Criccieth Tourist Information

Criccieth Welsh Castle

The remains of Criccieth Castle may not be the most intact, but for locations this Welsh castle situated as it is high on a headland framed by two stunning beaches takes top prize for setting. J.M.W. Turner certainly thought Criccieth romantic enough to include it as backdrop to his painting of storm wrecked mariners in 1836.

Unlike Beaumaris and Caernarfon, Criccieth Castle was initially a Welsh stronghold on this most strategic of rocky peninsulas looming over Tremadog Bay. Note the twin towered gatehouse which was built by the Welsh leader Llywelyn the Great around 1230 to 1240. This feature is particularly interesting for Welsh Castles, as it seems Llywelyn may well have copied the English model for castles here.

Criccieth Castle fell to the English and Edward in 1283. Edward then proceeded to rework it, refortifying and adapting a tower to incorporate a catapult. The Welsh tried to seize Criccieth Castle back, indeed in 1404 Owain Glyndwr captured it and then set fire to it. Evidence of scorching and burning on the walls can still be seen today.

Criccieth Castle, Castle Street, Cricieth, LL55 0DP. Gwynedd. Tel: 01766 522227. See CADW weblink right for opening times. On-site are toilets, an exhibition and audio visual presentation plus guidebook available.

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Criccieth Beaches Llyn Peninsula

Criccieth's two glorious blue flag beaches are a major attraction. Situated either side of the castle, Marine Beach to the west is nicely sheltered and pebbly with panoramic views out to sea.

To the east of the castle is Criccieth's main beach, a mix of pebble and sand with again superb views out to sea and plenty of rockpools. This whole stretch of the Llyn Peninsula coast from Morfa Bychan and Black Rock Sands beach south of Porthmadog, then west along the coast to Criccieth, and onwards towards Pwllheli is excellent beach holiday territory, and indeed beach coastal walking. Nicely sheltered here it is too in Tremadog Bay, with views across to the mountains of Snowdonia.

No wonder Billy Butlin thought of Pwllheli for a holiday camp - this stretch of the Llyn Coast experiences a particularly warm, temperate climate, hit as it is by the Gulf Stream. Safe, calm family bathing is on the menu here.

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Criccieth Llyn Peninsula Attractions

You've the best of both worlds based here in this pretty coastal village - easy access into Snowdonia National Park, or west to Pwllheli and the Llyn Peninsula. Criccieth is just a few miles south west of Porthmadog and the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway journey into Snowdonia.

Walkers then would do well to opt for Criccieth as a holiday base - dip into Llyn coastal walking and Snowdonia. As well as two glorious beaches on your doorstep at Criccieth, you're close to other attractions such as fairytale Portmeirion, and if you're on the castle trail Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and indeed Anglesey and Beamaris Castle are all within easy reach (not forgetting Criccieth's own castle).

Attractions within the town, alongside the castle, include the interesting Chapel of Art Galler and Art Centre, set within a non-conformist Victorian church dating from 1878. The building is of particular interest, thought to have been designed by self taught architect Owen Mirris Robers. Note the decorative leaded glass windows with stunning floral designs. Painting and drawing courses are run regularly here, with changing exhibitions often by local artists, and with a leaning towards pottery and ceramics. A wonderful feature is the Potter's Path, a pavement just in front of the building, consisting of ceramic tiles contributed by various artists.

The Chapel of Art sits adjacent to the castle headland. Chapel of Art, 8 Marine Crescent, Criccieth LL52 0EA. Tel: 01766 523570. Check the weblink right for current exhibition details and opening times.

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Criccieth Golf Club

Founded in 1905, Criccieth Golf Club is beautifully set just 1 mile inland from Criccieth. With a stunning mountain backdrop, this Welsh golf club's claim to fame is that the once Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George was once a president of the club!

Check Criccieth Golf Club's weblink right for details. The golf course is an 18 hole/par 68 course situated on high ground with generous fairways. Note the 16th tee views - a panoramic vista of the Llyn Peninsula.

To find it from Criccieth high street, follow brown signs marked Golf Club opposite the Prince of Wales pub. Follow the road past Memorial Hall, then after the Parish Church continue up for around 3/4 mile.

Criccieth Golf Club, Tel: 01766 522154. The clubhouse is open from 9am daily, snacks and bar available. Closing time is usually 5pm.

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