You might raise your eyebrows at someone who decided to pay £85,000
for a beach hut in Abersoch, but it’s
not hard to see why when you visit the village
The delightful village
of Abersoch can be found on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd,
North Wales. Although it has fast become a thriving seaside resort, it
still maintains its peace and tranquillity, which is one of the reasons
why many flock here each year. Because of its popularity, property prices
have soared, causing a beach hut to be bought for a jaw-dropping £85,000
last year!
Eleven minutes from Pwllheli and 47 minutes from the
historical town of Caernarfon, Abersoch is the perfect place for people
who want a short break away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Village
centre
Although small and peaceful, Abersoch has a bustling village centre,
full of shoppers keen to browse the charming shops and stores. Here you
will be able to find jewellery stores, a book shop, clothing shops catering
for women, men and children, a garden centre and several gift shops with
brilliant souvenirs to take home with you. If you need to relax after
your shopping expedition, then there are numerous bars and cafes where
you can relax with a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
Attractions:
Beaches
You are never far from a fantastic beach in Abersoch and the Lleyn Peninsula.
Besides Abersoch's own beaches there are several superb beaches within
just a few miles of Abersoch , all with something
unique and different to offer their visitors.
Family Beaches
These beaches are mostly popular, sandy resorts, although some are quieter,
relaxing retreats. The water quality of these beaches is excellent, making
them perfect spots for the whole family to relax:
Abersoch Main Beach,
the most popular beach in the area with calm waters and perfect for building
sandcastles;
Abersoch Harbour Beach, a quiet retreat between the river Soch and the
Warren Beach;
Aberdaron Beach, perfect for families and popular with windsurfers;
Porth Ceiriad, a quiet and beautiful beach;
Llanbedrog Beach, a sheltered beach backed by woodland;
Porth Dinllaen, one of the more popular beaches with golden sands and
a setting to die for;
Porth Oer, a popular beach also known as ‘Whistling Sands’,
named after the whistling sound that occurs when you shuffle your feet
along the sand;
Nefyn Beach, with glorious sands stretching on for 2 miles, and
Warren Beach, a private and sandy beach perfect for families to relax
on.
Beaches to visit
These beaches deserve to be visited for their breathtaking views across
the shores and for their incredible scenery:
Porth Colmon, a very quiet
retreat away from Abersoch Main Beach;
Porth Neigwl, also known as Hell’s Mouth, which is very popular
with surfers (please note that no bathing is allowed here at all, because
of the strong currents and undertows, and the cliffs should be avoided
as they are unstable);
Porth Ysgaden, with its rocky outcrops, and
Porth Ysgo, a wonderful beach with old mining artefacts and a cascading
waterfall.
Sports
Because of its excellent spot along the Llyn Peninsula and its mostly
calm waters, Abersoch is extremely popular with those who have a passion
for water sports. Activities include windsurfing, sailing, wakeboarding,
surfing and bodyboarding, and can be tried at numerous beaches around
Abersoch.
Fancy sports on dry land and not on water? Then you’ll
enjoy the Abersoch Golf Club, an 18 hole course with terrific views of
Cardigan Bay and even towards the Snowdonia mountain range. The club
offers a friendly atmosphere and after your golfing trip, why not head
to the bar in the clubhouse, where you can enjoy tea, coffee or an alcoholic
beverage?
Dwyfor Rabbit Farm
The Dwyfor Rabbit Farm close to Abersoch, is a popular attraction with
both adults and children. Various breeds of rabbits can be watched, and
the farm is also home to farm animals such as ponies and lambs. Children
will love handling sheepdog puppies and baby rabbits, feeding farmyard
animals and poultry, and taking a pony and trap ride. The farm is open
daily from Easter to October, so make sure you head here during the season!
Fishing
and Seal Trips
Take a trip to St Tudwal’s Islands, three tiny
islands just off Cardigan Bay, to see seals and other wildlife in their
natural habitat. Alternatively you can take a fishing trip around the
island. For more information and to book a trip call 01758 712646.
Bardsey
Island
In the 6th Century, the age of the saints, St Cadfaen built a monastery
upon Bardsey Island, which became a focal point for Christian
pilgrims who would walk for hundreds of miles to reach the island.
Today the island can be visited in a more relaxed manner but you will
still need to catch a boat from Porth Meudwy, at Aberdaron, or alternatively
Pwllheli. You will then have three and a half hours to explore this magnificent
island, with its church ruins, its scenery and its views spanning out
across the Irish Sea.
Wildlife
The area around Abersoch is home to an abundance of wildlife, from dolphins
and seals on the bay, to badgers, foxes, and brown hares on land. Twenty
bottle-nose dolphins have been known to flock to the bay from time to
time, and large numbers of birds have also decided to nest in Abersoch,
including buzzards, peregrines, whitethroats, willow warblers and the
clumsy Guillemot penguin.
Festivals
Each year, the Wakestock Festival is held in Abersoch, and in previous
years has attracted bands such as The Zutons, Mystery Jets and Happy
Mondays. The festival takes place over three days in July, providing
a fun event for everyone who has a passion for music!
The Abersoch Jazz
Festival is also held here annually, providing an alternative music festival
for those who don’t fancy greeting the
mud at Wakestock. Jazz bands and orchestras come from far and wide to
play this three-day event, making it an internationally famous festival.
History
Abersoch would have once been a major fishing port for the Lleyn,
with its excellent location along the sheltered southern coast of the
peninsula. These days though it has become a popular destination for
the sailing fraternity and those who just like messing about in boats.
The waters off Abersoch are also popular with windsurfers and jet-skiers,
with its calm waters and beautiful beaches.
Accommodation & Services
The Abersoch ‘Grab A Bus’ Hail and Ride Service is a brilliant
way to get about the village to see most of the attractions, especially
if you haven’t a car of your own.
There are several luxury hotels
located in Abersoch, with a few more to be found near Criccieth, Pwllheli
and in Nefyn on the opposite side of the peninsula. Want to go independent?
An abundance of self catering cottages can be found all along the peninsula,
both in Abersoch itself and amongst the green countryside of Llanbedrog
and Dinas.
Abersoch is the perfect place to visit, but don’t try
buying any property here unless you’ve got a fat wallet. The prices
will just make you raise your eyebrows…
