Squirrels Retreat
Exploring the local area
Porthmadog is just 10 minutes away from the site, and is the gateway to the country’s most breathtaking Snowdonia National Park covering 840 square miles with its purple tipped mountains and forests. From whichever direction the town is approached you cannot fail to be impressed by the town’s stunning setting. It is dominated on one side by a mountain known as ‘Moel y Gest' 262 metres above the town. To the North and East the wide expanse of the Glaslyn estuary, renowned as a haven for migrating birds and wildlife. extends dramatically towards the Snowdon range. Porthmadog is a bustling town, full of individual shops and places to eat. It has a strong and proud heritage, culture and community. The Welsh language is a key part of its identity, commonly spoken here and its people are particularly warm and friendly.In this once great seaport, rich in maritime history and the home of the Ffestiniog Railway, you are ideally placed for visiting all of the main tourist attractions of Snowdonia on days out. With all the majesty of Snowdonia as a backdrop and a coastline with beaches second to none, you couldn't find a more attractive spot for a holiday.Almost whatever you want from a holiday is available within easy reach of Porthmadog. Steam Railway buffs just love the place because they have two stations here, the Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland Railway, you can Jump on a train at either end of the town and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
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Black Rock Sands
Morfa Bychan, known locally as Black Rock Sands, is a sandy beach, with rocky areas- although the rocks aren’t actually black. The beach stretches for about 2 miles and is backed by a dune system which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are plenty of rockpools to explore here as well as some interesting caverns.
A river mouth lies at the south-eastern end of the beach, and the village of Morfa Bychan is a few hundred meters away. The beach has lovely views of the mountains and countryside of Snowdonia National Park.
A slipway provides vehicular access to the sands and most visitors park on the beach, making it a popular picnic destination and providing easy access for those with mobility problems. There are designated bathing and boat launching areas. Dogs are banned from the central section of the beach, but are allowed on the eastern and western sections.
Porthmadog LL49 9UR
The Glaslyn Osprey Project
Ospreys disappeared from the UK in 1916, but in 2004 a pair of breeding ospreys were found in North Wales near to Beddgelert. Here you can watch these amazing birds through telescopes at the viewpoint as they carry food to their developing chicks. You may even be lucky enough to catch the youngsters first flights.
Three large, widescreen plasma monitors in the hide broadcast live images and sound directly from the nest, getting you even closer to the nesting family.
As you watch the ospreys, don't forget to also take in the amazing views of Snowdonia and surrounding mountain ranges. Glaslyn Valley offers you some of the most scenic and wildlife rich areas in Wales.
The hide has four high powered telescopes and seven pairs of binoculars available for you to use. There are also picnic tables at the site.
Address: Bryn Ffynnon, Pont Croesor Nr, Prenteg, Porthmadog LL49 9SP
Blackrock Llama Trekking
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Discover all about these gentle, majestic animals in our family friendly adventure. You will be able to meet, handle and feed our friendly llamas as well as taking them out for a walk. See how intelligent and graceful these animals are as you try your hand at llama agility - a first in the UK! An ideal experience for children and adults of all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult at all times). We also cater for groups and individuals with special needs or different abilities.
Duration 1½ hours (approx)
Wear suitable outdoor clothing, children must be 4 years or over.
Based a few minutes from Porthmadog and Blackrock Sands
Address: Tyn Y Dref, Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog LL49 9UT
Harlech Beach
The golden sands are four miles long and provide a truly superb spot for walking, beach combing, kite surfing and bathing, though there is no lifeguard cover. The sands are backed by a dune system that has been accreting so radically that Harlech Castle, almost a mile inland, was actually built right by the sea.
On the northern side of the beach is the Morfa Harlech Nature Reserve, a haven for rare plant species and birdlife.
On the southern end lies the promontory of Shell Island where more than 200 different types of shell have been found. Leatherback turtles are occasionally seen offshore hunting the jellyfish which are abundant in the bay, so do be careful of those when swimming.
Address
Gwynedd, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UG, Wales
Llanbedrog
Llanbedrog – Is a pretty little seaside village between Abersoch & the larger town of Pwllheli, and is home to Plas Oriel Glyn Y Weddw, art centre & gallery. The lost woodlands at Plas Glyn Y Weddw make for a stunning walk, taking in a stunning array of wild flowers. The best bit is, you can then head from here off to the beach and stop at the cafe where dogs are allowed outside (you wouldn’t want to go inside anyway with views like this). The beautiful pet friendly beach owned by The National Trust is one of the most photographed beaches in the area due to the stunning backdrop of the headland and the charming painted beach huts.
Beddgelert
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According to legend, Beddgelert is the final resting place of ‘Gelert’ - the faithful dog of Prince Llewelyn the Great who ruled Wales in the twelth century. You can visit Gelert’s grave in the village and read about why his master chose to bury him there. Beddgelert is a thoroughly beautiful and bustling mountain village right in the heart of Snowdonia. It’s magnificent walking country with breathtaking views in every direction.
SAT NAV LL55 4YB
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Ffestiniog Railway
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways stretch for 40 miles through the glorious Snowdonia National Park, allowing you to experience the magnificent scenery in comfort whilst savouring the romance of gleaming steam engines and carriages.Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it.
12 Cromwell St, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3HG
Can get catch train from Porthmadog Station.
Snowdon
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is the highest mountain in Wales and England. It's one of our most famous and regonizable landmarks and is well worth a visit. Standing tall over the village of Llanberis, Snowdon is a part of a close-knit family of jagged peaks and can offer views of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and Ireland. Choose from six different paths to conquer this 1085 metre giant: The Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path.
The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
The Train will take you for a short ride, then we stop at the Engine Sheds where you get to climb into the cabs of the locomotives and see how things work.The Gladstone Coach is just one of the restored carriages you can ride in.
Find out about the narrow gauge railways of Porthmadog and how they became famous around the world with your free visitor guide.Most of the site is level, and there’s a wheelchair accessible carriage on every train
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Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
LL49 9DY
Portmeirion
Patrick McGoohan filmed his famous ' The Prisoner ' series and several of his Danger Man episodes at Portmeirion. It has also been used as a location for scenes from Dr.Who.
Portmeirion village is not just a summer destination. The 130-acre site, set amid woodlands and carefully manicured gardens, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Wales – magical for autumn colours and beautifully still on a winter morning. The microclimate of the peninsula also protects it from the worst of the winter frosts.
Take the gorgeous 40-minute walk through the Gwyllt woodland to explore a wild garden. The rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolia bring new textures to each season. Look out for the Dog Cemetery, established by former tenant of the manor house Mrs Adelaide Haig, where many of Portmeirion pets have been buried during the last century. The eccentric lady of the manor preferred dogs to people and used the Bible to read to her pets.
Morfa Harlech
Nature Reserve
Morfa Harlech sand dunes structures are arguably the most dynamic form of natural habitat in the world. The coastal walk through the reserve is a dramatic and spectacular sweep of untouched golden sand.
It's also a good place for birdwatching, especially in winter when you might see whooper swans and large flocks of wigeon and mallard. Hundreds of curlew and oystercatcher also congregate on the mudflats to the north. Morfa Harlech is just the northern end of a sand dune system that stretches right down to the Mawddach Estuary. Other parts of this are conserved for their wildlife interest; notably Morfa Dyffryn to the south of Harlech which is also a National Reserve and the small area at Harlech owned by the National Trust called Maes Llandanwg.
Minffordd, Portmeirion LL48 6ER, Wales
Harlech Castle
Overlooking Harlech’s huge, peaceful beach is a symbol of past conflict – mighty Harlech Castle, a World Heritage Site
This spectacular castle, with its picturesque setting enhanced by being based on a rocky crag overlooks the sea with the Snowdonia Mountains in the background. Harlech Castle was one of a series of castles established in north Wales by Edward I .The castle is designed in symmetrical fashion, with four corner towers and an impressive gatehouse.
Harlech LL46 2YH, Wales
Porthor Whistling Sands
This small, picturesque National Trust beach is backed by steep grassy cliffs. It’s famously known as ‘Whistling Sands’, a nickname based on the sound the granules make underfoot when you walk over its gleaming sand. The beach is located at Porth Oer on the Llyn Peninsula in the north west of Wales. The beach is in the care of the National Trust. The Wales Coastal Path, including the Llyn Coastal Path, passes through the beach. Dogs are not allowed on the beach (including the small bay at the north end of the beach) between the 1st of April and 30th September
Address
Methlem, Aberdaron, Gwynedd, LL53 8LH
We have limited availability in our lovely caravan each year, so if you would like to stay at Squirrels Retreat please email for availability and prices.
Aberdaron
Aberdaron is a mile long sandy bay at the end of the Llyn Peninsula and lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).There is plenty to explore including sea caves and rock pools, the coast path leads to small beaches in both directions. Windsurfing, kayaking and sailing are popular activities as are boat trips, take a trip to Bardsey Island from nearby Porth Meudwy and discover the Isle of 20,000 saints and the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, see the seals and sea birds (sea crossing is dependent on good weather). Dolphins are also seen in the seas around the LlÅ·n Peninsula.
Blue Flag and Seaside Award beach. Toilets, shops, cafes and restaurants in the village. Dog restrictions apply April to end September.
Ty Coch Inn
The Ty Coch Inn is nestled in the beautiful fishing village of Porthdinllaen. This is near Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd on the Llyn Peninsula.
The pub as been dubbed one of the best beach bars in the world.
The Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, was built in 1823, and started life as a vicarage before it was opened as an inn in 1842 to feed the hungry and thirsty shipbuilders who worked in the small harbour.Only locals have vehicle access to the Inn, so visitors must walk across the beach from Morfa Nefyn or across the golf course on top of the headland to reach Ty Coch.
If you are using sat nav our postcode is LL53 6DB.
LL53 7TR, Wales
Greenwood Forest Park
Voted Best Family Attraction in North Wales for six years running, days out don’t get much better than this! GreenWood Forest Park is set in 27 magical acres, and it’s easy to see why it’s a full day out - discovering woodland adventure, awesome attractions and forest family fun.
Make a splash on the UK’s only solar powered water ride, Jump aboard the world’s first people powered roller coaster or zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales! Children will love discovering the super bouncy Giant Jumper, exploring the turrets of TreeTop Towers, taking their shoes and socks off for the BareFoot Trail or aiming for gold at Archery.
We have those rainy days covered too! The Enchanted WoodBarn is full of the latest indoor play with a separate area for the under 3s.
Prepare to be dazzled in the Forest Theatre where during the school holidays you will find our fabulous entertainers, including: Smarty Marty the Clown, Harley’s Showtime and Ricardo the Pirate – they just can’t wait to make you laugh. Get creative in the craft area where you can see local crafts people and make something unique to take home with you!
Smaller tots will also find a fun-filled adventure in the Little Forest PlayBarn, Toddlers Village, Tunnel Warren and the Little Green Run.
With so much to do on a day out, you’ll need a break! In the GreenOak Café, choose from delicious hot and cold meals, as well as a great selection of Fairtrade and locally sourced products. Or during school holidays, grab a bite from one of four great snack bars.
LL53 8BE
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Zipworld
Zip World has become, almost overnight, the zip line capital of the world thanks to attractions like Zip World Velocity at Bethesda, the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe, and Zip World Titan at Blaenau Ffestiniog for that ultimate group zipping experience. Their Blaenau Ffestiniog location offers more adventurous opportunities where you zip in the caverns and bounce on giant net in a breath-taking former slate mine.
There's more at Zip World Fforest, Betws-y-Coed where you can experience many more adventures with Zip Safari, Tree Hopers, Treetop Nets® and Skyride which is Europe's highest five seater giant swing.
At Bethesda, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed
Ring 01248 601 444 for details
Address: Bush Rd, Y Felinheli LL56 4QN
Newborough Beach
If you have never visited Newborough Beach and Llanddwyn Island, then you're in for a treat.
Just imagine walking through sand dunes to discover miles of golden sand, framed to the left by the majestic mountains of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula. To the right, and cut off at high tide, an enchanted island said to be the home of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. Behind you, Newborough Reserve offers miles of forest trails, teeming with wildlife including red squirrels.
The walk to Llanddwyn Island (or Ynys Llanddwyn to give it it’s Welsh name) will take about 30-45 minutes at a gentle walking pace, and it is well worth the walk.
The island has several beautiful coves, as well as shingle and sandy beaches together with incredible views. A variety of seabirds can be spotted from the island, as well as the seals – heads bobbing in the water, or basking on the nearby rocks. If you're lucky, you may also spot dolphins or even the occasional Minke Whale.
Newborough Beach has excellent car parking facilities, with plenty of spaces available. The car park also has a café if you’re feeling peckish after a day at the beach. Dogs are banned from the right side of the beach (towards Llanwddyn island) during the summer holidays but are still welcome on the left side. For the rest of the year dogs are permitted in all areas.
LLANBEDROG
BEACH BAR
Voted in the top 20 best beachside bars in the UK in 2018 by the Sunday Times the Llanbedrog bar & Restaurant is located on a beautiful sandy National Trust beach a stunning place in a location to die for.
With its sunny sheltered terraces and a cosy restaurant, it is contemporary in style, cool in nature, mellow in outlook and utterly stunning in terms of views.
Sitting sheltered from any winds by a gleaming glass balustrade that surrounds the deck area you have views right across the bay – over to Pwllheli, Criccieth, Porthmadog and the necklace of beaches that encircle Cardigan Bay.
LL61 6SG
Snowdon Mountain Railway
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From the first views of the waterfall plunging into the gorge below at the start of the journey to the breathtaking sights over the sheer edge of Rocky Valley, every moment is memorable. One of the world’s greatest panoramas is revealed as the train reaches the Summit. From above the clouds, standing at the Summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England, both young and old can embrace the invigorating atmosphere of Eryri – Land of the Eagles. Snowdon Summit’s visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, receives on average half a million visitors each year and it’s not hard to see why. On a clear day the views stretch as far as Ireland. The Summit café sells a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, making Hafod Eryri the highest refuelling station in Wales and England.
Plas Brondanw Gardens
Surrounded by mountain peaks, Plas Brondanw is one of the best-kept secrets in North Wales. Although less well known than his village and gardens at Portmeirion, the Grade I listed gardens of Plas Brondanw are nevertheless considered by many to be Clough Williams-Ellis’ most important creation. Sir Clough created a unique and distinctive garden landscape that provides a series of superb views and romantic prospects set within Snowdonia National.
