Criccieth

Criccieth would be an anonymous, unspoilt seaside town but for its links with one person: David Lloyd George. Lloyd George, one of Britain’s most famous ever politicians, was born in the nearby village of Llanystumdwy and later in life returned here to live with his wife, a Criccieth girl.

The town first became popular, like most British coastal resorts, with the sudden Victorian fanaticism for immersing oneself in our balmy coastal waters as a panacea. Initially of course it was the English who arrived in droves - and they still come - but lying as it does in the heart of nationalist Wales, it is also popular with the Welsh and their families.

Criccieth has a castle with a more or less intact gatehouse, a decent quiet beach (both sand and pebbles), with some good places to stay and eat. The town makes a good base to explore The Llyn and the wonders of Snowdonia.