Gwynedd

Gwynedd stretches from the peaks of Snowdonia to a coastline studded with sandy bays, and its towns and villages reflect that range. Caernarfon, dominated by its castle and lively quayside, and Bangor, the region's main university city, offer the busiest bases with the widest choice of shops and transport links. Along the coast, Barmouth, Criccieth and Harlech pair beaches with castles or seaside promenades, while Pwllheli and Abersoch draw sailors and summer holidaymakers to the Llyn Peninsula.

Inland and further south, Dolgellau and Bala suit those wanting market-town calm within easy reach of mountains and lakes, and Blaenau Ffestiniog offers a starker, slate-quarrying landscape and heritage railways. Llanbedr makes a quiet stopping point near the coast, while Portmeirion, the Italianate village built as a fantasy set-piece, remains unlike anywhere else in Wales. Together they suit visitors after mountains, beaches or a slower pace.

Gwynedd's mountains, castles and coastline draw walkers, climbers and families in roughly equal measure, and its accommodation reflects that spread. Llanberis and Bala sit close to Snowdon and the outdoor centres, with farmhouse B&Bs such as Tyddyn Perthi Farm offering a base after a day on the hills, while Barmouth, Criccieth and Harlech turn their guest houses towards the sea, from Môr Heli Guest House to smaller seafront options with castle or bay views.

Dolgellau brings a different character, its stone-built country houses like Abercelyn and Borthwnog Hall suited to those wanting quiet gardens and Cadair Idris on the doorstep, and Portmeirion adds something more distinctive again in Plas Tan-yr-Allt Country House. Between these towns you can choose by landscape as much as by style: valley or estuary, village guest house or restored country pile, with plenty of variation in size and price across the 222 options.

Gwynedd covers some of the best camping and glamping country in Wales, from the Llŷn Peninsula's coastal fields to the mountains around Snowdonia. Sites near Abersoch and Pwllheli tend to suit families wanting beach access and a lively summer atmosphere, while those around Porthmadog and Caernarfon put you closer to the peaks and the narrow-gauge railways.

The choice runs from simple back-to-basics pitches to more structured glamping, with places like Tŷ Cerrig Boutique Glamping and Snowdonia Retreats offering a comfortable base for exploring, and smaller farm sites such as Parsal Farm, Cae Lal or Nantrwydd Camping giving a quieter, more rural stay. Around Barmouth and Tywyn you're within easy reach of the coast path and estuary views, while sites nearer Bangor make a good stop for the Menai Strait and Anglesey.

With 353 options across the county, it's worth deciding whether you want sea, mountains or a mix of both before booking, since Gwynedd's geography means the two experiences often sit some distance apart.

Gwynedd's self-catering cottages spread from the Llyn Peninsula's coastal villages to the valleys and slate towns around Snowdon, giving visitors a wide choice of settings within a fairly compact county. Properties such as Croesor Bach and Gwyrfai Cottage sit close to the mountains, useful for walkers wanting an early start, while others near the coast suit those after beaches and sea air rather than summit views.

Converted farm buildings and outbuildings feature heavily, seen in places like Geufron Farm's Cowshed and Bryn Eithin, often with more space and privacy than a standard holiday let. Smaller cottages such as Moss Efailnewydd or Pendref work well for couples or short breaks, while larger houses suit family groups or gatherings. Location matters more than style here: those wanting quiet rural surroundings should look inland, while coastal stays put shops, pubs and beaches within easy reach.

Gwynedd packs an unusual amount into one county, from the peaks around Snowdonia to some of Wales's finest beaches. Llanberis is the natural base for anything mountain-related, with Snowdon Mountain Railway and Beacon Climbing Centre both close at hand, while Bethesda's old slate quarry now hosts Zip World Penrhyn Quarry for anyone after speed rather than scenery alone.

Along the coast the choices shift towards the water. Abersoch and Aberlaron sit near Hell's Mouth Beach, Barmouth has its long stretch of sand, and Morfa Bychan adds another option further north. Caernarfon and Bangor work well as a base if you want castles and towns within reach rather than just beaches or hills.

Families tend to gravitate towards The Children's Farm Park or the National White Water Centre near Bala, both offering a gentler pace than a mountain railway or a quarry zip line. Given the spread across Gwynedd, it is worth grouping days out by area rather than trying to cover the county in one trip.

Gwynedd's eating and drinking scene runs from harbourside chippies to village pubs that have been pulling pints for generations. Bangor offers the widest choice, with cafes, takeaways and restaurants clustered around the university and high street, while smaller towns and villages across the county tend to have a single good pub or cafe serving as the local hub.

Expect plenty of variety in style rather than pretension: fish and chip shops like Dolphin Fish Bar sit alongside noodle bars, curry houses such as Bala Spice, and Welsh cafes serving simple, hearty food. Coffee shops including Siop Coffi TH Cyf and Caffi Hen Crydd are worth seeking out for a slower stop between walks or drives.

Given the spread across Gwynedd's coast and mountains, it is worth picking somewhere close to whatever you are doing that day, since travel times between villages can be longer than they look on the map.