If you haven’t been to this North Wales haven by the sea then you certainly need to, it’s wonderful – and the trip to get there isn’t half bad either
Wales is well-known for its wonderful coastline, its sprawling beaches and its quaint little towns and villages, with parts of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion amongst the most popular tourism spots in the country. However, there’s one place in the north of the country which may just top them all when it comes to having that ‘wow’ factor, that something a little extra special.
Abersoch in Gwynedd is a small haven nestled alongside the coast in the Llŷn Peninsula, with a population of about 2,500 people, a thriving tourist trade, and the odd celeb-spotting opportunity adding to its allure.
Getting the bus from Pwllheli, it feels like you’re being dropped off at the end of the world (in a good way), leaving a different life behind. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
In fact, you are very nearly being dropped off at the end of Wales – Abersoch is about 15 miles east of Trwyn Maen Melyn, which is about as far as the peninsula stretches.
Abersoch is one of the most picturesque spots along the Llŷn. Nestled between the crystal clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this area of Wales offers a perfect alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a range of activities and accommodation options.
Dubbed the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street filled with trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, big brands and independent shops.
One of the village’s main draws is the large Abersoch Beach, with the AA hailing it as one of the best seaside destinations anywhere. “The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards,” the AA said.
“There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”
Nearby is Harbour Beach, a strip of sand on the River Soch between the harbour and Warren Beach. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Porth Ceiriad is a secluded beach that can be tricky to find.
Following a visit to Abersoch’s stunning beaches and shoreline, you can stop for ice cream at Two Islands, a small-batch ice cream parlour recently recognised as one of Wales’s finest ice cream destinations.
Given Abersoch’s beauty, it’s a location that is bound to attract people who want that feeling of being abroad without actually having to travel overseas.
UK celebrities that have been spotted in the village include Coleen Rooney, Kate Garraway, and most recently reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague, who even sparked something of a booking frenzy after her visit was featured in her own docu-series on Amazon Prime.
Meanwhile, from further afield, Hollywood movie star Bradley Copper visited Abersoch last summer, wowing locals as he casually strolled around with another celebrity, Bear Grylls.
If you want to visit Abersoch yourself it is not accessible by train but is a short seven-mile drive from the market town of Pwllheli. However, if you really want to add even more wow to your trip and are travelling from South Wales you should consider travelling by public transport.
You can drive to Aberystwyth and then hop on the Cambrian Railway line service which stretches north all the way to Pwllheli, meandering along the north-west coastline of Wales on a journey described by the Guardian previously as one of the ‘10 most epic’ train journeys in the world. What’s more, you can do all of this for less than £15 if you book a ticket in advance.
The journey is truly magical on a clear day: you’re surrounded by green fields, the beautiful River Dyfi, and mountainous backdrops, partly obscured by the mist of an early morning.
After a change at Dovey Junction the train takes you north through more glorious scenery and past Aberdyfi, Tywyn, Fairbourne, Barmouth, the wonderful Harlech Castle, Porthmadog, and Criccieth.
It’s beautiful, relaxing and tranquil. At some points the line runs so close to the sea that you feel like you’re in it.
Once you arrive at Pwllehli you can then catch the number 18 bus. This 15-minute journey takes you through more North Wales countryside before dropping you off and leaving you behind in the haven of Abersoch, a tiny Welsh paradise.
