Bwlchgwyn Campsite

The lively seaside resort of Abersoch between Aberdaron and Pwllheli is a popular watersports spot and holds an annual regatta, a surfing contest and the famous Wakestock wakeboarding and music festival each July. There’s an 18-hole golf course at the village and several more in the surrounding area, a couple of riding centres nearby, and sheltered beaches and bays for sailing and windsurfing: fearless and experienced surfers can brave the waves at the popular Hell’s Mouth from Porth Neigwl beach. Aberdaron was the last stop centuries ago of pilgrims going to Ynys Enlli or Bardsley Island, said to be the burial place of King Arthur and still popular with tourists today for its scenery and wildlife. Twenty-first century visitors can hail a boat to the island from Porth Meudwy/Hermit’s Cove for more picnicking and painting; Ynys Enlli is also a National Nature Reserve so look out for porpoises, seals, dolphins and the nesting Manx shearwaters. There are aber-solutely loads of day trips round and about this area: Porthmadog and Caernarfon are around half an hour’s drive from Pwllheli, and Snowdonia National Park, visible from Abersoch, has endless activity options including white-water rafting, fishing, mountain biking and climbing. There are several villages to day-trip around too, such as lovely Llangian which has won awards for being the best kept village in Wales; the mountain village of Rhiw with historic house and ornamental garden at Plas Yn Rhiw, and the Italianate Portmeirion, famous as the filming location of TV series The Prisoner. Elsewhere in the area, steam fans can take a trip through the park’s woodland and waterfalls on the Ffestiniog Railway, with the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway puffing off from Porthmadog. The Welsh Mountain Zoo and several award-winning gardens (and beaches) are north at Colwyn Bay, which has easy access to the Isle of Anglesey, the seaside resort of Llandudno and the ancient walled town of Conwy with its looming castle.