Coach Holidays to Criccieth
Criccieth is a beautiful seaside resort town on the south side of the Llyn Peninsula with splendid views over Cardigan Bay. Well known as the ‘Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia’, this stunning Victorian town is popular among tourists who book coach holidays to Criccieth for its attractive beaches and its traditional welsh charm.
It is home to a medieval castle, built by the Welsh in the mid-thirteenth century but later taken by Edward I who incorporated it into his ring of castles designed to maintain Norman control. It was captured by Owain Glyndwr in the uprising of 1404 and the scorch marks from that battle can still be seen! The castle headland divides the town into two with a pebbly beach to the West and a lovely sheltered mainly sandy beach to the East. The town began developing as a seaside resort in the 1800’s when the Welsh Coast railways were established. Since then, Criccieth has become a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy relaxing coastal breaks in the UK.
Things To Do In Criccieth
Even though Criccieth is a small town with a small population, it is full of character and there are plenty of things to see and do. Each year the town attracts water sport enthusiasts and it home to the famous Cadwaladers ice cream, which was first produced in the 1920’s. Why not visit the traditional Welsh tearooms, or pop into the local delicatessen that offers a delicious range of delicious meat, cheese, chutneys and jams? Or take a stroll around the quirky boutique stores that sell Fairtrade clothing, candles and soap.
Nearby is the village of Llanystundwy, which boasts a museum devoted to David Lloyd George, the “Welsh Wizard”, whose family once lived in Criccieth. The countryside around Criccieth is breath taking with fabulous coastal views over Cardigan Bay, awesome mountain scenery in Snowdonia and delightful gardens and castles at every turn. There are not many places in the UK that can boast sea, snow-capped mountains and a majestic medieval castle as a backdrop. Ask anyone what they love about Criccieth and the answer is always the same – “It never changes.”
Excursion Highlights
Caernarfon & Snowdonia
Dominated by the imposing Norman castle, Caernarfon also boasts a museum dedicated to the Royal Welch Fusiliers (entry fees apply). The story of the town is told in an exhibition at Oriel Pendeitsh (entry fee applies). Alongside the redeveloped harbour, bustling with sailing boats and motor yachts, is the Galeri arts centre (entry fee may apply). The harbour town of Porthmadog has a long maritime history, which is explored in the town’s Maritime Museum (entry fee applies). In the lively mountain town of Llanberis, we find a quarry museum, country park, and the Electric Mountain Centre (all free entry).
Portmeirion Village
This unique village (entry included in tour cost) is set on its own peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. Its dreamlike Italianate quality made it the setting for the famous TV series The Prisoner. Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the village intended to show how a beautiful landscape could be developed sympathetically.
Llanberis Lake Railway & Welsh Slate Museum
The Railway allows us to discover the timeless appeal of the narrow-gauge steam trains and enjoy a leisurely way of savouring the grandeur of Snowdonia. The steam engines take us on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn, past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis’ twin lakes (Fare included). The train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Sited in the former workshops of the Dinorwic Slate Quarry (closed 1969), the museum (free entry) explores the history of mining in Snowdonia. There are 3 elements to our visit – an audio-visual presentation, a slate-splitting demonstration, and a look around the restored workers’ cottages. The museum also has the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain, and a hydraulic balance incline, used for lifting heavy materials.
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