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.
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).
It’s not often you get to stay in a castle – let alone one that has featured in ITV’s Cold Feet
Name
Chateau Rhianfa.
Where is it?
It is in the Menai Bridge area just into Anglesey rising above the waters of the Menai Straits in its own large grounds.
What is it?
A castle built like a French chateau with 30 rooms and three self-catering lodges on site.
Is it family friendly?
Fairly, it is an historic house with some quiet areas for couples plus dinner is a very formal affair. But having said that the hotel does welcome families, giving them the option of self-catering lodges or hotel rooms. The staff are friendly and the outside space is great to run around and explore.
The rooms
You have two options and we sampled both:
Our hotel bedroom had a large double bed and sofa-bed. The furnishings were top notch and the bathroom had luxury toiletries and a powerful shower. It was fun negotiating the winding staircase up to our room and the old fashioned lift as well.
A hotel room
If you prefer self catering, there are several options of varying sizes. We stayed in the Gate Lodge, which used to be home to the attendants who worked for the Chateau owners.
The two-storey cottage had great views across the Menai Straits, plenty of space and a well-equipped kitchen. You get full use of the facilities but no food is included.
Gate Lodge
Food and drink
Breakfast was tasty and filling in a large, wood-panelled dining room. The evening meal was spectacular, with lobster pasta a hit with our four-year-old.
I enjoyed the best cooked steak I have ever had. It is a formal, romantic setting so I would definitely eat as early as possible with a family to avoid feeling uncomfortable – but don’t miss out because of that as the food is great.
Nearby
The location provides easy driving to Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey Sea Zoo and the popular beaches in every direction. It is a long walk to the nearest shops and restaurants off site.
Our highlights
*Real history. How often can you say you’ve stayed at a castle? Chateau Rhianfa was built in the French renaissance style in the mid-1800s. Just going through the huge main door to reception feels like an adventure.
Inside Chateau Rhianfa
*The gardens. The beautifully kept gardens are great for exploring, there are steep bits so keep an eye on small children.
*Its own beach. Okay, that may be slightly exaggerating as there isn’t a lot of sand but when the tide is out on the Menai Strait, the hotel has its own stretch of mainly rocky beach to use. Think more rock pooling than lying on a lounger but it will keep children occupied for an hour or so.
*The wine bar. The best part about stopping here is exploring all the nooks and crannies inside and outside. There are lots of turret windows to grab a table and a view at, we found a wonderful secret bar called the Wine Cave complete with peep hole for a quick family drink. The children loved the historic feel of the bar.
Claim to fame
Fans of ITV’s Cold Feet will recognise this venue as it featured in an episode for the wedding of Spanish nanny Ramona in 2019.
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?
