Alright, Peter here. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through endless TripAdvisor reviews trying to figure out if that "charming" pub actually serves edible chips or if the "easy" mountain walk is actually a vertical cliff face, you’re in the right place.
Running the Rhiw Goch Inn (LL41 4UY) isn’t just about making sure the underfloor heating in The Lodge House is toasty enough for your toes; it’s about being a local scout. I spend half my life exploring the nooks and crannies of Snowdonia (or Eryri, as we call it properly these days) to make sure our guests don’t end up in a tourist trap.
We’re right in the heart of the action here in Trawsfynydd. Whether you’re staying in our Hideaway Bed apartment, pitching a tent on our Snowdonia campsite, or eyeing up the renovation of our 16th-century Grade 2 listed inn (trust me, the tavern is going to be legendary), you need a solid game plan.
So, here are 10 local secrets, from hidden burger joints to underground trampolines, that will make your next holiday in North Wales absolutely epic.
1. The "Underground Trampoline" Madness at Zip World Llechwedd
Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB (15 mins away)
If you haven’t heard of Bounce Below, imagine a giant slate cavern twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral filled with neon-lit, multi-level trampolines. It’s mental. I took the family there last year, and let’s just say I discovered muscles I didn’t know I had. It’s perfect for those typical "Welsh weather" days because it’s all underground.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Book the "Deep Mine Tour" while you're there. It gives you a real sense of the grit and history of this area. It’s not just about bouncing; it’s about the heritage that built these valleys.
- Postcode for Sat Nav: LL41 3NB
2. Mountain Biking at Coed y Brenin (Without the Bruises)
Location: Ganllwyd, LL40 2HZ (15 mins south)
We get a lot of bikers staying at the Rhiw Goch Inn, mostly because we’re perfectly positioned on the A470 and have plenty of space for gear. Coed y Brenin was the UK’s first dedicated mountain bike centre. You’ve got everything from the "MinorTaur" (great for kids and people like me who value their collarbones) to the "Beast," which is… well, the name gives it away.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Even if you don’t bike, the walking trails are world-class. The "Animal Puzzle Trail" is a winner if you’ve got little ones in tow.
- Website: Coed y Brenin Forest Park
3. A Pint and a Story at The Grapes Hotel
Location: Maentwrog, LL41 3HY (10 mins away)
When I’m not busy overseeing the restoration of our own tavern, you might find me at The Grapes. It’s one of the oldest coaching inns in Wales. It’s got that proper "old world" feel, low beams, roaring fires, and a menu that actually fills you up. Their Sunday roast is the stuff of local legend.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: It’s dog-friendly, so bring the pooch along. It’s the perfect pitstop after a walk around the Vale of Ffestiniog.
4. Harlech Castle: The Best View in the Kingdom
Location: Harlech, LL46 2YH (25 mins away)
You can’t come to Snowdonia and not see a castle. Edward I really went to town on this one. It sits on a sheer rocky crag overlooking the sea. On a clear day, the views across the dunes to the Tremadog Bay are breathtaking.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: After the castle, head down to Harlech Beach. It’s massive, sandy, and usually way quieter than the bigger tourist beaches. If you're lucky, you'll see the "Ffynnon Gynydd" (the boiling well) nearby.
- Postcode for Sat Nav: LL46 2YH
5. Portmeirion: An Italian Village in Wales?
Location: Minffordd, LL48 6ER (30 mins away)
Sir Clough Williams-Ellis was a bit of a visionary (and perhaps a bit mad, in the best way). He built this Mediterranean-style village on its own private peninsula. It’s famous for the 60s show The Prisoner, but even if you’re not a cult TV fan, the gardens and the architecture are stunning.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Go late in the afternoon when the day-trippers start to head home. The light hitting the pastel buildings is incredible, perfect for those Instagram shots. #Portmeirion #SnowdoniaLife
6. The Best Ice Cream at Glaslyn Artisan
Location: Beddgelert, LL55 4YB (35 mins away)
Beddgelert is arguably the prettiest village in Wales. But the real draw? Glaslyn Artisan Ice Cream & Pizza. I’ve tried most of the flavours (for research purposes, obviously), and the Salted Caramel is a game-changer.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Take your ice cream and walk down the river to Gelert’s Grave. It’s a tear-jerker of a local legend about a faithful hound, but it’s a lovely, flat walk for families.
7. Llyn Trawsfynydd: The Secret on Our Doorstep
Location: Trawsfynydd, LL41 4SA (2 mins away)
You don’t even have to drive to see something amazing. Llyn Trawsfynydd is right here. You can walk or cycle the loop around the lake. It’s hauntingly beautiful with the old decommissioned power station in the distance, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: The fishing here is world-renowned (trout and pike). Or, just grab a coffee at the lakeside café and watch the mist roll off the water. It’s peace and quiet personified.
8. Steam Power: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Location: Porthmadog, LL49 9NF (30 mins away)
If you like trains (or just like sitting down while looking at great scenery), this is a must. The Ffestiniog Railway is the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway. It climbs from the coast at Porthmadog up into the mountains at Blaenau Ffestiniog.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Board at Blaenau if you want to experience the dramatic descent towards the sea. The "Spooner’s Grill" at the Porthmadog station is a great spot for a casual lunch afterwards.
- Website: Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
9. Black Rock Sands: Drive onto the Beach
Location: Morfa Bychan, LL49 9YH (35 mins away)
Yes, you can actually drive your car onto the sand here. It’s one of the few places in the UK where you can do that. It makes life so much easier when you’ve got a car full of windbreaks, cool boxes, and kids.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Check the tide times! Every year, someone forgets and their car becomes a temporary submarine. Don't be that person.
10. The Ultimate Sunset at Rhiw Goch Inn
Location: Trawsfynydd, LL41 4UY (0 mins away!)
I might be biased, but there is no better way to end a day in North Wales than sitting outside The Lodge House or your tent at our campsite and watching the sun drop behind the Rhinogydd mountains. The sky turns these shades of purple and orange that you just don't see anywhere else.
- Peter’s Pro Tip: Grab a bottle of something local (we recommend the beers from Purple Moose Brewery in Porthmadog) and just soak it in. This is why we live here.
Ready to book your adventure?
We’d love to have you stay with us. Whether you want the luxury of our renovated Lodge House with its cast-iron bath, the cozy vibes of The Hideaway, or a spot on our electric pitch campsite, we’ve got you covered.
Snowdonia is calling, and the kettle is usually on.
See you soon,
Peter Dive
Rhiw Goch Inn
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