A Gateway to Wales’ Wild & Beautiful Coastline
Nestled between Snowdonia’s mountains and the Irish Sea, Porthmadog is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking Llyn Peninsula. This charming harbor town is famous for its maritime heritage, steam railways, and scenic coastal views, while the Llyn Peninsula offers golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque villages that make it one of Wales’ most unspoiled regions. With historic castles, secluded coves, and winding coastal roads, Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula are must-visit stops on any self-drive tour of England & Wales.
What to See & Do in Porthmadog & The Llyn Peninsula
Porthmadog – A Charming Harbor Town
• Explore Porthmadog Harbour & Maritime Museum – Learn about Porthmadog’s seafaring history, from its shipbuilding past to its role in the Welsh slate trade.
• Ride the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways – Take a scenic steam train journey through Snowdonia’s mountains, rivers, and forests, with breathtaking landscapes along the way.
• Discover the Quirky Italian-Style Village of Portmeirion (nearby) – Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, this stunning, colorful village is like stepping into the Mediterranean.
• Wander Along Black Rock Sands Beach – A vast golden-sand beach, perfect for walking, picnicking, or even driving your car onto the shore.
• Enjoy Local Welsh Cuisine – Try fresh seafood, local lamb dishes, and traditional Welsh cakes in one of Porthmadog’s cosy pubs or waterfront restaurants.
Criccieth & Criccieth Castle
• Visit Criccieth Castle – A Clifftop Fortress Overlooking the Sea – Built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, this striking medieval castle sits high on a headland with panoramic coastal views.
• Explore Criccieth Beach & Promenade – A beautiful spot for seaside walks, rock pooling, or simply enjoying the fresh sea air.
• Sample the Best Ice Cream in North Wales – Stop by Cadwaladers, a famous family-run ice cream parlour, known for its delicious homemade flavors.
Exploring the Llyn Peninsula
• Drive the Llyn Coastal Route – This scenic road trip takes you along rugged cliffs, sandy bays, and charming fishing villages, with spectacular ocean views.
• Relax on the Stunning Beaches – Some of the best beaches in Wales are on the Llyn Peninsula, including:
• Abersoch Beach – A popular spot for watersports, sailing, and beach cafés.
• Porthdinllaen – A hidden gem with a secluded bay and the famous Ty Coch Inn, one of the best beachside pubs in the UK.
• Whistling Sands (Porth Oer) – A unique beach where the sand squeaks underfoot as you walk!
• Visit Nefyn & the Llyn Maritime Museum – A small but fascinating museum showcasing the peninsula’s deep connection to the sea.
• Take a Boat Trip to Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli) – Known as the “Island of 20,000 Saints,” this wild, remote island is home to seals, seabirds, and stunning coastal landscapes.
• Walk the Llyn Peninsula Section of the Wales Coast Path – A truly spectacular coastal hiking route, offering unspoiled countryside, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking sea views.
• Explore Pwllheli – The Capital of the Llyn Peninsula – A lively town with a bustling marina, local markets, and an authentic Welsh atmosphere.
With its charming harbor towns, medieval castles, golden beaches, and spectacular coastal scenery, Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula offer a truly magical experience. Whether you’re riding a steam train through Snowdonia, walking along sandy shores, or discovering hidden villages, this is a must-visit region of Wales.
A Must-See on Your Self-Drive Tour of England & Wales
Located on Wales’ northwest coast, Porthmadog and the Llyn Peninsula are essential stops for coastal explorers, history lovers, and nature seekers. Whether you’re discovering medieval castles, relaxing on quiet beaches, or enjoying the spectacular coastal drives, this region is a highlight of any UK road trip.
