Local towns and villages

Caernarfon - 13 miles/20km from Beddgelert

The Royal Town of Caernarfon is situated on the Eastern Shore of the Menai Strait opposite Anglesey.

Caernarfon Castle - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous Castle in Wales, Caernarfon Castle is a must see. Click here to find out more about visiting Caernarfon Castle | Cadw (gov.wales)

Shopping - Within the old Castle walls you’ll find a plethora of independent shops as well as a Saturday morning market.

Food & Drink - There are plenty of options to eat out while in Caernarfon, here are a few great options.
- Four Alls
- Wal Restaurant
- The Black Boy
-La Marina

Segontium Roman Fort - This Roman Fort which survived until the end of the Roman occupation of Britain is located on the on the outskirts of the town.
Visit the Cadw website for more information on how to plan your trip Segontium Roman Fort | Cadw (gov.wales)

Beacon Climbing Centre - With activities suitable for children, complete beginners to climbing experts, Beacon Climbing Centre is a perfect place to spend a rainy day.

Porthmadog - 7.7 miles/12.4km from Beddgelert

Porthmadog is a coastal town situated on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park that flourished as a port in the 19th Century exporting high-quality roofing slate, which was brought to the new port by tramway from local quarries and exported through the town. It is also within walking distance to the quaint coastal village of Borth y Gest and, which makes is a perfect spot for those wanting the best of town and seaside.

Moel Y Gest - Moel y Gest is a 263m(863 ft) hill to the west of Porthmadog with panoramic views of the surrounding area. With routes starting from both Porthmadog and Borth y Gest, Moel y Gest is a great half a day walk for those wanting a short hike in a convenient location.

Shopping - Porthmadog high street is filled with independent shops such as Browsers Bookshop and Siop Fawr.

Food & Drink - The Big Rock Cafe
- Allports Fish & Chips
- Yr Hen Fecws
- Y Sgwar Restaurant
- Golden Fleece Inn

Railway - Porthmadog is a popular starting point on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. Here is a list of all the services running to and from Porthmadog and information about how to book your tickets -Train Services - Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway.

Borth y Gest Beach - Borth y Gest is a picturesque coastal village only 1 mile/1.6km away from Porthmadog. It is an easily accessible 15 minute walk via the Wales Coast Path or a 5 minute car ride away. The village comprises of stunning beaches, cafes and an ice cream shop as well as the option to continue onward on the coastal path towards Black Rock Sands beach.

Llanberis - 14.2 miles/23km from Beddgelert

Llanberis is a popular tourist hot spot thanks to it’s location at bottom of Yr Wyddfa.

Yr Wyddfa and Snowdon Mountain Railway - The village is a common starting point for those wishing to make it up Yr Wyddfa, the highest summit in both England and Wales. The Llanberis path is one of the most straight forward and popular walking routes up to the summit and is adjacent to the Snowdon Mountain Railway line.

National Slate Museum - The 19th-century workshops of the now disused Dinorwic quarry, within the Padarn Country Park is a museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of relics of the Slate industry in Wales. To plan your visit please visit National Slate Museum | Museum Wales.

Llyn Padarn and Llanberis Lake Railway - Llyn Padarn is a 2mile(4km) long lake with in Llanberis. For those interested in water sports it is a great spot to hire out paddle boards or kayaks, visit Snowdonia Watersports for more information. It is also a popular circular walking route which skirts around the edge of lake allowing you to take in the beautiful views from all angles. For small children or those who wish to see the lake in comfort the Llanberis Lake Railway is a great option.

The Dinorwig Power Station - The Dinorwig Power Station, known locally as Electric Mountain, or Mynydd Gwefru, is a pumped-storage hydroelectric scheme on the outskirts of Llanberis. For more infomation visit First Hydro Company - Electric Mountain Visitor Centre

Dolbadarn Castle - Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defenses of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley. Visit the Cadw website for more information about Dolbadarn Castle | Cadw (gov.wales).

Harlech - 13.7miles/22km from Beddgelert

Harlech Castle - A grade I listed medieval fortification built onto a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. To plan your visit, go to Harlech Castle | Cadw (gov.wales).

Harlech Beach - Located by the foot of the castle, you’ll find beautiful Harlech beach – miles of golden sand between the dunes and sea.  A must for dog owners, Harlech beach is also a great place to try your hand at surfing, or if you’re looking for a place for the kids to run around freely.

Steepest Street - Harlech is home to a street named Ffordd Pen Llech - The steepest street in the Northen hemesphore at gradient of 1:2.67. Try walking up and down it if you fancy a challenge!

Shopping - The town known for it’s collection of beautiful independent shops such as Llew Glas, Cae Du Designs and Y Groser.

Food & Drink - Castle Cottage Inn
- Harlech Fish and Chips
- Castle Bistro