictures of the area click here
Slate has always been a big part of the history of North Wales and still is today, with old workings now attracting visitors, explaining to them how the slate was extracted and worked. The nearest caverns to visit are the Llanfair Slate Caverns, you can take a self guided tour underground to see the working conditions of the early slate miners, visit the children's farm park or just have a coffee taking in the breathtaking views. More can be learnt about slate mining in llanberis the home of the national slate museum, the largest waterwheel in mainland Britain and the Snowdon mountain Railway, to mention just a few of the towns attractions.
Snowdonia and the surrounding countryside have long been a Mecca for hikers and climbers, if you would like to experience some of the wonderful countryside on offer then try Wild Wales, they organize short break holidays exploring the best Snowdonia has to offer.
For the latest news from the area try the local Newspaper, you may even find a new job, but you will certainly get a fell of the area and it's people. More information can be found from Gwynedd county council, they have a wealth of knowledge to share with pages on tourism, travel, community issues and the local environment.
Royal St David's golf club Harlech
Center for alternative technology
Travelling to The Estuary
Located 6.4 km (4 miles) North of Harlech on the A496. Traveling to the Estuary is fairly straightforward.
By Car:
From Liverpool/Manchester:
- Follow the A55 towards Conwy and take the A470 to Betws-Y-Coed.
- Head towards Porthmadog and follow signs for Harlech.
From the Midlands:
- Follow the M54 Shrewsbury to the A5.
- Take the A458 through Welshpool towards Dolgellau.
- Then head towards Porthmadog, following signs for Harlech.
Beaches
The sand dune forming the backbone of the beach at Black Rock Sands are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, situated at Morfa Bychan two miles from Porthmadog there are two miles of sand, one of the few locations where you can take your car on to the beach. It is a well-known beach for activities and popular with windsurfers and kite-bugging.
Situated between Black rock sands beach and Porthmadog is Borth Y Gest.
Here you will find a series of secluded sheltered coves with paths along
the cliff top. It's a very scenic location with panoramic views southwards
towards Harlech and the Rhinog Range. Popular with both bathers and
those wishing to take in the sea air and the views.
Traeth Bach is only a mile from Talsarnau. A very peaceful location
with excellent views of Snowdon and opposite the Italian village of
Portmeirion. It is accessible by car, and you can drive right down to
the waters' edge. Popular with birdwatchers as the sea birds follow
the tide coming in and walkers have a choice of numerous leisurely walks.
Harlech's four miles of sandy beach is probably one of the most photographed
strips of sand in the world. The area has something for every beach
lover. Glorious sand and safe bathing, views to the mountainous, sand
dunes, ideal for a game of hide and seek and miles of walks. Further
along the beach there is access to the nature conservancy, where a microclimate
in the dunes has encouraged rare plants and bird life. A number of paths
access the beach across Harlech golf course.
Llandanwg is just around the corner from Harlech and easily accessible with a car. A lovely beach with sand and small rock pools for children to explore. There is also the 13th century church St Tanwg hidden in the dunes which is open for visitors during the summer months.
Shell Island has three bathing beaches, two that are only available when the tide is out and the main bathing beach at the south end of the 'island' that runs for 6 miles down to Barmouth.
Benar Beach, adjoining Shell Island is another long strip of golden sands backed by high sand dunes. There is excellent access with a series of boardwalks.
In Barmouth there is a mile long promenade so access to the beach is
easy. Ideal if you like a flat walk by the seaside. The harbor has magnificent
views over the railway bridge to Cader Idris. After the beach a few
minutes in the fun park is a must for the children, and being part of
the town there are plenty of cafes etc.
Enjoy Cycling?
Harlech and the surrounding area is ideal for the novice or experienced cyclist. With the Coed Y Brenin mountain biking center on the doorstep and miles of reasonably flat roads and trails, everyone can enjoy the fun of 'pedal power'
The Estuary offers secure bike storage if you wish to bring your own,
or reasonable bike hire for the odd day out. Just let us what suits
you best and we will be happy to help.
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