5-day north wales family holiday itinerary

(for a 7-night FAMILY stay at Ysgubor Degwm)

A week at Ysgubor Degwm works best with a “one big thing per day + lots of pool/garden time” rhythm. You’ve got the dream setup for it: a private heated indoor pool, tennis court + basketball hoop, table tennis, plus loungers, BBQ and a wood-fired pizza oven for sunny evenings. (Seadog And Stone)

Day 1 (arrival – late afternoon): Settle in + “first dip” tradition

• Unpack, quick snack, then straight into the pool (it’s indoors, so it’s a win whatever the weather).

• Keep dinner easy: BBQ if it’s bright or a simple light supper.

• End with a low-effort tournament: table tennis / HORSE on the basketball hoop / a gentle hit on the tennis court.

Day 2: Castles + beach + street food in Criccieth

Morning

• Head to Criccieth Castle for big views and an easy family “explore.” (It’s ideal for a first full day—short, scenic, satisfying.)

Lunch

• Go to Y Maes (Criccieth Food Hub): a brilliant family option with multiple vendors, so everyone can choose their own thing (burgers, Thai, pizza and more). (Y Maes - Food & Culture Hub)

Afternoon

• Beach time (Criccieth or a nearby sandy stretch), then back for a late swim and garden games.

Evening

• Tennis court mini-league (kids vs adults) plus “everyone builds their own” pizza oven night. If you don't like making dough order some dough balls or pizza bases on your supermarkey delivery. Made for memories.

Day 3: Trains + Portmeirion (the “Italian village” day)

Portmerion Italian Village

Morning

• Make it a “proper Wales” day with a heritage train ride on the Ffestiniog Railway (Porthmadog ↔ Blaenau Ffestiniog). (Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways)

Lunch

• Lunch around Porthmadog (easy with kids), then on to your wow-stop…

Afternoon: Portmeirion

• Visit Portmeirion, the colourful Italianate village and gardens—one of those places kids remember because it feels a bit unreal. It’s ticketed (buy online or at the gate), and they only allow guide/assistance dogs. (portmeirion.wales)

• Plenty of food options on site, so it’s a great “wander + snack + wander” afternoon.

Evening

• Home for pool time (best after a day out) and a cosy film or board game night.

Day 4: Abersoch beach + watersports (choose your level)

Morning: Abersoch beach day

• Abersoch is a classic for families: a sheltered sandy beach and a real watersports vibe.

Watersports option A: Abersoch Hydro (lessons + hire)

• Hydro Abersoch is an RYA training centre right on the main beach, offering activities like sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more—great if you want proper instruction. (Hydro)

Watersports option B: Surf/SUP lessons

• For surfing lessons, aim for Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth)—a well-known local surf beach. (Visit Wales)

• West Coast Surf Shop runs lessons (typically at Porth Neigwl). (westcoastsurf.co.uk)

Afternoon

• Ice cream from Two Islands / beach wander / quick browse around the shops in Abersoch, then back for:

  • swim #2

  • table tennis

  • basketball “first to 10”

Evening

• BBQ + loungers if it’s golden-hour weather; otherwise, pizza oven and a long soak in the pool and then games in the lounge. (Seadog And Stone)

Day 5: Anglesey day trip (big scenery + choose-your-own adventure)

Anglesey is a brilliant “one big day out” from the Llŷn—pick two anchor stops so it doesn’t become a car marathon.

Option 1: Beach + forest + fairytale island

• Newborough Forest + Ynys Llanddwyn: a gorgeous family-friendly day with dunes, woodland and a tidal island with loads of atmosphere, heritage and wildlife.

Option 2: Castle, pretty town + PUFFINS (easy win with mixed ages)

• Beaumaris Castle (Cadw) + a wander around Beaumaris for lunch/ice cream and a boat trip to Puffin Island to see the resident seals, puffins and the Pen Mon Lighthough.

Option 3: “Wow cliffs” for older kids

• South Stack Lighthouse near Holyhead—spectacular location, with visits/tours available (check access in windy weather).

• The Oyster Catcher and Wills Bar nearby for a bite to eat in a vibrant beach bar and a stroll through the dunes.

Option 4: LIFEboats and old ghosts in moelfre

• RNLI Seawatch Centre tells the story of Moelfre's maritime and lifeboat history, including medal winning rescues, historical shipwrecks and fascinating artefacts ...

• Anne's Pantry is a family run cafe and resturant in Moelfre ideal for lunch on your adventure on Angelseys east coast.

• Red Warf Bay is on your way home from Moelfre and The Tavern on the Bay offers a nice dining experience with stunning views onto the coast.

Evening

• Back to the barn: swim, then “best moment of the day” debrief around the kitchen table.

Day 6: Gardens + local gems + planes (with an easy-walk alternative)

Morning: Plas yn Rhiw (National Trust)

• A lovely slower-paced day: Plas yn Rhiw is ideal in spring/autumn—National Trust highlights how the garden shines through the seasons (snowdrops, bluebells, orchard blossom, autumn colour). (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Lunch stop: Cwt Tatws (shop + coffee)

• Swing by Cwt Tatws (the Potato Shed) in Tudweiliog for a browse and a café stop—great for gifts and a relaxed treat. (cwt-tatws.co.uk). Its off the beaten track - a real local gem.

Afternoon: Airworld (Caernarfon Airport)

• Airworld Aviation Museum is a brilliant family afternoon—especially if you’ve got plane-mad kids. Their admissions page notes they’re typically open Fri–Sun (10–4), no need to book, no dogs, and toilets are across the car park in the airport café. (Airworld Museum)

Alternative if it’s sunny and you want an easy coastal walk instead

• Morfa Nefyn → Porthdinllaen: a great family coastal path section with the “walk to the famous pub” reward at the end. (Visit Wales notes Morfa Nefyn’s sands and mentions Porthdinllaen/Tŷ Coch.) (Visit Wales)

• Or Porthor (Whistling Sands) for a classic beach-and-picnic day.

  (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Evening

• Your final “make the most of it” night: pool → pizza oven/BBQ → tennis or table tennis finals. (Seadog And Stone)

Day 7 (departure): Breakfast + one last swim

• Pack up, have breakfast, then a last swim before checkout (it’s basically compulsory).

Check our Dates and Rates

North Wales family Holiday itinerary

Thanks for reading our North Wales family holiday itinerary ideas. There’s loads to do on the Llŷn Peninsula and the surroundings are beautiful — but the real magic is in making memories through the simple things: time together, sandy feet, swim time, and everything wrapped up in giggles.