Local delicacies include Castle Bakery Welsh cakes, Glaslyn Ices in Beddgelert, about eight miles away, and Allport's fish and chips in Porthmadog. There is also a delicatessen and wine merchant in Penrhyndeudreath about four miles.

For good beer and superb bar food try the Brondanw Arms curiously called "The Ring" . Very popular and friendly and just two miles from the cottage (an appetite inducing pre-dinner stroll). Because Croesor is so well-placed for exploring the Snowdonia area, there are plenty of attractions nearby.

Nearby Attractions
Castles. Harlech, Criccieth and Caernarfon are within easy reach while Conwy and Beaumaris are slightly futher away.

Portmeirion. A fantastic Italianate village designed by Clough Williams-Ellis and used as the setting for the cult TV series The Prisoner is just five miles away. It's unique style and variety of walks make this a must for all visitors to North Wales. And while you wander and wonder what is real and what is fantasy, you can also explore the excellent beaches, restaurants for different pockets and gift shops selling the famous cookware and other quality items.

Beddgelert. The quaint and pretty village of Beddgelert is about eight miles away and in the summer visitors can easily see why it often earns a place in the Britain in Bloom competitions. There are plenty of pleasant afternoon walks including the trail of the dog's grave which gave the village its name. For those people who are unaware of the legend, reading the message on the grave can be a moving experience which we won't spoil by revealing it here. There are pubs, hotel restaurants, a bistro and places for tradition afternoon tea as well as pizza and ice-cream in the village.

Gardens. After the well-trodden tracks of Portmeirion and Beddgelert, it is exciting to find a true hidden treasure just a mile from the door of your holiday cottage. At the lower end of Cwm Croesor close by the Ring are the gardens of Plas Brondanw the ancestral home of the Williams-Ellises. In these lovely gardens you could well be the only visitors and spend an unhurried time. There is an honesty box for payment. For those prepared to travel further afield, the National Trust Bodnant Gardens approximately 20 miles away are worth a day out.

Outdoor activities. One of the main reasons for the area's popularity are the opportunities for walking and moutaineering. Cnicht and the Moelwyns are on your doorstep, while the Snowdon massif is within 15 miles. With the Snowdonia National Park all around the only difficulty is choosing your route and of course there are many specialist guides to help you. There is also excellent rock climbing on the Bwlch y Moch cliffs near Tremadog.

Swimming. There is a first class leisure centre in Porthmadog and of course the sea. In the general area there are facilities for most sports such as fishing, tennis, riding and boating. Culture There are some local art exhibitions in Plas Glyn y Weddw in Llanbedrog, The Chapel of Art in Cricieth and occasionally in Harlech. Thereare cinemas in Porthmadog and Harlech. Other places of interest Black Rock Sands - about eight miles away beyond Porthmadog has long stretches of sand with excellent bathing. Porthmadog old harbour town, good shops and some pubs ( try the Ship). This is also the terminus of the famous Ffestiniog narrow track steam railway.