Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
PARC GLYNLLIFON
Strewn with rare plants, follies, sculptures and fountains, these historic gardens once belonged to the estate of the
Lords Newborough. Parc Glynllifon ( 01286-830222; www.gwynedd.gov.uk/parcglynllifon ; adult/child £4/
1.50; 10am-5pm) is now administered by Gwynedd Council but the grand neoclassical manor house has been
sold off separately as a private residence and hence off limits to the public.
The heart and soul of the place is a craft centre where resident artisans rent units and sell their wares in the
shop. They also run monthly Craft Taster Days where they teach the likes of slate-shaping, blacksmithing,
jewellery-making and woodcarving (from £20; call ahead for details).
While you're out this way you might like to call into Inigo Jones Slateworks ( 01286-830242;
www.inigojones.co.uk ; Groeslon; tour per adult/child £5/4.50; 9am-5pm) . Since 1861 slate has been shaped
and shipped from here, but it's a safe bet they made less garden ornaments, placemats and picture frames back
then. Before you get laden down with what's perhaps the ultimate North Welsh souvenir, you can take a self-
guided tour of the works. The on-site cafe makes great Welsh cakes.
Parc Glynllifon is 6 miles south of Caernarfon on the A499. The slateworks are less than a mile due east of the
park but it's easiest to head back towards Caernarfon for about 2 miles until you reach the large roundabout and
then loop south again on the A487.
Activities
Plas Menai
( 01248-670964; www.plasmenai.co.uk ) The excellent National Watersports Centre offers year-
round water-based courses for all interests and ability levels (sailing, power boating,
kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding). Advance reservations are necessary.
On-site accommodation includes B&B rooms (singles/doubles £45/70) and a bunkhouse
(dorms £25).
It's located 3 miles along the A487 towards Bangor. Bus 1A (Caernarfon to Bangor)
stops here.
WATER SPORTS
Menai Strait Pleasure Cruises
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 01286-672772; www.menaicruises.co.uk ; adult/child 40min £6/4, 2hr £12/7; May-Oct) The 1937 ferry
Queen of the Sea offers 40-minute cruises, with a full commentary, to the southwest en-
trance of the Menai Strait, and two-hour cruises in the other direction as far as the Menai
Suspension Bridge. They leave from Slate Quay, beside the castle.
CRUISE
RibRide
BOAT TOUR
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