Top 10 things to do in Abersoch

The stylish seaside village of Abersoch has been a popular spot for holidaymakers for generations. 

This little slice of heaven on the Llyn Peninsula often feels like you’re abroad. Abersoch has a wonderful, sunny microclimate and you’ll often find the weather here is much nicer than the rest of the UK! You’ve also got those gorgeous golden beaches, beautiful seas and incredible views across to the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains. There are so many things to do in Abersoch to keep you busy all year around, whether you want action and adventure or stylish relaxation! 

Unsurprisingly, most of the activities in Abersoch revolve around the great outdoors. Make the most of the stunning blue flag beaches and those pristine seas with activities like surfing, bodyboarding, paddle boarding and boating. Walking and hiking are also popular things to do in Abersoch and you’ll have easy access to the Welsh Coastal Path where the most beautiful walks in the country await.

Abersoch is traditionally a fishing village so make the most of the abundance of fresh seafood available. You may choose to visit one of the fantastic local seafood restaurants or pick up your own from the seafood van and cook it at your holiday cottage.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Abersoch.

Go to the beach

Of course, at the top of the list is a trip to the beach which is the main attraction and one of the very best things to do in Abersoch.

There are three beaches to choose from. Abersoch Main Beach is the biggest and is the one you’ve probably seen in photographs with the colourful beach huts. There’s a large Pay & Display car park located near Abersoch Golf Club. You’ll find basic toilets and outdoor showers as well as a great little cafe on the beach. To the left of the slip is a dog-free area and it’s arguably the nicest yet busiest area of the beach.

If you walk to the right along Abersoch Beach you’ll come to Machroes Beach where you’ll find Mickey’s Boat Yard and The Little Tea Rooms cafe. This is a quieter, dog-friendly area and there’s a grassy area with picnic benches near the toilets. The car park here is small so I highly recommend arriving early if you plan to drive.

The third beach is Abersoch Harbour Beach where you can watch the tractors pulling the boats in and out of the sea. We like to grab coffees, cakes and ice creams from Two Islands cafe and walk down to the benches overlooking Harbour Beach. If the tide is out, the kids can run wild and this is also a great place for crabbing!

Dine at the incredible restaurants

Abersoch is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in all of Gwyndd so you have to sample the local cuisine! Whether you’ll be having fresh seafood at The Potted Lobster, Mexican street food at Manana, champagne at The Cove at The Yacht Club, stonebaked pizza at Crust, Brunch at Kin & Co or sandwiches at The Little Tea Rooms, it will always be a meal to remember.

During busy times you will need to book ahead for most restaurants, sometimes more than a week in advance so get your bookings in quickly!

Plas Yn Rhiw

Plas Yn Rhiw is a National Trust Manor house with the prettiest gardens and views across the Llyn Peninsula. You can visit the rooms within the house which were restored in the 1930s and many are said to be haunted. The estate is made up of 400 acres and any gardeners out there will love a wander around Plas Yn Rhiw Garden. Walk between the flowering shrubs, ornamental gardens, formal box hedges, woodland and wildflower meadows as well as a cottage-style vegetable garden.

There is also a charming tea room where you can have a traditional Welsh Cream Tea.

Note that Plas Yn Rhiw closes for the winter so it’s best to double check the opening hours before visiting.

Go paddle boarding or surfing

If you’re lucky with the weather you’ll find some great surf spots around Abersoch. The swells aren’t always reliable but when the weather reports are good you’ll find plenty of surfers lining the shore! Porth Neigwl, or ‘Hells Mouth’ as it’s often referred to, is a popular spot for surfing.

If you’d prefer a more gentle activity in Abersoch then try paddle boarding. You can paddle board from any of the beaches in Abersoch and there are plenty of shops around the village to hire a board and equipment. Check the tide timetables before you head out. If the tide is out you’ll have a very long walk across the beach to the shore so wait for the tide to come in! I like an early morning paddle when the water is calm as there’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins!

Play golf

Abersoch Golf Club is ranked as the 16th best course in Wales by Golf World magazine. It is open to the public who are welcome to join the members at this friendly 18-hole course. The course takes you over natural sand dunes with views across the beach and over to those beautiful Eryri mountains. 

The Clubhouse will be waiting after you round and this is actually a lovely place for an alfresco lunch, whether or not you’ve been playing golf!

Walk from Abersoch to Pwllheli

There are lots of lovely little walks around Abersoch but if you’re looking for a longer walk to fill your day then you can’t go wrong with the 13km walk from Abersoch to Pwllheli. 

This walk will treat you to some of the best views in Abersoch before making your way to a famous local landmark, the Tin Man. This sculpture is 132m high and the views up here are stunning. Stop at the beach cafe in Llanbedrog before arriving in Pwllheli. 

Enjoy the bustling town of Pwllheli before jumping on the local bus or into a taxi and heading back to Abersoch. You’ll find more details about this walk on Walk the Wales Coast Path. 

Go bodyboarding at Porth Ceiriad

Porth Ceiriad is a National Trust beach with a huge stretch of golden sand. It’s a great place for dog walking, kite flying, exercising, surfing and bodyboarding. The surf isn’t always reliable but bodyboarding is almost always guaranteed.

This family-friendly activity is one of my favourite things to do in Abersoch as the whole family can have a go. Wetsuits and booties are highly recommended, as well as a flask of tea waiting for you when you get out of the sea!

Take a fishing trip

If you’re finding yourself staring enviously at the sailboats, motorboats and even a few small yachts that are zipping about at sea then you need to book yourself a fishing trip.

Fish N Trips offer personalised boat trips tailored to the needs of your group and can teach you all the fishing basics you need to know. If you’re here for the sea air and beautiful views then book a boat trip to St Tudwal’s island and keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and marine life.

Go shopping

Abersoch is home to some beautiful boutiques selling unique gifts, clothes and mementos to help you remember your holiday. In the middle of the village you’ll find First Light, a popular women’s clothing store where you may come away with more than you’d intended! Boardrider is a great store for beachy surf brands and Coastal Culture sells some fabulous swimwear. 

You’ll find other luxury outdoor highstreet brands such as Joules, FatFace, White Stuff and Crew Clothing and practical outdoor clothing shops like Mountain Warehouse. 

Try Totally Abersoch Studio and Gallery for unique gifts and local art or the gift shop inside Kin & Co for sustainable items.

Visit Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw is a new cafe development and art centre. It is in Llanbedrog so it’s about 3 miles from Abersoch but it’s so beautiful it had to make the list! 

This incredible mansion house was built in 1857 and, after falling into disrepair, was bought by an artist in 1979. The artist and her husband saved the mansion and it was later taken over by a charitable trust.

Plas Glyn-y-Weddw now attracts over 140,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy art exhibitions, theatre productions, the gardens and woodland and the lovely cafe with lots of outdoor seating.

The rear wing of this impressive building has been lovingly converted into self-catering accommodation which you can see here.

Looking for somewhere to stay in the area? Then check out our holiday cottages in Abersoch.