Things to do in Tywyn

Tywyn has a unique relationship with the mountains and the sea. The breathtaking sunsets and sand dunes of Cardigan Bay to the west are contrasted with the magnificent backdrop of Cader Idris and the Snowdonia National Park to the east. Tywyn represents a fantastic location to base your holiday whatever your interests. Fishing, surfing, sailing, kite boarding, skate boarding, bird spotting, golfing, mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding are all catered for and within easy reach of your holiday accommodation.

Not looking for anything too strenuous? Tywyn boasts a 'Blue Flag' sandy beach so don't forget that bucket & spade and keep an eye out for dolphins and porpoise - it's not unusual to see them on a daily basis in pods of up to 20 from early Spring through till Autumn. Cardigan Bay is home to one of only two breeding groups of Bottle-nosed Dolphins around the UK coast and they can be spotted from either bedroom of your holiday accommodation. They are mainly seen between May and October with their numbers peaking in September. Keep an eye-out near the Dyfi and Dysynii estuaries as dolphins show a preference for strong tidal currents. Young calves can be seen during the summer in the shallower water closer to land.

Is a gentle stroll more your scene? Take a walk along Tywyn's beach to Aberdovey and visit the Lifeboat Station or spend a few hours crabbing from the pier. Do you want to explore the spectacular scenery but don't fancy the peaks of Cader Idris? Consider the effortless Mawddach Trail. This walk has been featured in Julia Bradbury's 'Great Railway Walks' programme and was voted probably the best short cycle ride in Wales by the Guardian.Visit Llywelyn the Great's Castell y Bere stronghold built on a rocky plateau with views of Cadair Idris or take a trip to Fairbourne's mysterious Blue Lake as seen on the BBC's Secret Britain.

Looking for something a bit more organised? Tywyn's AC Adventures (01654 711389) offer tailored activity breaks including climbing, gorge walking, mountain biking, navigation skills training - and more. Laserfun Wales are on your doorstep and offer team-based games where you get the opportunity to shoot your friends, or even better, other members of your family in a variety of battle-type scenarios.

Fancy strutting your stuff? The Tywyn Wurlitzer (Wales' only Wurlitzer organ) houses regular concerts and dances. Originally installed at Granada studios in 1937 it now boasts pride of place at Tywyn's Neuadd Pendre. There are monthly concerts attracting some of the countries most talented Wurlitzer performers.

Need something to do on a rainy day? Llanfair Slate Caverns and King Arthur's Labyrinth are perfect places to visit when the weather has let you down, and even on a wet day, a ride on the Talyllyn Railway is a wonderful experience. Why not see what's on at the Magic Lantern or spend a day in the pool at the leisure centre? If this sounds a bit too active, then de-stress in the sauna and steam room.

Fancy venturing further afield? Snowdon is only 60 minutes by car and the beautiful Coed Y Brenin Wood, with miles of mountain bike & walking tracks, is just 30 minutes drive. Visit the coastal towns of Barmouth, Harlech, with its famous castle, and Pwllheli. Spend a day as the "Prisoner" and explore the Italianate Portmeirion- "I am not a number. I am a free man." For more information on all of Snowdonia's attractions visit the Snowdonia guide or find a leaflet in your holiday accommodation.

Want to expand the mind? The Centre for Alternative Technology has over 7 acres of hands-on displays and gardens to explore.

Fancy a day without the car? Let the train take the strain. The Cambrian Trailways are a series of leaflets promoting car-free access to this spectacular part of Wales. All leaflets are available in your holiday accommodation. Alternatively, view our Snowdonia car-free holiday blog.

Still can't find anything to tickle your fancy? Have a look at our things to do guide or download a copy for some more ideas or give Tywyn's Tourist Information Centre, in the High Street, a visit, or a call on 01654 710070.

Facilities

Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre
In Tywyn's High Street with indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness room, badminton courts, squash courts etc.

Shopping
Supermarkets, butchers, bakers, newsagents, Post Office and other shops within easy walking distance of your holiday accommodation.

Watersports
Hire canoes and sailboards at Aberdovey or bring your own. Temporary membership of Dovey Yacht Club is available for those who have their own windsurfing and sailing equipment.

Fishing, Surfboard & Wet Suit Hire
All available only a few minutes walk from your apartment at Tywyn Tackle & Bait Centre. SatNav LL36 0ND. Fishing trips can be arranged in Tywyn & Aberdovey.

Golf
Championship golf course on the links at Aberdovey, only a few minutes drive from your holiday accommodation.

Pubs & Restaurants
The are numerous pubs and restaurants in Tywyn - you are sure to find something to suit.

Cinema
The Magic Lantern is Tywyn's very own Victorian picturehouse boasting a state-of-the-art digital projector. The Lantern regularly hosts live music, theatre and comedy events together with those must-see Hollywood blockbusters. Get there early and enjoy a spot to eat and drink in the comfy cafe-bar area.

Talyllyn Lake
Talyllyn Lake

.. is one of the most beautiful lakes in Wales formed by a post-glacial landslip and lies at the foot of Cadair Idris, the second highest mountain in Wales. Discover for yourself why Microsoft have included an image of this fabulous lake as an official desktop wallpaper.

Fancy a fishing trip? Talyllyn is stocked with brown trout. Sea trout, grilse and salmon.

Talyllyn Lake is just 11 miles from your holiday accommodation. SatNav LL36 9AJ.

Castell y Bere
Castell y Bere

.. is a native Welsh castle built in the 1220s by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd.

Spend a night on the mountain and you will awake the next morning either a poet or a madman - at least that's what the legends say.

Take a picnic and enjoy the splendid views of Cadair Idris, the "Chair of Idris".

Open daily 10.00am - 4.00pm and just 6 miles from your holiday accommodation; admission free. For more information see our own guide to Castell y Bere.

The Cadfan Stone
Cadfan Stone

.. is a stone cross carrying the earliest inscription in the Welsh language dating back to the 9th century and located inside St. Cadfan's Church, Tywyn, which is itself noted for its Romanesque architecture. The church was built in the 12th century and houses two 14th century artifacts: an effigy of an unknown priest and a military figure believed to be Gruffudd ab Adda of Dôl-goch. The stone has a significant place in our understanding of how Wales emerged as a nation although its importance was not always recognised being previously used as a gatepost for a local pigsty! The church is located in Tywyn High Street - just a short walk from your holiday accommodation.

Dolgoch Falls
Dolgoch Falls

.. are three waterfalls forming part of the Nant Dol-góch stream a source for the River Fathew and are just 4 miles from the beaches of Tywyn.

The waterfalls provide the backdrop to a popular walk of no more than one mile. Take a picnic and a towel as there are delightful pools at the top of the falls to cool your feet.

Once you have enjoyed the spectacular scenery why not pop-in to the Dolgoch Falls hotel for a refreshing cup of tea?

SatNav LL36 9UW.

Broad Water Lagoon
Broad Water Lagoon

.. is a salt water lagoon a mile or so north of Tywyn.

The lagoon was formed from the salted-up estuary of the River Dysanni and is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing.

The wetland is a huge draw for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike it being a haven for many birds including Moorhen, Coots, Swans, nesting Cormorants, Buzzards, Grebes and various species of Duck, including the Red-Breasted Merganser.

The Broad Water Lagoon is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest so equip yourself with a set of binoculars and enjoy a spot of twitching.

Tywyn Beach
Tywyn Beach

We haven't forgotten! Why would anyone book a seaside holiday without a fabulous beach? Tywyn's magnificent golden strand stretches 5 miles to the Dyfi estuary in the south and is just a hop, skip and a jump from your holiday accommodation.

Pack those buckets and spades for that quintessentially British holiday experience and as the day draws to a close take a romantic stroll at sunset along the Victorian promenade - the sunsets really are spectacular!

The Daily Telegraph's Alf Anderson wrote: "I think this is about as good as a British beach gets," and who are we to argue.

Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park

Tywyn is surrounded by the green hills and valleys of Bro Dysynni which form the south-western corner of the Snowdonia National Park.

This national treasure is popular for hiking, mountaineering, white-water kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Fishing
Fishing in Tywyn

Fancy a spot of sea fishing? Tywyn is surrounded by sea, lakes and rivers making it an ideal location for the best fishing available.

Test your fly fishing skills at Talyllyn or Cregennan Lakes. For more information see our own fishing in Tywyn guide.

Talyllyn Railway
Talyllyn Railway

Come and visit an historic steam-operated railway staffed by friendly volunteers! Talyllyn Railway is a narrow-gauge line built in the 1860s to carry slate from Bryn Eglwys quarries near Abergynolwyn and winds through 7¼ miles of the beautiful Fathew valley.

Let the train take the strain and alight at Dolgoch station to visit the Falls or visit Abergynolwyn a former slate mining village. Take a walk through the forests to the south of Abergynolwyn passing waterfalls and old slate workings. Keep an eye out for the wind-up interpretive displays, which you power yourself. Talyllyn's main terminus is just a short walk from your holiday accommodation.

Tywyn Leisure Park
Tywyn Leisure Park

Fancy a spot of crazy golf or tennis? then Tywyn's very own leisure park is the place to go.

Just a stone's throw from your holiday accommodation it is worth a visit and boasts all-weather table tennis, lawn tennis, quoits, crown green bowling, target bowls, pool table, skittles and an 18 hole putting course.

Dysynni Bridge
Dysynni Bridge

The Dysynni Bridge is 2 ½ miles from your holiday accommodation and signposts a hidden Tywyn gem – a huge stretch of sandy beach with views of the Llyn Peninsula. 

The beaches here are very quiet and you get to paddle in the sea and the crystal clear waters of Dysynni which rises from the slopes of Calder Idris. 

Directions: head towards town along Pier Road; at the crossroads continue on to the High Street and turn left immediately into Idris Villas; take a right turn before the railway crossing and just keep on going until you get to a dead end;  park up and follow the river to its estuary.        

Llyn Barfog
Llyn Barfog

Llyn Barfog is a small lake occupying high ground above the northern banks of the River Dyfi. Covered by yellow water lilies in the summer and surrounded by rushes this unassuming lake is linked with elves, monsters and King Arthur. For more information see our own Llyn Barfog guide.

The Mach Loop
Hawk Jet

The Mach Loop (or Machynlleth Loop) covers a series of valleys, stretching between Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, famous with plane spotters and photographers as it is used as a low flying training area for the RAF and the USAF. Aircraft which use this area are Tornados, Typhoons, Hawks and F-15E Strike Eagles.

A favoured spot are the hills overlooking Talyllyn lake as the jets low fly this area heading towards Tywyn.

For more information visit our guide.

Portmeirion
Portmeirion

Portmeirion is a mediterranean-themed village surrounded by 70 acres of woodland scattered with easy to follow trails and coastal walks.

Built by the Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis between the years 1925 and 1976 it is now one of Wales' premier visitor attractions and is probably most famous as the location for the cult 1960s television show ‘The Prisoner’.

For more information visit our guide to Portmeirion.

Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle

One of the reasons people holiday in Snowdonia is because of our world-class castles and museums, and if you are planning a holiday in Wales, then you really must find time to visit one of best - Harlech Castle.

Harlech Castle is a UNESCO-badged world heritage site which towers above Cardigan Bay atop a rocky plateau. The castle was built by Edward I in the 13th century as part of his formidable 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to keep a watchful eye over the troublesome Welsh.

For more information visit our guide to Harlech Castle.

The Blue Lake
Hawk Jet

Why not take a trip to Snowdonia's mysterious Blue Lake as featured on BBC's Secret Britain? For more information, visit our guide to The Blue Lake.

Laserfun Wales
Laserfun Wales

Are the kids getting on your nerves? Do they have energy to burn and you want them tiring-out a bit while you take a break or are you looking for something that will distract them from their gadgets for a couple of hours? Laserfun Wales offer the chance to shoot-up the enemy in a variety of battle-type scenarios on a real army camp. If you are uncommonly fond of the whippersnappers, then why not join them for a bit of family fun.

Laserfun Wales are based at the Morfa Camp which is only a 15-minute walk from the apartment.

Tywyn Skatepark
Laserfun Wales

Tywyn has its very own skatepark with a funbox, quarter pipe and mini ramp.

Only a 15-minute walk (much less if you are skating/riding) from the apartment on Cambrian Road. And its free!