Situated on the Cardigan Bay shore of the Lynnpeninsula in the northwest of Wales, Cricciethis known as ‘The Pearl Of Wales On The Shores Of Snowdonia’ and more than livesup to this spectacular description thanks to its setting. The views it offers,and the appeal of its south facing aspect, are enough to place a very warm glowinside you. The shoreline itself is divided in two by a rocky outcrop and the ruinsof Criccieth castle sit on this outcrop.
CricciethCastle
Towering over the rest of the landscape, the castleoffers a chance to explore the past at the same time as soaking in stunningviews both out to sea and back over SnowdoniaNational Park. The castle itself was first built in 1230 and has beenaltered and adapted by various people through the years until being partiallytorn and burned down in 1404. The surviving buildings still show some of thescars of this event. The castle houses displays and exhibits documenting thehistory of Welsh castles.
Beaches inCriccieth
The outcrop upon which Cricciethcastle is situated acts as a natural dividing point between its two beaches,both of which have their own distinct ambience and appeal.
To the west you will find Marine Beach, which ismade up mainly of pebbles. East of the outcrop is the larger beach, usuallyregarded as Criccieths’ main beach. This consistsof pebbles and sand and offers stunning views of the sea itself and themountains of the Welsh coast. Families will relishthe chance to swim, relax on the beach and explore the aquatic wildlife presentin the rock pools within easy walking distance. As an added bonus, thetemperate climate of the bay means that both of the beaches often play host tovisits from dolphins.
Landmarks
Criccieth is smallenough to successfully explore on foot and offers striking architecturallandmarks besides the aforementioned castle. These include a Lifeboat Stationwhich was built in 1854 and is still operating today, thanks to a volunteercrew of 17 and the lifeboat Doris Joan. The old town offers fascinatingglimpses of the past in the form of structures like 17th centuryfarm buildings, and, on Wellington Terrace, a trio of 600 year old cottageswhich are the oldest in Criccieth.
Around Criccieth
The location of Criccieth,on the very edge of Snowdonia, makes it anexcellent base for exploring the some of the most spectacular scenery that Waleshas to offer. The National Park itself provides stunning scenery and, in theform of Snowdonia, the highest mountain in England and Wales. More energeticvisitors can walk to the top, whilst those taking it easy may opt to ride thetrain up. Once at the peak, wonderful views in all directions include, on aclear day, the chance to see as far as Ireland.
Other attractions nearby include Portmeirion, theMediterranean style village used in cult sixties television programme ‘ThePrisoner’, and Llanystumdwy, the village where British Prime Minister DavidLloyd George grew up.
Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach,explore the mountains and hills on your doorstep or delve into the history ofthis archetypal Welsh community, the hotels, guesthouses and campsites of Cricciethoffer the perfect base from which to explore.
