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A improbable journey information to the very best issues to do on the Llŷn Peninsula – by an area author who grew up there!
In the event you’re in search of 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 gorgeous nook of the Welsh coast pairs rugged cliffs with pearly coves and sandy seashores. There’s a timeless, enchanting really feel to the world – and it’s filled with Welsh historical past and tradition.
Pen Llŷn is an exceptional a part of north Wales, usually in comparison with Cornwall for its enchantment to surfers and watersport fans. The coast can also be a protected ‘Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence’, in addition to a well-liked part of the unimaginable Wales Coast Path.
Traditionally, Pen Llŷn is a really rural space. The luscious rolling farmlands, dramatic sea cliffs, and timeless ports make the peninsula in contrast to anyplace else in Wales. You’ll additionally discover the Welsh language to be broadly spoken on the peninsula.
From issues to do, when to go to and the place to remain, comply with 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 realm is greatest accessed by automotive, as public transport is relatively restricted in North Wales. That stated, public buses do run just a few instances a day. The Pen Llŷn coast is just a 40-minute drive from Caernarfon, or half-hour from Porthmadog.
There are two fundamental entry factors onto the peninsula. You possibly can both take the A497 in the direction of Pwllheli, or comply with the nation lanes by way of 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.
Finest 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 yr.
Many vacationers descend on Pen Llŷn each summer time. The college vacation interval can get extraordinarily busy, notably in fashionable areas like Abersoch. For the remainder of the yr, you’ll discover the world to be pretty quiet.
Winter is usually a great time to benefit from the crisp, ocean breeze alongside the Llŷn coast. Spring is the very best season for exploring the unimaginable 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 time season.
In summer time, you’ll actually be blessed with just a few sunny days on the peninsula, regardless of the unpredictable British climate. Summer time is a superb time to discover the blue coves and famend watersports actions which are distinctive to the world. Pen Llŷn actually has the facility to move you to the likes of the Mediterranean on a sunny day.
Autumn will also be a good time to catch some golden solar on the coast. That is arguably the very 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 fans and extra can discover solace on the Llŷn coast. It is 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 the very 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 trying to calm down on the shore.
Pen Llŷn has a number of the greatest watersport actions in Wales, from coasteering and SUP excursions, to jet ski rent and extra! In the summertime, a number 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 fans 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 unimaginable wildlife, reminiscent of gray seals and even bottlenose dolphins.
Hikers can tackle the exceptional Garn Fadryn mountain for 360-degree views over the peninsula, actually among the best walks to do in Pen Llŷn. Keen hen watchers may 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), generally known as the ‘Island of 20,000 Saints’ and Europe’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Sanctuary. The island is open to guests from March by way of October, by way of day journeys and even weekly stays for these courageous sufficient to go off the grid just a few 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 excellent spot, try our native professional information to the very 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 lovely 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.
Finest 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 fundamental gateway to the peninsula, with the most important number of shops, markets and eating places within the space.
Traditionally, Pwllheli can also be a hub for crusing and watersport actions, with a big, trendy marina at its centre. Right here you’ll additionally discover a number of lodging, out of doors clothes shops and tourism centres.
Be sure you seize a drink on the native’s favorite pub, Penlan, identified for his or her unimaginable sunday roasts and occasional stay Welsh music gigs.
Abersoch
The favoured spot of vacationers in the summertime is undoubtedly the gorgeous coastal village of Abersoch. This usually crowded, albeit lovely, village is understood for its watersports and surf outlets, in addition to its classier bars and eating places. High tip: these are booked up weeks upfront in the summertime!
In reality, Abersoch is also known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’, for its luxurious enchantment and repute for crusing. Exterior of the busy summer time 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 unbiased Welsh brewery that produces scrumptious, characterful ales which are 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 incredible number of ales.
Porthdinllaen
One of the crucial fashionable 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 crimson stone pub overlooking the clear blue bay of Porthdinllaen fishing village. It’s a must-do in Pen Llŷn. In the event you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even spot seals and dolphins from the cliff edge main right down to the seashore.
Aberdaron
The idyllic previous fishing village of Aberdaron is an area’s favorite. Gloriously located on the furthest tip of the peninsula, Aberdaron is the very 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 all the time bustling with life. Gwesty’r Llong (Ship Resort) is without doubt 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. Be sure you seize some Crasu Coed wood-fired pizzas in your drive again from Aberdaron, an unimaginable hidden gem within the space!
Uwchmynydd
Identified by locals because the ‘fringe of the World’, Uwchmynydd is a brief and steep drive up from Aberdaron that exposes an unimaginable viewpoint out in the direction of Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). There are a variety of cliffside walks which are accessed from Uwchmynydd, all of which offer a number 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 citadel and rocky beachfront. The village boasts an array of Victorian structure, and has some spectacular views over Cardigan Bay.
Right here, it’s also possible to 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, it’s also possible to discover a conventional Welsh clogmaker workshop within the village centre.
The place to remain on the Llŷn Peninsula
Nanhoron Arms Resort
A shocking, timeless resort on the Northern coast of Llŷn close to Nefyn and Porthdinllaen.
Ty Coch Inn
A distant resort within the well-known crimson pub in Porthdinllaen. Ty coch Inn is just accessible on foot – and offers unimaginable views of the ocean.
The Ship Resort
A pleasing resort within the gorgeous village of Aberdaron on the tip of Llŷn.
Nant Gwrtheryn
An unimaginable base to discover some Welsh tradition with wonderful 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 web site 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.
In regards to the Writer
This information to the very 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 outdoors 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 yr 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.