Gyfyng Smallholding

Portmeirion (20 minutes’ drive), overlooking the estuary of the river Afon Dwyryd, was built between 1926 and 1976 in the style of an Italian village, with pastel-coloured red-roofed houses, a central piazza and a series of porticoes. The surrounding gardens, known as Gwyllt, feature woodland, lakes and follies. A UNESCO World Heritage site (along with the fortresses at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech), the formidable castle at Caernarfon (half an hour) was built by Edward I during his war against the Welsh princes in the 1280s. Going further back in time, the town also has the ruins of the Segontium Roman Fort. The National Slate Museum (40 minutes) occupies a former quarry at the bottom of Elidir Fawr mountain, and its Victorian workshops look as they would have in 1969, when the mine was closed down. In addition to demonstrations on slate splitting and blacksmithing, there are plenty of children-friendly activities.