Weekend break near Portmeirion in Feb - what to do?

[EllenRose]

I've booked a weekend away with dh, ds (14), ds (10), dd (6) plus my brother, sister in law plus their 1 yo.

It is my birthday hence the time of year and whilst I am more than happy to open the wine in front of the fire, I am conscious that some of the things you would normally do in the area are more 'peak season' so want to check if there are any 'must do's or options if the weather is typically winter?

I've never been to the area before so any help will be very much appreciated

If you get a lovely sunny day you could go across the river to Porthmadog and take a trip on the Ffestiniog railway. it is only running on 23nd, 23rd and 29th Feb though.

The scenery is lovely, but you do need a clear day to enjoy it at its best.

The Angelsey Sea Zoo is worth an outing!

Would love to do the railway and I was worried there wasn't much service during the winter - unfortunately we are there from the 24 - 26 so it clearly wasn't mean to be

I have heard good things about the Zoo, thanks PotteringAlong - off to look at website . . .

Ooh - forgot to ask - any good suggestions for places to eat? Needs to be quite family friendly given the youngest one .. .

I really wouldn't bother driving to the Sea Zoo from Portmeirion. It's a horrible drive and the Sea Zoo isn't that good. Ok for little ones younger than yours.

Obviously Snowdonia and Llanberis is a very nice place to go. National Slate Museum is great and has stuff for all ages, and is free. www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/slate/ They have sessions doing stuff so find out times before you go.

Greenwood Forest Park is open from 18th February and is brilliant. www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk/?Page=opening_times

Sorry, forgot to tick the link enabler box.

Beaumaris is great too, but I don't think much will be going on in Feb.

I'd contact the tourist information in Porthmadog who will have loads of info of what's in the area.

And Sygun Copper Mine is VERY expensive for what it is. Haven't tried the other one.

Thanks KatharineClifton - that is really helpful

You're welcome :)

If you do go to the Slate Museum don't miss the 3 cottages which have been done up to be in different eras. Absolutely fascinating!

Btw, I looked up the half term dates for Gwynedd for you which are 13 ? 17 February 2012.

Oh that is great, thanks so much

Visit Electric Mountain?

Caernafon Castle?

There's nowt in there orienteerer, the tour doesn't open until April. Apart from a few pictures of cows.

KatherineC - I'm confused, there are no cows in either of my links?Electric Mountain & Caernafon Castle both open in Feb...?

....I am talking about Electric Mountain Visitor Centre.....not the actual Tour.

Ah, you sneaked a post in. Electric Mountain's tours underground don't start until April. The only bits to see in there is the 'art gallery' which on my last visit was filled with pics of cows, and the cafe & shop.

As it's only a weekend, which I didn't notice at first, I imagine it'll be one day at Portmeirion, and another possibly around Snowdonia & Llanberis - depending on weather of course.

Indeed, we can walk into Portmeirion from where are staying and down to the beach so I am hoping it will be dry if cold. Just wanted to have back up plans as I have heard mixed reviews about Portmeirion although we don't have to pay so that overcomes most of the issues.

Ah, IMO Portmeirion is pretty crap. Gave me the creeps first time I went there, the second time it just bored me. And it rained. But if you are staying there you have to go! 2 hours tops, unless you want to ramble around the woods as well.

Yes seems a bit daft not to go and I fully expect that a couple of hours is as long as the dc's will cope with anyway. Heard lots of good things about Greenwood though which I think they will love

Wales can be a bit closed in Feb to tourists so you need to get hold of the tourist info centre in porthmadog now and get info on what is and isnt open. the restaurant at portmeirion is fab for a special meal. usual fare in porthmadog with nothing special tbh. it will be great to go walking bedgelert perhaps if the weather is good but prepare for rain, rain and more rain and you should be OK. lots of tree surfing type places were open at oct half term - more than when we went last year and they are a fun adrenalin type thing for the older kids and adults to do.

Forgot - you can walk from porthmadog to portmeirion and it takes you along part of the railway line. don't take the train up snowdon. overpriced and not worth it. Greenwood is Ok providing it doesnt rain as virtually none of it is indoors. i would plan 2 breaks a rainy one and a dry one.

Get the right clothes and walk up mountains / build sandcastles regardless. The slate museum is nice if you're not claustrophobic, but dress warm and dry.

Criccieth has a sweet old castle then fish and chips and ice cream. Check out beaches on the Llyn peninsular eg Aberdaron, Whistling Sands. Bedgellert for the little walk to the dog grave with a nice story for the dc. Then pizza and ice cream (do you see a theme emerging?). Alpine cafe at the station in Bets y Coed is nice and family friendly.

Oh and show the DCs either The Prisoner or Gigglebiz (depending on age) before you go to Portmeirion - it will make it more exciting.

Wow, thanks everyone, great tips - just as well I've started the diet now if there is going to be that much ice cream

My dd loves Gigglebiz so will definitely be pointing out Portmeirion - thanks DilysPrice.