Castell Cynfal

The ruins of Castell Cynfal sit on a hillside overlooking the Dysynni Valley, a proper bit of Welsh history that most visitors to Tywyn walk straight past. This is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle, though what you'll actually find is earthwork rather than standing stone - think low grassy mounds and ditches rather than towers. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of imagination and a decent OS map.

Walkers will get the most from it. The site sits well above the valley floor, so you're looking at a moderate uphill walk through farmland to reach it, but the views back towards Tywyn and across to Cader Idris make it worthwhile. Twenty minutes scrambling around the site itself, then another half hour to take in the surrounding countryside - that's a realistic time budget. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're already interested in Welsh medieval fortifications.

Access appears to be open at all times and free, though you'll want to check locally in Tywyn before heading out. The site sits isolated in farmland, so come prepared for weather and wear proper boots.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Sunbeach Holiday Park or Cambrian Coast are closest - Castell Cynfal makes a decent morning detour before heading into Tywyn proper or down the Cardigan Bay coast. It's not a destination in itself, but paired with coastal walking or a visit to Tywyn's railway museum, it fills a gap nicely.