The Attractions of. Snowdonia. The Essential Guide. PLUS Free Holiday Competition.

Transcription

1 PULL-OUT MAP INSIDE The Attractions of Snowdonia The Essential Guide PLUS Free Holiday Competition

2 Superb&Inspired Snowdonia Contents Castles & Culture 4-5 Railways & Heritage 6-7 Gardens & Parks 8 Family Fun 9 Attractions to Visit Conwy Valley & Vale of Ffestiniog Snowdonia - Menai Heart of Snowdonia ^ Cambrian Coast & Llyn Contacts & Map Win a Holiday 29 How to Find us Back There are Tourist Information Centres in most towns and villages to visit when you are here or find them on the web at Alternatively visit our website at info@star-attractions.co.uk or write to: Attractions of Snowdonia, PO Box 182, Conwy, Conwy County, LL30 9EL Caban Website:

3 There s a great variety of amazing places to visit, all set in a unique landscape. National parkland, areas of outstanding natural beauty, breathtaking heritage coastline and world-famous castles are all here to discover. Snowdonia is one of the most ancient and hauntingly beautiful regions in Europe. Croeso So come and enjoy a wonderful Croeso, the Welsh for Welcome, and a fabulous array of attractions... Bodnant Garden Trefriw Woollen Mills Parc Padarn Cover Photography: K J Richardson Snowdonia National Park Authority 3

4 Magnificent, medieval an CASTLES & CUL Plas Mawr An ancient land rich with unforgettable tributes to the past Snowdonia is world-famous for its ring of mighty castles built by Edward I, the English king, in the 13th century. Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris are now fittingly all World Harlech Castle Heritage Sites. Conwy also has another historic gem which is Plas Mawr, a superbly restored Elizabethan town house. Nant Gwrtheyrn Plas Glyn-y-Weddw 4 info@star-attractions.co.uk

5 d evocative... TURE Caernarfon Castle For a complete list of over 120 properties in the care of Cadw telephone: Beaumaris Harlech Snowdonia is the heartland of Welsh language and tradition. Nant Gwrtheyrn, a Victorian coastal quarry village, now celebrates the history of the quarries and the stories of this magical valley from the Iron Age to today in its role as the country s leading Welsh language centre. Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, a Grade 2* listed Victorian mansion, hosts a year-round programme of art exhibitions and houses a collection of fine Welsh porcelain. Gwynedd Museum uncovers the history of North Wales. The Lloyd George Museum in Llanystumdwy is a tribute to a British statesman who became one of the most powerful men in Europe. Lloyd George Museum Penrhyn Castle Website: 5

6 Travel Back to the Age of S Heritage & Railways National Slate Museum Snowdonia s narrow-gauge railways provide a wonderful way to see the area The quarries of Snowdonia outline a fascinating story. At Blaenau Ffestiniog are the breathtaking Llechwedd Slate Caverns plus a Victorian village. Take a self-guided tour of Inigo Jones Slateworks or browse the superb shop for high quality slate ware. The National Slate Museum in Llanberis gives an insight into the history of the quarrying industry. In contrast, close by, Electric Mountain is Europe s largest pumped storage power station that generates hydro-electricity. Take a trip underground from the Visitor Centre. In the beautiful Conwy Valley, watch the weaving and visit the shop at Trefriw Woollen Mills where an attractive range of traditional woven gifts can be purchased. Llanberis Lake Railway 6 info@star-attractions.co.uk

7 team Welsh Highland Heritage Railway Trefriw Woollen Mills Llechwedd Slate Caverns Near Beddgelert, explore the winding tunnels and colourful chambers at Sygun Copper Mine. At King Arthur s Labyrinth take a boat ride deep underground into the maze of passages that wind through a world of myths and legends. Snowdonia s narrow-gauge railways provide a wonderful way to see the area. Snowdon Mountain Railway offers spectacular views from the highest mountain in England and Wales. Llanberis Lake Railway is a delightful five mile return trip along scenic Llyn Padarn. At the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog children love the ride as well as being able to visit the sheds and clamber on the engines. Further south is Talyllyn Railway, the very first preserved railway in the world and home to the fantastic Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. Website: 7

8 Enjoy Elegant & Beautiful Houses gardens & parks Bodnant Garden Portmeirion Penrhyn Castle Interior Bodnant Garden, high above the Conwy Valley, is one of the most beautiful in the UK with plants and trees from all over the world, and the tallest Coastal Redwood in the country. The lavish 19th century Penrhyn Castle, built with the profits of Welsh slate and Jamaican sugar, has a railway exhibition, doll museum and stunning extensive grounds. Parc Glynllifon is a Grade I listed garden with 70 acres of exotic trees and plants - it s also a focus of creative arts and crafts. Padarn Country Park, in the tourist hotspot of Llanberis, has spectacular scenery. Visit the Quarry Hospital or enjoy lakeside, woodland or heritage trails. Portmeirion s stunning village and gardens created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis is situated on its own private peninsula on the coast of Snowdonia. Padarn Country Park 8 info@star-attractions.co.uk

9 Activities Galore for EVERYONE Family & Fun Whatever your age, Snowdonia will keep you entertained! The Fun Centre GreenWood Forest Park, Snowdonia s eco family adventure park, includes the world s first people-powered rollercoaster. The Fun Centre in Caernarfon is an GreenWood Forest Park award-winning indoor play centre. Glasfryn Parc Activity Centre is a must visit with quad biking, gokarting and ten-pin bowling. Ropes and Ladders is not for the faint-hearted, being a high ropes adventure in the beautiful woodland setting of Padarn Country Park. Near the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, Tree Top Adventure is a multi-award winning, high-level, adrenaline-packed journey through the trees that involves negotiating a series of obstacles. Close to mighty Snowdon and the lakeside village of Llanberis, Caban Café specializes in high-quality locally sourced food at an affordable price. And who could resist the mouth-watering dishes and locally produced ice-cream on offer at Cadwalader s Cafés with six outlets across North Wales. Website: 9

10 CONWY VALLEY & VAL Denotes VAQAS accredited, the Visitor Attractions Quality Assurance Scheme. 01 CONWY CASTLE Magnificent Conwy Castle, conceived and created in just four years by Edward I, remains one of the most outstanding achievements of medieval military architecture. Soaring on a rock above the walled town, its battlements offer breathtaking views of mountains and sea. Open daily: 1st Apr - 30th Jun , 1st Jul - 31 Aug , 1st Sept - 31st Oct From 1st Nov - end Feb: Mon - Sat and Sun, daily. Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, Jan 1. Conwy Castle, Conwy, LL32 8AY Tel: PLAS MAWR Plas Mawr, built for Robert Wynn, a well-travelled courtier and an influential Welsh merchant, is an architectural gem. The finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain, it stands as a symbol of a prosperous and buoyant age. Open Tues - Sun: 1 April - 31 May , 1 June - 31 Aug , 1 Sept - 30 Sept , 1 Oct - 31 Oct Open Bank Holiday Mondays between 1 April and 31 Oct. Times subject to change; phone site in advance. Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor, High Street, Gwynedd Conwy LL57 LL32 1DT. 8DE Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk Tel: info@star-attractions.co.uk

11 E OF FFESTINIOG Conwy Castle 03 BODNANT GARDEN Eighty acres of magnificent garden in the beautiful Conwy Valley formal lawns and borders, Italianate terraces and The Dell. Daffodils, camellias and magnolias in March / April; rhododendrons and azaleas in April / May; the famous original Laburnum Arch flowers mid-may to mid-june. Herbaceous borders, roses, hydrangeas, water lilies and climbers throughout summer, followed by superb autumn colours in October. Open: 20 Feb - 31 Oct daily , 1 Nov - 21 Nov daily (last entry 30 minutes prior to closing) Bodnant Garden, Tal y Cafn, Nr Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL28 5RE Tel: Fax: bodnantgarden@nationaltrust.org.uk 04 TREFRIW WOOLLEN MILLS The mill manufactures traditional Welsh bedspreads, throws and tweeds from the raw wool. Weaving and the hydro-electric turbine can be viewed together with an opportunity to purchase a wide range of pure wool products woven in Snowdonia. Shop, tearoom and turbine house: open daily all year (except Dec 25, 26, Jan 1) Weaving: all year, Mon - Fri and except festive season Mill museum: Easter - end Oct (same times as weaving) Handspinning: June end Sept: Tues, Wed, Thurs Weavers Garden with dye plants: June - Sept, daily Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley LL27 0NQ Tel: info@t-w-m.co.uk Website: Website:

12 CONWY VALLEY & VALE OF FFESTINIOG Bard s Stone Rowen,Conwy 05 TREE TOP ADVENTURE Multi-award winning activity centre, home to The Adventurers Course, one of the UK s most distinctive and thrilling high ropes courses involving a series of engaging and exciting obstacles! The heartstopping Powerfan Plummet, the world s highest parachute simulator, and finally our Tree Tot Trail, suitable for toddlers and parents. On site Café serving local produce and Visitor Centre open daily. Booking advisable. Opening Times: Spring, Summer, Autumn (last start time) Winter (Last start time). Alternatively, by special arrangement. Tree Top Lodge, Llanrwst Road, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy County, LL24 0HX Tel: info@ttadventure.co.uk 06 LLECHWEDD SLATE CAVERNS Grab a hard hat and explore the underground world of the Victorian Slate Miner! With two unique underground experiences and our Victorian Village including bank, sweet shop and traditional tavern there is bound to be something for everyone. Open: All year Oct - Mar , Apr - Sept Blaenau Ffordd Ffestiniog Gwynedd, LL41 Bangor, 3NB Gwynedd Tel: LL DT. Tel: Fax: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk quarrytours@aol.com info@star-attractions.co.uk

13 SNOWDONIA - MENAI Menai Straits 07 BEAUMARIS CASTLE Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece. Built as one of the iron ring of North Wales castles by Edward I to stamp his authority on the Welsh, money and supplies ran short before the fortifications reached their full height. It is still, however, an awesome sight. Open daily: 1st Apr - 30th Jun , 1st Jul - 31 Aug , 1st Sept - 31st Oct From 1st Nov - end Feb Mon - Sat and Sun, daily. Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, Jan PENRHYN CASTLE Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris, LL58 8AP Tel: One of the most exciting destinations in North Wales, with a full programme of family events. Lavish Victorian interior. Extensive below stairs to explore. Beautiful grounds with stunning views over Snowdonia. Shop, tea rooms, railway museum and adventure playground. A great day out whatever the weather. Open daily (except Tues) 24 March - 31 October (July/Aug from 11.00). Gardens and stable block open an hour earlier. Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4HN Tel: penrhyncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Website: Website:

14 SNOWDONIA - MENA 09 GWYNEDD MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Amgueddfa Ac Oriel Gwynedd Exciting selling gallery exhibitions by local and international artists and a shop selling local handmade crafts and jewellery. In the museum you can discover Gwynedd s past through a wide variety of exciting displays of archaeology, furniture, textiles, folk art. Free admission. Regular programme of events. Open: all year, Tuesday - Friday & Saturday Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1DT. Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk 10 CAERNARFON CASTLE Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales many castles. Built by Edward I not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and a royal palace, its majestic walls and battlements tower above the walled town. Open daily: 1st Apr - 30th Jun , 1st Jul - 31 Aug , 1st Sept - 31st Oct From 1st Nov - end Feb Mon - Sat and Sun. Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, Jan 1. Ffordd Caernarfon Gwynedd, Castle, Bangor, Castle Gwynedd Ditch, LL57 Caernarfon, 1DT. Tel: LL55 2AY gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk Tel: info@star-attractions.co.uk

15 I Menai Straits 11 GREENWOOD FOREST PARK The Ultimate Family Adventure! Jungle Boats & Den Building Green Dragon - Eco rollercoaster TreeTop Towers, Giant Jumper & Little Forest Playbarn Great Green Run - longest slide in Wales Moon Karts - Pedal Powered Fun! Café, Snack Bars, Gift Shops Forest Theatre (holiday times) Wales first Barefoot Trail! Leaders in Sustainable Tourism 6 major Awards Open Feb half term, then March 13th - Oct 31st Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4QN. Info Line: Fax: info@greenwoodforestpark.co.uk Web: 12 THE FUN CENTRE Yr Hwylfan Multi award-winning family attraction. The fun never stops at North Wales biggest and best indoor adventure play centre. With 25ft drop slides, ball pools, rope bridges, tube slides, maze and climbing nets. Under-fives play area. Mini electric go-carts. Fantastic Laser space sport game arena. Fully licensed restaurant with patio area. Incorporating the fascinating interactive Christchurch heritage museum. Open daily all year, from during school holidays. Varies at other times - please ring for details. Christchurch, Caernarfon, LL55 1AR Tel: Fax: gog@thefuncentre.co.uk Website: Website:

16 HEART OF SNOWDON 13 INIGO JONES SLATEWORKS Discover the secret of Welsh slate. Self-guided tour includes video presentation, exhibitions on geology, history of the industry, calligraphy and lettercutting. Try your hand at calligraphy - engrave a piece of slate to keep as a souvenir. Children s quiz with slate prize. Buy high quality slate ware, Celtic and Welsh craft items. Nameplates, numbers and plaques engraved to order. Secure online shopping also available. Café. Open daily all year including weekends: Last self-guided tour: Y Groeslon, Caernarfon, LL54 7UE. Tel: Fax: slate@inigojones.co.uk 14 PARC GLYNLLIFON Once described as Wales best kept secret, Pare Glynllifon is now being restored. Enjoy a leisurely walk through 70 acres of exotic trees and plants. Special events on selected weekends. Visit our craft and design workshops, gallery and shop and enjoy a snack at the Black Cat Café. Open: Gardens, shop and gallery, everyday Ffordd Gwynedd, Llandwrog, Bangor, Gwynedd, Gwynedd LL54 5DY LL57 Tel: 1DT Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk parcglynllifon@gwynedd.gov.uk info@star-attractions.co.uk

17 IA Bluebells, Llanberis 15 LLANBERIS LAKE RAILWAY Enjoy the spectacular sights of Snowdonia from this narrow-gauge steam train. A 5-mile return trip past historic Dolbadarn Castle, following the old slate railway route alongside beautiful Lake Padarn, stopping at Cei Llydan, ideal for picnics. Gift shops, café; wheelchair spaces on trains. One of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Open: Easter to May, Sept & Oct Sun - Fri. June, July & Aug: Daily. Before Easter & from Nov, certain dates only: call to check. Times: most days Family fare deals available. Padarn Country Park, Llanberis, LL55 4TY Tel: Fax: info@lake-railway.co.uk 16 NATIONAL SLATE MUSEUM Situated under towering slate mountains in the Victorian engineering workshops of Dinorwig Slate Quarry, this living, working museum tells the story of North Wales slate industry. Enjoy a stunning film show, slate-splitting demonstrations, furnished quarrymen s houses, giant waterwheel - the largest in mainland Britain, exhibitions and events. Children s play area, gift shop and café. FREE ADMISSION. Open all year. Easter to Oct: daily Nov - Mar: Sun - Fri Last admission: 1 hour before closing Padarn Country Park, Llanberis, LL55 4TY Tel: Fax: slate@museumwales.ac.uk Website: Website:

18 HEART OF SNOWDON 17 PADARN COUNTRY PARK Parc Gwledig Padarn Spectacular industrial, lakeside, ancient oak woodland and orienteering trails in an 800-acre park with panoramic views over Snowdon. Visit the Dinorwig Quarry Hospital with its operating theatre and wards displaying the original X-ray machine plus other gruesome equipment. Open: COUNTRY PARK Grounds - all year; QUARRY HOSPITAL - every day during Easter school holidays, from Spring Bank Holiday through to mid Sept and Oct half-term, open weekends from Easter to end of Oct. Parc Gwledig Padarn, Llanberis, LL55 4TY Tel: padarncountrypark@gwynedd.gov.uk 18 ROPES AND LADDERS High ropes adventure and low level kids course. Dares and scares for families, groups or individuals in a beautiful woodland setting. Aerial challenges, zip line, climbing wall, trapeze leap and giant swing. Spectacular views of mountains and lakes from the top of the highest activity tower in the UK. Instructors lead 2 hour sessions: all equipment provided. Now with kids course for 4 to 8 year olds. Bookings throughout the year. Opening times vary seasonally. Ffordd Gilfach Gwynedd, Ddu, Llanberis, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL55 LL57 4TY. 1DT. Tel: Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk info@ropesandladders.co.uk info@star-attractions.co.uk

19 IA Llyn Padarn 19 ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN Electric Mountain s Visitor Centre is the starting point for tours deep inside Elidir Mountain into one of Europe s largest man-made caverns, the home of Dinorwig Power Station s pumped storage hydroelectric generator. Visitor Centre includes: Café, The Den soft play area and Art Gallery showcasing local artists. Centre open daily , Jun, Jul, Aug and main school holidays. Advance booking for tours advisable, restrictions apply. Tours daily from Easter to end Oct, select days at other times. The Den open daily, phone: for details. Llanberis LL55 4UR. Tel: Fax: info@electricmountain.co.uk 20 SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY Travel on the only public rack and pinion railway in Britain. Hafod Eryri, the new Snowdon Summit visitor centre is now open. Audio Visual Theatre Platform Grill Advance Phone Booking System In-carriage commentary Licensed Café & Gift Shop Early Bird discounts & Family tickets on the 9.00am departure. Open daily from mid-march - end of Oct. Trains run subject to weather conditions and passenger demand. During July & Aug the railway is extremely busy and advanced booking is advisable. Llanberis LL55 4TY. Tel: Fax: info@snowdonrailway.co.uk Website: Website:

20 HEART OF SNOWDONIA Llanberis Pass 21 CABAN CAFÉ Located in Brynrefail near the foot of Snowdon, Caban serves high quality food at an affordable price. Its enviable reputation with customers is based on a healthy mix of organic products, local suppliers and home-grown fruit & veg. Recommended in The Good Food Guide Ever-changing specials menu. Saturday nights (booking essential): globetrotting buffet giving you the opportunity to taste world class food in the Welsh mountains. Brynrefail, nr Llanberis, LL55 3NR Tel caban@caban-cyf.org 22 SYGUN COPPER MINE Self-guided audio-visual tours through the old workings on foot. Winding tunnels and large, colourful chambers with magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. A rare opportunity to explore tunnels abandoned in Above ground: Museum of Antiquities, Coins and Fossils, Gold Panning, Pottery Painting, Archery, Bouncy Castle, Adventure Playground and Lake Side Walks. Winner of the Prince of Wales Award for Tourism. Open: th March until end Oct, Feb Half Term Ffordd Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 Bangor, 4NE Tel: Gwynedd LL57 1DT. Fax: Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk sygunmine@hotmail.com info@star-attractions.co.uk

21 CAMBRIAN COAST & LLYN ^ Criccieth Castle 23 NANT GWRTHEYRN Nant Gwrtheyrn is a renovated Victorian Quarry village with 4* accommodation for 75 guests and a new function room for weddings and conferences. In an unforgettable location, with beach, coastal and woodland walks, the new Heritage Centre interprets the story of the valley from the Iron Age to the present day. The café bar and shop are popular for walkers, and families. A new road allows coach access and car parking is now provided in the village. Open daily April 7th - October 31st. ADMISSION FREE Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 6PA Tel: post@nantgwrtheyrn.org 24 ORIEL PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW GALLERY FREE ADMISSION. Visit one of Wales premier art venues. The gallery is housed in a grade 2* Gothic ^ Victorian Mansion on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula. Quality craft shop and award-winning tea room on site. Art workshops, lectures and musical concerts held throughout the year. Licensed for Civil Weddings. Self-catering accommodation on site - sleeps up to 12 people. Open: every day except Tuesday, (open Tuesdays during School holidays). Limited opening in January. Please call prior to travelling some distance. Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 7TT Tel: gwyn@oriel.org.uk Website: Website:

22 ^ CAMBRIAN COAST & LLYN Porthdinllaen 25 GLASFRYN PARC ACTIVITY & BOWLING CENTRE 22 Enjoy a great family day out at Glasfryn Parc, 4 miles from Pwllheli on the A499 Caernarfon road. Ten Pin Bowling - open 10am till late (licensed bar) Go-Karting Quad Trekking Junior Quad Biking Soft Play Archery Fishing Café & Dining Room serving homemade food Farm Shop selling our own meat, game and speciality foods. Open EVERY day (except Christmas Day) from am. Please call to book Quad Trekking and Archery. Y Ffôr, Pwllheli, LL53 6PG (Sat nav: Postcode LL53 6RL) Tel: Fax: info@glasfryn.co.uk 26 LLOYD GEORGE MUSEUM Amgueddfa Lloyd George - Discover the life and times of David Lloyd George, the cottage-bred boy who became prime minister during World War I. Unique collections, film, talking head, Victorian boyhood home, shoemaker s workshop and cottage garden. Open: Easter - October including Bank Holiday Weekends. Other times by appointment. April, May & Oct, Mon - Fri; June, Mon - Sat; July - Sep, daily. Admission charge. Llanystumdwy, Criccieth, LL52 OSH Tel & Fax: lloydgeorgemuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk

23 27 CRICCIETH CASTLE Standing on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay, Criccieth ^ Castle is a prominent North Wales landmark. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh Princes, Criccieth was later annexed and added to by the English monarch, Edward I. Open: Apr - Oct: Mon - Sun Nov Mar: (closed 24, 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan) Fri & Sat , Sun Tel: Porthdinllaen 28 CADWALADER S ICE CREAM CAFÉS Cadwalader s Cafés offer the ideal indulgent treat. As well as delicious ice creams, try our quality coffees, contemporary sundaes and pastries. From the original, now redeveloped, shop in Criccieth - enjoy fine views from the cliff-top Café. We are open all year round and can be found throughout Snowdonia: Porthmadog, Betws y Coed, Portmeirion, Pwllheli and Llandudno. Tel: WELSH HIGHLAND HERITAGE RAILWAY A small friendly railway where the train ride is only part of the experience. Our vintage train also stops at the Engine Sheds, where you can climb on our steam and diesel locomotives. Your visit takes about 50 minutes, including the train trip, tour of the Engine Sheds, and an optional ride on the scenic Porthmadog Woodland Miniature Railway. Book and souvenir shop, and Russell Tea Room. Open: daily March 27 - October 31st (closed some Mondays and Fridays in Oct.). Trains at 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00, 15.00, 16.00* (*not Oct) Tremadog Road, Porthmadog. LL49 9DY Tel: Fax: info@whr.co.uk Website: Website:

24 CAMBRIAN COAST & 30 PORTMEIRION Visit Portmeirion and experience a charming, quirky world of meandering streets and clifftop towers at this unique village resort on the coast of Snowdonia. The Prisoner was filmed here in There are plenty of shops and cafes to suit all tastes, open late during school holidays. Entry is half price after 3.30pm. Open all year, Portmeirion near Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL48 6ER Tel: Fax: info@portmeirion-village.com 31 HARLECH CASTLE Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle, built by Edward I, keeps a watchful eye over Snowdonia, with truly panoramic views of sea and mountains from its lofty battlements. Open daily: 1st Apr - 30th Jun , 1st Jul - 31 Aug , 1st Sept - 31st Oct From 1st Nov - end Feb Mon - Sat and Sun, daily. Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, Jan 1. Ffordd Castle Gwynedd, Square, Bangor, Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2YH LL57 Tel: 1DT Tel: gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk info@star-attractions.co.uk

25 LLYN ^ Barmouth Beach 32 KING ARTHUR S LABYRINTH An unforgettable adventure along an underground river, through the great waterfall, into the spectacular caverns of the Labyrinth. Hear ancient tales of King Arthur and Welsh legends of dragons, giants and battles which fascinate all ages. Above ground join the Bards Quest for ancient legends. The start for both is Corris Craft Centre - home to ten craft workshops & excellent café. Open daily 22nd March - 31st October until last tour starts at Note: Wrap up warm as it is cool underground. Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9RF Tel: Fax: info@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk 33 TALYLLYN RAILWAY From Tywyn a coal-fired narrow-gauge steam train takes you on a 2½ hour trip through unspoilt Snowdonia, with the chance to stop for a forest walk or picnic. The world s first preserved railway dates back to 1865 and original locomotives are still in use. Free Museum, licensed Café, shops, disabled facilities, and playground. Daily service from April - Oct inc, and Christmas. Family fares and party rates available. Wharf Station, Tywyn, LL36 9EY Tel: Fax: enquiries@talyllyn.co.uk Website: Website:

26 Attractions Contact Details CONWY VALLEY & VALE OF FFESTINIOG Pages Conwy Castle Plas Mawr Bodnant Garden Trefriw Woollen Mills Tree Top Adventure Llechwedd Slate Caverns SNOWDONIA MENAI Pages Beaumaris Castle Penrhyn Castle Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery Caernarfon Castle GreenWood Forest Park The Fun Centre HEART OF SNOWDONIA Pages Inigo Jones Slateworks Parc Glynllifon Llanberis Lake Railway National Slate Museum Padarn Country Park Ropes & Ladders Electric Mountain Snowdon Mountain Railway Caban Café Sygun Copper Mine CAMBRIAN COAST & LLYN Pages Nant Gwrtheyrn Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Glasfryn Parc Activity Centre Lloyd George Museum Criccieth Castle Cadwalader s Ice Cream Cafés 29 Welsh Highland Heritage Railway info@whr.co.uk 30 Portmeirion info@portmeirion-village.com 31 Harlech Castle King Arthur s Labyrinth info@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk 33 Talyllyn Railway enquiries@talyllyn.co.uko.uk 26 info@star-attractions.co.uk

27 WIN A LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY! Stay in a legendary place Portmeirion Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the estuary and forms part of the inspirational village that was the vision of the famous architect Clough Williams-Ellis. For more information about Portmeirion call or visit To be in with a chance to win just answer the following question: Which of the following Royals is the Prince of Wales? a) Prince Philip b) Prince Charles c) Prince Edward Answer: Where did you pick up this guide? Name Address Daytime Tel No. Postcode: Post to: Attractions of Snowdonia, PO Box 182, Conwy, LL30 9EL Offer includes two nights B & B for two adults and two children. Subject to Availability. Offer restricted to one entry per household. Competition closes If you do not wish to receive further information from the Attractions of Snowdonia, then please tick this box. Website: Website:

28 Key to Map Caergybi Holyhead Holy Island North Wales Expressway Primary A Roads Secondary A Roads B road Railway and Station National Cycle Route Valley Rhosneigr Aberffraw A4080 A5 A 5 5 Newborough Ynys Môn Anglesey Caernarfon Llangef Porthaet Menai B A Coastal path Cadwalader s Ice Cream Café 01 Attraction & Number Bae Caernarfon Caernarfon Bay Penygroes Groe Aberdaron Ynys Enlli Bardsey Island B4417 Abersoch Nefyn 24 Penrhyn Llyn Peninsula A Llanaelhaearn Yr Eifl 25 Pwllheli Llanbedrog Y Ffôr Y Ffôr 26 A487 Criccieth Bae Ceredigion Cardigan Bay Be A Harlec Travel Chart Approximate distances in miles Llandudno Bangor Beddgelert Caernarfon Llanberis Machynlleth Pwllheli Porthmadog Aberm Barmo Llandudno Bangor Beddgelert Caernarfon Llanberis Machynlleth Pwllheli Porthmadog Tywyn Aberdovey Aberdyfi info@star-attractions.co.uk

29 A496 A Benllech Great Ormes Head ni hwy ridge A B4366 slon B4418 ddgelert 497 h A5025 Biwmares Llandudno Beaumaris 07 Penmaenmawr 02 Bangor Conwy Llanfairfechan Bethel 21 Bethesda Llanberis Capel Curig A4086 Yr Wyddfa Snowdon A498 Porthmadog 30 Llyn Trawsfynydd Rhinog Fawr Rhinog Fach A470 A5 A470 A55 Dolwyddelan Blaenau Ffestiniog Ffestiniog Trefriw 04 B C on f A470 Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri Snowdonia National Park A5 A470 onwy A4212 Llyn Celyn A548 Llanrwst Betws-y-Coed Pentrefoelas Llanddulas Abergele Cerrigydrudion Llyn Tegid Bae Colwyn Bay Llanfair Talhaiarn B 4501 A543 A494 Y Bala Bala A5 aw uth Dolgellau Cadair Idris A487 Corris A470 A493 Machynlleth A487 Website: Website:

30 Getting Here By Road FROM THE NORTH WEST Follow the fast A55 trunk road from the M56. FROM THE MIDLANDS Take the historic A5 from the M54. Aberdeen FROM THE SOUTH Take the scenic A487 and A470. By Rail Direct fast rail services run into the popular North Wales coastal region and over to Bangor and Holyhead from most parts of Britain. Services from the Midlands through Shrewsbury link up with the Cambrian coastal line via Machynlleth to Porthmadog and Pwllheli and provide stunning views: By Bus There are National Express coach services from the UK national network to Porthmadog, Bangor, Caernarfon & Llandudno. Tel: By Air Three international airports are less than two hours transfer time - Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon for Northern Snowdonia, and Birmingham for Southern Snowdonia. Highland Airways offers twice daily Monday to Friday flights linking Cardiff with Anglesey Airport. Call: or book on-line. Getting Around Plymouth Glasgow M74 Dumfries Douglas Exeter Edinburgh M5 M6 M62 Leeds Liverpool Holyhead Llandudno Manchester A55 Chester A487 Stoke-on-Trent A5 M6 SNOWDONIA Nottingham A470 Birmingham M1 A1 A487 Fishguard Swansea Cardiff Carlisle M5 A1 M40 M4 Bristol Newcastle Upon Tyne London M25 M3 Southampton Plan Your Stay Kingston Upon Hull M25 For details of local buses, including the Sherpa service which operates around the mountains of Snowdonia, contact: BWS GWYNEDD Alternatively, for all your transport enquiries visit: or call Visit our website at us on: info@star-attractions.co.uk There are Tourist Information Centres in most towns and villages when you are here. You can also find them at or call Llanberis Information Centre on: Regretfully the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies and omissions within this publication. Times and facilities can change without notice. Written and produced by Jacquie Knowles on behalf of the Attractions of Snowdonia. Jacquie.Knowles@btconnect.com This brochure has been printed on paper from a sustainable source Photography by: Pierino Algieri, Paul Kay, Glyn Davies, Paul Harris, Huw Williams, Visit Wales, Ray Wood. Design by: MwnciBach.com