There’s a specific kind of thirst that only comes after a day of hauling slate, painting window frames, and trying to convince a 16th-century Grade 2 listed building that it really does want to be a tavern again. If you’ve been following the progress here at the Rhiw Goch Inn, you’ll know I’ve been knee-deep in the restoration of our historic inn. Between the dust of the renovation and the bracing mountain air of Bronaber, by the time 6:00 PM rolls around, my mind starts wandering toward three things: a cold pint, a massive pizza, and a view that reminds me why I moved to North Wales in the first place.
Living and working in Trawsfynydd (LL41 4UY) means we are spoiled for choice when it comes to "Sundowner" spots. Whether you’re staying in our luxury holiday accommodation like the Hideaway Bed or pitched up at our Snowdonia campsite, you don't want to spend your evening staring at four walls. You want to be out there, soaking in the last of the June sun.
Since it’s mid-June and the days are at their longest, I’ve pulled together my personal shortlist of the best spots within a short drive of the Inn. These are my go-to's for a family-friendly evening out where the kids can burn off energy, the pizza is hot, and the views are, quite frankly, ridiculous.
1. The Home Turf: Rhiw Goch Inn
Location: Bronaber, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4UY
Distance from us: 0 minutes (You're already here!)
I might be biased, but there is nowhere else on earth I’d rather be when the sun starts to dip behind the Rhinogydd mountains. We’ve designed the Rhiw Goch Inn grounds to be a sanctuary for families and outdoor enthusiasts. While the main tavern restoration is ongoing, our outdoor spaces are very much alive.
We often fire up the wood-fired pizza oven for our guests, and there is nothing better than a sourdough base topped with local Welsh cheddar while sitting on a stone wall watching the light turn pink over the peaks. The kids have plenty of space to run around in the fields, and for the adults, the "play park" is essentially the entire Snowdonia National Park stretching out from our doorstep. If you’re looking for a holiday in North Wales that prioritizes peace, quiet, and proper pints, this is your basecamp.
2. The Cultural Slice: CellB
Location: Park Square, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3AL
Distance: ~15 minutes drive
If you want a "cool" factor, head ten miles up the road to Blaenau Ffestiniog. CellB is an absolute gem. It’s an old Edwardian police station and chapel converted into a cinema, bar, and hostel. It has that gritty, creative vibe that Blaenau is famous for.
They do fantastic pizzas, the kind with thin, crispy bases and adventurous toppings. It’s a great shout if the Welsh weather decides to be "atmospheric" (read: rainy), as you can grab a beer and a slice while watching an indie flick or a blockbuster in their intimate cinema. It’s a hit with teenagers who might find a traditional pub a bit "boring." Plus, being surrounded by the slate tips at sunset is a surreal, industrial-beauty experience you won't find anywhere else.
3. The Historic Classic: The Grapes Hotel
Location: Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3HY
Distance: ~10 minutes drive
Just down the hill from us in the lush Vale of Ffestiniog sits The Grapes Hotel. This is one of the oldest inns in Wales, dating back to the 17th century. It’s a proper Welsh "pub-pub", low beams, thick stone walls, and a menu that’s unpretentious and filling.
While they lean more toward traditional pub grub (their pies are legendary), they are incredibly family-friendly with a great outdoor seating area. It’s the perfect spot to stop after a day of mountain biking at nearby Coed y Brenin. I’ve spent many an evening here nursing a pint of local ale, listening to the river nearby, and planning the next stage of the Rhiw Goch renovations. It’s authentic, cozy, and just a stone’s throw from Trawsfynydd.
4. The View to End All Views: Mawddach Neapolitan Pizzeria
Location: Llanelltyd, Dolgellau LL40 2TA
Distance: ~20 minutes drive
If you are a pizza purist, this is your Mecca. Located at the Mawddach Restaurant, this pizzeria offers what I consider the best view in the UK. You sit overlooking the Mawddach Estuary with the Cader Idris mountain range framing the horizon.
The pizzas are authentic Neapolitan, think soft, pillowy crusts and high-quality Italian ingredients. It’s a bit more "refined" than a standard pub, but still very welcoming to families. Pro tip: If you’re coming from the Inn, take the A470 south; the drive itself is a five-star experience. Get there about an hour before sunset, grab a table outside, and watch the tide come in as the sky catches fire. It’s the definition of a luxurious holiday experience in North Wales.
5. The Estuary Icon: The George III
Location: Penmaenpool, Dolgellau LL40 1YD
Distance: ~25 minutes drive
Tucked right on the edge of the Mawddach Estuary at the end of a wooden toll bridge (yes, a real one!), The George III is iconic. It’s a bit of a local legend. The pub literally sits on the water’s edge.
For families, it’s brilliant because the Mawddach Trail (a flat, multi-use path) runs right past it. You can let the kids cycle or run along the trail while you keep an eye on them from the beer garden with a sundowner in hand. They serve excellent food, and while the menu changes, they often have great flatbreads and seasonal specials. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down. By the time you drive back to your campsite at Rhiw Goch Inn, you’ll be feeling that deep, soul-level relaxation that only Snowdonia provides.
Why Trawsfynydd is Your Perfect Base
Whenever people ask me why I’m pouring my life into the Rhiw Goch Inn, I tell them to look around. We are perfectly positioned between the rugged peaks of the north and the sweeping estuaries of the south. Whether you want to hike Snowdon, bike the forest trails, or just find the best pizza in the county, we are right in the heart of it.
With Father's Day coming up on June 21st, many of these local spots will be hosting special events or "Dad-sized" menus. If you’re staying with us next week, make sure to book your tables early: Snowdonia gets busy when the sun is out!
Ready to start your Welsh adventure?
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cottage or a scenic spot to pitch your tent, we’ve got you covered. Come and see the progress of the Inn for yourself: I might even let you help with a bit of sanding if you’re feeling particularly energetic (just kidding… mostly).
Book your stay now at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk and let’s get those sundowners chilling.
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