Perfect Weekend - how to make memories in Barmouth
With so much to do and so many choices it can be hard to know where to start. So we’ve put together a couple of itineraries just to get you started.
Family Favourites
Friday Night:
Arrive at your accommodation, check-in and make yourself comfortable, then head down to Barmouth’s extraordinary beach. It’s never too early to dip your toes in the water and our sunsets are legendary. Why not treat yourself to some award-winning fish and chips and settle down to watch nature’s show?
Saturday:
Enjoy a traditional day by the seaside in Barmouth. Head down to the harbour and go crabbing. Buckets and lines and baits are available in the fishing tackle shops. Have a competition to see who can catch the most crabs then make sure you return them to the water. After a break for a coffee and cake it’s time to head to the beach to visit the donkeys and take a spin around the amusements. Don’t forget it’s not a proper visit to the beach unless you make at least one sandcastle!
Barmouth isn’t short of cafés for a tasty lunch then you’ll need some exercise so why not pick up one of our short walks leaflets and climb The Peak for a view that will take your breath away? On a clear day the whole of Cardigan Bay will be visible from Pembrokeshire in the south right the way round to Bardsey Island in the north. Back in town you’ll feel like you’ve earned an ice cream and a chance to sit down for a while. Perhaps the theatre will be showing a film or maybe just sit for a while on the promenade and watch the world go by. Either way you’ll be ready for dinner and you can be sure the little ones will sleep soundly all night!
Sunday:
Barmouth’s bridge is iconic so start the day by enjoying the spectacular views as you walk across it. The footpath runs alongside the railway and don’t forget to take some money to pay the troll who lives in the Troll House! Alternatively why not take the little ferry across the estuary from the harbour to Penrhyn Point where the views back to Barmouth are amazing. You can even catch the little steam trains of the Fairbourne Railway. After Sunday lunch in one of the pubs, you’ve maybe got time for one last stroll along the beach before you pack your things and head home.
Memory Maker
Friday:
It’s never too soon to start making memories so check-in to your accommodation, get settled in, then head into Barmouth to spend your first evening in one of our characterful pubs. There’s a choice of live music most weekends so hopefully you’ll get your weekend off to a swinging start!
Saturday:
Saturdays on holiday are for taking it easy so don’t set the alarm but let yourself wake naturally. Enjoy breakfast in your B&B or hotel or else why not treat yourself to breakfast in one of Barmouth’s many cafés? After that it’s time to make the most of our unique collection of independent shops and galleries. Take your time to explore the High Street and all it has to offer. Then head down to the harbour and visit the Shipwreck museum in Barmouth’s oldest building and step back in time in the Sailor’s Institute, an original Victorian reading room. If you’ve got time, stretch your legs along the promenade and walk out to Ynys y Brawd to see our famous Moai carved head, (affectionately known locally as ‘Dum Dum’) – a great place for that all-important ‘selfie’! Make sure you pop by the Tourist Information Point to collect our free Short Walks leaflets and then it’s time to refuel.
You’re spoilt for choice for lunch options, but once you’re satisfied it’s time to explore a little further. If you want to stay in Barmouth our ‘Barmouth High and Low’ walk takes you onto the cliff above the town, up to Dinas Oleu, the first ever piece of land owned by the National Trust and gifted by one of the town’s best-known philanthropists, Fanny Talbot. It also takes you through the oldest part of the town, known locally as ‘The Rock’, a maze of narrow steps and alleyways, full of characterful buildings and wonderful views. For really special memories however you’ll want to extend the walk to take in the famous Panorama Viewpoint. Set on the hills about a mile out of the town this popular spot is well-named and offers views of the Mawddach estuary, mountains and sea that will linger long in the memory (and on Instagram!)
In the evening make sure you’ve booked one of Barmouth’s truly exceptional restaurants for a meal to remember and an opportunity to talk about the day.
Sunday:
Obviously you’ve booked Sunday lunch in one of our characterful pubs but you’ll need to work up an appetite so pick up the Short Walks leaflet again and follow the Estuary Walk. Take the ferry across to Penrhyn Point then follow the footpath around the estuary until you return to Barmouth across the famous railway bridge. You’ll be amazed how far away from anything you feel as you look across towards the town with just the sounds of oyster-catchers to keep you company.
All too soon it will be after lunch and you’ll be heading home but you’ll have a head full of vivid images and memories and enough pictures to keep your Facebook or Instagram feed going for weeks!
These are our itenaries for a special weekend - what are your must do things in Barmouth? Visit our Golden Memories page to add your own and see what other visitors like to do.