Things to see and do Gwynedd

Three miles of sandy beach. The promenade along the dunes sometimes seems a little haunted by the long row of rather gloomy buildings that line it. Numerous opportunities for water sports: canoeing, sailing, fishing, jet-skiing and windsurfing, or simply swimming, there's something for everyone. Hotels and campsites all along the seafront welcome you to make the most of this pleasant beach. We recommend that you visit in fine weather, as most of the nearby establishments are closed in winter.

One hour walk on 6 km on board a steam train along the lake.

The visit to the museum is fairly long. It begins with a film recounting Lloyd George's life. Then panels tell the story of his political work, his family life... Display cases show objects that belonged to him, such as the enormous pencil he used to write his memoirs! Next, a museum guide takes you into the cottage where he was raised by his mother and uncle. On the first floor, his uncle's shoemaking workshop and the dining room where Lloyd George did his homework. Upstairs, the bedroom.

It was built by Llywelyn the Great. This castle is quite different from the others in Llywelyn: it might even have been inspired by an English castle to make the plans! It was probably built between 1230 and 1240, then conquered by the English King Edward I in 1283. The latter considerably fortified the castle. He adapted the towers to catapult throwing. It was not until more than a century later that it fell into Welsh hands, those of the mythical hero, Owain Glyndwr, who seized the castle in 1404 during the Welsh Revolution.

Superb Victorian manor house with Gothic influences, built for Lady Elizabeth Love Jones Parry. Lady Elizabeth's ghost is said to haunt the premises. The manor house was opened to the public in 1896 by a Cardiff family. At the time, it was linked to Pwllheli by a tramway, and the public came to watch concerts and dance performances. In the 1970s, the mansion was acquired by a Welsh artist, Gwyneth ap Tomos and her husband. Today, in addition to exhibitions, it is possible to take art courses here, while staying on site.

An opportunity to discover the island of Bardsey, "Island of the Tides" in Welsh, famous for its fauna (especially seabirds), flora and religious history. During the crossing, the knowledgeable staff will inform you about several features of the island. Depending on the weather conditions, the rides can be cancelled, in case of doubt, call ahead. The car park is a ten-minute walk from the landing stage, so don't hesitate to contact them if you have reduced mobility. They can adapt and help you.

To the south of the village, overlooking the Irish Sea, you can visit this church dating back to the ^6th century. Saxons, soldiers of the ^12th-century Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, as well as Cromwell's soldiers during the Civil War, are said to have taken refuge here. Even today, religious expeditions to the island of Bardsey (considered the "Rome of Wales" in the ^12th century) depart from this church. You can also visit the cemetery, where some tombs date back to the ^6th century. For further information, visit the website.

Follow the path to the western tip of Wales, Mynydd Mawr, from where you can see the island of Bardsey (about 10 km). You can get there by car or by foot. Take the road from Aberdaron and park after the livestock pass. The trail leads you to the end of the tip. Grandiose!

This long sandy beach belongs to the National Trust. The alignment of its small coloured huts immediately draws attention.

Small museum that traces the history of boat building in the region. There are models of sailing ships and navigational tools. Pictures of the old port are also on display, at a time when shipbuilding was in full swing. A video also retraces the history of the place. If Porthmadog was the port from which the slate left, the sailboats also fetched salt from Spain to bring it to North America. If the museum is quiet, the cashier can give you a guided tour if you ask him nicely!

In an old house reconfigured into several spacious galleries, the painter Rob Piercy exhibits watercolour landscapes, whose motifs were approached during his expeditions to the mountains. This experienced mountaineer, member of the Alpine Club of Great Britain, is constantly inspired by the specific peaks and lights of Snowdonia. One of his books, Portmeiron (released in 2012) or The Snowdonia Collection (released in 2008), can also be purchased on site. As well as beautiful postcards in pastel shades.