Portmeirion help

jeanna_2

Hello,we are going to Ruthin for 2 nts and want to go to Portmeiron.
Is there anything to stop and visit on the way.
As we only have 1 day is it worth the visit or should we go to Llandudno and along that coast.
Thanks for any help.

Berwynview

Portmeirion is well worth a visit - we've been many times and love it. I'd get there early before it gets too busy - it'll take over an hour to get to from Ruthin. It's a bit cheaper buying tickets online in advance.

Tuesday_Tenor

Not sure if you're a couple, or with children as well?

Portmeirion is unique, would win hands down over Llandudno for me!

The whole site is quite extensive; there are significant walks to do along the estuary away from the main buildings. If you choose to explore the whole site you could spend all day there. I like eating there too, though it's busy and pricey - but seems an integral part of the experience to me. Lots of places to escape to with a picnic though, if that's what you'd prefer.

It's about 1hr 20 minutes from Ruthin to Portmeirion,
whether you go round by
(a) BetwsyCoed (can visit Swallow Falls or Dolwyddelan castle)
or
(b) to Bala Lake and then back to the the smaller A road (A4212?) past Llyn Celyn, where the village was drowned for the reservoir.
The scenery is all wonderful. This route will also take you past this interesting farm shop: http://www.rhug.co.uk/estate/the-farm-shop/52 I mention it as you might want a short stop but not to spend several hours on something. Or to pick up some delicious pies for a picnic! Bala Lake is a lovely place to sstretch your legs, as well.

My recomendations would be:
- To go straight, and early, to Portmeirion so that you can spend all day there, if you want to
- To go via Bala for great scenery
- If you only spend half a day at Portmeirion, to return via Dolwyddelan Castle / Swallow Fallws
- Don't forget there are things to explore in Ruthin too!: http://www.ruthin.com/

Enjoy! (And may the Welsh rain keep away!)

Tuesday_Tenor

P.S.
1) If steam trains are your thing, Portmeirion is right alongside the Festiniog railway.

2) If you're after a bit of beach, the extensive Blackrock Sands are just the other side of Porthmadog.

smiler34

We loved Conwy, its a lovely seaside town and the castle is epic