The topmost turret of Harlech castle, built over 700 years ago, offers views almost as good as from the mountains behind, as well as a fascinating insight into a violent period of Welsh history; and if castles are your thing, magnificent Caernarfon is about an hour away. The beautiful – and slightly surreal – Italianate village of Portmeirion is unique, artfully arranged at the tip of a peninsular and flanked by extensive gardens. There are slate caverns to visit, and a selection of small maritime museums on the sea-front at Barmouth. Bicycles can be hired, for gentle exploration along the Mawddach estuary and further, or, for mountain-bike enthusiasts, at the purpose- built Coed y Brenin centre. Pony trekking can be arranged, as can white-water rafting - about an hour away on a dam-controlled river with excellent year round flow. Serious golfers will of course want to play a round at Royal St David’s, and last, but not least, you could just spend the day ‘at the seaside’!
