This page contains some ideas of places to visit and things to do while on holiday at Afonwen Farm. It has been compiled by Tim Lawson who has visited the farm with his family every year for the past 9 years. Over time the best places and favourite beaches become known - you are welcome to try our list for yourselves.
Local Beaches
At the farm
Pony trekking
Local area
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Llanbedrog: 7 miles
Drive through Pwllheli and take the Abersoch road. Llanbedrog is a small village off of the main road with the beach well sign posted. Good facilities with a shop, bistro and toilets. The beach is run by the National Trust and parking is free for members. It is a pretty, sheltered sandy bay surrounded by trees with beautiful views. Also visit Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre housed in a magnificent Grade II* Listed Victorian Gothic Mansion.
Abersoch: 9 miles
Abersoch has several sandy, sheltered beaches. One can be reached though the town centre; the other is reached by driving through the town centre and taking a left turning off of the main road down towards the golf club. Both are sign posted from the main road but you will need to keep your eyes peeled. The beaches allow jet-skis and boats in designated areas. The village has a good selection of shops and places to eat.
Cricieth : 3 miles
Turning right out of the farm you will reach Cricieth. There are beaches both sides of
the castle. Parking is on the sea front. The beaches are pebbles rather than sand and great for crabbing and rock pooling at low tide. (Crab lines and bacon seem to
produce good results!!) Cricieth has many shops and places to eat.
Morfa Bychan - Black Rock Sands: 8 miles
Black Rock Sands, one of the few beaches in Britain where you can step out of the car, straight onto the sands which stretch as far as the eye can see. The surrounding sand dunes are a site of special scientific interest affording spectacular views to the whole of Cardigan Bay.
Reach it by turning up past Woolworths in Porthmadog and just keep driving - the road finishes on the beach. Dogs are allowed on some sections. Some facilities near the camp site next to the beach.
If the weather on the south coast or at the farm is poor then try driving across the peninsular to Morfa Nefyn. The north
coast is less sheltered therefore the sea
will generally be rougher. The beach at
Nefyn is beautiful and sandy. Park below
the golf club and walk down the [steep]
steps to the beach. It boasts a small cafe,
but you could stroll along the beach to the popular Y Ty Coch pub for refreshments. Many smaller sandy beaches can be
explored on Llyn e.g. Porthor; Porth Iago
and Porth Colmon
Places to visit
Portmeirion (15 minutes)
Clough Williams-Ellis' Italianate village; stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Good restaurants and picnic facilities. Use
the hotel for an excellent lunch or try the newly restored castle, Castell Deudraeth,
for a special meal. Many shops including
the Portmeirion pottery shop.
Yr Wyddfa - Snowdon (45 minutes)
The highest mountain in Wales; there are many marked footpaths to Snowdon's summit; the easiest and the most popular is the Llanberis path which starts from the town of Llanberis,or take the train. If you are an experieced mountaineer there are tougher routes to the summit like the Crib Goch route which starts at Pen y Pass. Refreshments are available at the Hafod Eryri cafe at the summit.
Take the narrow gauge railway from Porthmadog across the Cob and up into the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog Stop at
Tan y Bwlch station on the way and try
some of the walks through the hills and woodlands. Beautiful scenery. Good way
to while away several hours.
Blaenau Ffestiniog Slate Mines (30 minutes)
Visit the slate mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog and experience the history of the industry. Go on an underground train ride through the mines. The mines are always a constant temperature so they will feel cool on a hot day and warm on a cold day.
(30 minutes)
Two miles from the centre of Beddgelert,
the forest stretches within the view of Snowdon. Hire bikes from the forest centre and follow various marked trails through the forest. Fantastic views and watch out for
the wildlife.
