Family
Here’s just a sample of the delights to be found in our area. Some a very close, within half an hour, and some are farther afield – but all are still worth a visit, whether for an afternoon or for the whole day. Each has the approx mileage to reach it from Gwaenynog, but it all depends on which route you take… Click on the names to take you to their website for further info, including costs, and for their opening times – all vary, depending on the time of year.
Experience steam trains from a bygone age through spectacular countryside where you have a chance to see deer, birds of prey, heron, kingfishers and even otters. Edwardian style tearoom and well-stocked shops complete a great day out for the whole family. 5 miles.
Powis Castle & Garden (Garden)
Remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years, it reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family – each generation adding to the magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries. In the 18th century an informal woodland wilderness was created on the opposing ridge, with fine views. Worth a visit. 12 miles.
Has the only miniature rabbit village and mechanical model museum in the country! Also have a cafe, shop and an indoor play centre. 21 miles.
Park Hall Countryside Experience
Loads to do – milking, lamb feeding, pony grooming, and cart rides. Huge indoor play arena with toy tractor circuit and bouncy castles. Vintage Garage and Welsh Guards Museum. Exciting extras: Junior Driving School and quad bikes. Great Tearooms and picnic areas. 24 miles.
Nesscliffe hill is a sandstone escarpment & is now a country park with various footpaths through the woods. To the north of the hill the ramparts of an old hill fort are present. An old sandstone quarry face forms a spectacular cliff, popular for rock climbing. Cut into the cliff face is a cave reputedly the hideaway of the highwayman Humphrey Kynaston & his horse. 26 miles.
Centre for Alternative Technology
The centre teaches you all about the earth’s natural resources – solar – wind and wave power. Also have an adventure playground and maze and many different animals to visit. There is even a great cliff railway in the summer months. 29 miles.
This was the first narrow Gauge railway in Mid-Wales, built in 1859. The round trip takes 50 minutes, including a guided tour of the 133-year old engine shed and workshops at Maespoeth. 31 miles.
Explore a virtually untouched abandoned Welsh Slate Mine with one of Wales’ top Mine Explorers. Get kitted up and enter the dark caverns of the abandoned Mine which was first worked in 1836 and closed in 1970. Discover huge caverns, machinery and old tools; it feels as if the miners have just left. Come, explore and step into the tough working lives of the miners and of past generations. 31 miles.
An underground storytelling adventure where you join a mysterious Dark Age boatman and sail underground, through a waterfall and back across a thousand years. As you explore the vast underground caverns and winding tunnels, Welsh tales of King Arthur, of dragons, battles and more unfold. Complete with dramatic scenes, light and sound this is a real adventure for all ages in all weathers. 31 miles.
RSPB Mawddach Valley – Woodlands Reserve or Arthog Bog
A wonderful location for wildlife spotting, hiking and photography, with the shifting sands of the Mawddach estuary on one side, and the rugged beauty of Cadair Idris on the other. There’s also Ynys-Hir and the Osprey Project, all within the same area and can be visited in one day, or you can spend the time for one place each day! 31 miles.
A historic narrow-gauge steam railway whose line passes a set of waterfalls, at which you can often disembark and explore before catching the train back again. It gives you the opportunity to spend time at the seaside town of Tywyn as well as a trip up what we think is the best valley in Wales. 32 miles to Abergynolwyn or 42 miles to Tywyn.
Go Ape is the UK’s No.1 Forest Adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set high above the forest floor. 35 miles.
This farm has long provided the opportunity to become familiar with the country life of yesteryear. Its Historic Working Farm is a wonderful visitor attraction with daily activities and special events. You will see traditional 19th century farm life unfold daily, while the land around is worked by heavy horses. You will recognise it from the television of Victorian Farm. 36 miles.
The Red Kite Feeding Station. Wild Red Kites are fed at Gigrin Farm every day of the year. With breathtaking feats of aerial piracy red kites compete with buzzards and ravens for choice pickings. Feeding takes place at 2pm GMT, 3pm in summer & 2pm winter. 40 miles.
Highlights include Grotto Hill, where you can explore a pitch-dark labyrinth of ancient mines cut into the cliff; the Swiss Bridge, a rustic wooden structure perched over an unnervingly deep chasm; the Cleft, a path winding between two cliffs which narrows into a dark, creepy tunnel; and the Monument, a 100ft high column which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of up to 13 counties! 40 miles.
National Cycle Collection (Museum & Art Gallery)
Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells. The museum welcomes school visits and coach parties, is situated close to local town life and is moderately priced with a warm and friendly atmosphere. 42 miles.
An unforgettable journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley by narrow gauge steam train. Probably one of the most spectacular train journeys in Wales, it is well worth a visit. Heading to Aberystwyth means you get to do some retail therapy, then spend soem time walking at Devil’s Bridge once you get there – maybe have tea, before returning to Aber. 45 miles.
Hear it, feel it, see it, do it. Be at the heart of the action and explore your industrial past at the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. We think the best one is Blists Hill – it takes you back to Victorian times, and earlier, showing our industrial heritage and how far we’ve come since then. Worth the visit for everyone, not just the children! 45 miles.
Descend Jacobs ladder and wonder through the tunnels and chambers, and look for the old drilling holes and the likeness of a human face in the mighty no 6 cavern. As you emerge from the caverns, you face the breathtaking view of Cardigan Bay. 46 miles.
Sandy beach with acceptable swimming (if you don’t mind jellyfish), also offering locally a castle, nature reserve and promontory with an unusual abundance of sea shells. And of course, the wonderful Harlech Castle. 47 miles.
The Judge’s Lodging (Museum & Art Gallery)
Broad Street, Presteigne. From the stunningly restored judge´s apartments to the dingy servants’ quarters below you can explore their gas-lit world. Damp cells remind you of the building’s true history… 47 miles.
Portmeirion was built by Clough Williams-Ellis on a private peninsula on the coast of Snowdonia to show how a beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it. It has shops, restaurants, cafes and sub-tropical woodland gardens. Contains playground and sandy beach for kids to play on – worth a visit. 50 miles.
Is Snowdonia’s newest railway. Trains start a spectacular 25 mile scenic journey from beneath the castle walls at Caernarfon. 52 miles.
A miniature railway takes you on a 10 minute trip around the beautifully landscaped grounds. Kids can also enjoy dodgem cars and rides. 52 miles.
Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition. 54 miles.
Criccieth Castle, standing on its headland between two beaches, is a prominent North Wales landmark. It is also a landmark historic site, one of those rare castles with a foot firmly in both camps and a true testament to the varying fortunes of war. 57 miles.
Small Breeds Farm and Owl Centre
A magical place to experience animals, birds and all sorts of owls from all over the world. During winter months and in very wet weather the animals are displayed undercover. 58 miles.
The tour of the Works was introduced by popular demand. It is a self guided tour and is both educational and fun. There is an introductory video presentation, after which you can wander through the workshops at your own pace and view the machines and craftsmen in action, accompanied by your own personal taped commentary. 65 miles.
Outdoor adventure activities for kids and adults from four years upwards. Dedicated adventure ropes course for four to eight year olds, high ropes activities for over eights and adults. All equipment and instruction provided. Adjacent trains, museums and country walks to keep the family entertained all day. 68 miles.
It’s easy to get to the top of Snowdon these days – travel by train!!! Marvellous view on the way up. Remember to book your tickets before you travel, as the trains fill-up quickly. Also, give yourself time to spend at the top – even if it’s cloudy, there’s a new cafe up there to wait a while, as the weather can change frequently! 68 miles.
In the shadow of Elidir mountain and the vast Dinorwig quarry, step straight into the past in Victorian workshops that tell a very special story. Designed as though engineers have just downed tools and left the courtyard for home, enjoy slate-splitting demonstrations, tours, the stunning countryside and much more. 68 miles.
