It’s Sunday evening here at the Rhiw Goch Inn, and the sun is doing that spectacular thing where it turns the Rhinogydd mountains into a purple-and-gold masterpiece. I’m sitting here with a cold drink, looking out over the Trawsfynydd lake, and I can hear the distant bleating of the sheep in our courtyard. It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, and it’s exactly why people book a holiday north wales style.
But I know what you’re thinking. You’ve spent the day dragging the kids up a mountain, or maybe you’ve been chasing them around the Zip World tracks, and now the "hangry" monster is starting to rear its head. You’re staying in one of our lodges or apartments, and while the kitchen is great, sometimes you just want someone else to do the dishes.
The question I get asked most often (usually around 5:00 PM) is: "Peter, where can we take the kids that won't mind a bit of mud on the boots and a bit of noise at the table?"
Well, put your Google Maps away. I’ve done the legwork (and the eating) for you. Here are my top 10 picks for the best family grub within an hour’s drive of Rhiw Goch Inn (LL41 4UY).
1. Right Here at Home: Rhiw Goch Inn
Location: Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4UY
I might be biased, but you can’t beat the commute. If you’re staying in our self-catering apartments or the lodge, you’re already in the heart of Snowdonia. While we are busy with our 16th-century restorations, our grounds are the perfect spot for a family picnic with a view that beats any five-star restaurant in London. We’ve got plenty of space for the kids to run around while you watch the sunset. Plus, being right on the A470, we are the ultimate jumping-off point for everything else on this list.
2. Mawddach Neapolitan Pizzeria & Takeaway
Location: Llanelltyd, Dolgellau LL40 2TA (Approx. 15 mins drive)
If your kids are like mine, pizza is a primary food group. This spot is a local gem. It’s relaxed, the dough is proper Neapolitan style (blistered and chewy), and the toppings are top-notch. It’s perfect for a post-hike refuel. They do takeaway too, so you can grab a few boxes and bring them back to the Inn to eat outside by the stone walls.
3. The Cross Foxes
Location: Brithdir, Dolgellau LL40 2SG (Approx. 20 mins drive)
For those Sundays when you want a "proper" roast but don't want to feel like you’re in a library, the Cross Foxes is brilliant. It sits right at the foot of Cadair Idris. It’s a bit more "refined" than a standard pub, but they are incredibly welcoming to families. The Sunday lunch is legendary. Just make sure to book ahead, especially in May when the walkers are out in force!
4. T H Roberts Coffee Shop
Location: Parliament House, Dolgellau LL40 1BB (Approx. 18 mins drive)
This isn't just a coffee shop; it’s a trip back in time. It used to be an old ironmongers, and they’ve kept all the old drawers and wooden counters. It’s incredibly atmospheric. For the kids, the cakes are the size of their heads, and for the adults, the coffee is some of the best in the region. It’s my go-to spot when the Welsh weather decides to be… well, Welsh.
5. Dylan’s Criccieth
Location: Maes-y-Mor, Criccieth LL52 0HU (Approx. 30 mins drive)
If you want a view of the sea while you eat, Dylan’s is the one. It’s housed in an iconic Art Deco building right on the beach. They specialize in local seafood (the mussels are fantastic), but they also do great burgers and pizzas for the pickier eaters. After lunch, you can walk it off by exploring Criccieth Castle or just letting the kids throw stones into the sea.
6. Pete’s Eats
Location: 40-42 High St, Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4EU (Approx. 45 mins drive)
You haven't really done a Snowdonia holiday until you’ve had a "Pint of Tea" at Pete’s Eats. This place is a legend in the climbing community. It’s loud, it’s bustling, and the portions are massive. It’s the kind of place where nobody cares if your kids are wearing mismatched socks or if you’ve got mud on your trousers. It’s pure, unpretentious fuel for adventurers.
7. Y Stablau (Stables Bar & Grill)
Location: Royal Oak Hotel, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY (Approx. 35 mins drive)
Betws-y-Coed is always a hive of activity. Y Stablau has a massive outdoor seating area which is a lifesaver for families. You can sit outside, listen to the live music (often playing on weekends in May), and enjoy a solid pub meal. They have a dedicated kids' menu that actually has things kids want to eat.
8. Hangin’ Pizzeria
Location: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY (Approx. 35 mins drive)
Another Betws-y-Coed favorite. What I love about this place (besides the name) is their ethos, they support animal welfare and environmental charities. The pizzas are delicious, the vibe is super chill, and it’s right near the train station, which is always a hit with younger children who like watching the steam trains go by.
9. Moorings Bistro
Location: Borth-y-Gest, Porthmadog LL49 9TR (Approx. 25 mins drive)
Borth-y-Gest is one of the prettiest villages in North Wales, and the Moorings Bistro sits right on the front. It’s great for a slightly quieter lunch. If the sun is out, sit outside and watch the boats in the harbor. Their gelato is a mandatory purchase for the drive back to the Rhiw Goch Inn.
10. Olif
Location: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY (Approx. 35 mins drive)
If your family is a bit more adventurous, Olif offers Welsh Tapas. Yes, you read that right. Small plates using local Welsh ingredients but with a Spanish twist. It’s a great way to introduce the kids to new flavors without committing to a giant plate of something they might not like. The atmosphere is cozy and very "Instagrammable" if you have teens who care about that sort of thing!
A Few "Peter Tips" for Eating Out in Snowdonia:
- The "May" Factor: We are right in the middle of May now, and things are getting busy. If you’re planning a Saturday night dinner, book a table. Don't risk the "sorry, we're full" heartbreak with hungry kids in the car.
- Postcodes are your Friend: I’ve listed the postcodes above because signal can be spotty in the valleys. Punch them into your Sat Nav before you leave the Inn, our Wi-Fi at Rhiw Goch Inn is great, so use it to plan your route!
- Check the News: There’s often local food festivals or farmers' markets happening in Dolgellau or Porthmadog. Keep an eye on our News and Updates section for the latest local happenings.
- Dog Friendly: Most of the places listed above (especially the ones with outdoor seating) are very dog-friendly, just like us!
Why Stay With Us?
At the end of a long day of exploring and eating, there is nothing quite like coming back to the peace of Trawsfynydd. While the towns like Betws-y-Coed are great, they can be a bit frantic. Here at Rhiw Goch Inn, you get the best of both worlds: easy access to the best "grub" in North Wales, but a silent, starry night to sleep it all off.
Whether you are looking for an active holiday or just a rural retreat, we’ve got the perfect spot for you. Our apartments are designed for families who want comfort and history rolled into one.
So, what are you waiting for? The mountains are calling, and the pizza ovens are heating up.
Book your next North Wales escape at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk and come say hello to the sheep!
Cheers,
Peter Dive
Rhiw Goch Inn
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