Criccieth  in Gwynedd, North Wales is a small town but its very compactness makes it an attractive resort for short breaks or indeed a family holiday. The resort is located on the beautiful Llyn peninsula, the finger of land pointing toward Ireland in the North West corner of Wales. Being to the West of the Snowdonia National Park, travellers will probably arrive via the A497 and the first thing they notice is Criccieth Castle sitting high on the rocky promontory that overlooks Cardigan Bay and separates Criccieth's East and West beaches.

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The Castle, established by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn Fawr (Llewelyn the Great) and later enlarged by King Edward the First of England, is a landmark for miles around and dominates the small town. Indeed all streets seem to lead to the Castle or at least have a view of the Castle. But if it's not the Castle at the end of the street then its the sea ! There are fantastic sea views either West toward the Llyn peninsula or East toward Snowdonia and the nearby town of Porthmadog, and across Cardigan Bay toward Harlech and its very own medieval Castle.

Criccieth owes its existence to the Castle and although the town is in a truly beautiful location it could be argued that it still owes a debt to the early Castle builders for its success as a seaside resort. Ironically the Welsh built Castle was built to keep the English out but it is now an important part of the warm Welsh welcome offered to the many tourists from over the English border.
Below the Castle are the two beaches, the West beach is a sandy beach that stretches out toward the distant mountains of the Llyn peninsula, while the East beach is a pebbly beach that sits comfortably snuggled up to the Castle rock and the lower town. While sitting on the East beach with the kids nothing is too far away. Whether its fish and chips, (Castle Street), "world famous" ice cream (Castle Street), a beach Cafe (on the promenade) or a game of pitch and put Golf (a few hundred yards along the promenade from the Castle), everything is close at hand. There is a slipway to launch kayaks or sail boats, rock pools and sea weed clumps that hide sideways scampering crabs and darting shrimps. From high tide to low tide there is plenty to keep the family occupied.
For the history buff it's just a short walk up Castle Street (again) to the impressive remains of the medieval Castle.
And should you decide to stay over in this delightful resort there are a number of guest houses and small hotels located on the Victorian seafront promenade and there are cheaper alternatives in the surrounding countryside with a choice of camp sites and caravan parks. Should you choose to eat out there are an abundance of restaurants and bistros and a number of public houses offering good beers and bar meals.