The Sanctuary is on the Llyn Peninsula and surrounded from both sides with the sea, beaches and bays as well as rocky peaks, hills and forests. We’re home to 200 miles of coast and more than 45 beaches, as well as one of the most spectacular stretches of the pioneering Wales Coast Path, a world’s first.
We’re home to 200 miles of coast and more than 45 beaches, as well as one of the most spectacular stretches of the pioneering Wales Coast Path, a world’s first.
Given the prominence of our mountains, it’s not surprising that our coastline can sometimes fly under the radar. But take the time to investigate and you’ll discover beguiling places like the Llŷn Peninsula’s squeaky clean Porth Oer, also known as Whistling Sands. It’s a geological oddity where the beach audibly squeaks beneath your feet, a phenomenon that occurs in only a handful of places worldwide.
Shell Island near Harlech is famous for … guess what? For a sense of the Sahara go to endless Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog, Barmouth or Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon. And if small and seductive resorts are your coastal cup of tea, you’ll love places like Aberdyfi and Abersoch.
Here’s a quick run-down, from north to south, of some of our coastal highlights:
Land’s end at its most idyllic. This fishing village was the last stop for pilgrims on the way to Ynys Enlli, the ‘Isle of 20,000 Saints’ otherwise known as Bardsey Island, now a National Nature Reserve renowned internationally for its birdlife. Celebrated poet RS Thomas lived in a cottage within the beautiful grounds of Plas yn Rhiw, a small National Trust manor house. Call into the National Trust’s new interpretation centre, Porth y Swnt, for an insight into Llŷn’s special landscapes, seascapes and rich cultural heritage. And be prepared to get blown away by the awesome coastal views from Mynydd Mawr headland.
Llŷn’s ‘capital’ fills many roles - seaside resort with fine blue banner beach, busy market town with art galleries and very popular sailing and watersports centre with one of the best modern marinas in the UK. Hafan Pwllheli gives access to the inviting sailing waters of Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. See the wildlife – seals, seabirds and dolphins – on coastal cruises. Excellent leisure centre to keep the kids entertained, along with activity-packed Glasfryn Parc. Penarth Fawr medieval house nearby.
Popular – and very fashionable – seaside resort and sailing/watersports centre, with fine beaches and sheltered harbour. Busy bistro life, plus a good choice of accommodation and attractions including pony trekking, boat trips and crafts centre.
Charming little seaside village with superb beach and possibly the most famous – certainly the most photogenic – line of beach huts in Wales. Home to Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, a leading arts centre and gallery. Well located for walking. Also in the area is a shooting school, for beginners and seasoned shooters.
Village set in a landscape full of interest. On Yr Eifl mountains there’s Tre’r Ceiri, an astonishingly well-preserved prehistoric village occupied until about 2,000 years ago. Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh Language and Heritage Centre, is nearby.
Popular north coast seaside village with harbour, a Maritime Museum and graceful crescent of sand leading to picturesque Porthdinllaen. Its headland golf course is not for the faint hearted – it’s like playing off the deck of an aircraft carrier.
How perfect can you get? Not much more than Porthdinllaen, a much-photographed coastal hamlet with quaint houses and waterfront inn set above a beautiful half-moon of sands. Village and beach are owned by the National Trust - access on foot only.
The Ty Coch Inn is arguably the best pub in Wales and OFFICIALLY in the top ten beach bars in the world... according to their website.
The Ty Coch Inn is nestled in the beautiful fishing village of Porthdinllaen. This is near Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd on the Llyn Peninsula. If you are using sat nav our postcode is LL53 6DB
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One of the most iconic golf courses in Wales, a 27-hole golf course with sea views from every golf tee
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Set on its own tranquil peninsula reaching into the estuary, this fantastical collection of colourful buildings with a heavy Italian influence was masterminded by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Starting in 1925, Sir Clough collected bits and pieces from disintegrating stately mansions and set them alongside his own creations to concoct this weird and wonderful seaside utopia. Today the buildings are all heritage listed, the site is a conservation area, and festivals, fairs, gigs and other events are frequently held here.
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Tiny Llanystumdwy, 1.5 miles west of Criccieth, was the boyhood home of David Lloyd George. The video, photos, posters and personal effects at the museum introduce the fiery orator and ladies' man who was largely responsible for introducing National Insurance in a two-pronged attack on unemployment and poverty. Later on in his career, his loyalty to Wales was challenged by his ambitions in Westminster and, though a friend of Churchill, by WWII Lloyd George became a shameless war apologist.
Lloyd George grew up in his uncle's house, Highgate, which is 50m away and forms part of the museum. His mortal remains moulder in a boulder-topped grave about 150m away, by a babbling brook.
Criccieth is truly a castle to capture the imagination. Crowning its own rocky headland between two beaches it commands astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay.
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Next door to Ogwen Bank Holiday Park is one of the biggest attractions in the Uk, Zip World is located in the world’s largest slate quarry, Penrhyn Quarry which is now home to the fastest zip line in the world, Velocity 2, where you can fly 500m above the bright blue quarry lake. If you are looking to experience the zip wire, then why not make a long weekend of it by renting one of our weekend pods with hot tubs overlooking the stunning Ogwen River.
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HOME TO OUR WORLD-FIRST SURF LAGOON.
It’s a splendid sight to behold: guaranteed waves set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, right in the heart of beautiful North Wales. Our man-made inland waves roll in beginner, intermediate and advanced zones.
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Just down the road from Ogwen Park is the historic and iconic Conwy Castle. Climb to the top of one of Conwy Castle's eight towers to get a stunning view of Conwy, explore the inner and outer wards with their many rooms and explore the castle walls with their 21 towers that completely enclose Conwy town. Conwy is a delightful town, stepped in history with strong independent shops, great food, and a lively atmosphere.
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The Sanctuary Luxury Lodge Resort on the Llŷn Peninsula is not just another Lodge Park and there is something very special about the unique location we find ourselves in, away from the hustle and bustle of the busier tourist attractions come and see for yourselves why this place truly is A Sanctuary.