Places to go, things to do
A little further afield you'll find a wide range of options, here are just a few:
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of some of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in Britain. It is a dynamic area where people live and work but also where many thousands of visitors come to relax and enjoy a wide range of leisure activities.

The area is rich in wildlife, ancient monuments, Celtic culture and industrial history. Much the best way to get close to the spirit of this magical place is on foot, so come on - put you boots on!

Useful links:
The Snowdonia National Park Authority
Snowdoniaguide.com
Photo Courtesy of Snowdon Mountain Railway Mountain Railways

The Ffestiniog Railway runs from Porthmadog through beautiful coastal scenery before making its way up wooded valleys into the heart of Snowdonia. The Welsh Highland Railway currently runs from Caernarfon to Beddgelert, but a project is well under way to extend the line to Porthmadog, where it will connect with the Ffestiniog Railway.

For those weary (or short) of leg the Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you all the way from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon.

Or, the main line from Pwllheli to the ancient town of Machynlleth passes through beautiful coastal scenery, including some spectacular estuary crossings - we'll tell you how to make the best of this great day out.
 
Useful links:
Ffestiniog Railway
Welsh Highland Railway
Snowdon Railway
Portmeirion 
Portmeirion

This atmospheric and fanciful Italianate village was built by noted local landowner and architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis on a beautiful wooded hillside overlooking the Dwyryd estuary.

It's a wonderful place to spend half a day, just strolling around the piazzas and woodland walks. There are two good restaurants on the estate too.

Perhaps Portmeirion is best known as the setting for the 60's cult television series "The Prisoner"
Harlech Castle  Castles

There are three magnificent 13th Century castles within 45minutes driving distance:

Caernarfon Castle is the largest and most complete of Edward I's castles. Built as a seat of power rather than just a garrison, you get a real feel of medieval castle life just by wandering around.

Harlech Castle is magnificent - a stunning setting and the most heavily fortified castle in Edward's "Ring of Iron".

Criccieth Castle is more of a ruin but its setting, atop a dramatic hemispherical hill overlooking Cardigan Bay, more than makes up for this. A combination of Welsh and English building, it makes a great spot for a picnic.

Useful links:
Cadw
Castles of Wales