Our Area Guide
The Wern Estate sits at the heart of one of Wales’s most rewarding corners — the Llyn Peninsula, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, flanked by Snowdonia National Park to the north and Cardigan Bay to the south. Black Rock Sands and Criccieth Beach are five minutes away. Portmeirion is five miles. Snowdon, Harlech Castle, and Caernarfon are all within an hour. Whether you’re after Blue Flag beaches, mountain hikes, heritage railways, Michelin-starred food, or simply a pint on a clifftop, it’s all within reach.
Shopping, Eating & Drinking
Most of our guests are more than happy cooking at home — the cottages are well-equipped and the BBQs get plenty of use in summer. But when you want to venture out, these are our favourites:
Dylans | Criccieth | Right on the seafront in the iconic Art Deco Morannedd building. Relaxed, unpretentious, and reliably excellent.
Y Sgwar | Tremadog | A lovely spot in the market square with mountain views.
Y Maes Court | A revived historic space combining food, passion, and art.
Cariad Gelato | Criccieth | Arguably the best ice cream in Wales. Find them in Porthmadog or by the beach.
Cadwaladers | Criccieth | Perfect for an afternoon tea and slice of cake. Gluten-free options available.
The Hotel Portmeirion | The award-winning Art Deco restaurant within Portmeirion village. Book ahead.
Castell Deudraeth | Warm, friendly brasserie flying the flag for Welsh produce.
Whitehall | Pwllheli | A reliable Sunday lunch destination.
The Old Butchers | Anglesey | Michelin-starred. Worth the drive for a special occasion.
Tonnau | Criccieth | Locally sourced seasonal dishes in a lovely setting.
The Fanny Talbot | Barmouth | praised by the Michelin Guide for its cosy feel and classical cooking.
Local restaurants / Cafes & More
Local Shops
Criccieth
Butchers, Bakers, and Deli:
Bryncir Butchers: Known for its high-quality meats and traditional butchery skills. It’s a great spot to pick up fresh cuts of beef, lamb, pork, sausages, and other local specialities.
Bakers: Criccieth Bakery is famous for its artisan bread, cakes, and pastries. It offers a range of freshly baked goods, including sourdough loaves, deliciously flaky croissants, and traditional Welsh cakes.
Deli: The Cottage Bakery & Deli: This charming deli offers a range of local cheeses, cured meats, preserves, and gourmet snacks. It’s the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies or a special treat.
Porthmadog
Fishmongers: Blas y Mor (Blasymor): A well-regarded fishmonger offering a wide selection of fresh, locally sourced seafood. Their selection includes fresh cod and haddock to shellfish and seasonal specials. They’re known for their high standards of freshness and quality.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Lidl and Aldi are all nearby.
Exploring North Wales
Black Rock Sands | 5 minute drive | A glorious expanse of sand, sand dunes, rock pools and the most spectacular views. It is also dog friendly.
Criccieth Beach | 5 minute drive | A lovely promenade with a pebbly beach that is perfect for collecting ‘treasures’.
Borth Y Gest | 10 minutes drive | Where you can walk right around the Peninsula across the sandy beach…just park up in the village and follow you nose!
Porthdinllaen and Nefyn Bay | 25 minute drive | The pub at Nefyn – Ty Coch Inn – was officially voted one of the “top ten beach bars in the world”- you can’t book and have to take your chance but sitting on the wall, looking across towards Cardigan Bay, you can understand why it is “arguably” the best pub in Wales.
Abersoch | 36 minute drive | with its trendy shops, gastro pubs, beach and harbour is at the end of the Peninsula and only 18 miles from Carregfelen.
Bardsey Island | 45 minute drive | (the perfect place to see grey seals, puffins and even dolphins) is magical for a day out – friendly Colin Evans (079717679895) runs day trips which HAVE to be booked in advance. We recommend taking a picnic as there is limited facilities on the island.
Beaches
The dominant feature of North Wales is, of course, Snowdon. Wales’ highest mountain at 3,560 feet. Climbing this can be a lifetime’s achievement. The first recorded ascent of Snowdon was in 1639 although there are tales of earlier ascents going back to the time of Edwards 1st’s conquest of Wales in 1284. On a clear day you can see Ireland, Scotland, England and the Isle of Man – and, allegedly, 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands.
However, for those looking for an easier ascent, Snowdon Railway promises an unforgettable journey and goes ¾ of the distance to Clogwyn Station. Before setting off, it is worth checking that the train is running as it can close at very short notice.
Penceunant Isaf is a warm and friendly walker’s café on the lower slopes of Snowdon on the Llanberis path. Usually open 365 days in the year, the food is wholesome and home made and their Bara Brith cake is legendary. Call ahead if you are going to be a large group.
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways run for 40 miles through the glorious Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdon
Portmeirion – only 5 miles from Tyn Llech is the delightful, quirky, Italaniate village designed by Clough Williams-Ellis between 1923 & 1939. (David’s great uncle) Clough’s aim was to develop a naturally beautiful site without spoiling it and that, with sufficient skill and care, the natural environment could actually be enhanced. “The Italian Riviera meets rural Wales”. There is something for everybody – shopping, eating, paddling or just marvelling at such a glorious achievement.
Penrhyn Castle (close to Bangor) is an enormous, 19th Century fantasy castle that sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Straits. Owned by the National Trust, it is crammed with fascinating artefacts, including a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and Rembrand’s painting of Catrina Hooghseat.
Plas Newydd at Llanfairpwll on the island of Anglesey has spectacular views across the Menai Straits. The house was built by James Wyatt and is renowned for its association with Rex Whistler and contains his exquisite romantic mural. The woodland walks are delightful.
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
Castle Caernarfon a Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict. Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
Castles & Houses
Llecwedd Slate Quarry Is the home of Titan, Caverns and Bounce Below – and now the worlds first underground adventure golf set in a cave!
Greenwood Family Theme Park An eco-friendly family adventure park with totally mind-blowing rides, animals and experiences.
Paddle Boarding Based in Criccieth, a fun, versatile outdoor activity where you stand on a board and use a paddle to glide across water.
Kayaking Get a unique perspective from the water as you glide along in a small, boat propelled by a double-bladed paddle, based in Criccieth.
Mini-Golf A fun activity for all the family, enjoy Playing the 9 hole course situated right on the sea cliffs of Criccieth.
Whitewater Rafting Embraced getting soaked in the UK’s natural rapids, just 40 minutes from Wern Holiday Cottages.
The Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit farm and Animal Park is situated in the beautiful village of Llanystumdwy between the busy towns of Porthmadog and Pwllheli.
Activities for families
Gardens
Plas Brondanw - The gardens are considered by many to be Clough’s most marvellous creation. “Gradually but surely, the old house and its rehabilitation became my chief absorbing interest outside my profession” wrote Clough.
Bodnant Gardens was created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses.
Golf
Royal St Davids - 20 min drive
Porthmadog Golf Club - 10 min drive
Pwllheli Golf Club - 15 min drive
Nefyn Golf Club - 35 min drive
Caernafon Golf Club - 30 min drive
Anglesey Golf Club - 50 min drive