
The Llyn Peninsula is found in North Wales further west than Anglesey and above Ceredigion Bay. It’s home to some of the British mainland’s most remote and bewitching beaches and villages. The peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with 100 miles of coastline, sea stacks, sandy beaches and hiking trails galore.
From Pwllheli in the east to Aberdaron in the west, we have compiled a handy compilation of the best places to stay, eat and drink, and some cool things to do with your time on the Llyn Peninsula.
The best way to get to know the Llyn Peninsula and to discover Wales, aside from living there, is to enjoy a holiday cottage stay. We have a large choice of self-catering holiday accommodation for you to browse through. Click on the button below to find your perfect place to stay.
Llyn Peninsula cottages
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The best towns and villages on the Llyn Peninsula

Aberdaron
Aberdaron is a large village at the most westerly point of the Llyn Peninsula. Its characterful houses are set in neutral tones with a splash of bright colours here and there. The Wales Coast Path wends its winding way past the village and is great for walkers of all ages. It’s a former fishing village with a few useful shops and a café; there’s also a pub, The Ship Inn, and a takeaway, the Sblash Fish Bar.
Bardsey Island is just offshore and there is a ferry service for day trippers which is great for birdwatchers. Also in Aberdaron is Porth y Swnt, a National Trust-owned ‘interpretation centre’ that focuses on the history, culture and environment of the Llyn Peninsula.
Aberdaron cottages

Abersoch
This beautiful village offers an insight into the diverse landscapes of the Welsh coastline. The sheltered sandy shores make it a haven for sun worshippers and keen water sports lovers alike. Its beautiful position means you can admire the spectacular views of the mountains of West Wales and St Tudwal’s Islands whilst soaking up the sunshine on Abersoch's beautiful beach.
The internationally recognised sailing waters at Abersoch also offer impressive boating events and the chance to catch a glimpse of the striking yachts moored up in the harbour. The village is home to the clough, one of the UK’s rarest birds, rare orchids and one the finest examples of heathland in North Wales. Occasionally, you can see examples of Abersoch’s maritime history with shipwrecks visible on the beach – but for an interesting insight, visit the Llyn Maritime Museum in nearby Nefyn for lots of local finds and fascinating tales of times gone by.
Abersoch cottages

Pwllheli
Pretty Pwllheli is set on the south coast of the Llyn Peninsula; being the largest town in the area, it has much to offer visitors. It’s not just a town – it plays the role of a seaside resort, a sailing and water sports hub, as well as a market town thriving with culture.
Pwllheli has some lovely beaches and is also known for its sailing. You can see around 400 boats docked in Hafan Pwllheli, while adjacent, you’ll find Plas Heli The National Sailing Club too. Also in Pwllheli, there are the entertaining Funland and Glasfryn Parc, which offer fun days for young families with children. The town centre’s narrow streets boast boutiques, independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, while there is also a cinema and a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool.
Pwllheli cottages
The best Llyn Peninsula walks

From Nefyn
There is a lovely hike from Morfa Nefyn to The Rivals or Yr Eifl around the bay, so come prepared for some of the best views in the region. The Rivals is the highest point on the peninsula and is made up of three peaks: Garn Ganol (564 metres), Tre’r Ceiri (485 metres) and Garn For (444 metres). The slopes of Tre’r Ceiri are also home to ruins of a prehistoric hill fort, which are the best-preserved in Northern Europe.

From Abersoch
Popular routes include walking the Wales Coast Path and the Cim Farm Circular Walk. For nature lovers, you’ll enjoy a variety of land and marine life just waiting to be discovered. Several historic churches along the Pilgrim’s Trail cover notable periods in time with some remains dating back to the 6th century. If you keep your eyes on the turquoise sea too, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident seals and dolphins swimming in the bay.
The best things to do on the Llyn Peninsula

Glasfyn Parc
Glasfryn Parc is located a few miles from our places to stay in Pwllheli and offers all kinds of activities including go-karting, wakeboarding, ten-pin bowling, quad biking, soft play and much more. You would need about ten visits to get through all the experiences. No matter what you choose, a trip to North Wales’ premier activity centre is a must if you have kids or are looking to stay active during your break to the Llyn Peninsula.
Good to know
- Where is Glasfryn Parc? Y Ffor, Pwllheli, LL53 6PG
- What activities can I do at Glasfryn Parc? Karting, wakeboarding, ten-pin bowling, quad biking, soft play, clay pigeon shooting, paddleboarding, kayaking, crazy golf, archery, or going bonkers in the aquapark
- How much does it cost to go to Glasfryn Parc? Prices vary depending on the activity you’d like to try

Pwllheli Amusements
Also known as Funland, Pwllheli Amusements is very popular with families that have small children because of the sheer number of cool fairground rides available. It is a family-run business that established itself in town 60 years ago. There is also a games arcade packed full of family favourites. There is a café on-site and lots of activities to keep kids entertained for hours and hours.
Good to know
- Where is Pwllheli Amusements? Y Maes, Pwllheli, LL53 5HB
- When is Pwllheli Amusements open? Daily between 9am and 6.30pm
- How much does it cost to visit Pwllheli Amusements? Rides cost between £1 and £2 on average

Llyn Maritime Museum
The Llyn Maritime Museum is located inside St Mary’s Church in Nefyn. Inside, there is an interesting collection of maritime artefacts that illustrate the story of local ships, and their sailors and captains. There are 400 different historic items of interest in the museum including things salvaged from shipwrecks like bottles of whisky, compasses, nameplates and ship’s bells. There is also a collection of model ships depicting how some ships lost off the Llyn Peninsula would have looked before they sank. For more things to do in Wales, why not read our handy guide?
Good to know
- Where is the Llyn Maritime Museum? Old St Mary’s Church, Nefyn, LL53 6LB
- When is the Llyn Maritime Museum open? Every day except Monday and Tuesday between 10.30am and 4pm (open between April and October only)
- How much does it cost to visit Llyn Maritime Museum? Entry is free. Donations encouraged
The best places to eat and drink on the Llyn Peninsula

Y Bryncynan, Nefyn | Best for pub food
Y Bryn Cynan is located close to Nefyn, and it’s a superb place for lunch and dinner, or drinks and bar snacks. One of this establishment’s best features is its pub garden, which is perfect for enjoying the summer sun with a cold drink or a tasty meal. There is also a children's play area, making it a great option for families looking for a place to eat and relax. Standout dishes from the menu include homemade burgers, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. Check out the vegetarian and vegan options too, as well as the gluten-free choices.
Good to know
- Where is Y Bryncynan? Morfa Nefyn, Nefyn, LL53 6AA
- Do I need to book a table at Y Bryncynan? During busy times, it’s best to book a table at Y Bryncynan
- How much does it cost to dine at Y Bryncynan? £25 per head based on a main, a dessert and a drink. Check out the online menu

Bamboo House, Pwllheli | Best for international flavours
Fantastic flavours of the Orient await you at Pwllheli’s Bamboo House. Enjoy a cool Chinese beer with a seemingly infinite choice of dishes including all your Chinese and Cantonese favourites like spring rolls, dim sum, crispy seaweed, chow mein, egg foo yung and so many more. Takeaway as well as dining in is available at Bamboo House, book ahead during the summer months and weekends.
Good to know
- Where is Bamboo House? 1-2 Llyns Penlan, Pwllheli, LL53 5DE
- How much does it cost to dine at Bamboo House? £25 per head based on a main, a side and a drink

Sblash Fish Bar, Aberdaron | Best for fish and chips
Treat yourself to a bag of fish and chips at one of the UK’s most remote chippies. As handsome a takeaway as you can get on the Llyn Peninsula, it’s a real treat to settle down to your food in the outdoor seating area or head to the nearby beach to watch the sun sink below the horizon. A takeaway from Sblash is a holiday badge of honour in this part of the country, so if you are in the area feeling peckish, you know what to do. For more ideas of places to eat and drink in Wales, check out our useful guide on the subject.
Good to know
- Where is Sblash Fish Bar? BB413, Aberdaron, LL53 8BE
- How much does it cost to eat at Sblash Fish Bar? £11 for fish and chips
The best beaches on the Llyn Peninsula

Pwllheli Beach
Pwllheli has two beaches, South Beach and Glan y Don, both of which have each been designated the prestigious Blue Flag Award and are also largely south facing, offering maximum sunshine hours. One of the beaches is a long stretch of sand found close to the marina, while the south beach, which follows the length of the promenade, largely consists of shingles and pebbles.
Good to know
- Where is Pwllheli Beach? Traeth Marian-y-De, Pwllheli, LL53 5PG
- Is Pwllheli Beach dog friendly? Yes, but there is a small exclusion zone by the promenade in effect from 1 April to 30 September. Check for signs on location
- Is there a lifeguard service at Pwllheli Beach? Yes, during the summer

Whistling Sands
Whistling Sands is the popular name for the beach at Porthor on the north coast of the Llyn Peninsula. It acquired its peculiar name from the sound the sand makes underfoot. The views from the beach are gorgeous and the owners, the National Trust, say that it is ‘one of the most perfect beaches in Wales’. There is a car park a short distance away tucked behind low-lying cliffs which is free to members and £5 for everybody else. Look out for seals and dolphins which are best viewed from the cliff tops.
Good to know
- Where is Whistling Sands? Traeth Porthor, Aberdaron, LL53 8LH
- Is Whistling Sands dog friendly? Yes, but only between 1 October and 31 March
- Is there a lifeguard service at Whistling Sands? No, there isn’t a lifeguard service at Whistling Sands

Bardsey Island
If you fancy a stroll on the beach as opposed to sunbathing, then a day trip to Bardsey Island should be on your list of beaches to visit. Day trips run between March and October and last between 3 and 4 hours. Bardsey Island is 1.5 miles by 0.5 miles with a 167-metre-tall mountain at its centre. Most of the island is farmland but it’s also a nature reserve as well as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) because of its amazing habitats and breeding birds. There is an observatory and lighthouse on the island too.
Good to know
- Where can I catch the ferry to Bardsey Island? Bardsey Boat Service, Porth Meudwy, LL53 8DA
- Where can I book a tour of Bardsey Island? Via the Bardsey Boat Trips website
- How much do tours of Bardsey Island cost? Adults £50, children £25
- Is Bardsey Island dog friendly? No, dogs are not permitted on Bardsey Island
Stay at a Llyn Peninsula holiday cottage
Stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages on the Llyn Peninsula. From cosy coastal cottages to historic homes with views of The Rivals, find your perfect base for exploring this incredible part of North Wales. Click on the button below to find your perfect place to stay on the Llyn Peninsula.
Llyn Peninsula cottages