Snowdonia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and especially those who enjoy the more active pursuits. But there’s another side to this part of the world that is often overlooked. From Conwy in the north to the Dyfi estuary in the south, Snowdonia boasts 200 miles of glorious coastline.

You’ll find secluded bays, sheltered harbours and vast open beaches. Pretty villages and lively resorts are places to enjoy peace and quiet and places for action packed days.

Porthmadog is the biggest town and up the coast you’ll find Criccieth, with its own castle perched high above the bay.

Carry on from here onto the Llyn Peninsula and through Pwhelli and you encounter the seaside village of Abersoch. With its great beaches and fashionable bistros this is a popular spot for campers and a great base to explore the area.

MUST SEE
Portmeirion was designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the 1920s, and represents his fantasy of a classical Italianate village in the Mediterranean, transplanted to a romantic clifftop location. The 50 pastel-painted buildings and the grand piazza are a treat for the eyes, and there are 70 acres of woodland and sub-tropical gardens filled with exotic plants.

ZipWorld is actually three separate locations, all relatively close to each other in the Snowdonia area. ZipWorld Fforest (Betws-y-Coed) is a tree-top adventure course with high wires, a ‘plummet from the summit’ drop, a Zip Safari and Europe’s highest five-seater swing – Skyride. Zip World Blaenau Ffestiniog has Titan, the largest zip wire zone in the world as well as a lot of underground adventures in the old slate mines here.

Greenwood Forest Park features the UK’s only solar powered water ride, a people powered roller coaster and the longest sledge run in Wales.

DID YOU KNOW?
Portmeirion has been used as a location for countless TV shows, films and music videos but it is most famous as the place where the surreal 60s spy drama The Prisoner was filmed.

STAY AT
THE WILLOWS ABERSOCH
Yr Helyg, The Willows, Mynytho, Nr Abersoch  Pwllheli LL53 7RW
01758 740676
the-willows-abersoch.co.uk

The Willows is a very quiet, small, five-star award-winning campsite which limits the number of guests and rotates the tent pitches to give more space. Situated on the Llyn Peninsula just above Abersoch, the views from the camping areas and around the site are breathtaking.  With a coastline blessed with sandy coves and beaches (19 within an eight-mile radius) the area is a haven for walkers and water sports enthusiasts. This is not a bustling campsite with a clubhouse and lots going on. It is a place to enjoy peace, tranquillity and great views.