Snowdonia, Lleyn Peninsula & Coast

Visit North Wales for holidays and vacations in and around glorious Snowdonia, Lleyn Peninsula and North West Wales Coast. Snowdonia offers superb mountains, stunning scenery and spectacular coastline. The biggest, boldest mountains in Wales and England are to be found here in the Snowdonia National Park. There’s also a long coastline of sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and glorious estuaries, which along the Lleyn Peninsula is a protected ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Find out how you can make the most of your self-catering cottage holiday in Snowdonia, Lleyn Peninsula and Coast...

Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales

(including Abersoch, Aberdaron, Pwllheli and many other beautiful locations)

The Lleyn Peninsula, where the Welsh language and way of life still flourish, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and water sport.

Abersoch

People have been coming on holiday to Abersoch for over a century to explore the Lleyn (Llŷn) peninsula, its magical folklore, outstanding costal footpaths, beautiful beaches and today the home for major sailing and wakeboarding events, including the popular Wakestock Festival in July. The village itself, although small, is well supplied with numerous good cafes, restaurants and shops.

Find a summary of things to see and activities in Abersoch and Lleyn Peninsula below.

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Aberdaron – the Land’s End of Wales

Aberdaron is a compact and stunningly beautiful seaside village, situated on the very tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, North West Wales. Aberdaron, sometimes referred to as “The Land’s End of Wales” is an ideal location to explore the Lleyn Peninsula with its network of footpaths and coastal walks and fine sandy beaches and coves.

Virtually unchanged by the passage of time Aberdaron is quintessentially Welsh, where one of Europe's oldest languages is an integral part of the community. A 17th Century stone bridge acts as a river crossing, and the whitewashed fishermen's cottages along the strand are a reminder of the village's historical dependence on the sea.

Find a summary of things to see and activities in Aberdaron and Lleyn Peninsula below.

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Pwllheli

Pwllheli is the main market town for the area and the Marina has made it an excellent center for yachting and water sports. The resorts of Cricieth and Porthmadog are also nearby, as well as numerous historic and scenic attractions such as the Snowdonia National Park , Ffestiniog Railway, castles and the Italian village of Portmeirion

Find a summary of things to see and activities in Pwllheli and Lleyn Peninsula below.

View Self Catering Holiday Cottages in and around Pwllheli, Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales 

Beaches

There is an abundance of beautiful beaches including Abersoch & Aberdaron (above) and Nefyn. South facing Porth Ceiriad is sheltered by high cliffs and interesting rock formations while easterly winds can be avoided at Porthoer with its "Whistling Sands" and rocky pools.

Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) has a three mile beach which is popular with walkers and surfers, as well as sun bathers.

Things to see in Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales

Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) - The ultimate retreat! Daily trips or longer breaks on the island where 20,000 saints are said to be buried.

St. Tudwal’s Islands, Half Tide Rocks or Bardsey Island have their large colony of seals which is well worth a visit on one of the pleasure boats which take people out.

Arts - Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is a magnificent Victorian Gothic Manor with galleries, beautiful gardens and a tea room with views of the sea.

Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog Harbour Station, this railway climbs through the Snowdonia National Park to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Glasfryn Parc - Go karting, quad bike safari, ten-pin bowling, fishing, archery, indoor play area, party room, soft play centre, farm shop.

GreenWood Forest Park - There's a day packed with fun and adventure for you and all your family at GreenWood Forest Park.

Welsh Highland Railway - Take a trip from Caernarfon through the Snowdonia National Park to Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass

Llangain – A picturesque village with a 6th Century Church.

Activities in Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales

Llŷn Adventure - Fun, challenging and rewarding activities around the peninsula. Based near Abersoch.

Fun Activities at Glasfryn Parc includes Go karting, quad bike safari, ten-pin bowling, fishing, archery, indoor play area, party room, soft play centre, farm shop.

Boat Rides

Bardsey Boat Trips - Boat trips from Porth Meudwy near Aberdaron to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island, a former site of religious pilgrimage) and around the tip of Lleyn.

Enlli Charters - Trips to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) and around other islands off the coast. Trips from Pwllheli or Porth Meudwy.

Sea Fishing 4 U with Enlli Charters - Enjoy the fun and excitement of sea fishing off the coast of North Wales in the spectacular waters of Cardigan Bay.

Shearwater - Scenic coastal cruises from Pwllheli around the stunning coast of the Llŷn Peninsula to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island).

Cycling - Cycle hire at Llŷn Cycle Hire allows you to enjoy the freedom and tranquillity of Lleyn Peninsula, with information on routes also available.

Walking

When you follow the Llŷn Coastal Path you will enjoy the splendour of the local landscape. You will come across small coves and wide expanses of sand, rugged cliffs, small harbours and wild heath land.

Edge of Wales Walk - Walking holidays along the coast of the peninsula, following the pilgrims trail to Bardsey Island. Also offer cycle hire.

Llŷn Walking Holidays - Walking holidays across the peninsula, different holiday packages available, or make your own! Also offer cycle hire.

For the more serious walker, the Snowdonia National Park is only 13 miles from Pwllheli.

Watersports

Abersoch district also offers facilities for all forms of water sports, including Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Sailing, Powerboating and windsurfing.

Surfers are particularly fond of Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth), Porth Ceiriad and Porth Oer beaches that are exposed to regular Atlantic swells.

Powerboat courses with 1st Wave Powerboat Training, tailored for total novices to advanced and commercial levels.

Surf and wakeboarding academy with Offaxis plus Watersports shop in Abersoch - also shop online.

Golf courses are found at Abersoch as well as Pwlllheli, Nefyn and Porthmadog.

Leisure centre at Pwllheli.

Pony trekking and riding near Abersoch.

Shooting and archery. at GreenWood Forest Park

Fishing in Lleyn Peninsula, including Sea fishing trips.

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Criccieth (Cricieth), Snowdonia, North Wales

Cricieth

Be prepared to be mesmerised when approaching Cricieth from Porthmadog (east to west). Described by many as the ‘best corner in Wales’ the seaside resort of Cricieth just appears like a beautiful oil painting out of nowhere, with Cricieth Castle taking centre stage between land and sea, standing high on its rocky perch. This is what first impressions are all about. Situated on the coast at the edge of the Snowdonia National Park with all its attractions there is something to do for everybody.

Beaches

Criccieth has two excellent Blue Flag beaches. Other beaches nearby include Black Rock Sands at Morfa Bychan with its vast expanse of clean sand, Harlech with miles and miles of sandy beach backed by sand dunes and Pwllheli with its sandy beach.

Things to see in Cricieth and Snowdonia, North Wales

Museums - Farm, slate, copper, maritime, Lloyd George & Air.

Portmeirion is a beautiful Italianate resort village in Gwynedd, on the coast of Snowdonia in Wales created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978)

Country Park

Farm Trails

Children's Fun Centre

National Sailing Centre

Ski Slopes

Woodland Centre

Zoo and Open Farms

Mountaineering Centre

Leisure Centres

National Trust properties and gardens

Activities in Cricieth and Snowdonia, North Wales

Climbing - There are several peaks to be conquered throughout the mountain range of Snowdonia and many places for the experienced/inexperienced climber.

Walking & Cycling - There are numerous footpaths and ample opportunities to explore the open countryside. Walkers and cyclists will be delighted with the new routes from Caernarfon to Felinheli (Lôn Las) and from Carnarfon to Criccieth (Lôn Eifion)

Sailing - The boating facilities are fantastic found in the marinas of Felinheli, Caernarfon, Pwllheli and the famous harbours of Porthmadog and Barmouth.

Fishing - Here in Snowdonia among the hills are excellent fishing rivers and lakes. Sea-fishing, trout-fishing and coarse fishing are also available.

Golf - Choose from a variety of friendly yet exciting Golf Courses in the area from Caernarfon, Criccieth, Porthmadog and the famous Royal St David’s at Harlech.

Castles - Snowdonia's castles are awe-inspiring. Visit the Roman fort at Segontium, the castles of the Welsh princes at Criccieth, Llanberis and Dolwyddelan and Edward I's fortresses at Caernarfon, Conway & Harlech.

Narrow Gauge Steam Railways - Enjoy a memorable journey on one of our seven narrow gauge railways including the unique rack and pinion Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Eating Out - Snowdonia and it’s surrounding areas is becoming a centre for gourmet eating with its many restaurants and inns in which to spoil yourselves.

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Southern Snowdonia, North Wales

(including Dolgellau, Tywyn, Aberdyfi and many other beautiful locations)

Dolgellau – the gateway to Southern Snowdonia

Dolgellau is situated in the southern part of the Snowdonia National Park, at the foot of Cader Idris Mountain and is an excellent centre for touring Mid and North Wales.

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Tywyn

Tywyn is a small friendly town with a good range of shops and a weekly market during summer months. Families will find plenty to occupy children, an indoor swimming pool at the leisure centre, cinema, skateboard park, tennis and mini golf course.

Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi is a small yet stunning beach town with traditional pubs and spectacular views to fascinate you. It really is the place where the mountains meet the sea!

View Self Catering Holiday Cottages in and around Tywyn and Aberdyfi, Southern Snowdonia, North Wales

Beaches

Enjoy endless miles of sandy beaches all along the North West Coast of Snowdonia, North Wales, from Aberdyfi up to Barmouth and Harlech.

Things to see in Southern Snowdonia, North Wales

Slate caverns - Step back in time with Corris Mine Explorers as you explore the abandoned workings of an old Welsh Slate Mine.

Castles – Includes the majestic Harlech Castle, a World Heritage site and Castell y Bere in Abergynolwyn. You can also find traces of earlier occupation scattered around the hills, such as hill forts, stone circles and even a Roman amphitheatre.

Mawddach Estuary - The Mawddach Estuary is a beautiful and largely unspoilt gem hidden away at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park.

Centre for Alternative Technology – Europe’s leading Eco-Centre. Offering solutions to some of the most serious challenges facing our planet and the human race, such as climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources.

Corris Craft Center - These workshops welcome all visitors whether to watch craftspeople at their crafts, join in, or buy their wares. There is something here for everyone.

King Arthur's Labyrinth - Sail along an underground river, through the great waterfall, and into King Arthur's Labyrinth, a world of mystery, legends and storytelling.

Activities in Southern Snowdonia, North Wales

Cycling in Coed y Brenin Forest Park, the world renowned mountain biking centre.

Narrow gauge railways - Dolgellau is in the middle of small gauge railway country, with lines at Ffestiniog and Portmadog, Talyllyn, Fairbourne, Bala, Corris and Welshpool.

Pony trekking - on the foothills of Cader Idris available from Abergwynant Farm outside Dolgellau.

Walking - It has been said that there is "no better walk than from Barmouth through to Dolgellau other than from Dolgellau to Barmouth". The views of the Snowdonia mountains sweeping down to the Mawddach estuary are phenomenal, an experience not to be missed.

The Mawddach Trail, featured on Julia Bradbury's 'Railway Walks" programme, winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary.

The Mawddach Way is a 3-day, 50km walk which uses existing footpaths and permissive paths to makes a circuit of the hills either side of the estuary, passing through woodland, pasture and open country.

Climbing and Mountain Walks – Look no further than Cader Idris!

Fishing - There are many great places to fish in the area with sea and estuary fishing, freshwater lakes and rivers.

Cregennan Lakes are owned by the National Trust, and are situated on the northern slopes of Cader ldris, some 800 ft. above sea level, overlooking the beautiful Mawddach Estuary, with car park and toilets, just 5 miles from Dolgellau.

Talyllyn is a natural 220-acre, shallow, Brown Trout Lake nestling in the southwest corner of the Snowdonia National Park and below the peak of Cader Idris. It forms the headwater of the river Dysynni that flows westwards for 10 miles before entering Cardigan Bay just north of Tywyn.

Golf – at Aberdyfi (Aberdovey), Machynlleth and Dolgellau Golf Club

Bird watching - RSPB Bird Reserve at Penmaenpool

Tours around Gwynfynydd Gold Mine, Dolgellau and slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Dyfi Discoveries  - a small, family-run business based in Aberdyfi on the coast of Mid-Wales providing heritage and wildlife boat trips for the sight-seer and enthusiast alike.

Caernarfon, Snowdonia, North Wales

The town of Caernarfon has a superb setting, with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop and wonderful views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Dominated by its majestic castle and ancient mediaeval walls, Caernarfon today is a busy market town with one of the highest percentages of Welsh speakers throughout Wales.

Things to see in Caernarfon and Snowdonia, North Wales

Caernarfon Castle - Possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I.

Segontium Roman Fort - Many visitors come to Caernarfon to see the castle, but in fact Caernarfon's history can be traced back to Roman times and the remains of Sgontium are still visible today with a museum to boot.

Caernarfon Maritime Museum -Small, but well worth a free visit for historical information on the town's Maritime history.

Inigo Jones Slate Works - Founded in 1861 primarily to produce school writing slates, today the company produces all nature of craft and garden products. A tour of the works is available which has become a major tourist attraction

Activities in Caernarfon and Snowdonia, North Wales

Snowdon Mountain Railway - Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Trains travel to the Summit of Snowdon, which at 3,560ft (1085m), is the highest mountain in England and Wales, where the surrounding countryside boasts dramatic landscape and scenery. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales.

Walking - Snowdonia is the best mountain walking venue in Southern Britain and has the largest area of wilderness south of Scotland. There are endless opportunities forwalking, hiking, trekking and hillwalking in Eryri (Walking in Snowdonia ) Wales, with Guided Walks up Snowdon and around Snowdonia , Mountain Skills Courses and Navigation Courses.

Faenol Festival - One of the main events of the year in North Wales. The brainchild of Welsh Opera star Bryn Terfel "BrynFest" has attracted a wealth of stars to the area and runs over four days in late August.

Welsh Highland Railway - The Welsh Highand Railway is now an established attraction in Caernarfon and one which should not be missed. The narrow gauge steam trains run from their station at St Hellens Road near the castle.

Golf - Sitting on the shore of the Menai straits, Caernarfon Championship Golf Course has wonderful panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountain range with equally stunning views of Anglesey

Glasfryn Park - offers the thrill of outdoor karting (indoor karting is also available in Caernarfon). They also offer many other indoor and outdoor activities including bowling, quad biking, fishing, shooting and archery

Cycling - Cycling tours can help you help you explore some of the hidden corners of the Snowdonia National Park and the surrounding area

Portmeirion - a beautiful Italianate resort village in Gwynedd, on the coast of Snowdonia in Wales created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978)

Caernarfon Town Tour - starts at Castle Square, in the centre of the town and is about 1.5 miles (almost 2.5KM) in distance

Hwylfan Fun Centre -North Wales' largest indoor fun centre is an ideal attraction for families on holiday in North Wales, with great slides and ropes, snack bar and a place for the adults to relax whilst the kids let off some steam.

Caernarfon Leisure Centre -Tennis, swimming, ball games, weights, fitness room and everything else you'd expect for Gwynedd's largest Leisure Centre.

Greenwood Forest Park, Felinheli is a theme park with a difference! Greenwood is green not only in name but in nature with even a people powered rollercoaster. A great day out for all the family.

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