Holiday rentals in Llŷn Peninsula

Stretching 30 miles southwest of Anglesey into the Irish Sea, the stunning narrow Llŷn Peninsula is also one of Wales’ wildest. Lots of its land has never been developed or even used for farming, so its Iron Age forts and craggy, sheep-dotted hills are magically unspoilt (walking is unsurprisingly a big draw here: it’s one of the loveliest sections of the Wales Coast Path). The beaches are also beloved and often dramatic. Between Criccieth’s two sweeping bays sits its medieval castle on high, rocky headland. Abersoch has huge, sheltered sands, and boats to the wildlife-filled paradise of Bardsey Island.

Pwllheli is the biggest town on the Llŷn Peninsula, with a lively marina and watersports facilities, plus a regular market, arts centre, and gallery. History and culture also breathes here: in Llanystumdwy, the pretty village where David Lloyd George, Britain’s prime minister during the First World War, was born (there’s now a museum here in his name), and Plas yn Rhiw, a gorgeous manor house with pretty ornamental gardens, where Wales’ Nobel Prize-nominated poet, R.S. Thomas, lived and worked in its grounds.

The peninsula is lucky enough to have a warm microclimate for Wales, being a beneficiary of the Gulf Stream. However, as the rest of the country is known for its wet, windy weather out of season, locals will tell you it’s best to always be prepared. Come between March and October if you want to catch a boat to Bardsey, a stunning island on the far west of the peninsula where pilgrims have travelled since early Christian times. Here you’ll see Celtic crosses, a lovely Victorian lighthouse, and the island’s renowned bird observatory (boats go from Porth Meudwy and Pwllheli). The beaches are lovely all year, but can get busy in the summer. Criccieth is known for its fairs, while active fun is all the rage in Abersoch, with triathlons, races, and regattas. Things don’t let up in winter in Abersoch, either: The famous New Year fancy dress dip in the sea always pulls in crowds, even if their teeth are chattering.

Llanbedrog

Llanbedrog is beloved for its primary-coloured beach huts, lining up on the shore behind clear, shallow waters which are perfect for swimming and paddling. Make sure you walk through the woods on the headland to Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, a wonderful art gallery in a Gothic mansion, then on to the much-loved Tin Man, a sculpture looking out wistfully over Cardigan Bay.

Porthdinllaen

A village on a beach might seem an outrageous idea, especially when it can’t be accessed by car. Porthdinllaen is worth the trek, though. Built for fishing, it’s now looked after by the National Trust, and has a tiny history centre, Caban Griff; a beachside pub; plus opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, and swimming.

Nant Gwrtheyrn

On the site of a quarry village abandoned during the Second World War, this Welsh language and heritage centre tells the story of the village and the beautiful language of the country, which is having a welcome revival. A walk nearby also takes you to the astonishing Iron Age fort of Tre’r Ceiri, where the remains of 150 stone houses can still be seen.