• Pub
• Hotel
• Home cooked food
• Local real ales
• Community owned and run
• Function room

Y Pengwern, a community owned and run pub in the heart of Snowdonia.

The Pengwern is in a quiet village in the heart of Snowdonia, within easy reach of all the amenities and attractions this spectacular area has to offer, we are approximately half way between the summits of the mountain ‘honeypots' of yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Cadair Idris, but still only 30 minutes from the spectacular beaches at Harlech, Black Rock sands (Porthmadog) and Criccieth.
We also have right on our doorstep the un-crowded more peaceful mountain ranges of the Moelwyns and the Rhinogydd which are ideal locations for those who prefer the mountains to themselves!
There are also countless lower-level paths and walks which are less challenging.
There are many attractions and activities locally, from the high-octane excitements of world-class mountain bike downhill trails at Antur Stiniog, to the superb bike trails at Coed y Brenin, Betws y Coed, Penmachno or Beddgelert are all only minutes drive away; this area of Wales has bike trails which cater for all abilities.
We are surrounded by some of the best rock climbing in Britain, from the nearby routes to be found on the flanks of the Moelwyns in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the better known attractions of Tremadog (20 minutes) and the Llanberis pass and quarries less than an hours drive away, or why not try some of the more off the beaten track gems which can be found in the Mid Wales guidebook.
The nearby quarries also provide underground exploration and excitement for experienced cavers to explore, or with knowledgeable local guides.
Nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog (known as ‘the town which roofed the world') is surrounded by massively impressive slate quarries. Llechwedd quarry has a visitor centre where you can go underground to experience the world of the Victorian slate miners. Llechwedd is also the location of the excitements of ‘Zip World Titan', ‘Bounce Below' and ‘Zip World caverns'
Or for more sedate activities you can fish for wild brown trout in many delightful and secluded mountain lakes or for salmon in our beautiful salmon rivers. But only if you have purchased the necessary permits & licences! These can be purchased at Siop Antur Stiniog, Units 1 and 2 High Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog. . And the sea is only 30 minutes by car if you prefer beach casting.
Sightseeing and history, the castles at Harlech, Criccieth and Dolwyddelan can all be reached in a 30 minute drive from Y Pengwern, with others such as Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris or Castell y Bere in about an hour.
Harlech, Caernarfon, Beaumaris & Conwy are part of Edward the First's ‘Iron ring' of colossal fortresses, Europe's most ambitious and concentrated medieval building project, built by the master military architect of his age the Frenchman James of St. George, whose work is now recognized with UN World Heritage Site status. These castles were designed to defeat the Welsh uprising against English rule led by Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, and then subjugate the population; but the cost of these castles ultimately bankrupted the English crown's coffers and affected Edward's later adventures against the Scots.
The other castles, such as Criccieth, Dolwyddelan and Castell y Bere were built by Welsh Princes.
This area is also paradise for train enthusiasts, the main line routes of the Cambrian coast and the Conwy Valley lines are breathtakingly beautiful, but we also have the Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland railways right on our doorstep, with the Talyllyn, Fairbourne and Rheidol railways within an easy drive.
Or why not take the train to the summit of yr Wyddfa – the highest peak in Wales – and you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis (about an hour's drive from the Pengwern) right to the summit.
We are also located 15 minutes' drive (about 30 minutes by bus) from the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis' world renowned and beautiful ‘Italianate' village of Portmeirion (famous as the location of the cult 1960's TV series ‘The Prisoner') and is well worth a visit just to walk around the village and surrounding woodland (there is an entrance charge) and also hosts events such as the ‘Festival No. 6' music festival in early September.