Alright, pull up a chair. I’m Peter Dive, and if you’re reading this from one of our gravel pitches or the comfy sofa in The Lodge House, you’ve already made the best decision of your summer. It’s Sunday, the 14th of June 2026, and the light over the Rhinogydd mountains is doing that purple-and-gold thing that makes me forget how much work it is to restore a 16th-century Grade 2 listed inn.
Down in Llanberis today, it’s absolute chaos, the Slateman Triathlon is in full swing. I love the energy, but honestly? I’m quite happy being tucked away here in Bronaber, near Trawsfynydd, watching the madness from a safe, quiet distance. If you’ve spent the day tackling the trails or watching the athletes suffer, you’re probably starving and looking for something a bit more exciting than a tin of beans by the tent.
North Wales is famous for its peaks, but the evenings are where the real magic happens. Whether you want to bounce your cares away in a slate cavern or find a burger that requires a structural engineer to hold together, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top five evening ideas for your holiday in North Wales, all within an hour's drive of Rhiw Goch Inn (LL41 4UY).
1. Bouncing Under the Earth: Zip World Llechwedd
Address: A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB (approx. 15 mins from us)
Let’s start with something a bit mental. If you’ve still got energy left, you need to head ten minutes up the A470 to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Bounce Below at Zip World Llechwedd is unlike anything else on the planet. Imagine a massive underground slate cavern, six times the size of St Paul’s Cathedral, filled with giant interconnected trampolines and nets.
In the evening, the cavern is lit up with technicolor neon lights, giving it a proper "Bond villain’s lair" vibe. It’s cool, it’s surreal, and it’s a brilliant way to tire out the kids (or yourself) before bed. Plus, being underground, it doesn’t matter if the Welsh weather decided to have a "refreshing" moment.
Peter’s Tip: Wear long sleeves and trousers. Those nets are unforgiving if you slide, and you’ll want to look more "action hero" and less "scraped knee" when you come back to the Inn for a nightcap.
2. Burgers, Beats, and a Boutique Cinema: CellB
Address: Park Road, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3AD (approx. 15 mins from us)
If you're looking for a bit of culture with your carbs, CellB is the spot. It’s an old Edwardian police station converted into an independent cinema, hostel, and, most importantly, a kick-ass burger bar.
This place has so much soul. They often have live music or DJs in the evening, and the burgers are legendary in these parts. We’re talking locally sourced Welsh beef, inventive toppings, and fries that actually taste of something. It’s a great way to support a local independent business while soaking up the gritty, artistic vibe of Blaenau.
After a massive burger, you can catch an indie flick or the latest blockbuster in their cozy cinema. It beats scrolling through Netflix in your tent, trust me. Check out their latest events on social media; they usually have something interesting going on every weekend.
3. Real Ale and Steam Trains: Snowdonia Parc Pub
Address: Waunfawr, Caernarfon LL55 4AQ (approx. 40 mins from us)
Now, if you’re a fan of a proper pint, you have to drive over to Snowdonia Parc Pub & Microbrewery in Waunfawr. It’s about 40 minutes away, but the drive through the heart of Snowdonia is worth the petrol alone.
This place is a dream for families and train enthusiasts. The Welsh Highland Railway stops right at the pub. There is nothing quite like sitting in a beer garden with a glass of their own 'Carmen Sutra' or 'Snowdonia Ale' while a massive steam engine huffs and puffs past just a few feet away.
It’s incredibly family-oriented and very relaxed. They do solid, honest pub grub that hits the spot after a day of hiking. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time talking to other travelers and locals alike.
4. A 16th-Century Feast: The Grapes Hotel
Address: Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4HY (approx. 10 mins from us)
If you want something a bit more traditional and very close to home, head down to The Grapes Hotel in Maentwrog. This 17th-century coaching inn is just down the road and oozes history.
The food here is fantastic, proper "gastro-pub" quality but without the pretension. They’ve got a lovely terrace if the evening is warm, and a roaring fire if the mountain air is feeling a bit crisp. It’s one of those places where you feel the history in the floorboards.
It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a celebratory family meal. Just make sure to book ahead, especially on a Sunday, as it’s a favorite for both locals and visitors.
5. The Rhiw Goch Sundowner: Staying Put
Address: Bronaber, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4UY (Right here!)
Sometimes, the best evening plan is no plan at all. Honestly, some of my favorite nights are spent right here at Rhiw Goch Inn.
We’ve worked hard to make our camping area and self-catering spots like The Hideaway Bed feel like a sanctuary. On a night like tonight, when the sun is setting over the Rhinogydd mountains, there isn't a pub in the world with a better view.
Here is my recipe for the perfect Rhiw Goch evening:
- Fire up the BBQ or a small fire pit (if you’re on the campsite, keep it off the grass, please!).
- Pour yourself a drink: maybe a local Welsh gin or a cold cider.
- Sit back and watch the sheep graze in the fields below.
- Wait for the stars. Because we’re away from the major towns, the night sky here is absolutely staggering.
While we're still in the middle of restoring the main Inn building (it’s a labor of love, I promise!), the peace and tranquility of this spot are what keep people coming back. Whether you’re staying in our luxury Lodge House with its underfloor heating or pitching a tent on our electric hooks, you’ve got front-row seats to nature’s best show.
Ready to book your next escape?
Don't just take my word for it. Come and experience the sunsets, the silence, and the mountain air for yourself. Whether you're here for the mountain biking at Coed y Brenin or just to escape the 9-to-5, we've got a spot waiting for you.
Check out our availability for the Lodge House, The Hideaway, and our campsite at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk.
See you at the Inn!
: Peter Dive
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