The summer season may have drawn to a close, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy some of Wales’ most cherished villages and towns. In fact, this time of year could be the ideal time to visit with fewer tourists around. Llandbedrog, sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Abersoch, is located just five minutes from the popular coastal resort town in Pen Llyn.

However, Llandbedrog has everything you need – a sheltered sandy beach adorned with colourful beach huts lined up in a row, an award-winning beach bar, a nearby woodland area, a cosy pub and an intriguing art scene at the heart of the village. It may be a small village, but it’s teeming with life, making it a perfect place for a day trip.

To reach Llanbedrog, you’ll need to navigate through the country lanes of the A497 before joining the A499. Llanbedrog is nestled between Pen Llyn’s most well-known areas – Abersoch to the west and Pwllheli to the east.

When travelling through Pwllheli to get to Llanbedrog, it’s essential to stop at its Spar – Glandon store on Caernarvon Road. Arguably the poshest Spar in the world, here you’ll find dry-aged beef hanging inside a fridge and fresh lobsters in tanks, all while you pick up a pint of milk and a newspaper.

Traeth Llanbedrog’s car park is the perfect spot to leave your vehicle during your visit, with the facility open all day. You can locate it using the postcode – LL53 7TT or its what3words location, which is ///career.videos.awaited.

A brief 200-metre hike along a steep track will lead you to the beach, a beautiful stretch of sand overlooking Cardigan Bay. In the summer months, it’s an ideal place for a paddle in the sea or simply to dip your toes in the water.

However, during the autumn and winter seasons, this mile-long sandy expanse becomes a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk, where you can observe oystercatchers and curlews foraging in the sands.

Even on overcast days, the vibrant hues of red, yellow, blue and turquoise green from the huts and chalets inject a burst of colour into the beach scene. These quaint beach huts have been a fixture on Traeth Llanbedrog since the Victorian era.

In those days, a tramway was constructed to link the village to Pwllheli. Although the tramway has long since disappeared, the charming beach huts remain standing to this day.

You even have the option to rent one of these beach huts for a season, typically available from early spring through to autumn. For a more panoramic view of Pen Llyn and Cardigan Bay, you could undertake a climb through the heathland of Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd.

This circular walk spans 3.5km and takes roughly an hour to complete. At the summit, you can marvel at the stunning views of north-west Wales, and greet the tin man sculpture – Y Dyn Haearn, who is also taking in the breathtaking view.

After a beach stroll or hill walk, you might be feeling peckish. The Aqua Beach Bar, situated near the beach, is a favourite spot throughout the year.

In 2018, The Sunday Times voted it among the top 20 best beachside bars in the UK, offering a variety of dishes – from a substantial fry up to delicious seafood. Here, you can savour a pint and a meal while appreciating the beautiful beach and sea view.

On the other side of the village lies The Ship Inn. This pub boasts a large outdoor area and hosts weekly quizzes every Thursday. However, on Sundays, they serve roasts from 12-8pm, with a three-course meal setting you back a reasonable £18.

If it’s history you’re after, then Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is your destination. This Grade II listed Gothic-style mansion was erected in 1857 by Sir Love Jones-Parry, a Member of Parliament at the time.

It served as a home for land girls during the Second World War before being converted into residential flats. In 1979, local artist Gwyneth ap Tomos and her husband Dafydd purchased it, their efforts transforming it from a state of disrepair to the magnificent art gallery it is today.

Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is renowned for its art gallery, housing the masterpieces of countless artists. It also boasts an outdoor theatre for live performances during favourable weather, alongside accommodation and a shop stocked with a variety of Welsh produce.

Its café is situated in a cutting-edge, dome-like structure that clinched the RSAW Client of the Year at the RSAW Welsh Architecture Awards in 2024. The mansion even doubles as a wedding venue, offering itself for nuptial celebrations.