Llŷn
Pwllheli guide
The "salt water pool": the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula, with a big marina, two beaches and the whole of Llŷn on the doorstep.1355Granted its charter1925Plaid Cymru founded hereWednesdayMarket dayBy trainEnd of the Cambrian Coast line
Overview
Why go to Pwllheli
Pwllheli is a working Welsh town first and a resort second, which is a big part of its charm. It has been a market town since its charter in 1355, and on 5 August 1925 Plaid Cymru was founded here. Today it is home to Hafan Pwllheli, one of the best sailing marinas in Wales, and a long sandy beach that runs south from the harbour.It is also the natural base for exploring Llŷn, a peninsula of small coves, National Trust coastline and quiet lanes, running out to Bardsey Island at the tip.Things to do
Top things to do in and around Pwllheli
Plas Glyn-y-WeddwGothic mansion of 1857 at Llanbedrog, now Wales's oldest art gallery, with woodland walks down to the beach.
Llanbedrog beachNational Trust beach with colourful beach huts, sheltered by the headland, a few miles from town.
PorthdinllaenA tiny fishing hamlet on the north coast, owned by the National Trust, with a pub right on the sand.
Whistling SandsPorthor, near Aberdaron, where the sand squeaks underfoot when it is dry.
Plas yn RhiwNational Trust manor house and gardens above Porth Neigwl. Seasonal opening, so check before you go.
Nant GwrtheyrnA former quarry village in a dramatic valley by the sea, now the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.
Bardsey IslandYnys Enlli, the island of 20,000 saints, off the tip of Llŷn. In 2023 it became Europe's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Boats run in season.
Neuadd DwyforThe town's theatre and cinema, showing films since 1912.
Outdoors
Beaches and walks
Pwllheli has two beaches, either side of the harbour. The Wales Coast Path runs right around Llŷn, and good short walks include Llanbedrog headland, the beach walk to Porthdinllaen from Morfa Nefyn, and the coast at Aberdaron. Penarth Fawr, a 15th century hall house a few miles east of town, makes a good stop on the way.Getting there
Getting to Pwllheli
By car: from Caernarfon take the A499 down the coast; from Porthmadog and Criccieth take the A497. Roads on Llŷn are narrow and busy in summer, so allow extra time.By train: Pwllheli is the end of the Cambrian Coast line, via Criccieth, Porthmadog, Barmouth and Machynlleth.By bus: regular buses run to Caernarfon and Porthmadog, with Llŷn services out to Nefyn and Aberdaron.What's on
Events in and around Pwllheli
- 24Oct
Sat 24 Oct, 10:30amCalan Gaeaf at Plas yn RhiwPlas yn Rhiw (National Trust), PwllheliFamily outdoor adventure: follow a creature trail inspired by Welsh folklore, make a protective charm and enjoy harvest and traditional Calan Gaeaf activities in the orchard. - 24Oct
Sat 24 Oct, 11amExplore the World Through SongPlas Glyn-y-Weddw, PwllheliSong workshop for ages 0 to 10, all ages welcome. Plas Glyn-y-Weddw: 01758 740763 or [email protected]. - 25Oct
Sun 25 Oct, 9amTrust10 Aberdaron: Free 10k Trail RunPorth y Swnt, PwllheliFree monthly 10k trail run (two 5k loops) from Aberdaron to Porth Meudwy on the coast path, held on the fourth Sunday. Briefing at 9am. Not marshalled; over-14s only. - 25Oct
Sun 25 Oct, 2pmConcert: Songs of the Earth, Alys Mererid Roberts & Frederick BrownPlas Glyn-y-Weddw, PwllheliAfternoon concert by Alys Mererid Roberts and Frederick Brown. £12, members £10. Plas Glyn-y-Weddw: 01758 740763 or [email protected]. - 26Oct
Mon 26 Oct, 10amHalloween Fun Day at Plas Glyn-y-WeddwPlas Glyn-y-Weddw, PwllheliNature-themed outdoor challenges, a natural-materials craft station, eco-friendly Halloween tips and sweet treats, for all ages. Free, ticketed via Eventbrite. - 27OctTue 27 Oct, 10:30amSpooky Storytelling with Anni Llŷn (Welsh)Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, PwllheliWelsh-language group storytelling for under-7s; each child makes a story to take home. Plas Glyn-y-Weddw: 01758 740763 or [email protected].
See more eventsListings from North Wales Events. Check with the venue before you travel.
Stay
Places to stay in Pwllheli and Llŷn
Hotels, holiday parks, cottages and campsites across the town and the peninsula.Search places to stay in Pwllheli
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, for hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and holiday homes.
Nearby
More to explore
Caernarfon.comVisitor guide to Caernarfon and the towns around it, the gateway to Llŷn.Visit the site →Harlech.comAcross Tremadog Bay: Harlech Castle and the dunes.Visit the site →Snowdon.comOur guide to Eryri, Yr Wyddfa and its paths.Visit the site →
Carry on to Caernarfon, Eryri and Snowdon or across to Anglesey. See also Gwynedd Council and all areas.
