It's a Small World
Quirky slot-car racing and miniature golf in a charming one-room wonderland hidden behind a café.
A quirky, compact indoor attraction in Blaenau Ffestiniog featuring hand-crafted Scalextric race tracks with intricate miniature scenery, themed crazy golf courses, and a curated collection of model cars. Located on Church Street behind a local café opposite the railway station, this one-room wonderland offers affordable, family-friendly entertainment where visitors can race slot cars on imaginative themed tracks or test their skills on the miniature golf course. No entrance fee—you simply pay for individual activities.
A brief summary to It's a small world
- Church St, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3HD, GB
- +447957621845
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early on weekends or school holidays to avoid crowds and secure time on your preferred Scalextric tracks, as popular courses can develop queues during peak family visiting times.
- Bring small change or coins for the Scalextric races and crazy golf activities, as the pay-per-activity system works best with cash, though the owner can advise on payment options.
- Combine your visit with the Bridge Café located directly opposite—grab refreshments before or after your activities to extend your time in the area without leaving the immediate vicinity.
- Allow at least 1–2 hours to fully experience multiple tracks and courses; the variety of themed environments rewards unhurried exploration and repeated races.
- Ask the owner about the stories behind specific track designs and model cars—his enthusiasm and knowledge add genuine depth to the experience beyond simply playing the games.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train
Blaenau Ffestiniog railway station is directly opposite It's a Small World on Church Street. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways operate heritage steam and diesel trains connecting to Porthmadog (approximately 40 minutes, seasonal service). From Porthmadog, connections to the Cambrian Coast Railway provide access to larger stations. Journey times vary by season; check heritage railway schedules in advance as services operate primarily April through October with limited winter services.
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Car
It's a Small World is located on Church Street in central Blaenau Ffestiniog, approximately 20 kilometers south of Betws-y-Coed via the A470. From Caernarfon, travel south on the A4086 through Llanberis, then east on minor roads to Blaenau Ffestiniog (approximately 45 minutes, 35 kilometers). Street parking is available on Church Street and nearby roads; the venue is easily accessible from the town center. The A470 is the main route through the region, though roads can be narrow and winding in places.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Blaenau Ffestiniog to surrounding towns including Betws-y-Coed, Caernarfon, and Porthmadog. Services are operated by regional providers with varying frequency depending on the route and season. Journey times from Betws-y-Coed are approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Schedules are seasonal; check local transport websites for current timetables, as services may be reduced during winter months.
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Walking
From Blaenau Ffestiniog town center, It's a Small World is a straightforward 5–10 minute walk along Church Street toward the railway station. The route is flat and follows the main street through town with standard pavements. The venue is clearly visible near the Bridge Café opposite the station. This is an accessible walking route suitable for most visitors, though luggage or mobility considerations may affect comfort.
It's a small world location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about It's a small world
A Hidden Gem of Imagination and Craftsmanship
Tucked away on Church Street in Blaenau Ffestiniog, behind the Bridge Café and opposite the railway station, It's a Small World is a delightfully unconventional attraction that defies its modest single-room setting. This intimate venue has earned a devoted following among families and visitors seeking quirky, nostalgic entertainment in the heart of Snowdonia. Despite its compact size, the space overflows with personality and creative detail, housing an impressive collection of hand-crafted Scalextric race tracks, themed crazy golf courses, and meticulously arranged model cars that transport visitors into worlds of imaginative play.The Magic of Scalextric Racing
At the heart of It's a Small World lies an extraordinary collection of Scalextric race tracks—slot car racing sets that have captivated enthusiasts for decades. What sets this attraction apart is the level of artistry applied to each track's setting. Rather than simple plastic layouts, the tracks are surrounded by intricately detailed miniature scenery, themed environments, and hand-painted landscapes that transform each racing experience into a journey through different worlds. Visitors of all ages can compete on these tracks, from children experiencing their first taste of slot car racing to adults rediscovering a beloved childhood hobby. The variety of track designs ensures that each visit offers something fresh to explore.Themed Crazy Golf and Playful Challenges
Beyond the Scalextric tracks, the venue features multiple themed crazy golf courses that blend whimsy with genuine challenge. These miniature golf holes are designed with creativity and humor, incorporating the same attention to detail and thematic coherence found throughout the space. The courses cater to all skill levels, making them equally enjoyable for families with young children and competitive players seeking a genuine test of putting precision. The themed environments create an immersive experience that elevates crazy golf from a simple seaside activity into something genuinely entertaining and memorable.A Collector's Paradise and Model Showcase
The walls and display areas of It's a Small World showcase an impressive collection of model cars and miniatures, reflecting the owner's passion for detail and craftsmanship. These displays serve both as inspiration for visitors and as a testament to the meticulous work that has gone into creating the attraction. The curated selection of models adds depth to the experience, offering visitors something to admire and discuss beyond the interactive activities. For enthusiasts of miniatures and model cars, simply browsing this collection provides genuine value and interest.Atmosphere and Character
What truly distinguishes It's a Small World is its atmosphere. The owner is known for being welcoming, helpful, and genuinely friendly, creating a relaxed and unpretentious environment where visitors feel at ease. The compact arrangement of attractions, rather than feeling cramped, adds to the charm and intimacy of the space. There's an almost nostalgic quality to the venue—a sense that time moves differently here, and that the everyday world outside has been temporarily suspended. This quality appeals equally to adults seeking a break from modern life and to children discovering the simple joy of hands-on play.Affordability and Accessibility
One of the most appealing aspects of It's a Small World is its pricing structure. There is no entrance fee to enter the venue itself. Instead, visitors pay only for the specific activities they choose to enjoy—whether that's racing on a particular Scalextric track or playing a round of themed crazy golf. This pay-as-you-go approach means that even a modest budget can stretch far, and families can tailor their experience to their preferences and spending capacity. The location on Church Street, easily accessible from the town center and near the railway station, makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring Blaenau Ffestiniog.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Castell Dolwyddelan
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Essential places to dine
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Yr Hen Fecws Restaurant and B&B
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
