A town in north Wales has been named the UK's third best value holiday in a new report by holiday organisation, Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Looking at the nation's top 10 most affordable weekly holiday rentals, Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd came just behind Holmfirth in Kirklees and Staithes in North Yorkshire in The Sykes Staycation Index 2023, where average costs all come in at under £550.
Nestled in a luscious valley in between towering mountains, Blaenau Ffestiniog has an average weekly price of £484. And with walking and cycling routes, alongside coastal viewers, countryside and pubs being among the top priorities for travellers, according to the study, it's a perfect place to spend a few days off. Need convincing? Read on...
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This historical mining town is known for being the 'slate capital of the world' - and it is clear to see that it is proud of that as slate decorates the town throughout. And with 13 slate quarries to its name, the landscape that surrounds the town is so iconic it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
The town which lies in the heart of Snowdonia doesn't just have slate, but rugged mountain scenery that boasts lakes, adventure trails for keen hikers and cyclists and waterfall wonders - such as the Cwmorthin Waterfall.
'Stiniog', as it is known by the locals, is a great place for those thrill-seekers amongst us and, as well as great Welsh heritage and magnificent scenery, holidaymakers have flocked to this part of Wales for attractions such as Llechwedd Slate Caverns, the exhilarating zip lines, underground trampolining at Zip World and the Antur Stiniog bike park which is home to 14 different mountain bike trails.
If you want to immerse yourself in the local heritage, the 'Urban Walk' is a 2.5-mile town hike that starts and finishes at the town centre and features local history and architecture. Or, for those with more stamina, tackle some of Snowdon's epic walks like the Wakin Path or the ridges of Cadair Idris. More of an architcture buff with a penchant for castles? Check out Dolweddelan Castle.
If heights aren't quite your thing, you can indulge in 'Stiniog's underground former slate quarries - one has been transformed into a adventure play area named Bounce Below, which features a playground and trampolines - as well as Go Below Underground Adventures which specialises in caving trips. You can also take a guided tour to the depths of the Llechwedd mine via the steepest cable railway in Britain.
Keeping in line with the town's celebration of its history, a lovely thing to try out on your visit is the steam train which runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog past forests, lakes and flowing waterfalls to the idyllic coastal town of Porthmadog.
As for where to stay, there are some gorgeous places such as an adventure glampsite Llechwedd Glamping, which has you sleeping in a luxury lodge overlooking the slate landscape as you ogle at people whizzing by a zip line from Zip World. See more options here. For more what's on stories, sign up for our newsletter here.
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