Wales Link

Barmouth (Welsh: Abermaw (formal); Y Bermo (colloquial)) is a town in the county of Gwynedd, north-western Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. The town is served by Barmouth railway station.

The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings include the mediaeval Tŷ Gwyn tower house and the 19th century Tŷ Crwn roundhouse prison. There is also a new Lifeboat Visitors' Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, and take a look at the lifeboat from the viewing gallery. The busy harbour plays host to the annual Three Peaks yacht race. The famous mountaineer and sailor Bill Tilman lived in Barmouth for many years.

William Wordsworth, a visitor to Barmouth in the 19th century, described it thus: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival.

The Arousal Cafe
One of Barmouth's star attractions in recent years has been the Arousal Cafe. Originally the 'Carousal Cafe', the letter C was stolen soon after the sign was put up. The owner replaced the 'C' numerous times, only to find it stolen again. He has since ceased his attempts to fix the sign.

Barmouth is (geographically) the closest seaside resort to the English West Midlands and a large proportion of its tourist visitors, as well as its permanent residents, are from Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley and other parts of the Black Country.