Porthmadog

Known as ‘the gateway to Snowdonia’, Porthmadog is sandwiched between the towering slopes of Moel-y-Gest mountain and the shimmering waters of the Glaslyn Estuary and Tremadog Bay. Snowdonia National Park surrounds the town, making it an ideal starting point for visitors wishing to explore the area.

Migrating birds and other wildlife can be seen all year round, with sea turtles and dolphins swimming in Tremadog Bay and Ospreys nesting on the Glaslyn Estuary. Oystercatchers, redshanks and curlews are also common in the area.

The history of Porthmadog does not stretch back as far as many other towns in north Wales, coming into existence in 1811 when William Maddocks built a sea wall to establish a new harbour from which great sailing ships transported slate mined in the area around the world.

The town itself is well equipped with small shops, restaurants and pubs like The Golden Fleece and The Moorings Bistro keeping locals and tourists well fed and watered.

The town’s most famous son is Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who was born in the nearby village of Tremadog in 1888.