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Porthmadog – A Shoppers’ Delight!
Porthmadog, unlike many towns today with their identical mix of retailers, could not be more different. It is full of charming little specialist shops each with character, many reminiscent of bygone days. It could be easy to see the town as one long High Street but if you also explore the side streets and alleyways, with their charming little shops, you will be more than pleasantly surprised!
Virtually all of the shops in Porthmadog are managed by their owners, often helped out by family members. So, whether you’re staying in Porthmadog or just visiting, this is the place to buy everything - from your daily essentials to presents for the family and souvenirs of your holiday.
From original works of art and superb Welsh craftwork to woollen mill goods, this is the place to shop. Visit Creft Cymru for Welsh crafts, the Lemon Tub for that special gift or Bear Print with its collection of teddies and specialist Corgi toys.
The town has its own internet shop, Porthmadog Computers, where you can keep in touch with friends and family, Eric Owen, Porthmadog’s own hardware store, a throwback to years gone by, and GC Williams, a small specialist electrical retailer. How many small towns have their own furniture store? Quaeck’s has lighting, carpet and soft furnishings departments.
Kerfoots by the roundabout in the High Street is the area’s own mini ‘John Lewis’ selling quality home wares, crystal and gifts. To mark the Millennium, a stained glass dome was commissioned by the store, and you can see it as you climb the elegant spiral staircase. And if you’ve been looking for an elusive LP or CD try Cob Records - international record dealers.
At each end of the town, you can enjoy browsing through the special railway shops. At the Ffestiniog Railway’s Harbour Station, there is a variety of souvenirs, DVDs and prints, while the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway’s selection of railway books and DVDs at the shop - opposite the Queens Hotel near the main line station - is second to none.
Along the High Street, you can find three fine Welsh jewellers, Portmeirion pottery from its own shops and Nigel Hughes Photography for cameras, films and the processing of your holiday snaps. Look for Outdoor World on the Penamser Road if you are thinking of camping, walking or climbing, and Hamdden Caravans for your entire caravan needs.
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