Does anyone know Porthmadog and surrounds?

[FreezerBird]

Driving up there tomorrow as DH is doing a coastal foraging walk (birthday present from 2020 finally happening!). We're planning to all go up and the kids and I entertain ourselves while he does his thing.

However the weather looks a bit ergh, and parking in Porthmadog looks like a nightmare so I think dropping DH off and heading somewhere else for a bit might be the plan. It's about an hour and a half from us so I'd rather not drive too much further.

(I realise the easy answer is, send DH off in the car and stay at home, but we've all been stuck in the house this week and I'm desperate to do something, somewhere. We have one car.)

Kids are 16 and 13 (13yo has SEN). 16yo could stay home but has literally not left the house for a week and I'd like him to come too. He is fairly tolerant of doing stuff to fit around his younger sister.

Any ideas?

We've been this summer as always park behind Wilkos and always find a space.

If you want takeout lunch, which you can eat at the harbour, try The Rock.

We stayed near there at end of July with 17,14 and 13 yo. Parking in Porthmadog was fine. We went to Black Rock Sands beach on the one sunny day which was nice. 13 yo enjoyed Portmeirion which is really near (older ones stayed in bed). We went on the steam train from Porthmadog which was fun but pricey.

You could go to Llanberis. Mooch about, see the castle, slate museum, quarry hospital, waterfalls. Ice cream, lake, cafe, etc.

Sorry it 40 mins drive from Porthmadog

Parking in Porthmadog is fine! Just go to the long stay. Or go to black rock sands and drive onto the beach- it’s amazing!

Go to the mines at Blaneu Ffestiniog (apologies for spelling). There's a HUGE zip line, cavern tour, trampoline Park in the caves. Wee town is reasonable for a wander too. You'll need to book in advance but it was genuinely excellent x

Thanks all!

Just realised I'm a complete idiot; they meet for the walk in Borth y Gest, which is where we've been warned parking is tricky. I think I'd just mentally filed it all under 'Porthmadog'!

We'll probably drop him in ByG and then mooch round Porthmadog a bit. To be honest I'm quite excited by the prospect of a Wilko's - there was one where we used to live and I loved it but don't have one near now!

@Icedteaplease

Go to the mines at Blaneu Ffestiniog (apologies for spelling). There's a HUGE zip line, cavern tour, trampoline Park in the caves. Wee town is reasonable for a wander too. You'll need to book in advance but it was genuinely excellent x

This is on our list sometime for DS but would freak DD out completely!

Portmerion?

If you eat lunch at the Castell Deudraeth brasserie (seems pricey - must book) you get complimentary entry to Portmeirion immediately after. Factor in the free ticket and a single course posh lunch is very reasonable!

We've only ever walked to Borth from Porthmadog. I can imagine the car parking spaces are a bit limited tbh. Last time we walked there the car park was full of motohomes.