Local Area Information
Criccieth is a delightful seaside town on Cardigan Bay, on the Southern side of the Llyn Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Known as the ‘Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia’, this attractive Victorian seaside resort is popular with tourists for its fantastic beaches, 13th Century Castle and its traditional Welsh charm.
A stunning location boasting sea and mountain Views. Minutes to the beach and the high street. On your doorstep there are a selection of fabulous restaurants, cafes and shops. There is also plenty of nearby activities on land and sea; water sports, beach sauna, footgolf, children play area, football park and butterfly garden. A must is walk to the top of the castle, simply stunning views. Along with lots of local walks from the house.
Nearby Snowdonia offers the opportunity for walking and exploring. Four golf courses are within easy reach and Portmerion the world famous Italy village is a 15 minute drive.
Top Things to Do Near Criccieth
🏰 Criccieth Castle
A must‑see medieval fortress perched dramatically on a rocky headland between two beaches. Visitors love the panoramic views across Cardigan Bay and the town below.
🏖️ Criccieth’s Two Beaches
- Criccieth Beach (East Beach) – Sheltered, family‑friendly, great for paddling and promenade walks.
- Marine Beach (West Beach) – Known for colourful houses and beautiful coastal views.
Both offer rock pools, calm waters, and plenty of space for kids.
🎣 Eisteddfa Fishery
A highly rated local spot for fishing, especially popular with families and beginners.
🚂 Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Steam Railways (Porthmadog)
Just a short drive away, these heritage railways offer nostalgic steam journeys through Snowdonia’s dramatic landscapes — a favourite day out for families.
🏘️ Portmeirion Village
A quirky, colourful Italian‑style village set in woodlands and gardens. Unique architecture, scenic walks, and a magical atmosphere make it a standout local attraction.
🏖️ Nearby Sandy Beaches
For classic long sandy stretches, head to:
- Black Rock Sands (Morfa Bychan) – Vast, drive‑on beach ideal for sandcastles and bodyboarding.
- Abererch & Llanbedrog – Sheltered, family‑friendly beaches perfect for watersports.
🚶 Coastal Walks & Wildlife
Criccieth sits on the Wales Coast Path, offering easy walks to Porthmadog, secluded coves, and viewpoints like Moel y Gest. Keep an eye out for dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds along the way.
🛍️ Local Shops & Galleries
Browse independent galleries, antiques, and local crafts — including a traditional Welsh clog maker still working in town.
👨👩👧 Family‑Friendly Things to Do Near Criccieth
🏰 Criccieth Castle
Kids love exploring the towers and grassy slopes, and adults get the stunning views over the bay. Easy to reach and great for a short outing.
🏖️ Criccieth’s Two Beaches
- East Beach – gentle waves, perfect for paddling and sandcastle building
- West Beach – rock pools, shells, and beautiful sunsets
Both are safe, spacious, and ideal for family strolls.
🚂 Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Steam Railways
A huge hit with children. Ride a traditional steam train through forests, mountains, and valleys. Departures from nearby Porthmadog.
🏘️ Portmeirion Village
A colourful, storybook‑like village with gardens, woodland trails, gelato, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
🐠 SeaZoo & Foel Farm (Anglesey)
A little further afield but great for a full family day out — marine life, farm animals, tractor rides, and chocolate‑making demos.
🐐 Dwyfor Ranch Animal Farm & Activity Park
Just outside Criccieth. Hands‑on feeding sessions, friendly animals, play areas, and tractor rides. Brilliant for younger children.
🛝 GreenWood Family Park
An eco‑adventure park with rides, slides, mazes, soft play, and outdoor fun. Ideal for primary‑school‑age kids.
🏄 Black Rock Sands (Morfa Bychan)
A huge sandy beach where you can drive right onto the sand. Perfect for picnics, kite flying, bodyboarding, and beach games.
🥾 Family Walks on the Wales Coast Path
Gentle, scenic routes from Criccieth to Llanystumdwy or Porthmadog. Great for spotting birds, seals, and the occasional dolphin.
🍦 Cadwaladers Ice Cream
A Criccieth classic. A must‑stop treat after a day of exploring.
🏰 Local Castles Near Criccieth
Criccieth Castle (in town)
A dramatic 13th‑century fortress perched on a rocky headland between two beaches. Built by Welsh princes and later reinforced by Edward I, it offers sweeping views over Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia. A must‑visit for all guests.
Harlech Castle (approx. 20 minutes)
A UNESCO‑listed stronghold from Edward I’s “Iron Ring” of castles. Known for its imposing walls and spectacular mountain‑and‑sea backdrop. One of the most impressive medieval sites in Wales.
Caernarfon Castle (approx. 35 minutes)
A massive, polygon‑towered fortress and another of Edward I’s masterpieces. Famous for its scale, architecture, and royal connections. A great day trip for families and history lovers.
Conwy Castle (approx. 50 minutes)
A remarkably well‑preserved medieval castle with eight huge towers and views over the estuary. Often considered one of the finest surviving fortresses in Europe.
Penrhyn Castle (approx. 45 minutes)
A 19th‑century neo‑Norman fantasy castle with lavish interiors, extensive grounds, and a fascinating industrial history. Great for families thanks to its gardens and museum spaces.
⛳ Golf Courses Near Criccieth
Porthmadog Golf Club (approx. 10 minutes)
A highly regarded mix of links and parkland holes, offering challenge and scenery in equal measure.
Pwllheli Golf Club (approx. 15 minutes)
A coastal course with both links and parkland character. Scenic, friendly, and ideal for holiday golfers.
Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech (approx. 20 minutes)
One of Wales’ premier championship links courses. Dramatic dunes, tough holes, and unforgettable views.
Caernarfon Golf Club (approx. 35 minutes)
A welcoming 18‑hole parkland course overlooking the Menai Strait, with views towards Anglesey and Snowdonia. A great option for families and mixed‑ability groups.
Abersoch Golf Club (approx. 25 minutes)
A fun, varied seaside course with dunes, coastal winds, and plenty of character.
Nefyn & District Golf Club (approx. 35–40 minutes)
Famous for its spectacular peninsula holes — one of the most photographed golf courses in the UK.
🌿 Gardens Near Criccieth
Portmeirion Gardens (approx. 15 minutes)
A stunning mix of woodland, subtropical planting, coastal views, and hidden pathways. The village itself is colourful and whimsical, and the surrounding gardens are full of exotic plants, sculptures, and quiet corners to explore.
Plas Brondanw Gardens (approx. 20 minutes)
Created by Clough Williams‑Ellis (the architect behind Portmeirion), these formal gardens are full of terraces, topiary, fountains, and mountain views. A peaceful, artistic garden with a magical feel.
Plas yn Rhiw (approx. 35 minutes)
A National Trust property with beautifully restored ornamental gardens overlooking Cardigan Bay. Expect vibrant borders, old stone walls, and a charming historic house.
Bodnant Garden (approx. 50–60 minutes)
One of the most famous gardens in Wales. Known for its grand terraces, rose gardens, woodland walks, and the iconic Laburnum Arch. A spectacular day out for garden lovers.
Caerau Gardens (approx. 40 minutes)
A family‑run garden in the hills above Bala, full of colourful borders, woodland paths, and a lovely café. Peaceful, creative, and great for plant enthusiasts.
Treborth Botanic Garden (approx. 45 minutes)
Run by Bangor University, this garden includes glasshouses, wildflower meadows, and woodland trails. A relaxed, educational option for families.
⚡ Adrenaline‑Fuelled Activities Near Criccieth
Here’s a high‑energy, adrenaline‑packed list of things to do near Criccieth — perfect for thrill‑seekers and adventure‑hungry guests.
🧗 Rock Climbing & Scrambling (Tremadog & Snowdonia)
Tremadog’s famous crags are just minutes away — a hotspot for climbers. Snowdonia adds iconic scrambles like Crib Goch, Tryfan’s North Ridge, and Bristly Ridge for serious heart‑pumping adventure.
🚵 Mountain Biking at Coed y Brenin
One of the UK’s top MTB centres, with fast descents, technical trails, jumps, and all‑weather routes. Ideal for riders who want a proper challenge.
🧗♂️ Zip World Adventures
A short drive opens up some of Wales’ biggest adrenaline hits:
- Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zip line
- Zip World Caverns – underground zip lines and rope courses
- Bounce Below – giant trampolines in a cavern
- Forest Coaster – a gravity‑powered alpine coaster
🛶 Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Surfing
Criccieth Bay is great for calmer days, but for bigger thrills head to:
- Abersoch – surf schools and coastal kayaking
- Black Rock Sands – bodyboarding and beach‑launch adventures
🧗 Indoor Climbing & Adventure Parks
Nearby centres offer bouldering, climbing walls, and high‑ropes courses
🥾 High‑Level Ridge Walks in Snowdonia
For hikers who want exposure and big views:
- Crib Goch (knife‑edge ridge)
- Glyderau (scrambles and pinnacles)
- The Nantlle Ridge (quiet, rugged, dramatic)
🚤 Powerboat & Rib Rides (Pwllheli & Abersoch)
Fast‑paced coastal trips with spray, speed, and wildlife spotting thrown in.
🏎️ Off‑Road Driving & Quad Biking
Local centres offer guided off‑road experiences, muddy trails, and quad bike adventures through forests and farmland.