First family holiday - Would you recommend Aberdovey ? If not, where in Mid Wales is lovely ? Please help, I have no clue !

[StantonLacy]

Right, first family holiday all together hoping to book for June (before the hell that is school holidays) and we have decided that mid Wales is our best bet. The thing is, I really haven't much of a clue about Wales in general and googling just doesn't cut it sometimes.

We did originally think about Barmouth, but people seem to have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with it. Thought it might be safer to avoid.
So, Aberdovey looks like it might tick the boxes - the boxes being :
a) a beach in easy reach/beaches
b) a good base for day trips to other bits of mid wales
c) not too tacky/lively

The thing is, this will be our last chance of a cheap (as in not outrageous summer holiday prices) holiday before DS starts school in September, so I really, really, really want it to be lovely.(probably best not to even think about the weather) He's never even seen the sea (and how guilty does that make me feel ?!) and I just want to be able to provide the lovely beach/sea experience for him and DD. No pressure, then

So can anyone help please ? It looks like Dyffyn Ardudwy and Borth would be the furthest north and south points we could manage (limiting journey time for children is paramount...they are not brilliant passengers ) Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Well, it's slightly south of Borth, but not by much, but I would say Aberystwyth is a good base. On coast, quite a few restaurants/cafes, not too far from other nice coastal places. My sister lives there, and we have been there loads of times. From there you can et to Borth, Aberdyfi, Barmouth, Machynlleth, New Quay, Aberaeron etc....

Lots of beaches and steam railways in that area. Plus Aberystwyth has Constitution Hill (cliff railway, camera obscura etc).

Ah, thank you Norman. That's just the sort of base I was looking for, especially for all the day trips. It sounds ideal and I think the cliff railway would clinch it for DS, he has got such a thing for trains ! Will definitely bear it in mind

Any more suggestions ? I know there are a few 'in the know' about Wales on MN..!

If he likes trains you are well away! There is the Vale of Rheidol railway (runs from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge), the Corris Railway (near Machynlleth) the Tal - y - Llyn railway (from Tywyn), the Welsh Highland Railway (from Porthmadoc), the Fairbourne light railway, the Bala lake railway ( a bit further north)....

Aberdovey sounds a good choice given your criteria. And is nicer than Barmouth.

How about Dolgellau? The nearest beach is Barmouth but you're not staying in Barmouth. It's a little further north than Aberdovey though so within easier reach of destinations further north - more steam trains than you can dream of, even if you are a 5 year old boy. Nearby is the Mawddach cycle trail, Tal y Llyn railway (also within easy reach of Aberdovey). Also within easy reach of Harlech beaches and ffestiniog railway.

Aberdovey is lovely, it's where we went on our first proper holiday with our DS!
We also stayed in Borth-y-Gest, had a house on the front of the beach...that was first holiday with DD after she came along. Also lovely!! So miuch to do round there. DS loved harlech and criccieth castle, Port Merion and ALL the steam trains, there are loads. We had a lovely trip from the place across the estuary (Fairbourne) from Barmouth. There is a little steam train that goes to the end then you can get a ferry boat which is a 5 min trip across to barmouth. Took pushchair etc. Had a lovely day out.

Borth y gest just outside Porth Madog is absolutely lovely. Everything a little welsh seaside village should be. they have a village shop and its a 10 - 15 minute pram ride into P-M The little train goes from there and there's Port Meirion too. Our children love the ice creams up at Criccieth and rabbit world as they call it which is near by. The best beaches are a short walk away but there is one right on the front. If feeling energetic you can walk to Black rock sands.

Norman - thanks again...although, I think I shall be keeping quiet about a few of those...otherwise DS will monopolise the holiday !

EssieW - Have just had a look at Dolgellau, the pictures on google look gorgeous, but google maps says a journey time of nearly three hours ! Call me a coward (yes, I know I am) but I just can't face two children in the car for that amount of time....I'll build up to cornwall in about five years, I reckon ! Thanks very much though.

kateecass - Well, it's great to hear you had such a lovely time in Aberdovey and it looks as though Borth y Gest has got a couple of fans in you and mummymeister. It does look lovely, but again it's the initial travel time that bothers me. I know, I know, what difference can twenty minutes here or there possibly make but I'm playing it safe for fear of the consequences (DD is feisty)
mummymeister - Will look into rabbit world for sure. I've also googled black rock sands and by gum it looks beautiful ! I rarely feel energetic, though

I do love Port Meirion. Tempting to be so close to it, it's the only part of Wales I've ever visited before and I am very fond of it.
I'm sure we can do lots of these as day trips, so I definitely appreciate the info

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions, I'm off now to look at some cottages and hopefully book something

Have happy memories of Aberdovey and Tenby but haven't been to them since childhood.