Corris Railway Museum

The railway line through Corris closed in 1948, but someone had the good sense to preserve a chunk of it. You get a proper little museum here with vintage locomotives, carriages, and enough railway memorabilia to keep enthusiasts occupied for a solid couple of hours. The setting's rather lovely too - you're right in the Snowdonia foothills, with decent walking country all around.

Walking the old track bed is the highlight. You can clamber aboard some of the stock and get a real feel for what travel was like a century ago. It's the sort of place where steam railway fans will lose an afternoon happily, but honest to God, if you're not bothered about locomotives, you might find forty minutes enough. Kids usually enjoy it, though - there's something about climbing on old trains that never gets old.

It's free to wander about and explore the rolling stock, which is refreshing given how many attractions charge you for the privilege. Dolgellau, a proper market town, sits just a few miles north and makes a decent base if you're exploring the area properly. Gwerniago Campsite is within easy reach if you want to stay overnight - it's only five miles away and well-reviewed.

Time your visit for decent weather. Rain makes the whole experience rather less appealing, and the site's exposed to the elements. Spring or early autumn work best - you'll have reasonable conditions and fewer school holidays clogging up the place.