Barmouth was first recorded in 1565 as a hamlet of four houses. In the late 18th century, it grew around the
shipbuilding industry, and a harbour was built for fishing and exporting wool from nearby sheep farms. In the first half of the 19th century, Barmouth became known as a
seaside resort. After
Barmouth Bridge was constructed and the railway reached the town in 1867, more and more tourists arrived. New guest houses were built, but Barmouth never developed a conspicuous resort architecture. It was still mainly visited for the experience of the sea and the mountains, especially
Cadair Idris. The German philologist Friedrich Althaus (1829–1897) wrote in 1889: "Cader Idris is to Barmouth what the Vesuvius is to Naples. (…) The prospect from the summit is said to be the grandest in all of Wales. (…) Climbing Cader Idris therefore takes top priority among many visitors of Barmouth."
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 inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival." Notable buildings include the
medieval tower house, the 19th century
roundhouse prison and
St John's Church. (Citadel of Light), which is located east of the town on the adjoining hillside, was the first tract of land to be donated to the
National Trust. Panorama Walk, to the east of the town, was developed as a coastal footpath in the
Victorian era to contribute to the town's attractions for visitors. The walk is designated at Grade II on the
Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. On the route of the walk stands the Glan-y-Mawddach
estate. Originally a
Regency villa, the house, which is
listed at Grade II, was extended in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and an important garden laid out which is designated at Grade II* on the Cadw/ICOMOS register. Barmouth features prominently in the serialised short-story 'Rob the Red-Hand' published by
Dolgellau-born
Thomas Richards who published it in the
Hobart Town Magazine between 1833 and 1834. In addition, the town is a key location the novel
Austerlitz by
Max Sebald. The town is featured in an idyllic light, with the narrator visiting several times during his childhood [see box]. In January 2014, two trains were stranded at Barmouth after severe winter storms destroyed the sea wall at nearby . Barmouth, with Cader Idris.jpeg|Barmouth, with
Cadair Idris in the background, 1865 From N. W., Barmouth, Wales-LCCN2001703421.jpg|The town in the 1890s Aerial view of Barmouth (1489696).jpg|View of Barmouth from the hills, 1965 ==Transport==