Gwynedd is home to many seaside resorts, such as Harlech, which lies within the Snowdonia National Park and is best known for the landmark Harlech Castle. Morfa Nefyn, a small village on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, contains a host of traditional shops and a sandy beach. There are plenty of hamlets nearby, such as the picturesque fishing hamlet of Porthdinllaen, where you can experience Welsh culture or enjoy a drink at the local pubs.
Heritage Steam lovers will be spoilt for choice, as Gwynedd offers visitors a selection of 3 of the 'Little Lines of Wales'. In addition to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, tours on the Welsh Highland Railway from Bangor and, perhaps the most famous of them all, the Ffestiniog Railway, which runs up into Snowdonia from the picturesque seaside town of Porthmadog.
Gwynedd's cliffs and craggy mountain ranges make it perfect for outdoor activities such as abseiling and mountain biking. These can be taken part in safely at various centres across the county. For real white knuckle entertainment, take a ride on Velocity, the fastest and, at over a mile in length, the longest zip wire in the world.
The varying terrain also means many interesting walks, particularly in and around Snowdonia. The popularity of walks in the area means there are often organised walks ideal for discovering the best routes. Or, for something a bit different, head to the museums dotted around Gwynedd that give you an insight into the country's culture and how it came to be. The National Slate Museum is the most popular in Gwynedd. It tells the story of how Wales's famous quarries developed over time.
Gwynedd isn't all rural mountains and sparsely populated villages. Bangor is a popular city in Gwynedd. It is home to a large shopping area with several smaller independent retail outlets scattered around the area. Bangor is known for its arts, and you will often hear classical music being performed or see the striking Pontio Arts complex. A walk along Bangor's elegant Victorian Pier, which offers beautiful views across to Anglesey, is also recommended.
At the southern end of Gwynedd is Tywyn, another popular location of a town and seaside resort, the location of the mystical Cadfan Stone and one of Wale's narrow-gauge steam railways. This stone cross bears the earliest known example of written Welsh. Twyn is also the starting point for another of Wales's narrow-gauge steam railways.
