Barmouth campsites

The town of Barmouth, or Abermaw in Welsh, is located in Gwynedd in north-west Wales and is perfectly placed for a real seaside break, known for beautiful sunsets, golden sands and mountain scenery. With Snowdonia within easy reach, enjoy top walks, family adventures and bags of traditional Welsh seaside charm at this coastal escape.

At the heart of the town lies Barmouth Beach, known for its wide stretch of sand and classic seaside atmosphere. Enjoy paddling, crabbing and sandcastle building, as well as donkey rides and a fairground during the summer months. It’s the perfect spot for fish and chips, an ice cream or a stick of rock and a stroll across the sand. The beach is also famed for its spectacular sunsets, with uninterrupted views over the water. 

Barmouth is located at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, with the River Mawddach flowing through the town out to the sea. The Estuary is home to plenty of wildlife, including wading birds, otters and plenty of marine life. The best way to appreciate the Estuary is via a walk across the iconic Barmouth Bridge, the wooden viaduct crossing the mouth and offering stunning views of the water and surrounding Snowdonia mountains. It’s also the gateway to the Mawddach Trail, accessed from the end of the bridge. This flat nine-mile path runs to Dolgellau and is perfect for walkers and cyclists.

There are many more walks in the area, too. The circular Panorama walk takes you through the countryside and woodland, offering stunning views over the Estuary, sea and nearby mountains. The Wales Coast Path can also be accessed from Barmouth, heading south towards Fairbourne or north towards Harlech. For a different way to explore the town, the self-guided Barmouth Heritage Trail is also a great way to learn about local history, taking in landmarks such as St John’s Church and the ‘Old Town’ of Barmouth. You’ll also climb the hill behind the town, Dinas Oleu (meaning Citadel of Light), for views over Cardigan Bay and the Llŷn Peninsula. This was the first parcel of land to be donated to the National Trust. Featuring wildflowers and plenty of birdlife, it’s a great, peaceful spot to enjoy nature. 

For more historical adventures, a short drive from Barmouth is Harlech Castle. This 13th-century medieval fortress offers incredible views and walking routes, as well as a glimpse into the military history of the area. For a peek into Barmouth’s maritime past, don’t miss a trip to the Harbour to visit Tŷ Gwyn, known as the White House. Dating back to 1460 and once serving as a safe house, this historic building is now a small local museum with interactive exhibits to enjoy. The Harbour is also home to Tŷ Crwn, the Round House. Built as a 19th-century prison, its round design is said to have made sure there were no corners for spirits to hide!

Of course, the Harbour has plenty more present-day activities to discover. Take a boat trip for dolphin spotting or join a local fishing trip. Stroll along the promenade lined with cafes or go paddleboarding on the water. There’s also a ferry running from the Harbour to Fairbourne Beach. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot from here too, with herons, porpoises and seals. For those looking for something a little more thrilling, try rock climbing and scrambling at Barmouth Slabs.

For fun for all ages, Fairbourne Steam Railway is top of the list. Running from Barmouth to Fairbourne, the trip takes 60 minutes and has lots of stops to hop on and off, so make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the coastline! There’s also a small museum and model railway exhibit at Fairbourne Station, perfect to learn more about the history of the railway. For more fun, Barmouth Pavilion Centre has a range of indoor sports and activities to keep the whole family entertained, or take a trip to The Dragon Theatre for theatre productions, live music and film screenings. Barmouth Lifeboat Station is also well worth a visit, with a chance to see the boats and equipment up close, talk to volunteers and learn about safety on the water.

Barmouth is also perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding areas, with the Cambrian Coast Line railway connecting it to towns along the coast. As Barmouth sits at the western edge of Snowdonia National Park, there are further hikes, walks, and trails to be found close by. The Italian-inspired village of Portmeirion and the scenic Ffestiniog Railway are also within a 40-minute drive, and both are well worth a visit. 

After all that adventure, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite, and Barmouth has plenty of local treats on offer! As well as seaside classics like ice cream and fish and chips, the town is famous for its regional, fresh seafood, with many restaurants and cafes featuring a catch of the day. For some traditional food, try some Welsh cakes and Bara Brith, or taste a delicious bowl of Cawl, a Welsh stew. For those after a local tipple, you’ll find Welsh Ales, including Snowdonia Ale, brewed with Welsh mountain water. Welsh Cider, Perry and Gin can also all be found in local pubs and restaurants in the area.

Whether you’re strolling along the promenade, exploring walking trails, or tasting local food, you’ll find fun and endless adventure at this charming Welsh town, which will have you returning with your bucket and spade year after year.