Tywyn

Castell-y-Bere

Built in the 13th century by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, Castell y Bere is not one of the best known of North Wales' many castles. However it is well worth heading off the beaten path to pay it a visit. Though the castle lies in ruins, this only adds to the atmosphere of the site, standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, but towered over in almost every direction by steep mountainsides.

Open Access·Free Entry

Craig-yr-Aderyn

The remains of Iron-Age Celtic Hill Forts can be found at the summit of Craig-yr-Aderyn in the Dysynni Valley, and above the nearby coastal village of Llwyngwril.

Llanfihangel-y-Pennant

The hamlet has a lovely church and the ruins of Tyn-y-ddol, home of Mari Jones, who in 1800, at the age of 16, famously walked barefoot the 25 miles to Bala to purchase a Welsh-language copy of the Bible. This is said to have been the inspiration for the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. There's a small exhibition telling Mari Jones' story in the vestry of the church, along with a beautiful 3D map of the Dysynni Valley, rendered in patchwork by local needle workers.

Riverside Hotel

Gwesty Glan-yr-afon

A 16th-century coaching inn, in the centre of the pretty village of Pennal.

St Cadfan's Church

Eglwys Sant Cadfan

Though some of the church is more recent (14th century onwards), the nave dates from the 12th century. There are records of a church on the site dating to the 9th century, though the earliest structures were wooden and were burnt down by Viking raiders. St Cadfan's is home to the Cadfan Stone on which is carved the oldest known writing in the Welsh language. As can be seen, from some angles it looks a bit like a Doner Kebab. Also of interest is the 14th-century effigy of knight Gruffudd ap Adda, which is locally reputed to shed tears when rain is on the way.

Generally open to visitors during daylight hours·Free. Donations welcomed

The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum

In a purpose-built building at the Talyllyn Railway's main station, the museum aims to tell the story of the narrow gauge railways across the British Isles. An interesting place to spend an hour even if you are not a trainspotter!

Free

Tonfanau Road Races

4 motorbike race meetings a year (Easter, Spring Bank Holiday, July, August Bank Holiday) are held by Crewe and South Cheshire MCRR at the Tonfanau cicuit. Tonfanau is a 1-mile, clockwise circuit, built on part of a former military base.

AC Adventures

Run by experienced adventurer Ross Ashe-Cregan. Offers tailored activity breaks, activities include climbing, gorge walking, mountain biking, navigation skills training and more.

Angling/fishing

Very popular in the area. Sea, river, coarse, and lake fishing are all available.

Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre

Canolfan Hammden Bro Dysynni

Excellent council-run facility. 25-m swimming pool, sauna, 4 badminton courts, 2 squash courts, full-size outdoor floodlit synthetic football/hockey pitch, floodlit tennis courts.

Cycling

An excellent way to see more of the area. The narrow, quiet lanes of the Dysynni Valley and Happy Valley are particularly suited to a day out on 2 wheels. There are plans for a dedicated cycle path southwards to Aberdyfi.

Dysynni Valley Cycles

Mountain and road bikes, clothing, spares and accessories. Repair service and hire service.

Halo Foods

Visit the factory shop for their famous honey ice cream. Halo is the town's major employer. Their primary business is manufacturing healthy snack bars which are marketed under their own name and also by major brands and retailers - you can normally expect to find a selection of these available at heavily discounted factory outlet prices.

Happy Garden

Very well established Chinese takeaway (since 1981), serving the usual range of British-Chinese favourites.

J B Owen

Excellent, well-stocked ironmongery. Also stocks some camping equipment and other hardware and offers shoe repairs and key-cutting. If they don't have it they can usually get it for you.

Mountain Biking

Tywyn is an ideal base for a mountain biking holiday, with a number of trails in the area. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up (you'll be carrying in places), but the descent (from 892 m at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Bear in mind that the right of way does not follow the farmer's gravel track for the whole length - be sure to look out for signs and/or use a map in order to stick to the legal route. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers. There are other ancient roads in the area which can be used by mountain bikes. The pass of Nant Braich y Rhiw from Rhyd-yr-onnen, south of the village of Bryncrug, through the Tarren hills to Happy Valley is a popular route, though it can be very muddy after rain as it also used by 4x4 vehicles. The Ffordd Ddu (Black Road) leads from the village of Llanegryn, across the western flanks of Cadair Idris and down to Dolgellau via the Cregennan Lakes. Ordnance Survey Explorer Map sheet OL23 Cadair Idris and Bala Lake is essential to follow these routes. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley, centred around Machynlleth, 15 miles to the south-east, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, 20 miles to the north, has 6 waymarked trails.

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe

Lovely shop(pe) with dozens upon dozens of large jars containing all those old style sweets you used to buy by the quarter. The only difference now is that of course they are sold in multiples of 100 g. Also a nice range of boxed sweets, chocolates, fudge, etc. Refer to the Outdoor Pursuits section after a visit to Mr Simms - you'll need the exercise!

Peniarth Arms

Refurbishments were controversial with locals who feel that the pub lost some of its "traditional" feel. Large dining area, but still worth reserving in peak season if you want a table for dinner. Wifi connection via BT Openzone.

Pony trekking

Available at Bwlchgwyn Farm, 10 miles to the north in Fairbourne.

Race The Train

Every year on the 3rd weekend of August since 1983. Hundreds of runners attempt to beat the Talyllyn Railway on a 14-mile cross-country course following the tracks up to Abergynolwyn and back again. Some (but by no means a majority) succeed! There are activities associated with the race all weekend on the Sports field adjacent to the Wharf Station. Seats are available on the "Race" train, which gives a great view of the event - early booking advised.

Rivington

Sells a range of gifts and greetings cards, outdoor clothing, and a large range of camping and caravanning accessories.

Rock Climbing

Craig yr Aderyn in the Dysynni valley is a popular site for climbers with 35 routes of varying difficulty levels. Parts of the rock are out of bounds from 1st April to 31st July to protect nesting birds. There is an information sign at the foot of the cliff detailing which parts of the rock this applies to. The Cyfrwy Arete and Craig Cau on the flanks of Cadair Idris have been popular with climbers since the mid-19th century and have over 60 routes between them. There are also some routes at the old quarry workings above the villages of Abergynolwyn and Friog, while the sea cliffs at Cae Du, near Rhoslefain, and Allens Sun Beach, near Llwyngwril, offer some entertaining bouldering opportunities.

Salt Marsh Kitchen

A Michelin-listed restaurant, serving locally sourced produce. Specialises in fish dishes. Booking advised at busy periods.

From 5PM

Talyllyn Railway

Rheilfordd Talyllyn

This narrow gauge railway was the world's first to be saved from closure and run by volunteers. It follows the Fathew valley 7 miles inland to the village of Abergynolwyn. Most trains are hauled by steam locomotives, and some of the locomotives and rolling stock date back to the original opening of the railway in the 1860s. Readers of the "Railway Series" of books by Rev W Awdry may recognise it as the Skarloey Railway, which Awdry based on the Talyllyn Railway after working as a volunteer in the 1950s. An enjoyable excursion from the railway is to alight at Dolgoch, where a woodland walk gives access to some spectacular waterfalls.

Wharf Station open all year except January. Train service March–November plus specials around Christmas period. Peak season 1st train leaves Tywyn 10:10AM, last train leaves Abergynolwyn 1733·Day Ticket £28

The Beach

In fine summer weather, Tywyn's more than 4 miles (6.4 km) of sandy beach are a magnet for sun-seekers. In 2007, The Daily Telegraphs Alf Anderson wrote "I think this is about as good as a British beach gets" in the paper's "Beach of the Week" feature. The area around the main promenade can become very busy, but a short walk to the south will bring peace and quiet if desired. It's possible to continue walking all the way to Aberdyfi. If there have been recent storms, look out for the petrified forest, which is normally buried under the sand but is sometimes exposed as the sands shift, especially in winter time. The existence of this forest is sometimes held up as evidence for the existence of Cantre'r Gwaelod, a mythical lost land beneath the waters of Cardigan Bay. The beach shelves quite slowly out to sea and is regarded as safe for swimming, though as always, sensible precautions should be taken.

The Railway Inn

Popular, traditional pub. Real ales, good food, occasional singalongs around the piano in the lounge bar.

The Rise

Tywyn's Surf and Lifestyle shop

Stockists of surfing gear, swimwear, skating accessories, clothing, OS maps.

The Tywyn Wurlitzer

Wales' only Wurlitzer organ

Concerts and dances take place regularly, especially in summer. The Tywyn Wurlitzer used to be known as "The Mighty Wurlitzer" and was installed in the Granada Cinema in Woolwich, London in the 1930s. As cinema attendances declined in the 1960s, the cinema became a bingo hall, and the organ was eventually removed. Over the years many of the parts lay in storage and deteriorated, until in the 1990s it was brought to Tywyn, restored, and installed in this hall. The famous old organ attracts nationally and internationally well-known organists.

Thomas Butchers

A butcher who is also a farmer, so expect to find good quality local meat on sale here.

Turkish Delight Kebab House

The post-pub favourite the length and breadth of these islands