Harbour in winter with Moelwyn range covered in snow in background Porthmadog Gwynedd Snowdonia

The harbour town of Porthmadog is full of maritime history and comes with stunning views of the Eryri National Park.

Located in Gwynedd in the North West of Wales, Porthmadog is a beautiful coastal town that is a must for railway enthusiasts.

 

Must see

  • Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways - The oldest surviving railway company in the world, at over 150 years old. You can sit back and enjoy the incredible views of Eryri on these two connected railways. The Ffestiniog Railway climbs through beautiful scenery and creates a link between our Cambrian and Conwy valley lines at Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can also visit the slate caverns and adventures of Zip World. The Welsh Highland Railway calls at Pont Croesor for osprey viewing site, Beddgelert for the famous Gelert’s grave and Caernarfon for the impressive castle. It is the longest heritage railway in the UK.
  • Eryri National Park - Home of Wales' highest mountain Yr Wyddfa plus over 90 other peaks and 100 lakes. The scenery of Eryri is truly breath-taking.
  • Portmeirion Village - This 'ideal village' was built by Welsh architect Clough Williams Ellis and took 48 years to complete. The stunning village has gardens, restaurants, shops, hotels and a spa.

 

A weekend in Porthmadog

Porthmadog Maritime Museum - located in the only remaining slate shed in the harbour. The museum has a large collection of artefacts and exhibitions on the development of the port, shipbuilding, the ships, and the lives of the seafarers.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway - Enjoy a short (less than a mile) ride on this narrow gauge railway before stopping at the engine sheds where you get to climb aboard the cabs of the locomotives to see how they all work. 

Criccieth Castle - Originally build by Llywelyn the Great this magnificent twin towered castle has a rich history to be explored.