Nearby Towns & Villages

Porthmadog is a popular harbour town just a short drive from Criccieth. It offers a mix of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, along with a lively waterfront and access to scenic railway journeys into Snowdonia. It’s an easy and enjoyable place to spend a few hours.

Pwllheli is the main market town on the Llŷn Peninsula and has a relaxed seaside feel. With its marina, long promenade, beaches, and local shops, it’s ideal for a gentle day out by the coast.

Beddgelert is a picturesque village set within Snowdonia National Park and is well known for its riverside walks, stone bridges, and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains and woodland, it’s a lovely place for walking and taking in the scenery.

Caernarfon offers a vibrant mix of history and culture. Its historic streets, waterfront setting, and impressive castle make it a rewarding place to visit, whether for sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying a meal overlooking the water.

Railway

The Ffestiniog Railway and Welsh Highland Railway both operate from the Porthmadog area and offer memorable steam train journeys through the heart of Snowdonia. These scenic routes wind through mountains, forests, and valleys, making them an enjoyable and relaxed way to experience the landscape.

For more information visit:
festiniog rail
Highland Rail

Walking & Coastal Routes

The area around Criccieth offers excellent coastal walking for all abilities. The Llŷn Coastal Path runs close to the town, following cliffs, beaches, and headlands with wide views across Cardigan Bay. For something gentler, Criccieth Promenade provides an easy, scenic route directly from the hotel, ideal for a relaxed stroll along the seafront. Nearby Morfa Bychan and Black Rock Sands offer long, flat stretches of sand that are well suited to leisurely walks at any pace.

For more information and to explore different routes along the coastline, visit:
llyn coastal path

Nature & Scenic Beauty

Snowdonia National Park is within easy reach of Criccieth and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Wales. The landscape includes rugged mountains, peaceful valleys, clear lakes, and wooded slopes, making it ideal for walking, photography, and simply enjoying the outdoors.

Aberglaslyn Pass, located near Beddgelert, is a striking natural gorge carved by the River Glaslyn. A well-maintained riverside path runs through the pass, offering a scenic and accessible walk surrounded by woodland, rock faces, and flowing water.

The Llŷn Peninsula is known for its unspoilt coastline, open countryside, and rich wildlife. With quiet lanes, coastal paths, and sweeping sea views, it provides a more tranquil contrast to the mountains of Snowdonia.

For those who enjoy gardens and landscaped settings, Plas yn Rhiw is a National Trust manor house on the Llŷn Peninsula, featuring peaceful gardens, orchard walks, and views towards the sea. It offers a calm and reflective visit in a beautiful rural setting.

Plas Brondanw, located near Llanfrothen, is a restored formal garden designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Set against the foothills of Snowdonia, it combines structured planting with natural surroundings and makes for a relaxed and visually striking visit.

To discover more gardens, countryside walks, and protected landscapes across the region, visit:
National Trust
Snowdonia

History & Heritage

Criccieth Castle sits high above the town and is just a short walk from the hotel. The dramatic ruins overlook Cardigan Bay and offer panoramic views along the coastline and across the surrounding countryside. Built in the 13th century, the castle provides a fascinating insight into the area’s medieval history and is one of Criccieth’s most recognisable landmarks.

North Wales is also home to many other notable castles, including Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle, and Conwy Castle, all of which make rewarding day trips and form part of Wales’ rich historic landscape. To explore these and discover more castles across the region, visit:
Castles in Wales

Portmeirion is a distinctive Italian-style village located a short drive from Criccieth. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it is known for its colourful architecture, ornamental gardens, and scenic coastal setting, making it a popular and enjoyable place to explore.

Portmeirion Village

Slate and copper mining played a major role in shaping the landscape and communities of North Wales. Several former mines are open to visitors and offer a fascinating insight into the region’s industrial past.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, allow visitors to explore underground slate mines and learn about the lives of the quarrymen who once worked there. The site offers guided tours and interactive exhibits in a dramatic mountain setting.

The Copper Kingdom at Amlwch on Anglesey tells the story of one of the world’s largest copper mines in the 18th century. The visitor centre and surrounding coastal paths offer both historical insight and striking scenery.

For those interested in industrial heritage, the slate landscapes of North Wales — now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — provide a deeper understanding of how mining shaped the region’s culture and environment.

Heritage

Beaches & Coastal Days

Criccieth Beach sits directly opposite the hotel and is ideal for relaxed seaside days. With views across the bay and easy access from the promenade, it’s perfect for gentle walks, watching the tide roll in, or simply enjoying time by the sea.

The surrounding coastline is home to many other beautiful beaches, each with its own character. These include the wide sands of Dinas Dinlle with views towards the mountains of Snowdonia, the long open beach at Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog, the peaceful setting of Aberdaron at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, and the famous Whistling Sands (Porth Oer), known for the unique sound made by its fine sand.

To explore more beaches and find the perfect spot for your visit, see:
Beaches in Wales

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Zip World is one of North Wales’ most popular adventure attractions and offers a range of high-adrenaline experiences, including zip lines, underground caverns, and adventure courses. It makes for an exciting and memorable day out for those looking to add a sense of adventure to their stay.

Snowdonia and the surrounding area are well known for outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking, climbing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. With varied terrain and coastal access, the region caters to both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Along the coastline, activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are available locally, with opportunities to explore sheltered bays and open water when conditions allow. These activities offer a more relaxed way to enjoy the sea and surrounding scenery.

For further information on outdoor activities and safety advice, visit:
Adventure Smart
Snowdonia Activities