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Barmouth is a beautiful seaside town on the north western coast of Wales surrounded by Snowdonia National Park. The town is a popular holiday resort for families and travellers who enjoy hiking, cycling and being by the sea.
It Has A HUGE Sandy Beach
Barmouth’s beach sits between sand dunes and when the tide is out there’s a huge stretch of fine golden sand to spread out upon. One side of the beach (nearest to The Quay) is dog friendly with a concrete path heading towards the sea – the other side is off limits to pets.
If you don’t fancy getting sand between your toes there’s a coastal path lined with benches and palm trees that takes you past amusement arcades and booths selling candy floss, doughnuts and ice cream.
You Can Enjoy Fish And Chips By The Harbour
Lining Barmouth Harbour is a small hub of restaurants for seafood, coffee, pizza or ice cream, all boasting the best view of the river estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia beyond it. The clear water surrounding The Quay sparkles on a summer’s day and it was lovely to see a local family dropping nets into the water to collect crabs and watch the boats bobbing about.
Related: A 7 day road trip itinerary in Wales
If you are wondering where one of the best places for fish and chips in Barmouth is (a holiday/seaside essential), head to The Harbour Fish Bar on Church Street and tuck in on a bench along The Quay.
The First Area To Be Protected By The National Trust
For those able to take trek up the nearby hillside, The Dinas Oleu Walk has a rewarding view over the estuary and across to the Llŷn Peninsula. The area has extra significance as it’s the first patch of land to be donated to the National Trust in 1895!
There’s A Historic Bridge With A View
The Grade II listed Barmouth Bridge was built in 1864 and has recently been undergoing essential maintenance to ensure its longevity. Train passengers cross the viaduct on a very scenic train ride along the coast northwards past Harlech Castle, or south towards the market town of Machynlleth. Walking or cycling across the half a mile bridge is also an option too and visitors can make a voluntarily donation at the toll booth occupied by a troll!
It’s Close To Snowdonia National Park
Surrounded by Snowdonia National Park, there’s plenty of places to visit and things to do near Barmouth if you’re staying for several days. Venture north and you can explore Harlech Castle, the pretty village of Portmeirion or tackle the highest peak in England and Wales, Snowdon.
There’s A Direct Train From England
As the well known quote goes, “let the train take the strain”, and visiting Barmouth by train is possible from England with a direct service from Birmingham typically taking around three and a half hours. Barmouth is situated on the historic Cambrian Line, a line that has featured on the television series, ‘The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys‘.
Related: 10 rural holiday destinations in England and Wales
Book your train tickets to Barmouth