Porthmadog Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Porthmadog
Photo by Andrew
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Photo by Anna Hamblett
Photo by J Glynne Jones

A charming harbour town on the Glaslyn Estuary in Gwynedd, North Wales, Porthmadog makes the ideal base for exploring the rugged coves and inlets of the Cambrian Coast. Backed by the mountainous Welsh countryside and facing the dramatic sweep of Cardigan Bay, the town will make the perfect destination for an unforgettable Welsh break.

Boasting a rich maritime history, easy access to Snowdonia National Park and a pretty seaside setting, Porthmadog combines some of the best qualities Wales has to offer. Throw in a vibrant culture and heritage train line, and you can see why Porthmadog draws visitors from all across the UK.

History in Porthmadog

Located in an historic part of Wales, Porthmadog has some fantastic history right on its doorstep. Both Harlech and Caernarfon Castles are within a 30-minute drive of the town while the impressive Conwy Castle lies a little further up the coast.

All three castles are on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to their beautifully preserved structures and historical importance.

Culture in Porthmadog

The culture in Porthmadog is distinctly Welsh, with around 75% of the population speaking the language as a mother tongue. Independent craft shops sell a variety of locally made products and many of the restaurants and bakeries offer a choice of regional produce.

Visitors wanting to learn more about the area’s cultural history should head to the fascinating Porthmadog Maritime Museum on Oakley Wharf. Here, a variety of displays chronicle the town’s rise from tiny harbour settlement to international maritime centre.

Trains in Porthmadog

With both the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway passing through the town, Porthmadog is a fantastic destination for heritage rail enthusiasts.

Both routes are easy to access from the town centre and offer passengers fantastic views of the surrounding area. Of the two lines, the Ffestiniog Railway is longer and more varied, though both trips make fun family days out.

Beaches in Porthmadog

With five beaches within a stone’s throw of Porthmadog, visitors to the town can enjoy bracing coastal walks in the winter and relaxing days by the sea in the summer.

If you’re looking for wide expanses of sand, the seaward beaches are perfect. For calmer waters and smaller bays, head to the sands along the estuary. Telly addicts may well recognise the nearby beach in the village of Portmeirion, made famous by cult 1960s TV The Prisoner.

Activities in Porthmadog

With the Irish Sea on one side and Snowdonia National Park on the other, it’s no surprise that Porthmadog makes a fantastic destination for visitors looking to explore the Welsh landscape.

Visitors staying in Porthmadog have a fantastic variety of activities to choose from including walking, pony trekking, climbing, cycling, surfing, water skiing, quad biking and abseiling.

A vast network of walks crisscross the nearby Snowdonia National Park, with all ages, abilities and fitness levels catered for.

Enjoy Porthmadog

With its stunning location, wide range of activities and distinctive Welsh feel, Porthmadog is a truly unique destination that offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to climb the formidable Mount Snowdon, explore the National Park by rail, learn about Welsh history in a real life castle or relax on a wide sandy beach, Porthmadog has it all.

Aberdunant Hall

Aberdunant Hall

4 out of 5
Prenteg, Porthmadog, Wales
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (548 reviews)
"A beautiful and conveniently located holiday park for enjoying the area around Snowdonia National Park. Check-In was well organised with regular messages. The accommodation was as described and very clean. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Aberdunant Hall
Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog

3 out of 5
Market Square, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is ฿2,405 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
฿2,405
฿2,887 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star inn in Porthmadog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (216 reviews)
Wonderful Inn
"Wonderful stay for our time in Snowdonia! Comfy, cozy room. Very quiet and central (less than a 5 min drive to town)."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Golden Fleece Inn Tremadog
Royal Sportsman Hotel

Royal Sportsman Hotel

4 out of 5
131 High St, Porthmadog, Wales
The price is ฿4,009 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿4,009
฿4,811 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porthmadog. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (104 reviews)
"Great hotel and lovely staff!"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Royal Sportsman Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Fanny Talbot

The Fanny Talbot

3 out of 5
High Street, Barmouth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Barmouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Ty Crwyn and Barmouth Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
Great Quality & Value for Money
"Great place to stay, convenient & great quality rooms with all the facilities and quality bed & bathroom linen which made a huge difference to our relaxation as well as the super king bed."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

The Fanny Talbot
Dragon's Den Glamping Retreat

Dragon's Den Glamping Retreat

3 out of 5
Gaerwen, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Gaerwen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Caernarfon Castle and Traeth Llanddwyn are located nearby.
3/10 (2 reviews)
"Arrived and no one had any idea which tent we were supposed to be in. Originally taken to one that had no made beds, litter, broken chairs and an inflatable dirty lazy spa (advised as a hot tub). Then got told to my relief wasn’t our tent. Instead we were taken to another tent that was transparent ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Dragon's Den Glamping Retreat
Lodge House

Lodge House

3 out of 5
Rhiw Goch Inn, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Eryri National Park and Llyn Gelli-Gain ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Wonderful place Excellent host Beautiful areas Very comfortable"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Lodge House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Porthmadog

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Three excellent narrow gauge railways to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

great place and would surely return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy walking distance from the house.We took both the festiniog and welsh highland railways from the station by the harbour,both great days out.Tremadog itself has 2 good pubs serving food,a great a la carte restaurant and an excellent chip shop.

4/5 - Good

Dave

Definitely need to book evening meal tables before arriving at the hotel. A good base to explore the coast and countryside

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Like the place very much will be moving to the area.

4/5 - Good

janet

Borth Y Fest was a beautiful spot recommend a visit.

Cities near Porthmadog