With plenty of outdoor activities including walking on the coastal path, wildlife spotting and water sports, a holiday on the Llŷn Peninsula offers a perfect mix of relaxation, fun and exploration. Here are our picks of some of the best things to do on the on the Llŷn Peninsula.
When you are ready to book your perfect place to stay, choose from our handpicked collection of luxury cottages.
Along the Llŷn Peninsula there are plenty of places to enjoy water sports, whether you want to play about or to learn how to do things properly.
Abersoch’s Porth Neigwl beach, also known as Hell’s Mouth, is very popular with surfers looking for adventure. Some good waves are created from the force of the Atlantic here.
Meanwhile, Hydro Abersoch (previously Abersoch Sailing School) offers an array of facilities, lessons and equipment for all sorts of water sports including sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking.
The National Trust’s Plas yn Rhiw is a charming manor house with ornamental gardens. Various residents added to the original 17th-century house and some of the most notable were the Keating sisters who bought it in 1939.
Highlights of the interior include the parlour with its collection of lusterware jugs and teapots, the sisters’ medicine cabinet and the stone and oak spiral staircases.
In the garden, box hedges frame different areas connected by grassy and gravel paths. It is a beautiful place to admire coastal views, while beyond the garden is woodland, a meadow and an orchard.
If you enjoy a good game of golf, the Llŷn Peninsula has three fantastic courses. All of them are in impressive locations, have modern facilities and are open to visitors.
The historic, 18-hole, par 69 course Clwb Golff Pwllheli is regarded as one of the best golf courses in North Wales. When you’ve finished your game, order a drink at the clubhouse and enjoy excellent vistas of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Clwb Golff Nefyn a’r Cylch comprises an old course (holes 1 to 10) and new course (holes 11 to 18) with the ‘Point’, eight holes on a narrow peninsula, being a particular highlight.
There’s also Clwb Golff Abersoch, a traditional links and parkland, 18-hole, par 69 course. Here, there’s the bonus of a state-of the art indoor golf simulator so you can practice your swing.
Llanbedrog is a pretty village on the Llŷn Peninsula, famed for its sheltered, sandy beach. Most of Llanbedrog Beach is managed by the National Trust and there are colourful beach huts and lovely views over Cardigan Bay.
It is popular with families and is a dog-friendly beach too. Once you’ve made your sandcastles and had a paddle, there is a good walk through the adjacent woodland up to the Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd headland. From here there are incredible, far-reaching coastal views.
You will also see the famous Tin Man sculpture who stands at the very top and offers a fantastic photo opportunity.
Llanbedrog is home to Wales’ oldest gallery, Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. Housed in a gothic-style, Grade II listed mansion built in 1857, this arts and heritage centre is a must if you are creative.
An array of art and crafts are on display, including a permanent collection of porcelain. Meanwhile, exhibitions change every 8 weeks, so there is always something new to see.
If you’d like to purchase some Welsh art, visit the on-site shop. Or you can get hands-on at one of the workshops that run throughout the year for kids and adults.
If you like walking, a luxury cottage holiday on the Llyn Peninsula gives you the opportunity to discover part of the Wales Coast Path. There are plenty of routes where coastal footpaths connect beautiful beaches and quiet bays with fishing villages and nature reserves.
Whichever section you choose, there will be fantastic views and lots of fresh air in store. There is plenty of wildlife to be spotted too, such as seals bobbing about in the sea. Plus, you can head to marinas, beachside pubs and coastal towns for refreshments as you go.
Ty Coch Inn in the fishing village of Porthdinllaen has a reputation as a fantastic place for drinks accompanied by stunning seascapes. Located on a sandy beach, this award-winning pub offers views across the Irish Sea.
To add to the appeal, the pub is only accessible by foot. Parking is possible at the National Trust Car Park at the bottom of Lon Golff or in the golf club car park, then it’s a pleasant stroll to the pub. Or you can walk via the beach (but do check the tides).
Once you are there, there is a light lunch menu and an array of drinks to choose from.
Porthor Beach (also known as Whistling Sands Beach) is a pretty, crescent-shaped beach on the Llŷn Peninsula. Go in the summer if you like a vibrant scene or visit around March or October for a much quieter affair.
However, be sure to visit on a dry day when you can listen to the sand. Yes, you read that correctly. The unusual shape of the sand grains, said to only be found in one other place in Europe, causes the unusual phenomenon of squeaking sand.
Bardsey Island is a National Nature Reserve that will wow you with its wild beauty. From March to November, Bardsey Island Boats run day trips from Porth Meudwy near Aberdaron to the island.
Lying just 2 miles from the mainland, the crossing takes about 20 minutes and dolphins can sometimes be spotted on the way. As you approach the island you are likely to see grey seals who congregate in the rocky bay.
You’ll have about 4 hours to explore the main features and landmarks. These include the ruins of the Augustinian Abbey of St Mary and a host of birds. The island has recorded over 300 species including choughs, razorbills and Manx shearwaters. It is also a designated Special Protection Area for breeding birds.
Criccieth Castle sits on the headland between two beaches above the town of Criccieth. It was built by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd, in the 13th century. Whether you wish to admire the castle from below or head up to take a closer look, there’s no doubt that the views are impressive.
From its elevated position there are incredible coastal vistas, while if you purchase an entrance ticket, you can learn all about the history via an interesting exhibition.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
