There is something about a June evening in Snowdonia that just hits different. It’s Wednesday, the sun is taking its sweet time to dip behind the Rhinogydd mountains, and I’m currently sitting outside the Rhiw Goch Inn with a cold drink, watching the light turn everything a dusty shade of gold.
If you’ve been following our progress, you’ll know we’re knee-deep in restoring this 16th-century Grade 2 listed beauty. Since the fire in 2018, it’s been a labor of love (and occasionally a labor of "why did I buy a building with 12th-century foundations?"), but looking at the view from our doorstep at LL41 4UY, it’s worth every slate we replace.
One question I get asked constantly on Reddit and by folks staying in The Lodge House or The Hideaway is: "Peter, where can we go for a proper feed and a bit of family fun without driving for hours?"
North Wales is a big place, and while I love a wild mountain trek as much as the next man, sometimes you just want a pint, a bowl of chips for the kids, and a sunset that doesn't require a headtorch to get home from. So, I’ve pulled together my top five "Sundowner" spots within an hour of us. These are the places I actually go to when I’m not hauling timber or arguing with heritage officers.
1. The Cross Foxes, Trawsfynydd (The "Right on the Doorstep" Classic)
Location: Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4SA
Distance from Rhiw Goch: 5 minutes
If you’re staying with us and don't want to venture far, the Cross Foxes in Trawsfynydd village is your go-to. It’s a proper, old-school village pub. I often wander down there after a day of working on the Inn’s new self-contained apartments.
It sits right by Llyn Trawsfynydd (Trawsfynydd Lake), which is the largest lake in the area. Before dinner, I highly recommend taking the family for a stroll or a cycle along the lakeside path. It’s flat, accessible, and the reflections of the mountains in the water are world-class. The pub food is exactly what you want: solid burgers, local pies, and a warm Welsh welcome. It's the kind of place where the kids can be a bit noisy and nobody bats an eyelid.
2. Zip World Llechwedd & The Grapes Hotel (The "Adrenaline & Ale" Combo)
Location: Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB / Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4HY
Distance from Rhiw Goch: 15-20 minutes
This is my standard recommendation for families with kids who have too much energy. Zip World Llechwedd is legendary. You’ve got the underground trampolines (Bounce Below) and the deep mine tours. I took my lot there last year, and seeing them bounce around in a neon-lit slate cavern is something else.
After you’ve exhausted them underground, head five minutes down the road to The Grapes Hotel in Maentwrog. It’s one of the oldest coaching inns in Wales. The outdoor seating area is fantastic on a summer evening. I usually opt for whatever local ale they have on tap and a plate of their Welsh lamb. It’s atmospheric, historic, and fits the vibe of a holiday in North Wales perfectly.
3. Coed y Brenin & The Cross Foxes (Dolgellau) (The "Mountain Biker’s Reward")
Location: Ganllwyd, Dolgellau LL40 2HZ / Brithdir, Dolgellau LL40 2RW
Distance from Rhiw Goch: 20-30 minutes
Now, if you’re here for the mountain biking (and let’s face it, we are perfectly positioned for it), you’re likely spending your days at Coed y Brenin Forest Park. It’s the UK’s first dedicated MTB center. I’ve spent many a Saturday morning getting mud in places mud shouldn't be on those trails.
When you’re done, drive ten minutes south to the other Cross Foxes: this one is a Grade II listed boutique pub at the junction of the A470 and A487. It’s a bit more "upmarket" but still very welcoming. It’s an award-winning spot and perfect if you want a "treat" meal after a hard day in the saddle. Their outdoor terrace has incredible views of the Cadair Idris range.
4. Harlech Castle & The Ship (The "Sunset & History" Stop)
Location: Harlech LL46 2YH
Distance from Rhiw Goch: 30 minutes
You can’t come to Snowdonia and not see a castle. Harlech Castle is a beast: a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on a rock. In the early evening, the sun hits those stone walls and it looks like something out of Game of Thrones.
After exploring the battlements, head down to the beach (one of the best in North Wales) for a walk on the dunes, then finish at a local pub like The Ship or one of the small bistros in town. The drive back to Rhiw Goch Inn via the winding valley roads is one of my favorite stretches of tarmac in the world.
5. Barmouth Seafront & Min-y-Mor (The "Traditional Seaside" Day)
Location: Barmouth LL42 1HW
Distance from Rhiw Goch: 40 minutes
Sometimes the kids just want ice cream, a donkey ride, and a bit of penny-pusher action at the arcades. Barmouth is the classic Welsh seaside town. I love walking across the Barmouth Bridge: the views up the Mawddach Estuary are genuinely some of the best in the UK.
For food, the Min-y-Mor Hotel is right on the seafront. It’s incredibly dog-friendly and family-friendly. You can sit out, watch the tide come in, and enjoy a massive plate of fish and chips. It’s about a 40-minute drive from us at LL41 4UY, making it an easy win for a full day out.
Why Stay at Rhiw Goch Inn?
While these spots are great, there’s a lot to be said for just staying put. We’ve worked hard to make The Lodge House and The Hideaway the kind of places you actually want to spend time in.
- The Lodge House: Perfect for families. Underfloor heating (essential even in June sometimes!), a luxury cast iron bath, and enough space for everyone to spread out.
- The Hideaway: My favorite for couples. The sunset views over the Rhinogydd from here are what people move to Wales for.
- The Campsite: We’ve got 5 electric pitches and plenty of space for tents. There’s nothing like waking up, unzipping your tent, and seeing the Snowdonia peaks staring back at you.
We’re right on the A470, so getting to any of the spots I mentioned above is a breeze. But honestly, once you’ve seen the sunset from our campsite with a fire pit going, you might find it hard to leave the grounds.
Peter’s Pro Tips for your Snowdonia Holiday:
- Book Zip World in Advance: Especially in June. It fills up faster than a pub on a Friday night.
- Check the Weather: If the clouds are low on Snowdon, head to the coast (Harlech/Barmouth). It’s often clearer there.
- The A470 is your Friend: It’s the main artery of Wales. We are positioned perfectly on it to go North to Snowdon or South to Dolgellau.
- Don't Forget the History: Ask me about the 12th-century history of Rhiw Goch when you see me on-site: I’ve got stories that’ll make your hair stand on end!
If you’re looking for a holiday in North Wales that combines a bit of grit, a bit of luxury, and a lot of views, come and see us. You can check availability and book directly at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk.
I’ll see you at the bar (once I’ve finished building it!).
Cheers,
Peter Dive
Rhiw Goch Inn
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