The Quarterdeck

Families and larger groups will find The Quarterdeck works well for a week away. The cottage has four bedrooms spread across two floors—a double with ensuite on the ground level, two singles and another double upstairs, plus a bunk room—and two bathrooms to share the load. The living space opens onto a decking area with views across the bay towards Snowdonia, and the kitchen is properly equipped for self-catering: electric oven, gas hob, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine all present. Essentials including bed linen, towels, heating and wifi are covered. One dog or cat can stay at no extra charge.

Porthmadog itself is a working harbour town with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railway running heritage services, and the beach at Black Rock Sands—two miles of sand and dunes—lies within easy reach. Portmeirion, an Italianate village built as a film set, is also nearby. For something more energetic, Zip World at Blaenau Ffestiniog offers the largest zip wire course in the world, while Bounce Below lets you jump on trampoline nets suspended in an old slate cavern. Harlech Castle, a UNESCO site overlooking its own beach, is a short drive along the coast. The cottage sits on a residential street with on-road parking, and the Seaview Cafe Bistro & Coffee Lounge is close by for when cooking feels like too much.