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A unbelievable journey information to one of the best issues to do on the Llŷn Peninsula – by a neighborhood author who grew up there!
For those who’re on the lookout for a coastal break within the UK that’s each peaceable and activity-filled, head to the charming Llŷn Peninsula – identified in Welsh as Pen Llŷn.
This beautiful nook of the Welsh coast pairs rugged cliffs with pearly coves and sandy seashores. There’s a timeless, enchanting really feel to the realm – and it’s full of Welsh historical past and tradition.
Pen Llŷn is an outstanding a part of north Wales, usually in comparison with Cornwall for its enchantment to surfers and watersport fanatics. The coast can also be a protected ‘Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence’, in addition to a well-liked part of the unbelievable Wales Coast Path.
Traditionally, Pen Llŷn is a really rural space. The luscious rolling farmlands, dramatic sea cliffs, and timeless ports make the peninsula not like wherever else in Wales. You’ll additionally discover the Welsh language to be extensively spoken on the peninsula.
From issues to do, when to go to and the place to remain, observe this information to get to know the Llŷn Peninsula. Time to begin planning your epic Welsh seaside getaway!
Llŷn Peninsula Journey Information: Getting There
The Llŷn Peninsula makes up the “arm of Wales”. That is the stretch of land jutting out from the North-West area of Wales, simply on the edges of Eryri Nationwide Park (Snowdonia).
The world is greatest accessed by automobile, as public transport is fairly restricted in North Wales. That stated, public buses do run a couple of instances a day. The Pen Llŷn coast is simply a 40-minute drive from Caernarfon, or half-hour from Porthmadog.
There are two primary entry factors onto the peninsula. You may both take the A497 in the direction of Pwllheli, or observe the nation lanes via Llithfaen in the direction of Nefyn. The peninsula is made up of slim nation lanes, however is sufficiently small to drive in its entirety in a few hours.
Greatest time to go to the Llŷn Peninsula
Pen Llŷn is blessed with pristine pure magnificence all year-round. Its seashores, bays and cliffsides could be loved in all weathers, and native companies typically run all through your entire 12 months.
Many vacationers descend on Pen Llŷn each summer season. The varsity vacation interval can get extraordinarily busy, significantly in widespread areas like Abersoch. For the remainder of the 12 months, you’ll discover the realm to be pretty quiet.
Winter could be a fantastic time to benefit from the crisp, ocean breeze alongside the Llŷn coast. Spring is one of the best season for exploring the unbelievable wildlife on the peninsula. As issues heat up in the direction of the top of Could, you’ll have the wonderful seashores to your self earlier than the busy summer season season.
In summer season, you’ll actually be blessed with a couple of sunny days on the peninsula, regardless of the unpredictable British climate. Summer season is a good time to discover the blue coves and famend watersports actions which can be distinctive to the realm. Pen Llŷn actually has the facility to move you to the likes of the Mediterranean on a sunny day.
Autumn may also be a good time to catch some golden solar on the coast. That is arguably one of the best season for strolling within the space.
Issues To Do On The Llŷn Peninsula
For such a distant space, Pen Llŷn packs a punch in family-friendly actions and enjoyable issues to do. Nature lovers, thrill seekers, surf fanatics and extra can discover solace on the Llŷn coast. This can be a place with a little bit of one thing for everybody.
1. Watersport Actions
Rivalling Cornwall with feisty swells and clear blue waters, surfers can tackle one of the best of the Welsh waves at hotspot Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth). A brief drive from Abersoch, this huge, sandy bay is a fascinating spot for wave-chasers, in addition to these seeking to chill out on the shore.
Pen Llŷn has a few of the greatest watersport actions in Wales, from coasteering and SUP excursions, to jet ski rent and extra! In the summertime, a few of the hottest seashores within the space present leases and classes proper on the shorefront. Abersoch and Pwllheli are additionally nice crusing hubs, with famend golf equipment and marinas that attract many fanatics annually.
2. Strolling And Wildlife
Pen Llŷn’s magnificent seashores are linked by the Wales Coast Path – a 91-mile-long path alongside the perimeter of the peninsula.
For these daring to finish it in its entirety (from Caernarfon round to Porthmadog), it takes seven days in whole to finish. However the path could be accomplished in sections. As you stroll, there are alternatives to identify some unbelievable wildlife, equivalent to gray seals and even bottlenose dolphins.
Hikers can tackle the exceptional Garn Fadryn mountain for 360-degree views over the peninsula, actually among the finest walks to do in Pen Llŷn. Keen chicken watchers also can head over to Porth Meudwy for sightings of buzzards, puffins and extra!
Off the tip of the peninsula, journey seekers can catch a ship to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), often called the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints’ and Europe’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Sanctuary. The island is open to guests from March via October, via day journeys and even weekly stays for these courageous sufficient to go off the grid a couple of miles away from the coast!
3. Seaside Hopping on the Llŷn Peninsula
Pen Llŷn is arguably greatest identified for its seashores. From turquoise coves to lengthy sandy bays, the Llŷn shoreline actually doesn’t disappoint. To decide on your good spot, try our native skilled information to one of the best seashores on the Llŷn Peninsula.
4. Uncover Welsh tradition
On the peninsula, you’ll discover loads of alternatives to get to know Welsh historical past and tradition. Museums, galleries and extra are peppered alongside the coast.
From uncovering Welsh mythology at a fascinating previous quarry in Nant Gwrtheyrn Heritage Centre, to studying about sustainable residing at Menter Y Felin Uchaf, there may be a lot to find on Llŷn.
The small, seaside village of Llanbedrog can also be residence to the well-known Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, one of many oldest and most stunning galleries in Wales.
And why not get to know the herring fishing historical past of the ever-popular fishing village of Porthdinllaen? This was as soon as a bustling port for routes between Dublin and London.
Greatest Locations To Go to On The Llyn Peninsula
Pwllheli
Unofficially the ‘capital’ of Pen Llŷn, Pwllheli is a bustling seaside city that fills many functions. It’s the primary gateway to the peninsula, with the biggest choice of shops, markets and eating places within the space.
Traditionally, Pwllheli can also be a hub for crusing and watersport actions, with a big, fashionable marina at its centre. Right here you’ll additionally discover a choice of lodging, outside outfitters and tourism centres.
Make sure to seize a drink on the native’s favorite pub, Penlan, identified for his or her unbelievable sunday roasts and occasional dwell Welsh music gigs.
Abersoch
The favoured spot of vacationers in the summertime is definitely the beautiful coastal village of Abersoch. This usually crowded, albeit stunning, village is thought for its watersports and surf retailers, in addition to its classier bars and eating places. Prime tip: these are booked up weeks upfront in the summertime!
In reality, Abersoch is sometimes called the ‘Welsh Riviera’, for its luxurious enchantment and status for crusing. Exterior of the busy summer season season, it’s a peaceable paradise for these looking for a break by the coast.
Nefyn
Within the quaint village of Nefyn on the Northern coast, you’ll discover the pleasant Llŷn Maritime Museum. Nefyn can also be residence to the Cwrw Llŷn distillery, a small impartial Welsh brewery that produces scrumptious, characterful ales which can be an absolute must-try within the space!
A cease at native’s favorite, Y Bryncynan Inn, is a should throughout a go to to Nefyn for some home-cooked meals and an important choice of ales.
Porthdinllaen
Probably the most widespread locations to go to in Pen Llŷn is the well-known Tŷ Coch Inn pub on Porthdinllaen seashore.
Accessed from Morfa Nefyn by foot, this pub is a picturesque pink stone pub overlooking the clear blue bay of Porthdinllaen fishing village. It’s a must-do in Pen Llŷn. For those who’re fortunate, you could even spot seals and dolphins from the cliff edge main right down to the seashore.
Aberdaron
The idyllic previous fishing village of Aberdaron is a neighborhood’s favorite. Gloriously located on the furthest tip of the peninsula, Aberdaron is one of the best place to look at the sundown in Pen Llŷn (whether or not that’s from the terrace of the famend Gwesty Tŷ Newydd restaurant, or from the shore of the mile-long sandy stretch of seashore).
For such a distant location, this village is nearly at all times bustling with life. Gwesty’r Llong (Ship Resort) is likely one of the hottest pubs in Pen Llŷn. You can too discover a fish and chip store, cafe and ice cream parlour within the coronary heart of the village. Make sure to seize some Crasu Coed wood-fired pizzas in your drive again from Aberdaron, an unbelievable hidden gem within the space!
Uwchmynydd
Recognized by locals because the ‘fringe of the World’, Uwchmynydd is a brief and steep drive up from Aberdaron that exposes an unbelievable viewpoint out in the direction of Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). There are a variety of cliffside walks which can be accessed from Uwchmynydd, all of which offer a few of the greatest views out to the Irish Sea.
Criccieth
Alongside the outlier edges of the peninsula, you’ll discover the charming village of Criccieth – identified for its majestic medieval fortress and rocky beachfront. The village boasts an array of Victorian structure, and has some spectacular views over Cardigan Bay.
Right here, you can even discover the ever-popular Cadwaladers Ice Cream cafe, in addition to a number of different nice eateries. Amidst some quaint Welsh galleries and vintage shops in Criccieth, you can even discover a conventional Welsh clogmaker workshop within the village centre.
The place to remain on the Llŷn Peninsula
Nanhoron Arms Resort
A surprising, timeless resort on the Northern coast of Llŷn close to Nefyn and Porthdinllaen.
Ty Coch Inn
A distant resort within the well-known pink pub in Porthdinllaen. Ty coch Inn is simply accessible on foot – and offers unbelievable views of the ocean.
The Ship Resort
A nice resort within the beautiful village of Aberdaron on the tip of Llŷn.
Nant Gwrtheryn
An unbelievable base to discover some Welsh tradition with superb views of the coast.
Gwesty Ty Newydd
Luxurious rooms at a famend location within the fascinating village of Aberdaron.
The Warren, Abersoch
A luxurious caravan website with a tennis courtroom and personal seashore entry. Among the chalets are rented out on a person foundation – like this three-bedroom chalet – so store round earlier than reserving.
Concerning the Writer
This information to one of the best issues to do in Caernarfon was written by native journey author Megan Tomas.
I’m a journey author and content material creator from a small village exterior Caernarfon in North Wales. After graduating with a journalism diploma from Cardiff College, I labored for 4 years as a digital producer at a Welsh manufacturing firm. Final 12 months I left my 9-5 to pursue freelancing writing full-time, and am now slow-travelling the world (presently in Bali) as a digital nomad.
