Abersoch: Everything you want to know

No matter the time of year you choose to visit, Abersoch is an incredible place for a holiday.

But you may be wondering what to do in Abersoch once you’re here, where to eat, or even where to stay, if you’re yet to book a cottage closeby.

Luckily, all your answers are below. Or jump straight to:

Where is Abersoch?
Abersoch Beach
What to do in Abersoch
Where to eat in Abersoch
Spectacular views near Abersoch
Download free guide to food, drinks and walks

Abersoch harbour marina — Abersoch Marina

Where is Abersoch?

Abersoch is a small seaside village on the south-east coast of the Llyn Peninsula, in North Wales.

From its sandy beaches you can spot St. Tudwal's islands just offshore (one of which is home to celebrity Bear Grylls). And further afield you look onto Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia, with Mount Snowdon itself visible on a clear day.

Abersoch has become popular over the years for its lively high street, delicious food and an abundance of things to do for all ages. It's the perfect place for a family holiday, demonstrated by a rapid population influx over the school summer holidays.

Keep reading to find out why!

Abersoch beach

The main reason people flock to Abersoch is because of Abersoch main beach.

This long sandy shore stretches for a mile or so, and is home to the colourful rainbow of beach huts sat upon the dunes.

You’ll find plenty of stunning shots of them online looking quintessentially ‘UK seaside’ in all weathers, even in the snow! The beach is dog friendly all year round.

Photo by v2osk on Unsplash - Abersoch beach huts

Around the corner, accessible on foot at low tide, you’ll stumble onto Abersoch Harbour beach. Here is where you’ll find adorable fishing boats moored up along the harbour wall. A small estuary runs out from Abersoch Marina, forming a channel that splits the sands in two.

Harbour beach is significantly quieter than Abersoch Main Beach due to the dramatic tides which practically cover it twice a day. Though it’s truly a blissful sight if you’re lucky enough to catch the sunset over the harbour.

What to do when you visit Abersoch

Abersoch farm shop — The Farm Gate at Mynytho does the best milkshakes!

If you think there are only beaches to explore, you’d be mistaken. Abersoch isn’t a sleepy seaside town; it’s a bustle of activity! Here’s just a few things to do during your visit to Abersoch.

Peruse the local shops

From clothes to candles, surf boards to souvenirs, Abersoch has a range of small shops on its highstreet.

You may recognise a few brands as you peruse, but for the most part they’re independents supporting local artisans and other small businesses.

There’s a few more shops a short drive away, too, such as the local gallery and farm shops. And if your budget is a little higher, you can even purchase a new power boat or jet ski at the marina!

Walking and beach hopping

I know we said it wasn’t all beach. But the Wales Coastal Path makes it so easy to take in every ocean view in the vicinity! There are miles and miles of coastal path to explore, whether you prefer a flat stroll or a steeper hike.

Llanbedrog beach near Abersoch — Llanbedrog Beach

Surfing at Hell’s Mouth

Adrenaline junkie are we? Surfing at Porth Neigwl (aka Hell’s Mouth) is the best places in the area to catch a wave. Though if you’re used to Cornwall you might be slightly underwhelmed. This beach is perfect for beginners and intermediates wanting to polish up on their surfing prowess.

Check out surfing lessons available from the West Coast Surf Shop in Abersoch.

Boat trips, sailing and watersports

SUP boarder in Abersoch harbour — One of our guests SUP boarding at sunset!

As internationally recognised sailing waters, Abersoch welcomes thousands of boat and watersports enthusiasts throughout the year.

Kayaks, surf boards, SUP boards, body boards, inflatables and more are all for hire at local shops in the village centre. You'll often see an early morning cohort of paddle boarders peacefully meandering through the marina at high tide.

Sailing lessons and courses are available from Abersoch Sailing School (now Hydro Abersoch) and Abersoch boat trips to St Tudwal's Islands are available from Land and Sea.

Fishing

In Abersoch you're definitely in with a chance of catching something. Namely flounders, rays, whiting, mullet, dogfish, bass, dabs, and mackerel.

April and May offer the widest range of fish to catch, whilst August is the best time for mullet, bass and mackerel. Crabbing off the harbour wall is also popular in the summer.

The mackerel race to win the Rose Bowl is held every August bank holiday, as is tradition for over 100 years! To win, boats head out into the bay and the crew quickest to return with 50 mackerel wins.

Even more things to do

When it’s a little bleack outside, check out what to do when it rains in Abersoch.

Got young ones to entertain? Read how to keep the kids happy in Abersoch.

And finally, if you just came to relax, explore 5 ways to unwind in Abersoch.

Where to eat in Abersoch

Honestly if I tried to give you every local restaurant in Abersoch we'd be here all day. But I will say this, there's somewhere for every taste bud.

Abersoch cuisines - and my highlights - include:

Pub food - The Vaynol Inn and St Tudwals Inn
Ice cream and sweet treats - Two Islands Ice Cream
Bistro and a la carte - Tremfan Hall
Mexican - Mananas Restaurant
Asian - Nwdl
Steakhouse - The Lost Sheep
Fresh seafood - The Lobster Pot
American diner style - The Hub or Zinc bar

For more choices and reviews, head over to Tripadvisor! Or check out our favourite places for brunch, dinner and drinks in Abersoch Best Places to Eat.

Chicken Katsu burger at Tremfan Hall Restaurant

Spectacular views near Abersoch

This part of the world is simply stunning, rain or shine. If sandy beaches and salty air are what you're after then Abersoch is most definitely the best tonic.

Aside from the Abersoch shores themselves, here are some absolute gems to visit during your stay, some close by and some further away.

Abersoch to Llanbedrog

At low tide you can walk all the way from Abersoch beach to Llanbedrog and the views are breath-taking, especially from the headland.

This walk can be made more hilly by adding in the headland walk, or flatter by routing around the back roads from The Warren Beach to Llanbedrog village.

I personally love the view from the Tin Man on Llanbedrog headland, though the walk up can burn the thighs!

Llanbedrog beach headland — Llanbedrog beach view from the Tin Man

Whistling Sands

Traeth Porthor or 'Whistling Sands' is around a 20-minute drive from Abersoch. As far as sandy beaches go, it's one of the most impressive.

Park at the national trust car park, walk down the path and you're met with a whole lot of sand to spread out on with rock pools to explore against the cliffside. There's a charming cafe too, perfect to grab a coffee or ice cream!

Morfa Nefyn Golf Course

I'm not a fan of golf, personally, but the view from Morfa Nefyn Golf club is one I never tire of.

You can admire plenty of coastline along the circular route, which takes you from the Morfa Nefyn national trust car park, through the golf course itself, down onto the sands below, along the beach paths to the award-winning Ty Coch Inn pub, and back to the car.

The Ty Coch Inn Porthdinllaen — The beach path leading to The Ty Coch Inn

More sandy beaches

There are of course other shores to explore in the area such as Porth Ceiriad, Porth Iago, Aberdaron, and Pwllheli. But I hope the above have given you a taste for the stunning beaches available on your visit to Abersoch!

Why is Abersoch so popular?

Whether you're going all out in an ocean-view apartment or camping under the stars, Abersoch is a fantastic place for a holiday.

Though I'm sure you've already guessed that if you've read this far.

This pocket of the Llŷn Peninsula is packed full of personality with tonnes of seaside activities to enjoy, jaw-dropping views, coves to discover, walks to romp, and a huge mix of cuisines to sample.

And if its sheer beauty doesn't have you sold, I'm not sure what will.

As an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the Llŷn Peninsula is home to some of the best coastline in the whole of the UK. It's just waiting to be explored!

Where is Abersoch?

Abersoch beach