Our Area Guide
Your guide to one of Wales’s most beautiful and unique destinations.
Surrounded by Snowdonia mountains, epic hikes and views are on our doorstep. You’ll find Portmeirion, Harlech Castle, and the narrow-gauge heritage railway of Ffestiniog are all within easy reach.
Shopping, Eating & Drinking
Although the majority of our guests are more than happy to prepare meals and eat in the house (or enjoy a BBQ in the summer), if you want to venture a little further, these are our recommendations:
Dylans | Criccieth | Dylan’s Criccieth is found on the coast of Pen Llŷn | the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, a stone’s throw from the beach, within the iconic Art Deco styled Morannedd building.
Y Sgwar | Tremadog | Sgwâr is situated in the picturesque market square of Tremadog, with beautiful views of mountain backdrops.
Cariad Gelato | In Criccieth has (arguably) the best ice cream in Wales. You can buy at their shop in Porthmadog and, often, from their cart by the beach.
Cadwaladers | in Criccieth is perfect for an afternoon cuppa and piece of cake. It is also famous for its ice cream, and offering gluten free!
The Hotel Portmerion | This award-winning art deco restaurant has a great reputation for its ambitious and innovative fare."
Castell Deudraeth | This warm and friendly restaurant has been flying the flag for Welsh fare for years, with simple but stunning dishes which never fail to please.
Whitehall | Pwllheli | We recommend this pub for a Sunday lunch.
The Old Butchers | Anglesey | For a treat, try this Michelin Star - just over the suspension bridge at Menai Bridge.
Tonnau | in Criccieth, all about serving great tasting dishes which are made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
Local restaurants / Cafes & More
Homemade meal service
We now offer a "ready homemade meal" service. If you would like to order one of our lovely housekeeper Kerrie's meals, please provide her with seven days' notice.
The current choices are:
Main Courses
Moroccan Shepherds Pie
Fish Pie
Roast Chicken
Vegetable Lasagne
With either roast or seasonable vegetables.
Pudding
Crumble (using our own fruit when in season)
The meal will be delivered to the house for you at a cost of £20 per person to be paid in cash directly to Kerrie. We cannot cook an arrival meal on the Friday as Kerrie is busy with changeovers. We can offer two different choices of main.
To order this please either email or call Kerrie - 07917 871981 / wern@dwe.com
Local Shops
Criccieth
Butchers, Bakers, and Deli:
Bryncir Butchers: Known for its high-quality meats and traditional butchery skills. It’s a great spot to pick up fresh cuts of beef, lamb, pork, sausages, and other local specialities.
Bakers: Criccieth Bakery is famous for its artisan bread, cakes, and pastries. It offers a range of freshly baked goods, including sourdough loaves, deliciously flaky croissants, and traditional Welsh cakes.
Deli: The Cottage Bakery & Deli: This charming deli offers a range of local cheeses, cured meats, preserves, and gourmet snacks. It’s the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies or a special treat.
Porthmadog
Fishmongers: Blas y Mor (Blasymor): A well-regarded fishmonger offering a wide selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood. Their selection includes fresh cod and haddock to shellfish and seasonal specials. They’re known for their high standards of freshness and quality.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Lidl and Aldi are all nearby.
Exploring North Wales
Black Rock Sands | 5 minute drive | A glorious expanse of sand, sand dunes, rock pools and the most spectacular views. It is also dog friendly.
Criccieth Beach | 5 minute drive | A lovely promenade with a pebbly beach that is perfect for collecting ‘treasures’.
Borth Y Gest | 10 minutes drive | Where you can walk right around the Peninsula across the sandy beach…just park up in the village and follow you nose!
Porthdinllaen and Nefyn Bay | 25 minute drive | The pub at Nefyn – Ty Coch Inn – was officially voted one of the “top ten beach bars in the world”- you can’t book and have to take your chance but sitting on the wall, looking across towards Cardigan Bay, you can understand why it is “arguably” the best pub in Wales.
Abersoch | 36 minute drive | with its trendy shops, gastro pubs, beach and harbour is at the end of the Peninsula and only 18 miles from Carregfelen.
Bardsey Island | 45 minute drive | (the perfect place to see grey seals, puffins and even dolphins) is magical for a day out – friendly Colin Evans (079717679895) runs day trips which HAVE to be booked in advance. We recommend taking a picnic as there is limited facilities on the island.
Beaches
The dominant feature of North Wales is, of course, Snowdon. Wales’ highest mountain at 3,560 feet. Climbing this can be a lifetime’s achievement. The first recorded ascent of Snowdon was in 1639 although there are tales of earlier ascents going back to the time of Edwards 1st’s conquest of Wales in 1284. On a clear day you can see Ireland, Scotland, England and the Isle of Man – and, allegedly, 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands.
However, for those looking for an easier ascent, Snowdon Railway promises an unforgettable journey and goes ¾ of the distance to Clogwyn Station. Before setting off, it is worth checking that the train is running as it can close at very short notice.
Penceunant Isaf is a warm and friendly walker’s café on the lower slopes of Snowdon on the Llanberis path. Usually open 365 days in the year, the food is wholesome and home made and their Bara Brith cake is legendary. Call ahead if you are going to be a large group.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways run for 40 miles through the glorious Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdon
Portmeirion – only 5 miles from Tyn Llech is the delightful, quirky, Italaniate village designed by Clough Williams-Ellis between 1923 & 1939. (David’s great uncle) Clough’s aim was to develop a naturally beautiful site without spoiling it and that, with sufficient skill and care, the natural environment could actually be enhanced. “The Italian Riviera meets rural Wales”. There is something for everybody – shopping, eating, paddling or just marvelling at such a glorious achievement.
Penrhyn Castle (close to Bangor) is an enormous, 19th Century fantasy castle that sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Straits. Owned by the National Trust, it is crammed with fascinating artefacts, including a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and Rembrand’s painting of Catrina Hooghseat.
Plas Newydd at Llanfairpwll on the island of Anglesey has spectacular views across the Menai Straits. The house was built by James Wyatt and is renowned for its association with Rex Whistler and contains his exquisite romantic mural. The woodland walks are delightful.
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
Castle Caernarfon a Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict. Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
Castles & Houses
Llecwedd Slate Quarry | is the home of Titan, Caverns and Bounce Below – and now the worlds first underground adventure golf set in a cave!
Greenwood Family Theme Park An eco-friendly family adventure park with totally mind-blowing rides, animales and experiences.
Cricceith Multi Golf is a unique site offering five different activities for all ages and abilities. From pitch and putt, to paddle boards, bike hire, to kayaks - there is a fun for the whole family.
Activities for families
Plas Brondanw - The gardens are considered by many to be Clough’s most marvellous creation. “Gradually but surely, the old house and its rehabilitation became my chief absorbing interest outside my profession” wrote Clough.
Bodnant Gardens was created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses.