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Places to Visit-Something for everyone
The Ffestiniog Railway
The world famous narrow gauge railway, located by the Harbour at the beginning of the High Street. Walk along the track on the Cob or Take a 13 1/2 mile long trip climbing to over 650ft through some magical countryside and mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Look at Blaenau itself with its great mountains of grey slate. The town is the home of the Welsh slate mines rather than the quarries at Bethesda.Work is currently in progress to rebuild the line from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and expected to open at Easter 2009, linking with the line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Such a magnificent 40-mile journey through Snowdonia is not to be missed when open.
The Maritime Museum
Located behind the Tourist Office by Oakley Wharf in the Harbour, is a fascinating place to while away the time. The curator will regale you with the town's history and tell you of the last ship to be built in the port in 1913 that was lost on its maiden voyage, many said because when she was launched, the champagne bottle failed to break on her bows.
Pen Cei
Located behind the Maritime Museum, next to the harbour that used to be a hive of activity. There was boat building and repair, traffic in and out of the port and slate wharves for each quarry company with tracks from the railway to load at the harbour. From Pen Cei, you can walk from past the Yacht Club and boat yards to Borth y Gest.
Welsh Highland Railway (Porthmadog)
Located in the High street opposite the main line railway station. It operates a regular service of vintage steam and diesel hauled trains along a 1.25-mile long narrow gauge line to Traeth Mawr with views towards the Glaslyn Valley in 1920's style coaches. Each trip includes a hands-on guided tour of the restoration shed and works at Gelert's Farm. Ideal for families with young children.
Grisiau Mawr
Meaning the' Big Steps' which were built to connect Pen Cei with the Garth where many houses were built to house ship owners and sea captains. See the magnificent views overlooking the harbour, cob and Ballast Quay with mountains in the background.
Borth-y-Gest
A pretty, unspoilt village with its hidden sandy coves and cliffs which can be reached on foot via a winding path at the far end of the quay or a three minute drive from the centre of town.
Ships were built here before Porthmadog was established and had four busy yards there. Houses were built in the mouth of the harbour for pilots so that they could keep a look out for ships that needed their attention. The houses are still known as 'pilot houses'.
Snowdon Mill
A stone's throw from the High Street, formerly a flour mill built in 1862 probably offers the largest range of locally produced craft under one roof in North Wales. It is not only a wonderful place to buy local crafts but provides an opportunity to throw your own pot or paint plate. It’s a marvellous way to introduce the children to new skills and to keep them occupied on a rainy day. The Flour Shed Gallery exhibits some of the very best work north Wales artists and makers have to offer.
Y Ganolfan
The community centre located next to the Tourist Information Centre in the High Street. look out for concerts and other social activities staged frequently throughout the summer
Black Rock Sands
One of the very few beaches in Britain where you can step out of the car and straight on to the sands which stretch as far as you can see. The surrounding sand dunes are a site of special scientific interest affording spectacular views to the whole of Cardigan Bay.
Portmeirion
Located two miles south of Porthmadog, the magical Italiante village is open all year and set on its own beautiful estuary is a must for every visitor to the area. You do have to pay to go into the village, but it is worth every penny to enter this wonderland created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1926 and 1972 and set in magnificent botanical style gardens. The village provided the setting for the cult television series, The Prisoner and continues to draw many visitors simply from that.
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