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Yr Hen Ysgol, Porthmadog

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Gwynedd » Porthmadog
8
4
2

Yr Hen Ysgol is a converted Victorian schoolhouse in Llanbedr, Gwynedd, North Wales. This substantial property sleeps up to 8 guests across multiple bedrooms. Perfect for large family gatherings or group breaks, the property features spacious communal areas ideal for socialising together.

The property sits in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Mountains surround the village. Beaches are just minutes away. The location offers both coastal and mountain access for varied group activities.

The accommodation provides four bedrooms sleeping 8 people total. There are two bathrooms throughout the property. The main living spaces include a large kitchen with dining area and a separate sitting room.

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About Yr Hen Ysgol

Yr Hen Ysgol is a converted Victorian schoolhouse in Llanbedr, Gwynedd, North Wales. This substantial property sleeps up to 8 guests across multiple bedrooms. Perfect for large family gatherings or group breaks, the property features spacious communal areas ideal for socialising together.

The property sits in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Mountains surround the village. Beaches are just minutes away. The location offers both coastal and mountain access for varied group activities.

The accommodation provides four bedrooms sleeping 8 people total. There are two bathrooms throughout the property. The main living spaces include a large kitchen with dining area and a separate sitting room. Period features remain throughout including high ceilings and original windows. The property offers ample parking for multiple vehicles.

Harlech Castle (3 miles, 8 minutes) offers medieval history. Shell Island (4 miles, 10 minutes) provides beach activities. Portmeirion Village (8 miles, 15 minutes) features Italianate architecture. Zip World Slate Caverns (12 miles, 20 minutes) delivers adventure activities for groups.

Yr Hen Ysgol combines historical character with practical group accommodation in an outstanding Snowdonia location.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Yr Hen Ysgol

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Porthmadog, Gwynedd

Weather & Local Conditions

10Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 25 Oct 2026, 5:19am

🌑️
10.10Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
31 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
60%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Yr Hen Ysgol sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

46m

(151 feet above sea level)

Yr Hen Ysgol sits in a peaceful Gwynedd setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
46m
Elevation
πŸ“
Porthmadog
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Porthmadog are typical Gwynedd lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.9529062Β° N | Longitude: 4.108837Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Porthmadog (Tuesday, 27 October 2026):

7:01am

Sunrise

3:59pm

Golden Hour

4:59pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
7:01am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
4:59pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
3:59pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:59pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Porthmadog, you have approximately 9.98 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Yr Hen Ysgol.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Gwynedd. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 25 Oct 2026 | Location: 52.9529062, -4.1088370

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Yr Hen Ysgol

Spacious Group Living Areas

The converted schoolhouse provides generous communal spaces where everyone can gather comfortably. High ceilings and large rooms mean groups never feel cramped during their stay together.

Snowdonia National Park Location

Direct access to mountain walks and trails from the doorstep. Groups can explore varied terrain from gentle valley paths to challenging peaks within minutes of leaving the property.

Close to Beaches

Multiple sandy beaches sit within a short drive. Shell Island and Harlech Beach offer rock pooling, swimming and coastal walks perfect for families and groups of all ages.

Ample Parking Space

Multiple vehicle parking removes the stress of coordinating arrivals. Everyone in your group can bring their own car without worrying about finding spaces in the village.

Period Character Features

Original Victorian schoolhouse features create a distinctive atmosphere. High ceilings, large windows and historical details make this property memorable and different from standard holiday accommodation.

Central Village Position

Llanbedr village amenities are on your doorstep. The local pub, shops and cafes are all within easy walking distance for convenient group dining and supplies.

Getting To Yr Hen Ysgol

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Yr Hen Ysgol by car, take the A496 coastal road through Snowdonia. The property is located in Llanbedr village centre with clear road access. Multiple vehicle parking is available on site for group arrivals.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Llanbedr, which sits on the Cambrian Coast Line. The station is within walking distance of the property, making this an excellent choice for groups arriving by rail.

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles
Llanbedr station (0.3 miles)
Central village location on A496

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife
Distance: 0.8 miles (3 min drive)
LL49 9BJ
Sygun Copper Mine
Distance: 6.3 miles (11 min drive)
LL55 4NE
Castell Harlech
Distance: 10.5 miles (20 min drive)
LL46 2YH
Gwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Coed Tremadog
Distance: 1.8 miles (3 min drive)
LL49 9RG
Ll?n Coastal Path
Distance: 3.4 miles (8 min drive)
Moel Hebog
Distance: 5.8 miles (11 min drive)
Tesco
Distance: 3.1 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9NU
CIG Portmadog Meats
Distance: 3.2 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9EY
Oriel Rob Piercy
Distance: 3.3 miles (8 min drive)
LL49 9BT
Porthmadog Station
Distance: 2.9 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9HW
Minffordd Station
Distance: 5.1 miles (9 min drive)
LL48 6HF
Anglesey Airport
Distance: 45.4 miles (1 hr 3 min drive)
LL65 3NY
Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife
Distance: 0.8 miles (3 min drive)
LL49 9BJ
Sygun Copper Mine
Distance: 6.3 miles (11 min drive)
LL55 4NE
Castell Harlech
Distance: 10.5 miles (20 min drive)
LL46 2YH
Gwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Coed Tremadog
Distance: 1.8 miles (3 min drive)
LL49 9RG
Ll?n Coastal Path
Distance: 3.4 miles (8 min drive)
Moel Hebog
Distance: 5.8 miles (11 min drive)
Tesco
Distance: 3.1 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9NU
CIG Portmadog Meats
Distance: 3.2 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9EY
Oriel Rob Piercy
Distance: 3.3 miles (8 min drive)
LL49 9BT
Porthmadog Station
Distance: 2.9 miles (7 min drive)
LL49 9HW
Minffordd Station
Distance: 5.1 miles (9 min drive)
LL48 6HF
Anglesey Airport
Distance: 45.4 miles (1 hr 3 min drive)
LL65 3NY

Is Yr Hen Ysgol Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Snowdonia offers endless outdoor activities for children. Shell Island provides rock pooling and beach games just 10 minutes away. Harlech Castle lets kids explore medieval towers and battlements. Zip World Slate Caverns delivers underground adventures for older children. The property's large living spaces give children room to play indoors during wet weather. Mountain walks of varying difficulty suit different age groups.
Groups Will Love...
The converted Victorian schoolhouse provides exceptional communal living spaces for groups. High ceilings and large rooms create an airy atmosphere where 12 guests can gather comfortably. The spacious kitchen and dining area allows everyone to eat together. The separate sitting room gives groups options for different activities simultaneously. Original period features including tall windows and architectural details add character throughout.
Pet Friendly
Yr Hen Ysgol welcomes dogs, making it suitable for pet owners. The Snowdonia location provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Mountain trails and coastal paths offer varied terrain for exercising dogs. The property's rural setting means open spaces are readily accessible. Nearby beaches including Shell Island allow dogs year-round. Local pubs and cafes are generally dog-friendly for group outings.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Yr Hen Ysgol

The Victoria Inn

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL45 2LD

Plas Cafe Harlech

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL46 2YB

The Last Inn

Located 9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LL42 1DP

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Yr Hen Ysgol

How many people does Yr Hen Ysgol sleep?
The property sleeps 12 guests across six bedrooms. This makes it suitable for large families, multiple families sharing, or friendship groups wanting to holiday together.
Is Yr Hen Ysgol pet friendly?
Yes, the property welcomes dogs. Check with the owner regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges that may apply.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
The property has six bedrooms distributed across the building. Specific bedroom configurations should be confirmed with the owner to ensure they meet your group's requirements.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, there is off-road parking for multiple vehicles. This is particularly useful for larger groups where several families may be arriving in separate cars.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The kitchen is equipped for catering to large groups with dining space attached. Full cooking facilities allow you to prepare meals for 12 people comfortably.
How far is Yr Hen Ysgol from the beach?
Shell Island beach is approximately 4 miles away, around 10 minutes by car. Harlech beach is similarly close, offering multiple coastal options for your group.
What activities are nearby for groups?
Harlech Castle, Portmeirion Village, Zip World Slate Caverns and numerous mountain walks are all within 20 minutes. The location provides both adventure activities and historical attractions suitable for varied group interests.
Are there shops and pubs nearby?
Llanbedr village has local amenities within walking distance. For larger supermarkets, Harlech and Barmouth are short drives away offering more extensive shopping facilities.

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