'Dreamy' seaside town with sandy beaches and one of UK's best ice cream parlours
One of Wales' best coastal towns, boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of the UK's top spots for ice cream by the Sunday Times, is nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula. Situated on Pen Llŷn, the seaside town of Abersoch is among the most picturesque locations along the Llŷn.
This northwestern Welsh peninsula is brimming with natural splendour, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. Flanked by the crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this Welsh region offers an ideal alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a plethora of activities, accommodation options, and independent eateries and cafes.
Visitors can explore remnants of Iron Age forts and islands, expansive stretches of sandy beaches, and numerous charming coastal villages and historical sites.
Dubbed the 'Welsh Riviera,' Abersoch, located on the southern part of the Llŷn, is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, major brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online.
Visit on a warm day when the skies are clear and the sea glistens, and you'll understand why Abersoch draws thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd each summer. This coastal hideaway is also famed for its water sports, particularly paddle boarding. If fortune favours, you might even spot resident dolphins gliding through the transparent waters.
The protected bay offers ideal conditions for novice and seasoned paddleboarders alike, with the village staging numerous events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK.
You can reserve a SUP session through Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will lead you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine wildlife and coastal landmarks.
Fresh to paddle boarding? You can plunge into the #SUP lifestyle and master paddle boarding with their ISA-certified instructors using premium Red Paddle Co paddleboards.
You'll receive coaching in the bay and master proper paddle methods to boost confidence and enhance your SUP abilities so you can emerge from the water and begin searching for dolphins.
Another major attraction in the town is the expansive sandy shoreline, which the AA has previously recognised as one of the 'finest seaside destinations'.
The AA characterised Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh location: "The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre."
Close by sits Harbour Beach, a stretch of sand along the River Soch nestled between the harbour and Warren Beach. For those seeking adventure, Porth Ceiriad is an isolated beach that can prove challenging to locate.
Despite its proximity to the bustling Abersoch, this heavenly location stays relatively undiscovered, something that devoted visitors surely cherish. According to North Wales Live, its misleading nearness to Abersoch and the surrounding clifftops contribute to the enigma of locating this hidden gem.
The quest to uncover Porth Ceiriad has become legendary amongst locals. It gained the nickname "Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour" due to the peculiar phenomenon of vanishing holidaymakers misguided by faulty Satnav systems and baffling maps.
Following your exploration of Abersoch's stunning shores and coastline, be sure to treat yourself to ice cream at Two Islands, a artisanal ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of Wales' finest frozen dessert destinations.
Both residents and visitors have been singing the praises of this delightful ice cream haven since its 2018 launch, and the Sunday Times has now bestowed its official endorsement. Their journalists declared it amongst the premier locations for a cornet and advised readers, "Don't miss the raspberry ripple."
This artisanal ice cream parlour crafts their frozen treats on the premises using regional and natural components, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade ingredients sourced from SUMA, a cooperative that champions exemplary and equitable employment practices. Taking a leaf out of the book from ice cream parlours they visited on the west coast of America, this small enterprise is on a mission to whip up indulgent textures and innovative flavours, all with a nod to their Welsh roots.
Their dynamic menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal produce, but rest assured, you'll always encounter a quirky twist on some classic favourites. The Salted Coffee flavour is a hit among Two Islands fans, boasting a unique fusion of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while the mascarpone and blackcurrant combo becomes an instant highlight whenever it features.
Two Islands doesn't just serve up delicious treats; they're also dedicated to green practices: "Everything they are involved in - from pod picking to package recycling - is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible."
Proudly proclaiming on their website, "We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD," they celebrate the independent company's recognition with the Queen's Enterprise Award for sustainability.
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