Tywyn is a seaside town located on the west coast, south of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It is a popular holiday destination, known for its many caravan parks and large sandy beach. The town boasts key attractions, including the Talyllyn Railway and the Magic Lantern Cinema, and is also close to other popular spots, such as Aberdyfi and Cadair Idris.
In this article, I will guide you through the top ten things to do in Tywyn and the surrounding area, as well as provide practical information about the town and places to eat.
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Tywyn vs towyn
Tywyn was formerly spelled ‘Towyn’, and you may still find old signs with the previous spelling. However, don’t confuse it with another town named Towyn, located in North Wales near Rhyl, about 70 miles away from the location we are discussing in this article. Years ago, I met a lovely family who travelled all the way to Tywyn by train, only to realise they meant to go to Towyn in the North. It was a Sunday, and with no easy train or bus routes to reach their destination, they had to find last-minute accommodation and resume travelling the next day.
1. Walk On The Beach And Dip Into The Sea
At low tide, Tywyn’s beach becomes quite expansive, stretching all the way to Aberdyfi (you can walk the full distance if you fancy it – it’s about 4 miles). The soft, compact sand makes it a very enjoyable and relaxing walk with your family, and your dog won’t stop running everywhere and diving into the sea. Just south of the promenade, you may notice large peat beds with small remnants of an ancient forest. These are often filled with water and can become a natural warm tub on a sunny summer day.
Tywyn ticks all the boxes for a great day at the beach: there’s plenty of space for everyone and a ramp to launch your boat into the sea. Along the pleasant promenade there are a couple of paddling pools for the little ones. You’ll find different cafés and take-away bars, an amusement shop, a playground, the Aberdyfi Ice Cream Shop, Pebbles Tea Room & Bistro and the Victorian Slipway pub, where you can enjoy meals and a pint either in the outdoor area or on the balcony.
The promenade includes a large car park, though it tends to fill up quickly during hot summer holidays. Parking costs £3.30 for six hours or £4.40 for twelve hours. Free parking is available along Marine Parade where there are no double yellow lines.
Make sure to be around near sunset time, as the view over Cardigan Bay is known to deliver some cracking light.
Safety notice about rip currents
As in many other locations, there are known rip currents at Tywyn beach. These are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag you away from the shoreline and into deeper water. If in doubt, speak to the lifeguards. More information can be found on the RNLI website.
2. Take A Ride On The Talyllyn Railway
The steam trains at the Talyllyn Railway played a vital role in inspiring Rev. Wilbert Awdry for his Thomas the Tank Engine books. It is a very popular destination, attracting visitors from all parts of the world who come to see the trains or even volunteer. If you’ve never been to Tywyn, this is a must-see!
The Talyllyn Railway is open from February to December and offers an extensive programme as well as many special events during school holidays, ranging from days of extravaganza to themed rides. There is plenty for both adults and children. The main station at Tywyn Wharf includes a free museum and hot meals at the King’s café.
You can take the train all the way to the end at Nant Gwernol, which takes approximately one hour (one way). Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter ride to Dolgoch station to see the waterfall. The penultimate station, Abergynolwyn, offers refreshments and a playground for little ones. Booking is advised during peak holiday times. You’ll find all the information you need on the Talyllyn Railway website.
NOTE
- Dolgoch Falls can also be accessed by car. There is a large car park by the road, and a café is open during school holidays. See it on Google Maps – Apple Maps – what3words
- It is also worth exploring the village of Abergynolwyn and having a pint at the Railway Inn before embarking on the beautiful Nant Gwernol walk, which includes waterfalls and paths that take you around old slate mines. Read our guide about Nant Gwernol to find out more.
3. Watch A Film And Enjoy Live Music At The Magic Lantern Cinema
The Magic Lantern Cinema has been showing films since the very beginning of the 20th century (the oldest record is from 9th March 1900). It has undergone several changes over more than a century, but it has never stopped showing films and continues to do so today, equipped with a modern digital projector and surround sound system.
The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the owners to be creative and take on the challenge of keeping the venue alive. Rows of seats were removed in favour of tables, and a large menu that includes food and waiter service was added—a solution that proved so popular it has remained definitive.
The venue has also expanded to become more than just a cinema, and the Magic Lantern Cinema now offers free live music every Friday at 9 pm, quiz nights on Tuesdays, and special events all year round. If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their unique themed parties, you’re in for an experience you won’t forget. Find out more information on the Magic Lantern Cinema website.
4. Walk Along The Dysynni River And The Ynysmaengwyn Woodland
The Afon Dysynni (afon means ‘river’ in Welsh) originates from Talyllyn Lake, just south of Cadair Idris, and meets the Irish Sea in Cardigan Bay, north of Tywyn. You can walk along the river from the Bailey Bridge, where the river’s mouth is, all the way to Ynysmaengwyn Caravan Park, where you can enjoy beautiful woodlands. The path continues to the small town of Bryn Crug, just outside Tywyn. Look out for swans and their cygnets in the river along the way.
Ynysmaengwyn, which means ‘the white stone island’ in Welsh, was originally a gentry house dating back to the medieval period. The mansion was demolished in the mid-20th century, and the whole area was repurposed as a caravan and camping park. Within the park, the regenerated woodland has become a favourite of locals and visitors alike, providing tranquil and peaceful walks. You’ll find raspberries and other berries to pick, designated areas to feed the birds, a fairy garden, and a brand-new playground for children. You might also see a few rabbits during quiet times. There are easy-access parking spaces if you would rather drive there.
Ynysmaengwyn Ghost Walk
- If you visit in late October, Ynysmaengwyn hosts one of the best events you’ll find in the area: the Ynysmaengwyn Ghost Walk. It is organised by a group of volunteers living in Tywyn, known as Tywyn Event Organisation, who are also responsible for other major events like Tywyn Live, which happens at the end of August. Be prepared to walk through the woods at night and be scared by all sorts of monsters and spooky individuals!
5. See The Earliest Welsh Language Inscription On The Cadfan Stone
For history buffs, Tywyn hides a small yet significant gem of Wales’ history. In St Cadfan Church on the high street, just next to the Magic Lantern Cinema, you will find the Cadfan Stone, a 7th- to 9th-century stone that features the earliest inscription of the Welsh language. The church dates from the 11th century and also houses two 14th-century monuments.
The church offers coffee mornings every week and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
6. Play Crazy Golf At The Tywyn Leisure Park
Crazy golf is a great way to spend a few hours of fun and laughter with family and friends. Tywyn Leisure Park is located behind the kids’ playground, just metres away from the marine promenade. It is open from April to October and offers more than just miniature golf: an 18-hole putting course, skittles, table tennis, and crown green bowls are other activities you can enjoy with your loved ones. There are also six tennis courts (two hard and four grass) for those seeking more serious sports.
The park is generally open daily from 10:30 am to 5pm from late March to late October. Closing hours may be extended during the summer. There are no refreshments on site, but the staff are very friendly, and you are just minutes away from the beach and all the seafront amenities. Please note that opening hours may change in the event of bad weather. You can find more details on the Facebook page.
Did you know?
Tywyn has a leisure centre, the Byw’n Iach Bro Dysynni, with plenty of activities for those looking to stay active during the holidays. You can access the swimming pool as well as many other facilities, and you don’t need to be a registered member. There are also activities tailored for children during school holidays, including free swimming, inflatable and float sessions, free soft play, and a free sports camp.
7. Visit Aberdyfi
Aberdyfi (also known by its English name Aberdovey) is one of the most attractive coastal villages in southern Snowdonia, where the River Dyfi enters the blue waters of Cardigan Bay. Being only a few miles away from Tywyn, it’s well worth a visit. Its picturesque harbour resort and colourful houses make it one of the most visited seaside towns in mid-Wales.
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Its large sandy beach and dunes make it a great day out for the whole family. You can also go crab fishing, paddleboarding, and practise all sorts of water sports. Enjoy great seafood and one of the best ice creams in Wales at the original Aberdyfi Ice Cream shop. There are many pubs and restaurants if you want to make it a late afternoon stop. Last but not least, there are various events in the summer, including the popular Aberdyfi Food Festival.
It’s an 8-minute drive from Tywyn, but you can also reach Aberdyfi by bus or train. When the tides are at their lowest, you can walk to Aberdyfi from Tywyn along the beach. There is a main car park in the centre of town. Additional spaces can be found near the train station or on the large field opposite the golf club entrance.
8. Climb Craig y Deryn And Visit Castell Y Bere
Craig y Deryn (Bird Rock) is a hill on the south bank of the River Dysynni, about 6 miles from Tywyn. It takes about 30 minutes to walk all the way to the top, where you can witness breathtaking views of the valley, with Tywyn and the sea in the background. Go there near sunset for even better light and a stunning landscape.
There is a small area where you can park just in front of the start of the walk, near the William E. L. R. & R. M. farm. Note that you will be travelling along narrow B roads to reach the starting point.
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There are parts of the walk that are quite steep, and a rocky area near the end, but otherwise the terrain remains easy to navigate. You’ll spot many sheep along the way to the top.
Before or after the hike, take advantage of the location to visit Castell y Bere, which is a 5-minute drive from the starting point. You’ll see the remains of a Welsh castle, a testament to the ingenuity of its design. There are signs along the way explaining its fascinating history. It’s also an ideal location for a picnic, but make sure to bring all your rubbish home! There is a small car park on an uneven terrain just in front of the entrance.
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9. Climb Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris (or Cader Idris, as locals like to call it) is one of the highest mountains in the south of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with a height of 893 m (2,930 ft). Its distinctive shape is easy to spot from miles around, and it is a very popular peak to climb in the spring and summer.
There are three recommended routes to climb Cadair Idris, two of which are fairly close to Tywyn. One of the most popular starting points is the Minffordd Path, which begins at the Dôl Idris car park, just a 20-minute drive from Tywyn. This route is the shortest but starts with a steep climb up steps, so take it easy if you don’t want to be exhausted before reaching the top. The car park is fairly large but tends to fill up quickly during the holidays, so make sure to arrive early.
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The second option is to start from Llanfihangel y Pennant, which is a bit further ahead than Castell y Bere. This route offers a longer but gentler walk to the top of Cadair Idris. There is a car park opposite the church at Llanfihangel y Pennant.
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Safety Notice
The routes to the top of Cadair Idris are categorised as hard/strenuous, including steep hills and rough terrain. If you do not have experience with this type of walking, you should seek the company of an expert walker. A good level of fitness, as well as navigation skills, are required. I highly recommend wearing proper hiking shoes and bringing extra layers, as the weather at the top can change quickly. Attempts during the colder months should only be made by very experienced mountaineers.
10. Observe and Photograph Jets in the Mach Loop
Over the years, the set of valleys between Dolgellau and Machynlleth, known as the Mach Loop, has become an iconic location for spotting military aircraft flying at low levels for training purposes, giving you the chance to capture stunning photographs and videos. Jets and other aircraft can be seen during the week, from Monday to Friday (they do not fly on weekends). The RAF publishes a timetable, but it is known to be unreliable for determining if and when jets will fly on a particular day.
There are various viewpoints you can seek, but one of the best is Cad West and Cad East, located just north-east of Talyllyn Lake. There is a car park on top of the hill along the A487 road, and you can then choose to climb either the west or east side to get the best view. Be prepared to arrive early in the morning (the car park fills up quickly, and there is nowhere else to leave your car) and be prepared to wait possibly all day, so bring food and extra layers. You may even see people with small tents and camping chairs. The weather can be very erratic in that area; I once experienced sun, snow, and hail in less than 30 minutes!
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There are resources online that provide more information, including the Mach Loop website, which is run by aviation enthusiasts. The video guide below by Gary Gough is also very well put together.
Where to eat in Tywyn
There is a lot of choice when it comes to eating in Tywyn. There are two restaurants, Proper Gander and Salt Marsh Kitchen, which provide high-quality, award-winning dishes that we highly recommend.
All the pubs in town offer lunch and dinner, including the previously mentioned Victorian Slipway at the seafront, and the White Hall, located opposite the cinema. There is also the excellent Peniarth Arms in Bryncrug, just a few minutes frive from Tywyn.
You’ll find two fish and chip take-away bars on the high street, as well as the Retreat Bar & Café, which offers cocktails, pizza, and more.
The high street is also full of cafés. There is our favourite, Toast, along with Millie & Sid’s, which offers tapas in the evening, as well as Deja Vu Café and Cegin Fach.
There are also two Indian restaurants that offer both dine-in and takeaway options: Bay of Bengal and Dine India.
Finally, don’t forget to try the legendary honey ice cream, which is available at Holgates Ice Cream shop on the A493 road to Bryn Crug.
Where To Stay and Other Information
There are eight caravan sites in Tywyn and two just outside along the A493 road to Bryncrug. Additionally, there are more sites in nearby areas, which are listed on Google Maps.
You will also find bed and breakfast options and holiday lets at the seafront and in town.
Please note that we are not affiliated with any of these accommodations, so we advise you to contact them directly or search on popular sites such as Airbnb.
Public Transport and Taxis
The rail line connects Tywyn to Pwllheli (on the Llŷn Peninsula) to the north-west, and Birmingham (New Street and Airport stations) to the east. Please see the Transport for Wales website for the timetable.
By bus, the G21 connects Machynlleth to Dolgellau, and the G24 runs between Tywyn and Dolgellau. For more information, visit the Lloyd Coaches website.
Taxi services are also available:
- Tywyn Cabs – Tel: 07824 637923
- Tacsi Talyllyn – Tel: 07775562888
- Dyfi Cabs – Tel: 07831 551538
- Speedy Cabs – Tel: 07814 363740
Parking
There are three pay-and-display car parks in Tywyn. In addition to the one along the promenade by the seafront, there is another at the Leisure Centre and one on Ffordd Eglwys Bach, which can be accessed through a narrow street from National Street in the town centre. You can park along the High Street for a maximum of 45 minutes.
EV Charging Points
For those travelling in an electric car, there are four charging points located behind the Leisure Centre. Locating the chargers can be a bit tricky at first, but it is simpler than it appears. Just use the what3words link below. You’ll drive through a narrow road and pass through a metal gate, which is always open, and you’ll find yourself at the back of the Leisure Centre.
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The chargers are operated by Swarco and are AC 7 kW types. When more than one car is connected, the charging speed decreases.
There is another single 7 kW station located at Hendy Farms Holiday Cottage, which is near the cemetery as you exit town on the A493. Note that you need to call to book, as the owner gives priority to staying guests.
Public Toilets
There are two public toilets in Tywyn: one adjacent to the Tywyn Leisure Park, in front of the children’s playground by the seafront, and one in town next to the Magic Lantern Cinema.
