Blaenau Ffestiniog Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Blaenau Ffestiniog Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Blaenau Ffestiniog packs a punch for sightseers despite its compact size. The town's slate mining past is everywhere you look, with huge slate tips towering around the settlement creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Wales.

Zip World Slate Caverns (LL41 3NB, open 9am-5pm daily) offers three zip line experiences including Titan, the first 4-person zip line in Europe. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with over 2,500 reviews. The same site houses Bounce Below (4.5/5), a network of underground trampolines set in a former slate mine.

The Ffestiniog Railway (LL41 3ES) runs from Blaenau to Porthmadog, covering 13.5 miles of stunning scenery. This narrow-gauge heritage railway dates from 1832 and gets 4.5/5 from TripAdvisor reviewers. Trains run several times daily between March and November.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns (LL41 3NB, open 10am-4pm) takes you 500 feet underground to explore the mines that once employed 3,000 people. The Deep Mine Tour scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. I'd recommend booking ahead as tours often sell out, especially during school holidays.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love the rugged terrain around Blaenau Ffestiniog. Many local cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens where they can roam safely while you enjoy the hot tub.

The Ffestiniog Railway allows dogs for a small fee (£3 per dog), making it easy to explore further afield without leaving your four-legged friend behind. Most carriages have designated dog areas.

Y Manod pub (LL41 3HD) in the town centre welcomes dogs in its bar area and serves good pub grub. The Lakeside Café at Tanygrisiau Reservoir (LL41 3TP) has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome and water bowls provided.

For walks, try the path around Tanygrisiau Reservoir which offers a flat 2-mile circuit ideal for dogs of all fitness levels. The Cwmorthin Valley walk starts from the Tanygrisiau car park (LL41 3TP) and takes you through dramatic slate landscapes with minimal livestock, so dogs can enjoy more freedom.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Antur Stiniog (LL41 3NB, open daily 10am-4pm) is mountain biking heaven with 14 downhill trails ranging from green to black in difficulty. The uplift service means you don't have to pedal back up - they'll drive you to the top after each run. Bike hire is available on site. One visitor wrote: "Absolutely brilliant day out. Staff were helpful explaining the routes and the uplift service ran like clockwork."

Cwmorthin Valley (LL41 3TP) offers an atmospheric walk through abandoned slate quarries and miners' cottages. This 4-mile route takes you past the haunting remains of a community that once thrived here. The lake at the valley floor reflects the mountains perfectly on still days, making it a photographer's dream. No entry fee or opening times as it's open countryside.

Cynfal Falls (LL41 4ED) is a hidden gem just outside town. This series of waterfalls on the Afon Cynfal includes the dramatic Rhaeadr Cynfal. The 1-mile walk from the small car park takes you through ancient woodland before reaching viewing points above the falls. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "We had the whole place to ourselves on a Tuesday morning - the power of the water after rainfall was impressive."

Is Blaenau Ffestiniog worth visiting?

Absolutely. While it might not have the picture-postcard prettiness of some Welsh villages, its dramatic slate landscape and industrial heritage make it uniquely fascinating. The range of activities from mountain biking to underground adventures means there's something for everyone and your hot tub cottage provides the perfect relaxation spot afterwards.

When is the best time to visit Blaenau Ffestiniog?

Blaenau is known locally as the town where it rains even when it's dry elsewhere! It gets about 3,000mm of rainfall annually (double the UK average). May and June typically offer the best weather. September is good for quieter attractions but still reasonable weather. The town is at its busiest during school summer holidays.

Do I need a car in Blaenau Ffestiniog?

You can manage without one. The town has a train station with connections to the North Wales coast. Many attractions are walkable from the centre and the Ffestiniog Railway connects to Porthmadog. That said, a car gives you more flexibility to explore Snowdonia's wider attractions and more remote walking routes.

Where can I buy groceries in Blaenau Ffestiniog?

The town has a Co-op supermarket (LL41 3ES) open 7am-10pm daily, plus several independent shops including a butcher and bakery. For a bigger shop, Tesco in Porthmadog (LL49 9HN) is 14 miles away. Many cottage owners will arrange a pre-arrival shop if you ask.

Is Blaenau Ffestiniog good for walking?

Yes, there are walks for all abilities. The town sits within Snowdonia National Park with numerous marked trails. The Ffestiniog Slate Trail is a 13-mile circular route exploring the area's industrial past. For serious hikers, Manod Mawr and Moelwyn Mawr offer challenging mountain ascents with spectacular views from their summits.

Will my mobile phone work in Blaenau Ffestiniog?

Coverage has improved significantly in recent years. EE and Vodafone offer the best service in the area. You'll get good reception in town, but expect patchy coverage in the surrounding valleys. Most cottages now offer WiFi, so you can always make WhatsApp calls if needed.

1. Visit Snowdonia - Blaenau Ffestiniog Information
2. Ffestiniog Railway Official Website
3. Zip World Slate Caverns Booking