Things to do in Tywyn

.. 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.

.. 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.

.. 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.

.. 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.

.. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 (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 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.

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.

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.

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 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!