Browsing local attractions within 25 miles of Gorphwysfa House

BLAENAU FFESTINIOG, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB, Tel: 01766 830306, Email, www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk, (8 miles, 13kms)

Winner of every major tourism award. Great day out, wet or fine. Two underground rides. Victorian village. Full range of catering.

Gerddi Heulfre Gardens, Llangoed, BEAUMARIS, Isle of Anglesey, LL58 8RY, Tel: 01248 490709, www.angleseyheritage.org, (18 miles, 28kms)

This modest, but fascinating museum has an interesting collection of Victorian harness and saddlery, carts & carriages and other equestrian and transport material housed in an historic stable block.

St Helen's Road, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd, LL55 2YD, Tel: 01766 516000/01, Email, www.festrail.co.uk, (19 miles, 31kms)

The Welsh Highland Railway is Snowdonia's newest railway.

BRYNSIENCYN, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6TQ, Tel: 01248 430411, Email, www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk, (20 miles, 32kms)

The Anglesey Sea Zoo is Wales largest marine aquarium, nestling on the shores of the Menai Strait. With over 50 species, the Sea Zoo has re-created the habitats of the fauna and flora found around Anglesey and the North Wales coastline.

Gilfach Ddu, LLANBERIS, Gwynedd, LL55 4TY, Tel: 01286 870549, Email, www.lake-railway.co.uk, (12 miles, 20kms)

Enjoy a gentle ride behind a vintage steam engine along the shores of lake Padarn, with unrivalled views of Snowdon from viewpoints quite inaccessible by road.

Flagstaff Gardens, COLWYN BAY, Conwy, LL28 5UY, Tel: 01492 532938, Email, www.welshmountainzoo.org, (14 miles, 23kms)

Enter the world of the Welsh Mountain Zoo and you enter a world of natural wonder.

Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UR, Tel: 01248 382828, Email, www.pontio.co.uk, (16 miles, 26kms)

Gwydir Uchaf, LLANRWST, Conwy, LL26 0PN, Tel: 01492 641687, Email, www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, (3 miles, 4kms)

A lovely little 17th-century family chapel in the woods above Llanrwst, noted for its remarkable painted ceiling.

Castle Street, BEAUMARIS, Isle of Anglesey, LL58 8AP, Tel: 01248 810361, Email, www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, (16 miles, 26kms)

Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece. It was built as one of the 'iron ring' of North Wales castles by the English monarch, Edward I to stamp his authority on the Welsh.

Glanrafon Hall, Glanrafon, Nr Corwen, DENBIGHSHIRE, LL21 0HA, Tel: 01490 460440, Email, www.glassblobbery.com, (18 miles, 28kms)

The gallery and studio have a mixture of high quality contemporary and traditional craft work including hand made ornamental glassware. Ample parking and cafe next door

Y FELINHELI, Gwynedd, LL56 4QN, Tel: 01248 670076, Email, www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk, (17 miles, 27kms)

GreenWood Forest Park is North Wales' leading family attraction situated between Bangor and Caernarfon. It offers a day out packed with forest fun and activities.

MENAI BRIDGE, Isle of Anglesey, LL59 5EA, Tel: 01248 715046, (17 miles, 27kms)

A community project to celebrate the two famous bridges, the rich marine environment, the outstanding natural beauty of the Menai Straits and the story of the people of the area through the last centuries.

Holyhead Road, Betws y Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AB, Tel: 01690 710080, Email, www.alisonsgallery.co.uk, (0.8 miles, 1kms)

Alison works in the mediums of oil paint or charcoal. Her subjects include Welsh landscapes, the coast, and animals and rural life. Alongside her original paintings she also sells a range of prints, and greetings cards.