There’s something about the way the light hits the mountains in North Wales that just stops you in your tracks. I’ve lived here a long time, and I’m still out there most evenings with my phone, trying, and usually failing, to capture the exact shade of "Rhinogydd Orange" that spills over the peaks.
When you’re staying with us at Rhiw Goch Inn, you’ve already got a front-row seat to one of the best shows in Snowdonia. Whether you’re tucked into The Hideaway with a glass of wine or sitting by your fire pit at our campsite, the views are literally built-in. But I get it, sometimes you want someone else to do the cooking while you soak in the scenery.
I get asked all the time: "Peter, where can we go for a bite where the view is as good as the food?"
Well, after years of "rigorous research" (it’s a hard job, but someone has to eat all those chips), I’ve narrowed it down. If you’re looking for a holiday in North Wales that hits all the right notes, here are the 5 sunset eateries within an hour of LL41 4UY that everyone is currently raving about.
1. The Rhiw Goch Inn (Our Very Own Backyard)
Address: Bronaber, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4UY
Distance: 0 minutes (You’re already here!)
I might be biased, but you really can’t beat home. While we are currently in the middle of a massive restoration project to bring the 16th-century Inn back to its former glory as a tavern and games room, our guests in The Lodge House and the campsite are already making the most of our elevated position.
If you’re staying in The Lodge, my personal recommendation is to prep a local Welsh steak, open the bi-fold doors, and watch the sun dip behind the Rhinogydd mountains. The way the light catches the stone walls of the old Inn: which dates back to the 12th century: is magic. It’s quiet, it’s private, and the only "noise" is the occasional sheep.
Why Peter loves it: It’s the peace. After a day of mountain biking at Coed y Brenin, there’s nothing like sitting on your own private deck and watching the sky turn purple.
2. The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog
Address: Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3HY
Distance: 10 minutes drive
Just down the A470 from us is Maentwrog, one of the prettiest villages in the area. The Grapes is a Grade II listed coaching inn that feels like stepping back in time. It’s got that heavy stone-walled, low-beam charm that I’m working so hard to preserve here at Rhiw Goch.
They have a fantastic outdoor terrace that looks out over the Vale of Ffestiniog. In the late afternoon, the sun streams down the valley, lighting up the ancient oak woodlands. The food is proper Welsh pub fare: hearty, locally sourced, and exactly what you need after hiking up Snowdon.
Why Peter loves it: The history. You can feel the centuries in the floorboards. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged co-pilot along.
3. The Brondanw Arms (The Ring), Llanfrothen
Address: Llanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6AQ
Distance: 20 minutes drive
Locally known simply as "The Ring," this place is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s part of the Brondanw Estate, once home to Sir Clough Williams-Ellis (the mastermind behind Portmeirion).
The vibe here is quirky, artistic, and very "Snowdonia." It doesn’t have a sweeping cliff-edge view, but it has something better: the golden hour glow on the surrounding Moelwyn mountains. The beer garden is a sun trap, and the food is consistently some of the best in the area. They do a Sunday roast that people travel miles for.
Why Peter loves it: It’s where the locals go. It’s got soul, great local ales, and it’s just far enough off the beaten track to feel like a real find.
4. Plas Weunydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog
Address: Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB
Distance: 15 minutes drive
If you want a sunset with a side of drama, head up to the Llechwedd Slate Mountain. Plas Weunydd is a stylish, modern bar and restaurant situated right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The view here isn't rolling green hills; it’s the rugged, industrial beauty of the slate quarries. When the sun hits the grey slate, it turns a shimmering silver-blue. It’s a completely unique perspective of Snowdonia. You can sit on the terrace with a cocktail and watch the zip-liners fly past at Zip World while the sun sets over the peaks of the Moelwyns.
Why Peter loves it: It’s a great mix of old and new. They’ve done a brilliant job of making a slate quarry feel luxury and welcoming.
5. Dylan’s, Criccieth
Address: Maes-y-Môr, Criccieth, LL52 0HU
Distance: 35 minutes drive
I know, I know: I’m a mountain man. But even I have to admit that a coastal sunset hits differently. Dylan’s is located in an iconic Art Deco building right on the water’s edge in Criccieth.
This is the place for a "big" night out. You get panoramic views of Cardigan Bay, and on a clear evening, you can see all the way down the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. Watching the sun drop into the sea while tucking into a bowl of Menai mussels is an experience you won’t forget. It’s a bit further of a drive, but perfectly positioned for a day trip to the beach followed by dinner.
Why Peter loves it: The architecture is stunning, and the seafood is fresh as it gets. It’s the perfect contrast to the rugged mountains back at the Inn.
Making the Most of Your Evening in Snowdonia
If you’re planning to visit these spots during your holiday in North Wales, here are a few tips from a local:
- Book Ahead: Especially in the summer months, these places get packed. Mention you’re staying at the Rhiw Goch Inn: we love supporting our neighbors!
- Check the Sunset Times: The mountains can make the sun "disappear" earlier than the official sunset time. Aim to be seated about 45 minutes before the sun hits the horizon.
- Layers, Layers, Layers: Even on a warm day, the temperature in the mountains drops as soon as the sun goes down. Keep a jacket in the car.
- Drive Carefully: The A470 is a beautiful road, but watch out for sheep on the road in the twilight hours. They don't have much road sense!
Ready to book your escape?
We’re currently taking bookings for The Lodge House and The Hideaway, as well as our electric campsite pitches. Whether you’re here for the mountain biking at Coed y Brenin, the hikes up Snowdon, or just to sit and watch the sky change color, we’d love to have you.
Head over to www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk to check our availability and start planning your perfect Welsh getaway.
Don't forget to tag us in your sunset photos!
#RhiwGochInn #SnowdoniaSunsets #NorthWalesHoliday #VisitWales #Eryri #LL41
See you at the top,
Peter Dive
Owner & Chief Renovator, Rhiw Goch Inn