Local Area | Blackford Leisure

TIME TO EXPLORE

The caravan is perfectly located to use it as a base to explore the countless beaches, coves, bays and even mountains the Llyn Peninsula has to offer.

Here you’ll find a brief guide to a few of our favourites. Just click on a section below to read more.

Beaches & Bays

LLANBEDROG

Llanbedrog is just a 15 minute drive from the caravan. It is a National Trust site, with parking and amenities. After a short walk from the car parlk down to the beach, there are a couple of bars/shops to get yourself a drink or an ice cream. The beach itself sandy, with shallow waters; ideal for a day of family fun., and the iconic beach huts provide the perfect backdrop. To the western end of the beach you’ll find a footpath up the the side of the cliffs, leading to the Iron Man at the top. This location also provides a fantastic viewpoint across the southern cost of the peninsula. Read more here.

PORTHOR

Known as “Whistling Sands”, Porthor is another National Trust site, Porthor provides a white sandy beack and blue water. It gets it’s nickname from the squeak or whistle emitted by the sand particles being rubbed together when walked on in warm water. The water here can be ideal for surfing when the conditions are right. Parking is provided a short walk up the hill from the beach, with a cafe located where the road meets the beach. Read more here.

PORTHDINLLAEN

There is a lot to see at Porthdinllaen. From the iron age fort on the headland, to the picturesque views across the bayy. It is a great spot to enjoy a day at the beach, with a fine sandy beach, sheltered water, interesting rock pools and the Ty Coch Inn right on the beach. The latter is regularly voted as one of the UK’s best pubs. There’s also lots of wildlife to see, with the cliffs home to nesting sand martins, and cormorants as well as Oystercathcers and other coastal birds. The headland is also a popular spot for the local grey seals. The sheltered waters are idea for various water sports, from boating and kayaking to swimming and snorkelling. Read more here.

Shops & Sights

PORTHMADOG

A harbour town situated on the Glaslyn Estuary, Porthmadog is rich in maritime history and is an excellent base for touring the surrounding area. It has a number craft shops and restaurants. The town was named after W.A. Maddocks whose ambitious “Cob” embankment scheme led to the town’s name, which translates as “Madog’s Port”. In times gone by, it was a vital, busy shipping port for the international slate trade, brought down from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Find more here.

PWLLHELI

This bustling coastal town is located at the entrance to the peninsula, which is itself protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pwllheli’s popular open-air market on Wednesdays and Sundays is held in the square during summer months and is always busy. The town is full of character with its narrow streets which have many independent shops, boutiques, traditional pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as award-winning fish and chips and traditional Welsh icecream. Pwllheli harbour has a long history; wines from the continent were imported through here and the coast was a haven for smugglers and pirates.

CRICCIETH

Criccieth is a beautiful seaside resort town on Cardigan Bay, on the Southern side of the Llyn Peninsula. Known as the ‘Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia’, this attractive Victorian seaside resort is popular with tourists for its fantastic beaches and its traditional Welsh charm. The beach is separated into two different areas, both with incredible views of the surrounding Snowdonia Mountains. Overlooking the town on its headland stands the remains of the 13th century Criccieth Castle.

CAERNARFON

Gwynedd’s county town, is home to Wales’s most famous castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Caernarfon Castle commands the lion’s share of attention, but the town’s narrow streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront also warrants a visit. Other attractions include Welsh Highland Railway (which runs for 25 miles to Porthmadog), Hwylfan Fun Centre, Redline Indoor Karting and the scenic Lôn Eifion recreational cycle route. In addition, Waterside Doc Fictoria is home to Galeri, which is a contemporary arts complex with theatre and cinema.

BEDDGELERT

Beddgelert is a popular tourist attraction, with its picturesue bridge crossing the River Colwyn just upstream of the point it merges with the River Glaslyn. It is also the closest village to the very scenic Glaslyn gorge, and area of river running between steep wooded hills.

The folk tale of the faithful hound “Gelert” is often associated with the village. A raised mound in the village is called “Gelert’s Grave” and is a significant tourist attraction. But the grave was built by the late 18th-century landlord of the Goat Hotel, David Pritchard, who created it in order to encourage tourism. Sorry for spoiling the illusion.

Back To Nature

sNOWDON

Rising to over 3500 feet above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, and the highest peak in the UK ourside of the Scottish Highlands. There are numerous paths up to the peak, varying in length and level of difficulty.

As the businest mounting in the UK, and the 3rd most visited attraction in Wales, it’s advised that you get there early in the day to guarantee parking space.

THE RIVALS

At over 1850 feet above sea level the trio of hills known as the Rivals offer rugged walking and great views. WIth scars left by quarrying activity the Rivals are full of interest especially with the partly restored Tre’r Ceiri Hill Fort atop one of the summits. Despite the short distance of the walk, remember there is considerable ascent to be done and the terrain is hard going in places with large rocks submerged in knee deep heather.

COASTAL PATH

The best way to see all the Llyn Peninsula has to offer is on foot. There are many walks that take in the vast array of sites and scenery.

To help you plan your visit, take a look at the Wales Coast Path website, where you will find walks for all abilities.

Activities & Leisure

ROCK TO WATER

Rock to Water is a family run business operating across various locations in the picturesque region of North Wales. They provide high quality activities and training courses in a range of land and water based sports. They put their customers needs at the heart of what they do, customising the experiences as much as possible. They are continually trying to improve themselves and their business by trying to be more environmentally aware. This involves sourcing eco friendly suppliers, upcycling where ever possible and generally trying to minimise their impact on the unique environments in which we operate.

Visit their website here for more details and to book.

RABBIT FARM

The Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm and Animal Park is situated in the beautiful village of Llanystumdwy between the busy towns of Porthmadog and Pwllheli on the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales.

For over 30 years the farm has welcomed visitors to interact with a wide range of farm animals including some rare breeds. Under adult supervision, the children are allowed to handle a selection of different types of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and puppies, as well as hand-feeding many of the larger animals such as pigmy goats, alpacas, rhea, donkeys, ponies, pigs and lambs. You may see a wide variety of newly born animals or be lucky enough to witness a birth! Visit their website here for more details.

ZIP WORLD

With numerous sites across North West Wales, Zip World UK have plenty of extreme adventures for you push yourself and face your fears.

From the world’s fastest zip line, to the UK’s only quarry base go-kart track, they have so much to offer.

There’s a forest roller coaster near Betws-y-coed, zip lines near Bethesda and underground adventures near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

With so much to choose from, there’s something for (nearly) everyone.

Visit their website here for more details and to book.

SURF SNOWDONIA

There are few places on earth where you can surf inland, but as luck would have it one of them is in North Wales. Adventure Parc Snowdonia is home to our world-first surf lagoon and the only guaranteed surf break in the UK. But that’s not all! Check out their brand-new indoor and outdoor activities, including their brand-new Adrenaline Indoors facility and Explore Outdoors adventures.

Visit their website here for more details and to book.

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

Just returned from a fabulous 3 night family mini-break in this beautiful caravan. Great location with a variety of amenities to choose from. They’re not wrong when they say it’s brand new – it’s sparkling and well kitted out with lots of space to move around. It’s lovely and warm too so if the weather isn’t kind to you this cosy caravan will be just perfect to escape and chill. They even supply books, DVDs and an X-Box which delighted the 12 year old amongst our party. Our toddlers were impressed with the in-built sound system for their mini-disco yes there is room to dance around. We will definitely visit again. Thank you.

Claire, Wrexham, April 2016