Attractions

Snowdonia
The largest national park in Wales is within driving distance of Morfa Lodge, and covers 823 square miles.
Snowdonia, or Eryri as it’s called in Welsh, is home to Snowdon, the highest mountain in the England and Wales. Snowdonia also has the largest natural lake in Wales, as well as many famous villages like Beddgelert, Capel Curig and Betws-y-Coed.

Snowdonia attacts thousands of visitors to its spectacular landscape and woodland every year, many people stay in the national park but it is also an ideal daytrip location.

There are countless areas to go walking and exploring, as well as a rich cultural history. Using the Morfa Lodge as a base, Snowdonia is an ideal location to visit if you’re feeling adventurous!

Out and About
We are literally only a ten minute walk from miles of sandy beach which has been awarded “The Blue Flag”and is renowned for sea fishing and water sports enthusiasts. Close at hand is the Foryd Bay Nature reserve which is a sanctuary for a variety of birds and wild animals, a most enjoyable and tranquil haven for walkers. We are also within easy reach of North Wales cultural and heritage attractions along with the various fun days out North Wales has to offer.

Mighty Caernarfon Castle is possibly the most famous of Wales’s many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest-and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal place. The castle’s majestic persona is no architectural accident; it was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle, ‘the fairest that ever man saw’, of Welsh myth and legend. After all these years, Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed.

Portmeirion
These gardens in and around Clough Williams-Ellis’ Italianate village of Portmeirion, have been cultivated since Victorian times. Original specimen conifers, Wellingtonia and Himalayan Firs remain.

The village, also famous as the location for 60s cult TV series The Prisoner, is home to a Tulip Tree, a massive Variegated Sycamore and a Weeping Silver Lime which scents the Village in August. In Edwardian times, the gardens were extended to include Y Gwyllt (The Wild), which is home to Rhododendron, Camellia and a large Magnolia campbellii which blossoms with pale pink flowers during Easter time.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Close by is ‘Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways’ based in Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestinog and Caenarfon. These are lovely scenic railways that take about an hour, all with a fascinating past joined with a beautiful landscape. Newly added is the reopening of a lost railway link between Caernarfon and Porthmadog, so that passengers can now travel from Caernafon through to Blaenau Ffestinog, this is 40 miles of narrow-gauge steam. Through utilising the railway it is possible to experience the beauty of the Snowdonia National Park from the comfort of a luxury narrow gauge carriage, taking you past all features of the welsh countryside without having to leave your comfort zone and walk a large distance, while being pulled along by a marvellous steam train that any enthusiast would love. You also have an opportunity to look around the Engine Sheds where you are able to climb into the cabs of the steam trains, partake on a miniature train journey and learn about the narrow gauge railways and how they became world famous. In that respect the scenic views are delivered to you while you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Their Shops stock a variety of railway books, some of them very rare, model railway kits, souvenirs and snacks including ice cream and drinks Truly the best way to see North Wales.

Crawfordsburn Country Park

If you fancy a relaxing park walk with wide open spaces with sand and sea less than a stone’s throw away then Crawfordsburn Country Park is the perfect place for a quiet day out. Ideal for Barbeques the Park is equipped with a tea room which can provide you with a pleasant meal, or hot drink. If you enjoy long walks then this Is ideal for you, as the park can provide you with a nice treck, and allows dogs to be brought along if you feel the need. Lovely scenery includes grassy banks and streams that join with the coast where you can enjoy the seaside at the two sandy beaches along the Coastal path, Crawfordsburn and Helen Bay. Bring along a disposable barbeque if you fancy a nice cooked meal by the ocean. Regardless of what you enjoy about it Crawfordsburn Park makes for a brilliant day out, whether for a romantic stroll or a fun filled family adventure.

Bangor Cathedral

Bangor Cathedral can be an interesting sight for a look at this historical building. A revered ancient place of worship it was built dedicated to its founder Saint Deiniol. While some people visiting Bangor mistake the University for the Cathedral, The Cathedral is nearly 1000 years old, however it has been destroyed several times and restored until it is the building there today, the original stone one was erected between 1120 and 1139 . The Cathedral includes no entry fee, therefore a free attraction, however donations are always welcome.

Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery

This is featured as Gwynedd’s only general museum, showing examples of fascinating archaeological pieces, including an actual roman sword and flints from the Neolitic axe factory at Graig Lwyd and decorated medieval tiles from Llanfaes. A large selection of items are also available relating all the way back to welsh social history, these include historical furniture and textiles.  There is also a large catalogue of artwork available for viewing here. A well managed collection of artists ranging from local favourites to internationally renowned artists, a gift shop is also full of wares that can provide you with something to remember your visit by. Overall this is a place that is sure to impress anyone who has even a small interest or curiosity in history or culture.

Treborth Botanic Garden

This garden was originally laid out by Sir Joseph Paxton, the very same individual who designed Crystal Palace in London. The University of Wales purchased the land in the 1960s and has since become a gorgeous world class botanical garden, featuring a variety of plant life extending from woodland, shrubs, exotic and native plants and flowers. The Botanic garden is truly a magnificent site for sore eyes that should be seen by all, plant enthusiast or not. The Garden keeps in mind the aim to show the people how plant life has evolved to survive and how we interact with them, The Main outdoor garden is accessible during daylight hours, however for access to the glass houses and grouo visits please contact the curator ahead of visit.

Aber falls

Not far away is the beautiful 100 foot Aber Falls that runs off a steep valley. Any time of the year Aber Falls will provide a luscious and scenic day out, however it is at its most impressive after a torrential rain where tonnes of water comes crashing down the mountain side. Aberfalls is only approachable on foot and is one of the most beautiful walks in all of north Wales. Visitors can park at Bont Newydd, from where a track way is presented so that you may visit the falls, there is a small charge for parking incurred here, but there are toilets and picnic benches available to make a day out more complete. It is also close by to Aber Village where you can enjoy food at the café in the information centre.

Newborough Warren Nature Reserve

As of the 14th Century violent storms buried the coastline in sand dune, which went on to be colonised by Rabbits that colonised the dunes, the rabbits however are no longer as prevalent and is now home to a variety of plants. A large range of birds and reptiles can also be found in abundance. The area is now a national park open to the public and is a popular area for long walks and days out on the beach, the sand dunes can supply an interesting landscape and point of visit that is slightly alternative to what you might be used to.