Holiday rentals in Porthmadog

A tiny harbour town crisscrossed with narrow-gauge railways, Porthmadog is a pretty coastal hub in Snowdonia National Park. Two rivers, the Afon Glaslyn and Afon Dwyryd, meet in its striking square bay, formed by the building of the Cob, a Victorian dam and embankment. Cars and steam locomotives still roll by on top of it today. Three heritage train journeys begin here. The first is on the dramatic Ffestiniog Railway, travelling 13.5 miles from the harbour to the historic mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The second is on the Welsh Highland service to Caernarfon with its huge medieval fortress. The third, on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, is only a mile to Pen-y-Mount, but stops at a lovely visitor centre and museum at Gelert’s Farm Halt, with a miniature railway for kids if you haven’t had enough rail.

Lots of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants pepper the high street, and there are also great beaches nearby. Porthmadog is also within 10 minutes’ drive of the striking towns of Criccieth and Portmeirion, and 15 from the castle town of Harlech.

Porthmadog is often one of the hottest places in Wales in the summer, so no wonder it becomes busy. This is because of its harbour position, which protects it from any chilly northeastern winds, as well as sea breezes from Cardigan Bay. If you’re in town for the heritage trains, come to town between March and October, although check the railway websites for up-to-date departure details. Spring and autumn are also good seasons to come here if you’re up for adventurous walks in the national park. If you’re keen on exploring the lovely, surrounding towns by car or by train (the Cambrian Line has many stops on this part of the route) this will work all year round, but do remember your warmest coats and wet weather gear.

The stunning rail journey to Caernarfon

If you can manage the time, take the 25-mile journey from Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon, passing through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Wales. It stops at the pretty village of Beddgelert, famous for its folk tale about the faithful dog of the last prince of Wales, and runs along the dramatic Aberglaslyn Pass and the edge of the beautiful Llyn Cwellyn reservoir.

Black Rock Sands

In summer, you couldn’t get any better than Black Rock Sands, although the name is confusing. A broad, golden beach greets you here, with multicoloured rocks on the headland. You can bring your car straight onto the beach here, an atypical opportunity, which makes these sands popular with watersports lovers and motorboat fans. Families will also love the convenience and the amount of space here to spread out, as well as small caves and rockpools to explore, which emerge at low tide.

Portmeirion

Just across the harbour and only three miles away is this magical, Italianate-style village, built in the mid-20th century by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. Based on the fishing village of Portofino, it’s an extraordinary place, with older structures incorporated into brightly coloured, flamboyant buildings.