A Weekend on the Llyn PeninsulaThank you for reading A Weekend on the Llŷn Peninsula. This idyllic corner of North Wales has so much to offer — from stunning coastal and mountain walks to culture, adv

A 2-day spring/autumn itinerary from Ysgubor Degwm (with options for couples, families & mixed-age groups)

Why spring or autumn on the LlYn?

Spring and autumn are the sweet-spot seasons here: quieter coast paths, soft light for big views, and the kind of weather where a private heated indoor pool feels like a luxury and a lifesaver. Ysgubor Degwm is a restored medieval barn in the heart of Pen Llŷn, with space for groups (sleeps 10) and standout facilities like a pool, tennis court and wood-fired pizza oven.

Spring flavour: fresh green hills, blossom and garden colour (Plas yn Rhiw is gorgeous in spring).

Autumn flavour: golden evenings, dramatic seas, pub lunches, and cosy nights back at the barn.

Pick your pace: Each day below has a “Choose your vibe” section — swap options depending on whether you’re here as a couple, a family, or a mixed-age group.

Day 1: Coast, castles & an easy “wow” walk

Morning: Criccieth — castle views + seaside wander

Start the weekend with a classic: Criccieth Castle on the headland, followed by a gentle wander along the front. It’s an easy win in both spring and autumn — big views, fresh air, and you’ll feel like you’ve properly arrived. gonorthwales.co.uk

Choose your vibe (late morning)

• Couples: slow coffee + a proper stroll, then linger for photos and sea views.

• Families: castle first (burn energy early), then beach time.

• Mixed-age: keep it flexible — meet at the castle, then split into “walkers” and “coffee sippers” before regrouping.

Lunch: seaside VIEWS FROM DYLANS or Y Maes Street food vendors

Keep it simple today — you’ve got a great afternoon ahead.

Afternoon: a coastal path highlight (short, dramatic, unforgettable)

For a weekend “signature” walk without committing the whole day, pick one of these coastal options:

Option A: Porthor (Whistling Sands) + Porth Meudwy coastal loop

A compact coastal walk with proper headland drama — and it links beautifully with the area’s Bardsey/Enlli feel. The National Trust’s Porth Meudwy coastal walk is a great template route.

Option B: Morfa Nefyn to Porthdinllaen (and the Tŷ Coch)

A brilliant moderate walk with sea views and wildlife interest — the National Trust’s Porthdinllaen trail is a lovely guide, and the Tŷ Coch Inn (Red Pub right on the sandy beach) is the iconic “end point” reward.

Spring tip: pack an extra layer — the sun can be warm, the wind can still surprise you. Autumn tip: check the tide if you’re planning any beach sections near Porthdinllaen.

Local Gem: Cwt Tatws (The Potato Shed) is a gem on the LLyn, where the log burning stove warms this beautiful shop and cafe. Its off the beaten track with excellent fare and a good range of gifts and homewares. https://www.cwt-tatws.co.uk/

Evening: pool time + pizza oven night (the holiday ritual)

Back at Ysgubor Degwm, do the thing you’ll remember: a swim with your favourite tunes playing, then pizza oven night. Put music on, set up a little “toppings station,” and you’ve got an instant group tradition. (This is also where spring/autumn shine — you get that cosy glow without sacrificing the holiday feeling.)

Choose your vibe (evening)

• Couples: swim → shower → unhurried dinner → a film.

• Families: early swim, pizza assembly line, then a calm games night.

• Mixed-age: table tennis (or basketball or tennis on the court for the more athletic) mini-tournament while dinner gets going, then a relaxing evening in the pool.

Check availability for spring and autumn weekends

Day 2: Big adventure day (mountains OR trains) + a backup plan

Morning: Decide — Eryri mountain day, or scenic rail day?

Option 1 (Adults love this): Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) — hike or railway

If you’ve got keen walkers, Yr Wyddfa is the blockbuster day out. Important note: it’s a serious mountain — the National Park Authority stresses that all routes are challenging and typical round trips are 11–14.5km and 4–7 hours depending on route, fitness and conditions.

If you’d rather soak up the views without the full hike, the Snowdon Mountain Railway runs seasonally — and in early season it can run partway up (with summit services typically later, weather permitting). Snowdon Mountain Railway+1

Best for: couples, adult groups, mixed-age groups with a split plan (hikers + railway/nearby explore).

Option 2 (More “unique” and all-ages friendly): Heritage railway day via Porthmadog

A North Wales weekend classic that feels genuinely special: ride the Ffestiniog Railway or the Welsh Highland Railway for mountain-and-valley scenery. Visit Wales describes the Welsh Highland Railway as running from Caernarfon to Porthmadog past the foot of Snowdon and through the Aberglaslyn Pass. The Ffestiniog Railway runs between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Best for: families, mixed-age groups, and anyone wanting a big day out without big legs.

Afternoon: Add a “wow” activity (choose one)

For families / teens: Glasfryn Parc (wakeboarding, SUP & more)

Glasfryn is a brilliant, flexible family day because you can mix adrenaline and “gentler” options. They offer cable wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, plus loads of land/indoor activities (go-karts, bowling, soft play etc.). glasfryn.co.uk+1

For adventurous groups: Bounce Below (underground trampolines)

If you want something properly different, Bounce Below is a trampoline-style adventure in an underground cavern — one of those “we have to do that” places. Zip World+1

For thrill-seeking adults: Zip World Velocity

If your group likes a bucket-list hit, Zip World’s Velocity at Penrhyn Quarry is billed as the world’s fastest zip line (up to 100mph+). Zip World+1

For a calmer, beautiful “hidden gem”: Plas yn Rhiw (spring/autumn perfection)

A lovely manor house and garden with coastal views — a great “reset” stop for mixed ages. National Trust highlights its ornamental garden, and they even note the way the garden changes through the seasons. National Trust+1

For culture + a dramatic valley setting: Nant Gwrtheyrn Heritage Centre

A memorable spot that feels tucked away: Nant Gwrtheyrn’s heritage centre explores Welsh language and local history, with displays about the former quarrying village and the surrounding area. Nant Gwrtheyrn+1

Portmeirion: the Italian-style village (perfect after the Ffestiniog Railway)

If you want a “how is this in Wales?” moment, head to Portmeirion — a colourful, Italian-inspired village set in woodland gardens with gorgeous estuary views. It’s an easy add-on after a heritage railway day because you’ll often finish back around Porthmadog, and Portmeirion is only about 2 miles away . portmeirion.wales+1

Wander the piazza, spot all the playful architectural details, browse the little shops (including the famously quirky Prisoner souvenirs), then refuel — there are multiple cafés and plenty of food choices on site, including an Italian-style gelateria for a proper holiday treat.

Good to know: Portmeirion only allows guide/assistance dogs (so plan an alternative if you’re travelling with pets).

Optional extra for walkers: you can even turn it into a scenic half-day by doing the Porthmadog → Portmeirion leisure walk (around 3.7 miles) and then enjoying lunch/coffee in the village.

See the barn, pool and tennis court facilities

Bad-weather backup plan (still a great day)

Spring and autumn can throw a “four seasons in one day” moment — so here’s a no-drama swap:

1. Glasfryn indoor options (bowling/soft play etc.) + a shorter outdoor window when it clears glasfryn.co.uk

2. Come home early for a long swim and lounge time (book + tea + soundtrack)

3. Finish with a big group dinner and games

A Weekend on the Llyn Peninsula

Thank you for reading a weekend on the Llyn Peninsula. This idyllic slice of North Wales has so much to offer from stunning coastal and mountain hikes, culture, adventure, gardens and fine food. We hope you will visit us time and time again.