Our guide to where to go in and around Porthmadog in North Wales
Porthmadog is a small coastal town on the Glaslyn Estuary in North Wales.
It was once a busy port for the international slate trade and its name means Madog’s Port.
There’s lots to do in and around this pretty town.
Black Rock Sands (Morfa Bychan)
Black Rock Sands is the closest major beach to Porthmadog, it’s a 10-minute drive.
It’s very accessible as you can park your car on the beach itself.
Cars parked on the beach at Black Rock Sands
This is fantastic if you have loads of beach stuff to carry like chairs, blankets, boards, a picnic, buckets and spades etc.
But beware of being so distracted by having fun that you don’t realise the tide is creeping in.
On our last visit, we witnessed several owners running to rescue their cars and one even had to be pulled to safety by beach patrol.
A long, wide stretch of sand with warm, shallow waters at low tide, Black Rock Sands has good rock pools and caves at the far end towards Criccieth with view across to Criccieth Castle.
Car parking on the beach costs £5.
Steam Railway
Porthmadog Railway Station on the high street is very popular as it is a hub for three lines.
*The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs 25 miles between Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
*The Ffestiniog Railway is a vintage railway which has been running for nearly 200 years. It is 13.5 miles long and runs from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
*And the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway offers a short train ride in historic narrow-gauge railway carriages to Pen-y-mount station and back.
Harlech Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Porthmadog.
It has lovely soft sand and fun, high sand dunes to explore.
The wide bay is inviting for paddlers and swimmers.
Harlech Beach
It is a fairly long walk from the pay and display car park (about 10 minutes), which also houses the nearest toilets, along a footpath which cuts through the golf course (watch out for flying golf balls).
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is set on a steep hill in this small village and proves very popular with visitors.
Harlech Castle
The fortress, built by Edward I nearly 800 years ago, is in superb condition.
You can scale the castle walls and see stunning views across North Wales.
There are good explainer boards around the castle showing what each area was used for in the 13th century.
Entrance costs £27.50 for a family of four unless you are members of Cadw (a Welsh version of English Heritage). There is also a small shop, bustling cafe and a short video you can watch before walking across the bridge to the castle.
There aren’t many parking spaces at the castle and it’s a steep walk to other options, so it’s best to drop off children and passengers who may struggle before finding somewhere to park.
Harlech
While you are at the castle, it’s worth walking a few metres up the road to see what claims to be a Guinness World Record-breaking road.
Ffordd Pen Lech is apparently the World’s Steepest Street with a 40 per cent gradient.
Well worth a quick walk to say you’ve scaled a spot in the record books.
There are also cafes, ice cream parlours and shops on the high street in Harlech.
Porthmadog walks
Walking is a great way to explore this pretty town.
(Our video of the hotel above, includes many of the attractions in this article).
You don’t have to go far from the hotel for a stunning stroll, you can head around the back of the building to a footpath which takes you around a lake. A 20-minute walk brings you back to the hotel.
If you want to head further you can walk along the harbourside and down Lombard Street to the small cove of Borth-y-Gest which has a nice, small beach.
Walks towards Snowdon
We did two brilliant walks in the hills above Porthmadog heading towards Snowdon.
Beddgelert
We walked along the Aberglasyn Gorge from the National Trust car park at Aberglasyn to the village of Beddgelert.
The walk is challenging, particularly the first mile from the car park along the side of the river. There are some steep drops and no barriers in places.
Our children aged 12 and 8 loved the adventure but younger ones will need to be watched throughout. After the first mile,the path changes to a more straightforward flat, paved walk all the way to Beddgelert.
Beddgelert
There are places to stop and have a paddle in the river along the way so bring a towel and some swimming gear if it is a warm day.
The walk ends at Beddgelert – the pretty village made famous by the story of the faithful dog Gelert slain by Prince Llewellyn after he mistakenly thought the dog had attacked his baby son.
You can visit Gelert’s grave under a tree and read about the tale. Beddgelert has several cafes, a busy ice cream parlour and a village shop if you need supplies for the walk back.
Gelert’s grave at Beddgelert
Llyn Dinas
Further towards Snowdon into the mountains is another great walk we tried. This one starts from the National Trust site at Craflwyn. You can park there and cross the busy A498 onto a riverside footpath, which runs for just over a mile to Llyn Dinas.
The footpath goes past the Sygun Copper Mine, where you can take a self-guided tour down the mine.
If you carry on along the footpath towards Nantmor, you emerge at the stunning lake Llyn Dinas.
This is a wonderful spot for a swim on a hot day, there were lots of people out on the water on paddleboards and canoes. You can also walk around the lake on a solid, flat path. There are a few picnic tables near the small boathouse next to the main road but apart from that, no other facilities.
Llyn Dinas lake
For anyone who doesn’t fancy the walk from Craflwyn, there is roadside parking alongside the lake but it gets busy quickly on a sunny day.
We take our children to stay at this hotel in the centre of Porthmadog opposite the railway station
Name
Premier Inn Porthmadog Hotel.
Where is it?
This Premier Inn hotel is in Porthmadog in the county of Gwynedd, North Wales, a small coastal town on the Glaslyn Estuary.
It’s in a great location, opposite Porthmadog Railway Station and the estuary. The rear of the hotel has views over Snowdonia National Park.
What is it?
Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel chain with over 800 hotels and this one only opened in 2022.
The rooms
Our Standard Family room had three beds – a really comfortable and cosy king size, a single and a smaller pull-out.
Our Standard Family room
All rooms have an en-suite bath and shower with shower curtain, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, desk and chair, plus free Wi-Fi and a flat screen Smart TV.
Other room options are a Standard Double, Premier Plus Double, Standard Twin and Standard Accessible which includes adjustable beds, more space and wider entry bathrooms.
Our room
We were very grateful that the room had very effective air conditioning, as we stayed during a heat wave.
Food and drink
The hotel’s Thyme restaurant serves breakfast and evening meals.
Breakfast is self-service and includes hot options like bacon, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms and baked beans plus fruit, cereals, croissants and yoghurts.
You can toast your own bread, pancakes and crumpets. Breakfast was £9.50 per adult or £7.50 for just the continental options when we stayed.
In the evening, you can choose from a huge menu which includes reasonably-priced standard pub favourites like lasagne, steak and pizza.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, this is a family friendly hotel, our room was a great size for the four of us.
Breakfast is free for children (up to two children eat free with a paying adult).
Also, travel cots are available at no extra cost.
Our highlights
*The location – this is a great spot to explore Porthmadog and we enjoyed several walks from the hotel.
It’s a two-minute walk to the pretty harbour and town centre.
*Spooner’s cafe bar at the railway station opposite serves good value drinks and its terrace has a nice view across the bay.
*The views – from our window at the front we could watch steam trains arriving and departing from Porthmadog Station and the estuary beyond.
Windows at the back look over a pretty pool with mountains beyond.
*The comfortable beds and the room’s air conditioning were a real bonus, as was the cleanliness and the modern fresh feel of the whole hotel.
Top tips
*Car parking is described as limited on the website. Although the hotel was full when we visited we did manage to park on site each day. If you are keen to ensure your vehicle is left in the hotel car park, then we suggest arriving earlier as it rapidly filled up from around 5pm.
*Don’t miss out on a lovely short walk directly behind the hotel around a lake. If you follow the green railings around the back of the hotel, it looks like a dead end, but you can head out on to Cob Crwn – a short, circular stroll.
A view of the hotel from the lake behind it.
*Breakfast times were allocated at 6.30, 7.30, 8.30 or 9.30am. The area was busy around 8.30am but quietened down afterwards so we suggest if you don’t want to wait for a table, get there either before 8am or after 9.30am.
*There are six electric car charging points in the car park. However, none of them were working when we visited! The nearest charging points in Porthmadog are at the Tesco supermarket, which is a 10-minute walk away.
Nearby
Porthmadog Railway Station
Porthmadog Railway Station is opposite is a major hub with three lines – the Ffestiniog (which runs to Blaenau Ffestiniog), the Welsh Highland Railway (which goes to Caernarfon) and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway.
Porthmadog Railway Station is opposite the Premier Inn
The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway and runs 25 miles between Porthmadog and Caernarfon.
The Ffestiniog Railway is a vintage railway which has been running for nearly 200 years. It is 13.5 miles long and runs from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway offers a short train ride in historic narrow-gauge railway carriages to Pen-y-mount station and back.
Portmeirion
This Italian-style tourist village, built between 1925 and 1975, is two miles south east of Porthmadog.
It is famous for being The Village in the tv show The Prisoner.
Black Rock Sands (Morfa Bychan)
This big beach is two miles west of Porthmadog. It’s very accessible as you can park your vehicles on it.
Just be careful of little ones running around and also keep an eye on the tide and your car – one had to be towed out of the sea when we were there.
Cars parked on the beach at Black Rock Sands
Harlech
We visited Harlech Castle and Harlech Beach, which were 20 minutes away.
Harlech Beach is large and sandy and is a fair walk from the car park.
It is overlooked by the castle, set high on the cliff.
Porthmadog
You don’t have to go far from the hotel for a stunning stroll.
The marina is very close or you can head around the back of the building to a footpath which takes you around a lake. A 20-minute walk brings you back to the hotel.
Porthmadog Harbour
You can find out more about the attractions by reading our feature on what to do around Porthmadog with children here.
Address:
Premier Inn Porthmadog Hotel, Britannia Terrace, Porthmadog, Wales, LL49 9NB.
The best beaches for children and families around Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula
Families staying in Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula are spoilt for choice when it comes to fabulous beaches.
It’s one of the reasons that people with children return to the area year after year.
Our two children adore the beaches around the area – here are our favourites.
Abersoch main beach
The main beach in Abersoch is the busiest, easiest to reach and most user-friendly in the area.
Beach hut barbecue on Abersoch’s main beach
It stretches about a mile and a half with plenty of golden sand, a steep hill up to beach huts and sand dunes to explore.
At the far left end (if facing the sea), near the South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club/SCYC, there are some rock pools at low tide.
At the other end of the beach towards the lifeboat station, there is less soft sand but it tends to be quieter and dogs are allowed.
The beach is sheltered and safe for swimming under normal conditions, with a motor boat exclusion zone. It is also popular for water sports like sailing and wind surfing.
There are great views – it faces St Tudwal’s islands and behind that, west Wales mountans.
Where is it?
The beach is a short walk from the centre of Abersoch and and can be accessed from two car parks detailed below.
Parking
*The main car park is Beach Car Park, Golf Road, Abersoch. You have to pay to park all year round. A very short walk brings you past a shop/cafe and out on to the slipway in the middle of the beach.
There is another, smaller, pay car park at the SCYC (yacht club) end of the beach and there is also a cafe there. Access to the beach is via a short, steep slope.
Abersoch main beach facilities
*Three cafes along the beach serving ice creams, sandwiches and burgers plus beach equipment.
*Toilets in the main car park.
*Some of the beach huts are available to hire.
Dogs
*Dogs are allowed on the right side of the slipway all year and the rest of the beach except between April 1 and September 30.
The Warren beach
This long sandy beach is mostly used by people with chalets at the upmarket Warren Holiday Park.
The Warren Beach
However it is still a public beach and one of our favourites. It’s a good beach for bathing and there are several streams to play in.
You can also explore the rocks around Llandbedrog Head. The wide expanse of wet sand at low tide means plenty of space.
It’s usually pretty quiet as it can be harder to access unless you are staying at the Warren.
Where is it?
This one and a half mile long beach is in front of the Warren Holiday Park and stretches from Abersoch harbour to the headland of Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd.
The Abersoch end is known as Traeth Tywyn y Fach while the headland side is called Quarry Beach.
Parking
*Abersoch end: Park along the A499, then walk through the National Trust’s Tywyn y Fach property.
*Quarry Beach end: There is a car park behind the beach which can be reached via narrow lanes off the main Abersoch to Pwllheli road by the red postbox.
*Via The Warren holiday park: Park in a layby on the main road and walk through the holiday park along a public footpath.
The Warren beach facilities
There are no toilets apart from at the holiday park for people staying there.
There is no cafe or shop, so take supplies!
Dogs
Dogs are allowed at all times.
Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl)
Porth Neigwl, better known as Hell’s Mouth, is a windswept beach which gets its name from the amount of shipwrecks which washed up here.
Hell’s Mouth beach
This is the area’s premier surfing beach and often sees big waves.
The beach is mostly stony with some sandy areas and – at four miles long – has plenty of quiet spots.
Take care when swimming as there are strong currents and undertows – it is only suitable for strong swimmers.
There are low sand dunes with some World War Two concrete training structures to discover but stay away from the crusty cliff edges.
We love it for a wild and windy walk as it’s only a short drive from Abersoch.
Where is it?
It is on the south-west side of the Llŷn Peninsula in Llanengan, near Pwllheli, LL53 7LG.
Parking
There’s a free car park with about 15 spaces and then a five-minute walk down a sandy path to the beach.
Facilities
There are no toilets or catering.
Whistling Sands (Porth Oer)
Porth Oer is better known as Whistling Sands for the noise the sand makes if you step on it. A noise and an idea which children love.
Whistling Sands beach
This beautiful golden beach is a perfect size for families.
There is plenty of soft sand, a nice gentle bay for swimming and rock pools at either end to mess about in.
The beach is in one of the more remote parts of the Llŷn Peninsula and a 25 minute drive from Abersoch but is well worth it.
Explore the small caves at the right hand end of the beach, and climb up the footpath there for spectacular views (hold on to small children).
Where is it?
It is in Aberdaron, Pwllheli, LL53 8LH. (Not to be mistaken for Aberdaron Beach).
Parking
There is a National Trust car park on the road above the beach. It is a very steep three-minute walk down (and a slower walk back up)!
Facilities
*Toilets
*A cafe on the beach serving hot and cold food and drinks including pizza and ice-cream which you can eat there or take on to the beach. The pizza is delicious.
Pizza at Whistling Sands
Wishing I was there now and eating this pizza instead of just writing about it!
Llanbedrog Beach
This beach is an easy stop-off with children as there’s a car park, toilets and a cafe.
Llanbedrog Beach
It’s a good place for children to swim, plus there are streams and pools to play in.
Intrepid families can walk from the beach up the steep steps to the top of Llandbedrog headland Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd, but keep hold of children.
Llanbedrog Beach
Half way up is the Tin Man sculpture.
You can also walk to Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw art gallery and cafe.
But there’s a restaurant right on the beach plus as it’s a sheltered spot, you could try a beach barbecue.
Where is it
In Llanbedrog, between Abersoch and Pwllheli on the south side of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Parking
There is a National Trust car park a two-minute walk from the beach (up a hill and steps). Address: Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, LL53 7TT.
Facilities
*Toilets near the beach.
*Restaurant on the beach serving alcohol, hot meals and ice creams Aqua Beach Bar.
Porth Iago Beach
This small horseshoe-shaped bay is spectacular but tricky to reach.
Porth Lago Beach
To get there you must drive through a private farm and pay an entrance/car park fee to reach a grassy parking area.
From there you walk down narrow and steep tracks to reach the remote beach.
It is a sheltered cove with some excellent rock pools and makes a good swimming spot.
The sand is soft and there are amazing views to be had by following the Wales Coastal Path in either direction from the cliffs above the beach.
Where is it?
Port Iago beach faces south-west on the Llŷn Peninsula in Aberdaron, between the headlands Graig Ddu and Dinas.
Parking
The car park above the beach is accessed through Ty Mawr farm which has a pay and display parking machine so take some £1 coins.
Address: Rhoshirwaun, Wales, LL53 8LP, United Kingdom.
You can also reach the beach on foot from the Wales Coastal Path via sand dunes.
Facilities
None.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed but have to be in vehicles when going through the farm.
Porth Colmon Beach/Penllech Beach
This large beach is a tricky one to get to but is a rewarding find once you get there, at low tide.
Porth Colmon Beach
It can be muddy as the route from a car park follows a stream. Once you reach the beach, there is a steep walk down to the sand.
The beach itself is wide with dramatic rocks, lots of rock pools and in the middle there is a channel which you can paddle and play in.
There can be strong currents so swimming is not advisable.
Porth Colmon
Where is it?
Penllech Beach is a mile north of Llangwnnadl on the northern tip of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Parking
You can park at a small car park on Afon Fawr and then follow the beach path for about 10 minutes across a field.
Facilities
None, there is a cafe at a near by campsite about a ten minute walk from one end of the beach.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed.
Morfa Nefyn Beach/Nefyn Beach (Porth Nefyn)
This is a lovely, sandy, two-mile beach but the most memorable part of it is the pub at one end, the Ty Coch.
Picture available to buy as a greetings card or picture at Sand-Writing
There are a few beach huts and some great views as well as rock pools at low tide near the headland.
We like to walk from the car park down on the beach, along to the next section, Traeth Porthdinllaen, where the pub invitingly waits and then back along the road through the golf course.
Where is it?
Between the village of Nefyn and the fishing hamlet of Porthdinllaen on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Parking
There is a National Trust car park above the beach – address Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli , L53 6DA.
Nefyn Beach Facilities
Pub Ty Coch selling lovely food and drink, hailed amongst the best beach bars in the world!
Toilets: at the National Trust car park.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on one side of the beach all year but are banned for the other side between April and September.
There was lots to keep them entertained, here are our top tips for what to do with children on a family boat trip along the canal or a holiday in the area.
Llangollen
The market town of Llangollen is a fabulous day out for children.
When travelling by canal, the part between Trevor Bason and Llangollen town is narrow and not suited to beginners.
If you don’t attempt it, it’s still worth spending time in Llangollen before you collect your boat or after you have finished your canal cruise if you are nearby.
To enjoy the town centre, join families relaxing on the rocks next to the River Dee. There are lots of flat stones to walk acroos on the river and shallow pools in between. Families often pop down there to enjoy an ice cream or fish and chips with a view.
Llangollen
You reach the river stones via the Victorian promenade, which is a lovely walkway raised above the river. Next to it there is a large playground.
Children will also love the spectacular Horseshoe Falls, where the canal and river meet to form a weir, a couple of miles west of the town.
You can see kayakers flying down this part of the River Dee and there are pleasant walks.
Horseshoe Falls
Ellesmere
There are three meres near to this stretch of canal. You can moor up to walk around Colemere, or stop at Blakemere to admire the view.
If you moor up overnight in Ellesmere there is a walk to the town’s lake through woodland off the towpath near Blackwater Marina.
Blakemere at Ellesmere
It is about a 10-minute walk through a lovely wood to the mere, then you can go to the visitor centre, or head clockwise around to the sculpture trail and wide-open playground.
The town itself is pleasant enough to stroll around with a few takeaways and Vermeulens Delicatessen famed for its pork pies. You can walk back to your boat along the canal next to a giant Tesco, which is handy if you need to stock up.
Llangollen Wharf
This wharf in Llangollen is part of a World Heritage site.
Welsh cream teas are served at the Wharf Tea Room, with views out over the town and canal.
You can try a horse drawn boat trip from here – they have been running from the wharf for more than 100 years. Trips are 45 minutes or two hours.
Horse drawn boats from Llangollen Wharf
Llangollen Steam railway
This heritage railway line starts at Llangollen Station and runs alongside the River Dee, travelling through the picturesque Dee Valley.
It has events for families throughout the year such as meeting Thomas the Tank Engine.
This huge National Trust castle with 480 acres of parkland is a popular attraction.
If you arrive by canal, it is a long walk but if you have bicycles it is manageable. If you make it you will discover one of Edward I’s castles.
You might catch a demonstration of the guard’s armour and weapons.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
You can cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct by narrowboat or on foot – it’s the highest navigable aqueduct in the world.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
It takes the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee valley and has fantastic views as long as you don’t have a fear of heights as it’s nearly 40 metres high!
Completed in 1805, it was designed and built by Thomas Telford and has 19 arches.
The aqueduct, which has World Heritage status, is a popular tourist attraction.
There is a small cafe and a couple of lovely walks to view the aqueduct. One walk heads along the Llangollen Canal a short distance, down the original Offa’s Dyke path, through some narrow, steep woodland and out onto a bridge with a great view.
Alternatively, you could head out of the marina towards the aqueduct but before you reach it, turn left onto a public footpath signed Ty Mawr Country Park. Walk along the path and then turn right and head down to the river. It is a lovely spot, with a muddy beach, rocks to climb on and even a paddle in the river on a hot day. You then walk back towards the aqueduct and end up underneath its huge towers. This gives children a chance to appreciate the scale of the 200-year-old structure.
Moor up and explore
The beauty of travellng by boat on the canal is that you can stop almost anywhere. We found lots of lovely country walks this way.
The towpath is usually flat and often gravelled so is fine to cycle or scoot in a lot of places.
If your children are older you can send them off the boat along the towpath and collect them when you catch up with them further ahead.
We share all the details of our 67 foot bond class Anglo Welsh barge
Boat hire company Anglo Welsh has more than 160 narrowboats at 11 bases across England and Wales.
We hired one from its Trevor Basin site in north Wales to take across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal into Shropshire.
It was our first canal boat trip and we booked it through Drifters Waterway Holidays.
We had a great time (read our full review) Here we’ll look at the boat in more detail and explain how suitable it is for children.
Our boat
We hired a 4-6 berth canal boat called Askrigg, a bond class narrowboat, which is one of the most luxurious that Anglo Welsh offers.
Bond class narrowboat, Askrigg
Space
Let’s start with space and there was plenty of it. The length of the boat is 67 feet and it’s nearly 7 feet wide. It doesn’t even feel that narrow.
It’s quite dauntingly long when you take the helm for the first time but it is fabulous for the children to have so much room to move about and play.
Layout
Starting at the rear is a bedroom with two small single beds.
There are two small beds in one bedroom
A narrow corridor, which could be a squeeze for some, runs alongside the next three rooms.
There is a bathroom, a bedroom with a double bed followed by a second identical bathroom.
The other bedroom has a small double bed
It opens up into a galley area with kitchen and dining table with sofa-seating which converts into another bed if needed.
At the front of the boat are two leather chairs facing a TV and radio.
Inside the Anglo Welsh narrowboat Askrigg
It’s a great layout and worked well for us – having two bedrooms and two bathrooms is a real bonus.
There are places to sit outside at the front and rear of the boat.
Was it easy to helm?
It is straightforward, once you’ve grasped that turning the tiller right makes the boat go left and vice versa.
As you steer from the rear, take glasses if you need them!
It’s good fun, rewarding but never relaxing when you are at the helm. It’s definitely best to take it in turns if there are two of you, to give each of you a chance to fully enjoy the experience.
What about equipment?
The boat is very well equipped. We found plenty of crockery, pots and pans, cutlery and cooking utensils. It was all in an excellent condition, very clean, and most of it looked new.
There is a gas oven, grill and four-ring hob as well as a microwave (only use the microwave when the engine is running or it will sap all your power). A kettle to boil on the hob is provided as well as a fridge freezer.
Bedding and towels are provided, along with a hairdryer and a couple of folding chairs.
What about gadgets?
There is a small TV with signal dependent on your location – we didn’t get ours to work but it does take DVDs.
There is also a radio and CD player.
In the lounge area are two plug sockets and underneath the television is a cigarette lighter point.
Try to charge mobile phones and other devices while the boat is moving as electricity drops when the engine is turned off.
Is there space to shower?
The bathrooms are a fairly tight squeeze for an adult around the toilet and sink areas but the showers were large, powerful and warmed up instantly.
Don’t forget to pump out the shower using the button at the side of it where you are done. A new bar of soap is supplied in each bathroom.
The chemical toilets are flushed using a lever with your foot.
Canal boat toilets use a sealed holding tank on board which you empty at a pump-out point if and when you need to – we didn’t.
Is there enough water and can you drink it?
There is initially enough water onboard for at least a day.
You can stop at a water point (marked on the map and signposted) and access the tap using a key Anglo Welsh give you.
You connect one end of the boat’s hose pipe to the tap and insert the other end into the hole of the boat’s water tank.
It’s a really simple process once you’ve managed to moor up!
We were told that it’s best to fill up every day, but we were careful with our water usage and managed every other day.
You can apparently drink the water but we took bottled.
How does electricity work on an Anglo Welsh boat?
We never ran out of power. An inverter on the boat converts the power from the onboard batteries.
The amount of power available depends on how long the engine has been running so keep it running for a time when you are moored (but not after 8pm).
It’s recommended to charge mobiles and tablets etc when the engine is running so you don’t drain the batteries.
Was there heating on the boat?
All the company’s boats have gas central heating with radiators and ours was cosy and warm.
There’s also a multi-fuel stove, which we didn’t use.
Are there life jackets/buoyancy aids?
If you request them when you book, you can chose a life jacket to fit when you are at the boatyard before you depart. Both our children had one and were happy to wear them.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, up to two dogs are allowed, one is free to bring, a second costs £25 or £35 depending on the length of stay.
Are bikes allowed?
You can take one or two bikes but they have to be kept outside and you need to be careful when going under bridges or tunnels if you leave them on the roof.
Was it clean and Covid-compliant?
Canal boating is an excellent socially-distanced holiday option as you have self-contained accommodation and you are never too close to other people.
Our boat was very clean and had been thoroughly disinfected beforehand. Anti-bacterial spray and cleaning products were supplied on board.
Do they tell you how to use the boat?
Yes, the handover is very thorough. Ours took an hour as the Anglo Welsh staff member explained every aspect of the boat, how to helm it, all the safety precautions and more.
He also had plenty of time for questions and even headed out of the marina with us for the first few hundred yards of our journey to help with any teething problems and offer tips.
On arrival back, the staff turned our boat round for us and moored it.
Trevor Basin
We collected our boat from Trevor Basin in north Wales. There is free parking at the boatyard and we were able to park right next to the barge, which was great for loading and unloading.
Conclusion
A great space for children with everything you could need.
Our first boating holiday takes in the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal
I have been in charge of an 18-tonne canal boat the length of a lorry for roughly a minute.
Concentrating hard, I navigate on to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the width of our craft Askrigg, trying to ignore the 40-metre sheer drop on one side into the River Dee.
The expert, who has just given us an hour’s worth of thorough instructions, steps off the barge and we are alone crossing the longest aqueduct in Britain and the highest in the world.
As introductions to canal life goes, there’s nothing like being thrown in at the deep end as our two children enjoy the ride and my husband helps direct from the front – almost 70 feet away.
We are on a Drifters waterways holiday and our Anglo Welsh boat has just left Trevor basin near Llangollen in north east Wales.
About to depart from Trevor basin
Our four-day route is along the Llangollen Canal with overnight stops at the border village of Chirk and the Shropshire town of Ellesmere.
I quickly discover that canal boating is simultaneously very relaxing and stressful. Once we cross the aqueduct with its amazing views, there are other boats to dodge, tight turns to master and long tunnels to chug through.
There’s even a swing bridge to lift and our six-year-old gets out, armed with the windlass (the tool to lift canal locks and bridges) and starts helping turn the gauge to raise it high above the canal and allow us to pass through.
At first, bridges and locks may be daunting but they quickly become part of the fun, giving the children some activity and making them feel part of the team.
Luckily, every boater seems friendly and happy to help if you get in a fix.
Helming takes some practice, the boat is steered from the rear with a tiller. You may find yourself gently bumping the sides, glancing off low bridges or getting stuck in shallow water.
Coming out from a tunnel
It is all part of the adventure and steering quickly becomes second nature, even if you can never entirely relax at the helm.
We take it in turns so one of us can be with the children, prepare food or even relax, lazing at the front, enjoying the scenery.
There’s something pretty awesome about travelling along in a floating home but I recommend mooring up as often as possible to explore the towpath and surroundings.
We love stopping where we want, discovering walks through the countryside with just cows for company. This slow pace of travel needs to be embraced.
We also make planned stops at Chirk near to the famous castle, Ellesmere with its mere, playground, sculpture trail and quaint town centre, the small village of St Martin’s and also the base at Trevor, from where you can cross the famous aqueduct, a world heritage site, on foot.
As your confidence dealing with the boat increases, so does your speed carrying out its regular checks, filling with water and tying the ropes.
And the quality of our craft Askrigg really helps make the holiday (read our detailed review of the boat). It is one of Anglo Welsh’s Bond class boats and sleeps up to six (read our full review of it here).
Inside our boat Askrigg
There is lots of space inside, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with showers, a well-equipped kitchen, lounge/dining area, television, radio, central heating and WiFi. It is also extremely clean and Covid compliant.
By the end of our mini-break it has become a home from home so as we head back over the aqueduct four days later, the view was just as stunning but any novice nerves about taking a canal boat holiday have disappeared.
Drifters Waterway Holidays offers 550 canal boats for hire from 45 bases across England, Scotland and Wales.
There are over 3,000 miles of waterways for you to discover, all at your own pace and you don’t need to be an expert. Tuition is included as part of Drifters’ holiday packages.
Drifters’ 2020 hire prices for a boat for up to four people start at £530 for a short break (three or four nights), rising to £855 in the peak summer holidays.
A boat for up to four for a week starts at £915, rising to £1220 in the peak of the summer holidays.
Narrowboats range from 32ft to 70ft and can accommodate from two up to 12 people.
For more information visit the website or call 0344 984 0322.
More information about visiting the canal network is available from the Canal River Trust.
*We received a complimentary break for the purposes of this review. All views are our own.
For a more bustling feel consider the seaside town of Llandudno with its pier, dry ski slope and beaches.
The Lake District
Temperature: 18C
Coniston
In August, the Lakes get busy, but you can head further west to escape the crowds.
Coniston is a good option, the stony lake shore is good for setting up a picnic, the water (just) warm enough for a dip.
There is mountain biking, a high rope course and walking in nearby Grizedale Forest – or for a more leisurely stroll – the picturesque Tarn Hows is perfect for little legs.
We take our children on the Ffestiniog Railway which runs through Snowdonia National Park
What is it?
The Ffestiniog Railway is a vintage railway which has been running for nearly 200 years through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park.
Where is it?
It runs between Porthmadog’s harbourside and the former slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog – 13 and a half miles away.
What did we think?
This is one of the country’s best preserved vintage railways with wonderful scenery and child-friendly stops en route.
Highlights
*The steam engine. Harry Potter fans can imagine they are on the Hogwarts Express as the train starts off. The noise, smell and sensation of a steam engine is unique for children.
*Its history. The Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway. This line was originally built to take slate from Snowdonia’s quarries to the harbour at Porthmadog from where it was shipped around the world.
*The carriages are original but despite their age are fairly comfortable and reasonably spacious.
*Table service. Attentive staff regularly come round offering drinks, snacks or guide books. They serve homemade cakes and a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks.
*The views. The journey starts along the water at Porthmadog harbour before chugging up into the mountains. It is a narrow route with some houses right by the railway. As you climb, the railway goes past rocky walls and woodland but it barely goes a few minutes without a great view of Snowdonia’s mountains, streams and valleys.
*Tan-y-Blwch walk. Getting off at Tan-y-Blwch is the best option with children. You have over an hour before the train comes back for the return journey. That is enough time to walk the 1/4 mile down through woodland to Llyn Mair and wander around the lake, possibly with a picnic, before heading back to the station.
*Tan-y-Blwch station. The station has a small but fun playground, cafe and hut showing some of the railway’s history. There is also a bridge over the railway where you can get a good view of the steam trains arriving and departing.
Our top tips
*Sit on the right hand side of the train on the way out of Porthmadog and the left on the way back for the best views.
*The toilet is in the middle of the train so if you have little ones who might need to pay a visit, sit near that carriage.
*With younger children, consider riding to Tan-y-Bwlch rather than all the way to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The journey is 45 minutes each way instead of 1 hour 15 minutes. There is a playground and walk at Tan-y-Bwlch.
Ffestiniog Railway information
Food: Drinks and snacks menu served on-board. Cafes at Porthmadog and Tan-y-Blwch stations on the route serving cakes, ice creams and cooked meals.
Opening hours: For most of the season there are four trains per day. The first train leaves Porthmadog at 10.05am. Other departures are 11.25am, 1.35pm and 3.50pm with the last one getting back at 6.30pm. In the summer holidays there is also an 8.50am departure.
Cost: Adult all-day ticket £25.60, half way return to or from Tan-y-Blwch £16.50. One child free with every paying adult. All under-threes travel free.
Best for: Ages three upwards
Time needed: three hours
Access and restrictions: There are accessible toilets and baby changing facilities at all the main stations. The train itself has a toilet but it is small.
We take our children to review GreenWood Forest Park near Caernarfon in North Wales
What is it?
GreenWood Forest Park is a family adventure park which has been voted the best family day out in North Wales for seven years.
Where is it?
It is between Caernarfon and Bangor near Snowdonia National Park.
What did we think?
It’s a fantastic family day out for younger children, especially those aged three to 10.
We visited on a grey, drizzly day and still had a wonderful time. The wet weather meant it wasn’t busy, plus, although it was our school holidays, local children were back at school.
Our highlights
Great Green Run
An exhilarating 70-metre sledge run loved by our three and seven-year-old children and we parents alike. It is the longest sledge run in Wales.
The Great Green Run
And little ones don’t need to miss out on the fun. Next to it is the Little Green Run for toddlers to enjoy.
The Little Green Run
Green Dragon Roller Coaster
This is the world’s only people-powered roller coaster.
The Green Dragon Roller coaster
You walk up a hill, get into a people carrier which travels down an incline, pulling the cars up to the station. You then walk up another hill and get on the ride which is gravity driven.
It’s not a ‘scary’ roller coaster, no loop the loops. Perfect for children, although you have to be 97cm. Our three-year-old loved it.
Magic show
There were two shows at 1pm and 3pm (same entertainer, different show) and we went to both. He really made the children chuckle.
Jungle boats
You have to work as a family to navigate the canal using one paddle and ropes to propel you along.
Solar Splash
This is the first solar-powered ride in the UK and is for braver visitors to the park. You climb up a 12 metre tower and take an inflatable boat down one of two wave shoots or a spiral tube.
Solar Splash
More fun
There’s also a barefoot trail, den building, a crocodile maze, Tree Top Towers tree house with slides, zip wires, Moon Karts, crafts, archery and a soft play area for under-threes.
Tree Top Towers tree house
And there is a bigger soft play area with a great cafe/restaurant where I was thrilled to find a wood burner to sit next to, to warm up at the end with a cake and a cup of tea!
In conclusion
We all leave with a smile on our faces feeling like we’ve had a thoroughly lovely day.
Our top tips
*If it is wet, the magic show is undercover and the soft play areas will be open. Also if it is raining it would be handy to have a towel or cloth to wipe seats/sledges etc so little ones don’t get too wet and uncomfortable.
*Dogs on leads are allowed.
*Be warned, the exit is via the shop!
*Some of the rides don’t open at certain times of year or in certain weather so check first.
GreenWood Forest Park information
Food: Picnics are welcome. There is a restaurant and snack bars.
Opening hours: 10am to 5.30pm.
Cost: It is cheaper in low or mid-season, rising at peak season to £16.20 for adults and children, seniors and students. Free for children under three. It is cheaper to book online.
Best for: Ages three to 10.
Time needed: At least three to four hours or a whole day.
Access and restrictions: It has partial disabled access but some areas and rides are difficult or impossible to access for disabled visitors. There are height and age restrictions on some rides.
Address: GreenWood, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. (For sat nav use the postcode LL55 3AD).
We review Chateau Rhianfa in Anglesey and explore the surrounding area, beaches and attractions with our young children
It is not every day you wake up in a castle.
And the spectacular sight from our ridiculously comfortable bed through a large picture window means getting up is not appealing.
We are in Anglesey and our view takes in the waters of the Menai Strait, framed by majestic Snowdonia.
Other families we know holiday in Anglesey yet we had never been so we had decided to visit the beautiful island off north Wales for a half-term break.
Chateau Rhianfa
Chateau Rhianfa is more decadent than your average venue with its grand decor and tiered gardens sweeping down to the water (click here for our full review of Chateau Rhianfa).
Fans of ITV’s Cold Feet will recognise it as it recently featured in an episode for the wedding of Spanish nanny Ramona.
It was built in the mid-1800s in the style of a French Renaissance chateau as an aristocratic country retreat.
This fairy tale venue is impressive from the outside and fascinating on the inside.
Inside Chateau Rhianfa
Our children loved exploring the grand drawing and music rooms and were excited to discover cosy cubby holes in turrets.
And we were all happy to find an atmospheric wine cave among the rabbit warren of spaces.
The hotel rooms and suites are lavishly finished.
A hotel room
The Gate Lodge
Or you can stay in equally beautiful self-catering accommodation in the grounds.
We were in the Gate Lodge, a two-storey cottage with arched entrance and miniature turrets, where attendants of visitors to the chateau would once have stayed.
It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen/diner and lounge area.
The Gate Lodge self-catering accommodation
With the space and the large grounds to enjoy, I could have stayed there all day. But there was an island to explore and two children eager to get going.
Surrounding area
We were spoilt for choice for beaches and our favourite was Newborough, a wide sweeping bay backed by sand dunes and woodland walks.
We also liked Lligwys Beach near Moelfre – quiet and good for rockpooling – and the more rugged and windy Rhosneigr which was home to kitesurfers and kayakers.
Our daughter never tired of throwing stones into the water and our son loved hunting for crabs among the rock pools and paddling in the sea.
And we discovered exactly how crashing waves worked through clever replications at Anglesey Sea Zoo.
Everything in this aquarium is found around the British coast, and we found out plenty thanks to the friendly staff as they fed the fish and lobsters.
You can enjoy a feed too at the well-priced cafe and outside there’s a playground, bouncy slide, crazy golf and more.
Food
Back at our castle, trying the food is a must as it has previously won Hotel Restaurant of the Year (Welsh Food Awards).
We had a delicious breakfast on our last morning and also risked our young children in the quiet and refined dining room for an evening meal.
Thankfully they behaved. Or at least, nobody was looking when they didn’t.
It was a small, thoughtfully put together menu. There were no separate options for children. But the chefs were happy to adapt one of the dishes to suit them. And my steak was the best I have ever tasted.
The food lived up to expectations, as did the venue, as did Anglesey itself.
We are one more family won over by its charms.
Chateau Rhianfa on the Menai Strait
Have you been to Anglesey? Where do you recommend for children?
