Shepherd's huts near Barmouth

There are few better places to visit in West Wales if you enjoy surfing, sailing, or birdwatching than the strikingly beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, which is home to Abersoch, Pwllheli, Bardsey Island, and Aberdaron. Explore the coastal footpaths on foot or by bike, take to the water, or visit a pub which is quite literally on the beach before laying your head at a sea view campgrounds with electric hook-ups, caravan park, or glamping site.

Beachy Barmouth enjoys peak season and the best weather—like much of Wales—between June and September, when watersports, camping, and fair-weather walking are all popular pursuits. Summer also welcomes kite festivals, the Three Peaks Yacht Race, and the Hurly Burly 10K Swim, but Barmouth in the spring is perfectly pleasant, as are the nearby wildflower blooms, while autumn is quieter and good for caravanning. Skip winter, when it’s usually cold and unpleasant on the coast.

• Although there are one or two independent camping supply stores (and a Regatta outlet) in Barmouth, you’d be best to stock up on the essentials in nearby Aberystwyth or even Porthmadog.
• Barmouth is situated on the scenic Cambrian Coast Line, which runs between Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula and Machynlleth in the southern extremes of Snowdonia National Park.
• Buses run to Barmouth from Wrexham, but connections might need to be made in Dolgellau if you’re arriving from other areas.
• Ferries run from Barmouth to Penrhyn Point, from which you can hop on the Fairbourne Railway to nearby Fairbourne.