Off The Beaten Track In Snowdonia: Llanfrothen And Croesor

Every country in the world has its own well-kept secrets when it comes to places to visit, and Snowdonia is no exception. While guide books tend to point visitors towards popular tourist attractions - the busiest beaches, the best-trodden paths, the places that see thousands of visitors every year - often, the places that local people hold dearest to their hearts are those that are most deserving of inclusion in guide books, but are completely overlooked.

The Meirionnydd communities of Llanfrothen and Croesor - they are neighbours to each other, via Garreg - are two such places.

Those people 'in the know' - and the majority of these will be local residents - take delight in visiting Llanfrothen and Croesor to enjoy peaceful, unspoilt surroundings where natural beauty is abundant and photo opportunities lurk around every corner.

There's been a strong community here since medieval times; the age of the local medieval church, St Brothen's, is testament to this, although according to tradition the site dates back to at least the 6th century. Although the church is now redundant, it's cared for by Friends of Friendless Churches; so while you won't catch a service at St Brothen's these days, you'll still be able to go inside and have a look around. Much of the fabric of the building dates to the 13th century, but inside you'll see fixtures and fittings belonging to anywhere from the 15th century to the 19th, when the church underwent significant restoration works.

Details of listed buildings in Llanfrothen, and dendrochronology reports placing the felling dates of timber used in some of these buildings to the 15th century, are further evidence that this delightful little community has withstood the tests of time.

While there are popular tourist attractions nearby - for example, the Glaslyn Osprey Project at nearby Pont Croesor (handily located near the station for a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway), and Portmeirion, just down the road at Minffordd - the real delight in Llanfrothen and Croesor is just being there, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The Ring (the local name for the village pub, The Brondanw Arms) is a great place to do this, so pop in for a pint and a meal during your visit; the beer garden is wonderful.

For walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, Croesor has plenty to offer. This tiny village sits at the foot of Cnicht, "The Welsh Matahorn", and is a great place to start if you're planning to explore Cnicht and the Moelwyns. En route there's a community-managed cafe and gallery, Oriel Caffi Croesor, which also provides riverside camping facilities.

If you're hiking from Croesor, as well as discovering all that unspoilt scenery you're bound to come across the old mine workings of Croesor Quarry and Rhosydd Quarry. Long since closed down, parts of these quarries are still accessible; we don't recommend exploring inside the mines, as they can be extremely dangerous, but it is well documented that caving enthusiasts and experienced mine explorers have left behind ropes and other equipment as, despite the danger, the Croesor to Rhosydd Through Trip is infamous in mine exploration circles.

Long mountain walks aren't everyone's cup of tea, of course, so if you're visiting Llanfrothen or Croesor and aren't feeling especially energetic, pay a visit to Plas Brondanw. This was the ancestral home of Portmeirion's creator, Clough Williams-Ellis, and while the property is less obviously striking than the famous Italianate village, it's a wonderful place to visit. Beautifully designed and tended formal gardens, with gorgeous topiaries, ponds, statues and follies, are backed by the equally stunning Snowdonia landscape. Here, pristine order meets mountain wilderness, and the results are truly breathtaking. There's a small charge for visiting Brondanw, which you won't begrudge paying as the opportunity to visit such a delightful and peaceful place (and this is one of those attractions that is never crowded, although by rights it should be) is worth every penny.

You'll see evidence of Clough Williams-Ellis' involvement all around in Llanfrothen, Croesor and Garreg; those tell-tale splashes of turquoise paint are indicative of how much property in this area is part of the estate. Just across the way from the entrance to Brondanw is Clough's lookout tower and again, this and the land in which it sits is "typical Clough", with natural beauty enhanced, not spoiled, by one man's artistic and aesthetic vision.

If you're visiting Snowdonia and want to avoid crowds, and try something decidedly different; if you want to see the real, living, breathing Snowdonia with all its little quirks and customs; there are few places that will offer quite such an opportunity to do so than Llanfrothen and Croesor. When you veer off the beaten track in Snowdonia, who knows what you'll discover?

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.

Snowdonia For Music Lovers

Making and appreciating music is a huge part of Welsh culture. With centuries-old traditions of harping, singing, poetry and folk music still very much a part of modern Welsh culture - you'll hear all of these and more at special cultural festivals called 'Eisteddfodau' (the plural of 'Eisteddfod'), held locally and nationally throughout the year in Wales - it's hardly surprising that Wales has, over the past couple of centuries, earned itself the moniker "the land of song".

All sorts of music are popular - and created - in Wales. Opera, folk, jazz, rock, and even unique traditional styles of poetry and music like 'cerdd dafod' and 'cerdd dant' are all as popular as ever in Wales.

In Snowdonia, music is as much a part of everyday life as it is throughout the rest of Wales, and the region has produced musical artistes of worldwide acclaim; the opera star Bryn Terfel, for example, is from the Snowdonia village Pant Glas, near Caernarfon, while celebrated pop songstress Duffy hails from Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsula.

If you're a music lover and would like to enjoy a concert or two during your visit to Snowdonia, here are five Snowdonia music venues you won't want to miss.

1. Ty Siamas

We'll start with the ultimate Snowdonia music venue, Ty Siamas in Dolgellau. Ty Siamas is the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music, and as well as providing a venue for Snowdonia's musicians to perform and for visitors to discover new music, Ty Siamas is a wonderful educational centre where you can learn everything there is to know about Welsh folk music.

At Ty Siamas there's an excellent interactive exhibition where you can try your hand at playing traditional Welsh musical instruments, a performance auditorium, recording studio, cafe, and a shop packed with musical goodies ranging from sheet music and CDs to musical instruments.

Performances at Ty Siamas in 2011 have included local bands, open mic nights, talent contests and folk dancing; there's something for everyone at Ty Siamas, so make sure it's on your Snowdonia to-do list!

2. Neuadd Dwyfor

In Pwllheli is Neuadd Dwyfor, a cinema-cum-theatre-cum-music venue that's occupied its prime position in the town centre for over a hundred years.

When Neuadd Dwyfor was young, it was Pwllheli's town hall and a penny would buy you the best view of the town, from atop the building's roof.

These days, Neuadd Dwyfor is the place to be on the Llyn Peninsula if you want to watch movies, dance performances, plays and of course music concerts.

The programme at Neuadd Dwyfor is extremely varied, and the music season really begins in earnest in the run-up to Christmas, when you'll be able to feast your ears on all sorts of musical treats.

3. Galeri

Galeri in Caernarfon is one of Snowdonia's newest arts centres, occupying a gorgeous spot overlooking Caernarfon Marina and the Menai Strait. There's an outdoor seating area for warmer evenings, when you could spend the intermission enjoying a stunning Snowdonia sunset with a good cup of coffee or something a little stronger from the Galeri bar.

Like many of Snowdonia's performance venues, Galeri offers a wide range of arts events all year round. Welsh and English language film, local bands, comedy, art exhibitions and even Christmas markets - there's always something going on at Galeri to suit all ages and tastes.  

4. Theatr y Ddraig

Formerly an English Congregational Chapel, the building that now houses Theatr Y Ddraig in Barmouth was improved and extended in the post-war years by a committee of local amateur dramatics enthusiasts dedicated to finding funding to create a permanent arts venue to be enjoyed by townsfolk and visitors.

These days, Theatr y Ddraig - the Dragon Theatre - is almost entirely self-funded, receiving the occasional small grant from Gwynedd Council and the Barmouth Town Council to help things along.

Performances at Theatr y Ddraig include variety shows, plays, music, dance, workshops - a real mixed bag, with something for everyone.

5. Theatr Harlech

Theatr Harlech, in the shadow of Harlech castle and backing onto the sand dunes at historic Harlech on Cardigan Bay, is another of those wonderful Snowdonia venues that hosts all sorts of performances and arts events all year round. Some of these even take place on the beach; in the past, some of Theatr Harlech's most popular events have been sand sculpture workshops and sandcastle competitions.

In October 2011, look out for two very special live music events at Theatr Harlech: a concert night featuring Cor Meibion Ardudwy (the Ardudwy Male Voice Choir) and the Harlech Silver band, and later in the month a performance of Madam Butterfly by the Mid Wales Opera.

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.

Ten Places to Shop For Arts And Crafts In Snowdonia

There's something about Snowdonia that inspires artists and craftspeople.

Perhaps it's the landscape; looming, heather-clad mountains easing down into gentle grassy slopes, before tiptoeing down into the sea.

Or perhaps it's the history, often turbulent but leaving behind heroes, villains and monuments to times gone past.

It might even be the wealth of natural resources that are abundant in Snowdonia, many of which are perfect materials for arts and crafts: slate, granite, wool, wood, shells, and even Welsh gold.

It's a winning combination of inspiration, materials and raw talent that makes Snowdonia such a wonderful place to shop for arts and crafts. It would be fair to say that every town in Snowdonia has at least one shop selling the wares of local artists and craftspeople, but it would be impossible to list them all - so here are ten of our favourites.

1. Alison Bradley Gallery

In the heart of Betws y Coed, the Gateway to Snowdonia, you'll find Alison Bradley Gallery. Worked in oil paint and charcoal, Alison's pieces are inspired by rural life and the landscape and coastline of Snowdonia and North Wales. Alison also sells prints of her works, and provides an on-site framing service so her pieces are ready to hang when you get them home.

2. Piggery Pottery

At Cwm y Glo, just outside Llanberis, is Piggery Pottery, who specialise in children's pottery including night lights and money boxes. You can buy the finished pottery items from the Piggery Pottery online shop as well as in person, but you can also give your children a real treat by taking them into the barn to paint their own designs on piggy banks, pebbles and even jewellery.

3. Corris Craft Centre

At Corris Craft Centre there are nine craft workshops, making and selling a fantastic variety of goods, including jewellery, candles and traditional wooden toys. You'll be able to watch the craftspeople at work, before shopping until dropping!

4. Inigo Jones Slate Works

You'll find Inigo Jones Slate Works at Y Groeslon, just outside Caernarfon. Inigo Jones have been making things from slate for 150 years, and over the years the business has expanded from making writing slates for schools to making all sorts of slate gifts and things for the home. As well as visiting the shop, you can take a self-guided tour of the workshops, try your hand at calligraphy and engrave a piece of slate to take home with you.

5. Glynllifon Workshops

Glynllifon's workshops and shops are packed with beautiful locally-made arts and crafts including jewellery, ceramics, glassware, wood, photography and slate gifts. You'll be able to meet many of the makers whose goods are sold at Glynllifon, and as an added bonus there are beautiful gardens and woodlands to explore once you've finished shopping.

6. The Glassblobbery

At The Glassblobbery, which is about 7 miles from Bala heading towards Corwen, David and Wendy Pryce-Jones make and sell exquisite gifts from glass, which they create freehand using the lamp work or bench glass blowing technique. They make everything from cats and dragons to birds and flowers, in coloured and clear glass.

7. Trefriw Woollen Mills

At Trefriw Woollen Mills in the Conwy Valley, you'll have the opportunity to see the machines used for weaving the traditional Welsh bedspreads, blankets, tweeds and dozens of other woollen items that are sold in the on-site shop. So as well as having a great day's shopping, you'll learn something too!

8. Harbour Crafts, Barmouth

You'll find all sorts on sale at Harbour Crafts in Barmouth. From popular gift ranges like Lilliput Lane and Beatrix Potter to St Just jewellery and Portmeirion Pottery, there's something for everyone in this little Aladdin's den! The shop is in the old town, near the harbour, so once you've finished shopping why not explore the town and make a day of it?

9. Rob Piercy Gallery

In 2002 Rob Piercy became Welsh Artist of the Year, and is recognised as one of the UK's premier painters of mountains. Pop into the Rob Piercy Gallery in Porthmadog to treat yourself to one of his wonderful watercolours of Snowdonia; his paintings of Portmeirion are especially delightful and really capture the beauty of the famous Italianate village.

10. Tonnau Gallery

'Tonnau' means 'waves', so it won't come as much of a surprise that the Tonnau Gallery in Pwllheli describes itself as a 'sea gallery'! The gallery sells art and crafts on a good mixture of themes, though - it's not all nautical. When you visit Tonnau Gallery you'll see works by many of Wales' most promising artists and craftspeople, so if you're looking for a future heirloom and have a good eye, it's really worth a visit!

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.

Visiting Southern Snowdonia: Ten Interesting Facts About Bala

Bala is a market town whose history stretches back to at least the period of the Roman occupation of Wales. Founded by Royal Charter in 1310 by Roger de Mortimer of Chirk Castle, Bala is one of the major towns of Southern Snowdonia and absolutely oozes character.

Bala, in Welsh, means the outflow of a lake, so it won't come as much of a surprise that the first four of our ten interesting facts about Bala relate in some way to Llyn Tegid (or Bala Lake, to use its English name).

1. The Welsh Lake District

The Penllyn area, of which Bala is a part, is known as the Welsh Lake District due to its mountainous landscape, which is dotted with natural lakes. The largest natural lake in Wales is Llyn Tegid, or Bala Lake, one of Snowdonia's most popular spots for watersports.

2. Teggie

It's not only Scottish lochs that harbour monsters... there's one in Llyn Tegid, too. Affectionately known as Teggie, the monster in Llyn Tegid is the Welsh equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster and is said to resemble a crocodile or plesiosaur. Teggie sightings have been reported since the 1920s, and crop up again every few years.

3. Drowned city

There are several drowned city legends in this part of Wales, and one of the most famous of these is the story of the city that lies beneath Llyn Tegid. The story goes that the city was ruled by a nasty, selfish prince, who ruled over equally nasty, selfish subjects. The only survivor of the mass drowning was a gentle harpist, who was saved by the song of a bird who warned him just in time to make his escape.

4. Primitive fish

Llyn Tegid is home to the gwyniad, a fish that is found nowhere else in the world. The gwyniad is a member of the whitefish family, and became trapped in the lake 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. Often described as a 'land-locked herring', the gwyniad is under threat in Llyn Tegid due to another species of fish, the ruffe, eating gwyniad eggs and fry; there are now conservation efforts underway to help improve gwyniad numbers.

5. The language of Heaven

Like many parts of Snowdonia, Bala is a stronghold of the Welsh language and is a great place to stay if you're looking to improve your Welsh language skills. You'll hear Welsh spoken all around you when you visit Bala, so why not take the plunge and learn a few words yourself? A little 'diolch yn fawr' goes a very long way!

6. Welcoming walkers

Bala is a 'Walkers are Welcome' town. The Walkers are Welcome scheme promotes places around Britain that have something special to offer walkers. In Bala's case there's plenty to offer; the mountains, the lakeside, and even the town itself are all fantastic places to stretch your legs, so dust off your walking boots and get strolling!

7. Patagonia

It was in Bala that the plans for founding a Welsh colony in Patagonia, at the southern tip of Argentina, were first discussed. Michael D Jones was responsible for that. He was principal at the Bala Theological College for Congregational Ministers, and in the mid-19th century, disillusioned with the state of religion and society in Wales, Jones organised the repatriation of over 150 Welsh people to the Chubut Valley. The Patagonian community is still going strong today, with Welsh being spoken alongside Spanish throughout the community.

8. The Bible Society

Rev Thomas Charles (1755-1814) is one of Bala's most famous historic figures. A renowned theological writer, Charles was instrumental in the foundation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Charles was inspired to do this by a poor young girl, Mari Jones, who walked over 25 miles to buy a bible from him in Bala. There is a walking route, the Mary Jones Walk, which covers the route young Mari would have taken.

9. Gloves and stockings

In the 18th century, Bala was at the centre of the knitting industry and one of the leading centres for production of gloves, stockings, flannel and hosiery. There was a special 'knitters market' in the town, and at the peak of this industry almost everyone in Bala knitted to earn their living.

10. The Urdd

Another famous Bala resident was Ifan ab Owen Edwards, who in the early part of the 20th century was responsible for preserving the Welsh language and culture by founding Urdd Gobaith Cymru - the Welsh League of Youth - which, through outdoor activities and eisteddfods, encourages young Welsh speakers to keep the language alive. The Urdd outdoor education and activities centre - Glan-llyn - is at Llyn Tegid, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides useful information about Snowdonia. The website provides guides to things to do and see in the various areas of Snowdonia Mountains and Coast, including Southern Snowdonia.

Snowdonia Towns and Villages: Ten Things To Do In And Around Beddgelert

The pretty Snowdonia village of Beddgelert, which means "Gelert's grave", takes its name from the legend of Prince Llywelyn's faithful hound who was slain in a case of mistaken identity. Llywelyn had left Gelert guarding his baby son, and upon his return he found the cradle overturned and the baby nowhere to be seen; Gelert's face, however, was smeared with blood. Fearing the worst, Llywelyn killed Gelert. But then a baby's cry was heard, and the child was found unharmed, beside the body of an enormous wolf with its throat ripped out. Llywelyn, it is said, never smiled again.

Whether the story is true or not, nobody knows for sure; but a gravestone was later placed in the village to commemorate Gelert's bravery, so this ought to be the first item on our list of things to do in and around Beddgelert.

1. Visit Gelert's grave

Gelert's grave is in a field by the river, and the gravestone tells the story of what happened that fateful day. Legend has it that Gelert's body lies beneath, but in fact the plaque is probably Victorian, laid by the landlord of the local inn to attract tourists to the village. Over a hundred years and hundreds of thousands of visits later, we're inclined to say this wasn't a bad move!

2. Ride the Welsh Highland Railway

Beddgelert is one of the stops on the Welsh Highland Railway, which runs from Caernarfon to Porthmadog via Waunfawr and Pont Croesor. Hop on at Beddgelert and see some of Snowdonia's most spectacular scenery; there are several steam trains a day, and return and one-way tickets are available.

3. Cycling in Beddgelert Forest

Taking the family for a bike ride in Beddgelert Forest is a great way to stay active during your visit to Snowdonia, without worrying about traffic. You don't even need to bring your own bikes; there are over 200 bikes available for hire at Beddgelert Bikes, including trailer bikes and tandems.

4. Sygun Copper Mine

Sygun Copper Mine is a great attraction whatever the weather, but it's particularly good on rainy days when you need a way to keep the family entertained without getting a soaking. In the vast underground caverns you'll see threads of ore running through the rock, and some pretty spectacular stalactites and stalagmites - and for a small additional fee, you can try your hand at panning for gold, too.

5. St Mary's Church

Originally a Celtic 'clas', St Mary's is said to be one of the oldest religious foundations in Wales, and was mentioned by the medieval chronicler Giraldus Cambrensis. St Mary's was rebuilt by Edward I after his marauding troops burnt the church down during the Anglo-Welsh wars of the 13th century. Although the present day building is mostly Victorian, there are still a few parts of the structure that date back to Edward's time.

6. Beddgelert Woodcraft

You're bound to want to take a souvenir with you when you leave Snowdonia, so make sure you pop in and see what's on offer at Beddgelert Woodcraft. You'll find the shop near the river, on the way to Gelert's Grave; it's usually open 10am to 5pm. At Beddgelert Woodcraft you'll find all sorts of beautiful carved wooden gifts, including an amazing collection of life-sized painted, carved wooden birds.

7. Ride a Snowdon Sherpa

The Snowdon Sherpa bus service lets you leave the car behind while you explore Snowdonia. There are several circuitous routes, so it's easy to take a proper look around the region without the hassle of driving. Try taking the Sherpa to Pen-y-Pass, where you can walk up Snowdon (but make sure you're well equipped for the weather).

8. Ty Isaf

This National Trust property, dating back to the 17th century, is the oldest house in Beddgelert. Standing on the site of Llywelyn the Great's hunting lodge, Ty Isaf was reopened in 2010 as a shop and exhibition, featuring a 19th century kitchen and information about local wildlife and history.

9. Dinas Emrys

This ancient fort has all sorts of legends surrounding it, including connections with King Arthur. Not much remains now of the castle that once stood there, apart from a few ramparts and the base of the keep, but it's still worth a visit. It was at Dinas Emrys that the legendary red dragon of Wales slayed the white dragon of the Saxons, as foretold by Merlin.

10. Fill up on ice cream

You can't visit Beddgelert without trying the delicious award-winning ice creams at Glaslyn Ices - it's the law! Okay, we made that up. But these ice creams are freshly made early every morning to a secret recipe, and if not exactly criminal, failure to try one before you go home would be a missed opportunity!

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.

Family-Friendly Snowdonia: Things To Do In Snowdonia With Under-5s

The Snowdonia Mountains and Coast region is a wonderful place for children. The air is fresh, there are plenty of open spaces, and there are many family-friendly attractions and activities to keep children entertained.

If you're visiting Snowdonia with children under the age of five years, there are plenty of things to do and see that will ensure your little ones enjoy the holiday just as much as you do. Here are a few ideas.

Head to the beach

The Snowdonia coast is almost 200 miles long, lined with beaches of all shapes and sizes. With tiny tots in tow, you'll probably prefer a sandy beach with plenty of nearby amenities like toilets and nappy changing facilities, somewhere to buy food and drink, and easy access. There are many beaches in Snowdonia that tick all of these boxes; Dinas Dinlle, Barmouth and Abersoch, to name a few. Porth Oer, with its squeaky sand, is also a family favourite - although the steep return from the beach to the car park may sap your energy a little if you have a pushchair with you.

All the fun of the fair

Barmouth has a lovely little funfair that's open in the peak season, with rides suitable for smaller children. And in Pwllheli's town centre there's another small funfair, which also has several rides that are perfect for tiny tots. And let's not forget GreenWood Forest Park, which has rides and fun things to do for children of all ages - including the Tunnel Warren, which is aimed at under-7s, and the Little Forest Playbarn for tiny tots up to three years old.

There are several Snowdonia attractions with dedicated indoor play areas for smaller children, too; Glasfryn Parc (Pwllheli), Yr Hwylfan (Caernarfon) and The Play Centre (Bangor) all have dedicated soft-play areas for toddlers and younger children.

Back to nature

While the tiniest tots may not be overly interested in nature just yet, once children have reached that stage where they ask constant questions about everything around them it's lovely to be able to take them on a gentle nature ramble and satisfy their natural curiosity.

Given Snowdonia's vast amount of open space, woodlands, river banks, parks and gardens, you could take your little ones just about anywhere in Snowdonia for a nature walk. Padarn Country Park in Llanberis would make a great start, as there are plenty of other attractions and amenities nearby once the nature ramble has finished. The woodlands at Coed Y Brenin are perfect, too; the facilities are excellent and there's an excellent play area for kids of all ages to explore. Shell Island is a great place for a nature ramble with a difference - spotting and identifying the 200 different types of seashell washed up onto the beach is a really fun activity for children, and adults seem to enjoy this just as much as the children do!

Make new friends...

...furry friends, that is! Some of the most popular family attractions in Snowdonia are those where children have the opportunity to meet and pet animals - especially baby animals.

At Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon, your children can make friends with sheep, a miniature goat, llamas, ducks, rabbits, peacocks, turkeys, chipmunks, guinea pigs, geese, chickens, miniature donkeys and miniature Shetland ponies. And besides all the animals there are nature trails and an excellent model railway to enjoy.

At Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm, near Criccieth, children can cuddle rabbits, guinea pigs and puppies, and they can help feed the pygmy goats, alpacas, rheas, donkeys, ponies, pigs and lambs.

And at Children's Farm Park, at Llanfair near Harlech, there are more opportunities to feed baby animals including lambs, goats, calves, ducks and chickens. And if that isn't fun enough, there's also an indoor sandpit, junior tractors, crazy golf and a nature trail.

Full steam ahead

If your under-5s are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, they'll love the opportunity of riding a real steam train around the Snowdonia countryside. There are several Snowdonia steam railways to choose from; in Southern Snowdonia there's the Fairbourne Railway, Talyllyn Railway, Ffestiniog Railway and Bala Lake Railway, while in the northern end of the region there's the Welsh Highland Railway, the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, the Llanberis Lake Railway for trips around the twin lakes of Llanberis, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway which will take you and your family right to the top of the mighty mountain.

There's also a lovely little miniature gauge railway at the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, which also boasts child-sized dodgems and tram engines that your little ones can drive for themselves.

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region. Visitors to the website can also find out more about things to do in Snowdonia.

Snowdonia Attractions: Ten Historic Houses of Snowdonia

Many of Snowdonia's historic houses have stood proudly for centuries, withstanding the effects of the passage of time. Several of these are in the care of the National Trust, to be enjoyed by visitors forever; but even those that are privately owned are often opened to the public so that they may be appreciated as historic houses should. 

There are dozens of wonderful historic houses in Snowdonia, many of which have colourful histories or connections with famous historic characters; here are ten of our favourites.

1. The Smallest House

Standing on the harbour front, you should be able to spot the Smallest House in Britain instantly, as there's usually a lady in traditional Welsh costume standing outside, collecting entry fees from visitors who'd like to explore the fascinating (if extremely cramped) interior. This very quirky 16th century house will take a matter of minutes to explore, but is fun and fascinating nevertheless.

2. Aberconwy House

Aberconwy House in Conwy is a beautifully preserved medieval townhouse that has managed to survive the town's somewhat turbulent history over the past 600 years. On the lower floor is a small gift shop, while upstairs there's a video presentation about life from Tudor to Victorian times and an interesting selection of furniture from different periods of history.

3. Plas Mawr

Another historic Conwy house (an ancient town like Conwy is bound to have more than its fair share), Plas Mawr is a stunning example of an Elizabethan town mansion that dates back to 1576. The building is gorgeous on the outside and breathtaking on the inside; look out for the beautifully restored overmantels and the great chamber, which is reached by two spiral staircases.

4. Glynllifon Mansion

Glynllifon Mansion is considered one of the finest Regency mansions in North Wales, and was the venue for Prince Charles' investiture ball in 1969. The magnificent mansion is set in truly wonderful Grade I Listed grounds, which are home to a number of rare plants and are just as fascinating as the house itself.

5. Plas yn Rhiw

Dating from the 16th century, Plas yn Rhiw was abandoned between 1874 and 1938, when three sisters bought the house and restored it before handing the property over to the National Trust in 1946. The location is one of the most striking things about Plas yn Rhiw, overlooking Hell's Mouth Bay on the Llyn Peninsula; but the house itself is of course gorgeous and the recreated Victorian garden is delightful.

6. Y Gegin Fawr

We're cheating a little here, as Y Gegin Fawr, Aberdaron, isn't exactly a 'house' - in fact, it's a 13th century communal kitchen, where pilgrims could prepare a meal while waiting for a crossing to Bardsey Island (if the sea conditions were bad, pilgrims would have to wait for weeks). Y Gegin Fawr still feeds pilgrims (the touristy type anyway) to this day - it's now a very charming and welcoming eatery specialising in delicious cream teas.

7. Portmeirion's Town Hall

The entire village of Portmerion could be described as historic, but let's concentrate in particular on the Town Hall, or Hercules Hall, for now. What's special about the Town Hall is the magnificent barrel-vaulted Jacobean ceiling, transported lock, stock and barrel (if you'll forgive the pun) from Emral in Flintshire by Portmeirion's genius creator, Clough Williams-Ellis, in 1937. No visit to Snowdonia would be complete without a visit to Portmerion, and no visit to Portmerion would be complete without exploring Hercules Hall.

8. Pennal - Cefn Caer

Owain Glyndwr wrote from Pennal to the King of France in 1406, asking for help in the fight against the English. Whether this letter was actually penned in Cefn Caer isn't confirmed, but the house's website describes the building as the "occasional residence of Owain Glyndwr", so perhaps there's some truth to the claim. Either way, it's worth visiting Cefn Caer to see the wonderful architecture and original features, including a 14th century inglenook fireplace - and for the excellent medieval banquets with traditional entertainment.

9. Ty Mawr Wybrnant

Ty Mawr Wybrnant, near Betws y Coed, is very significant in Welsh history as it was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, who translated the Bible into Welsh - which played an essential role in safeguarding the future of the Welsh language. This is a traditional stone-built uplands farmhouse, where there's an impressive collection of Bibles in 100 languages and a woodland animal trail to explore.

10. Llanrwst Almshouses

Built in 1610, Llanrwst Almshouses provided shelter for Almsmen and women for over 360 years until its closure in the 1970s. The building fell into ruin but was rescued and converted into a museum in 2002, where today visitors can explore the building and learn about life in Llanrwst over the centuries.

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.

Bardsey Island: Snowdonia's Isle of Twenty Thousand Saints

Lying in the Bardsey Sound, two miles off the tip of the Llyn Peninsula in Snowdonia, Bardsey Island is a mile and a half in length and half a mile wide at its widest point. Yet despite its diminutive size, Bardsey - in Welsh, Ynys Enlli, which means 'island of the tides' - is a site of considerable significance in Snowdonia's history and spirituality, and has been so for at least 1,500 years.

The earliest settlers made Bardsey their home some 2-3,000 years ago, and the remains of their circular huts can be seen on a small sheltered terrace on the island's mountain, Mynydd Enlli. In the 6th century the Breton saint, St Cadfan, established a monastery on Bardsey, and the island flourished as an important place of pilgrimage. With 20,000 saints said to be buried on the island, by the early middle ages three pilgrimages to Bardsey were deemed as beneficial to the soul as one to Rome.

Throughout the middle ages the island retained its status as an important place of pilgrimage, and in the 13th century an Augustinian abbey - St Mary's - was built, remaining in use until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537. The abbey's roofless tower is the oldest standing building on the island, and is still used for informal services today.

In the mid-18th century a farming and fishing community was established on Bardsey, and this period of the island's history continued into the 20th century. In 1979 the Bardsey Island Trust bought the island, and continues to manage and protect Bardsey in conjunction with the Countryside Council for Wales and CADW. Today, Bardsey Island is a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Bardsey's NNR and SSSI statuses reflect the significance of the island's natural history. Bardsey is home to many rare plants, including western clover and small adder's tongue, and there are over 350 species of lichen living on the island. Bird life is diverse; birds seen on Bardsey include choughs, oystercatchers, herons, peregrine falcons, wheatears, warblers and little owls. Sea birds include gannets, razorbills and shags, and evidence suggests puffins are also colonising the island. The most famous birds on Bardsey, however, are Manx shearwaters; there is a breeding colony of 10-16,000 birds on the island.

Sea life is also rich and varied in the waters surrounding Bardsey; in the rock pools anemones and crabs are plentiful, while in the deeper waters there are sponges and sea-squirts. Yellow star anemones, which usually live in the Mediterranean Sea, are found in the sea around Bardsey. Atlantic grey seals can be seen in the rocky bays - a small number breed on the island each year - and Risso's dolphins and harbour porpoises are often seen in the island's surrounding waters.

Effective land management on Bardsey is essential for sustaining the special environment which is so important for sustaining the special wildlife on the island. Oats, turnips and swedes are grown here, providing winter feed for the island's livestock, encouraging arable weeds, and providing cover and food for the migrant and resident birds. Fishing also remains important; the sea around the island is still regularly fished for lobster and crab, which are sold on the mainland.

Bardsey is home to the world's rarest apple, Afal Enlli (Bardsey Apple). An apple tree on the island - possibly the only survivor from an ancient orchard, dating back some 1,000 years - was discovered some years ago to be growing a variety of apple not found anywhere else in the world. Visitors to the island can now buy their own young Afal Enlli trees and take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As well as having a notable place in history and being an important wildlife site, Bardsey is a significant location in the myths and legends of Snowdonia. Some say that Bardsey is the mysterious Isle of Avalon from the Arthurian legends, and that King Arthur's ship lies at the bottom of the Bardsey Sound (Arthur himself sleeps in a cave on the island, awaiting the day of Britain's direst need, when he will rise up to save his land). Other stories say that Merlin, Arthur's magician, sleeps in a magical glass castle on Bardsey, surrounded by the Thirteen Treasures of Britain and attended by nine bardic companions.

Significant throughout history and mythology, a special place spiritually and environmentally, and today, attracting a new breed of pilgrims - tourists - Bardsey has a unique charm and wide appeal that cleaves the island to the hearts of visitors and residents alike. If you're visiting Snowdonia and would like to experience Bardsey's wild serenity for yourself, you can find out more about day trips and overnight stays by visiting www.enlli.org.

About the Author

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including activities, attractions, history and culture. The site also enables visitors to search an extensive database of Snowdonia accommodation, and to plan their holidays in some of Snowdonia's most popular towns and villages.