Arts and Culture Across Eryri
Like the icing on a cake, or that sprinkling of salt and vinegar on your chips, experiencing an area’s art and culture gives you that little bit of extra local flavour. So when you visit Eryri (Snowdonia), try and pepper your timetable with some of the following experiences.
Nant Gwrtheyrn
Nant Gwrtheyrn is one of Pen Llŷn’s treasures. The former quarry village has been given a new lease of life as a multi-purpose centre for all to enjoy. The Nant is a significant stopping point on the Coastal Path, and many of the popular local circular routes.
This is a real destination if you want to get to grips with the Welsh language; Nant offers Welsh courses for all levels, and is the perfect place for a deep-dive yn Gymraeg! With self-catering accommodation and B&B on offer for large and small groups, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to staying the night.
The on site café – Caffi Meinir – is a stunning setting, with the endless sea providing the perfect back-drop to any meal. Don’t forget that dogs are welcome in the accommodation and cafe too!
There is also a Heritage Centre where you can read all about the history of the area and the local heart-breaking legend of Rhys and Meinir. The Nant also hosts cultural events such as gigs, theatrical performances and occasionally craft fairs too so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on their events calendar. But if you’re after Welsh music, a pint of something local and a proper chat then head up back the hill to the village of Llithfaen, and to the community-owned pub, Y Fic. It’s the perfect pit-stop, and the children will love it too – the playground at the back of the pub is sure to keep them happy as you enjoy a drink and the view.
Nefyn
If you drive on through Llithfaen and through the village of Pistyll, you’ll find yourself taking in one of the most beautiful views of the area. The sea calls as you drive down towards Nefyn and Porthdinllaen, where the famous Tŷ Coch pub is situated. Before you get to Nefyn you’ll pass Caffi Ni and Y Wern Caravan Park; a wonderfully welcoming cafe for lunch, afternoon tea or just a cuppa. There’s ample seating inside, and on a sunny day you can sit outside too. Once you’ve arrived in Nefyn, follow the brown sign with an anchor on it and you’ll get to the Llŷn Maritime Museum. This is the place to come if you want to get a real feel for the area’s maritime past. The museum offers exhibitions, community events and there is always a very warm welcome at the old church. During your visit you will also get to see an ancient skeleton recently unearthed here, which has sparked discussion about Nefyn’s cultural and political importance since the age of Princes.
The Seafarers' Path which cuts across from Abersoch comes into Nefyn and joins the Wales Coastal Path. Public buses come through Nefyn from Pwllheli and Aberdaron and there is a bus that goes through Llithfaen to Pwllheli too, or why not book yourself onto the Fflecsi Llŷn Peninsula? Nefyn is a great base to explore the area, and when it comes to accommodation there is ample choice, from the Nanhoron Arms Hotel to rooms at community pub Yr Heliwr (The Sportsman), to holiday cottages and campsites.
Nant Gwrtheyrn and the Llŷn Maritime Museums are both Ecomuseum sites, a digital entity that connects several locations across the Llŷn Peninsula, promoting and celebrating the area’s language, culture and heritage. There are numerous sites which offer different ways to experience the local culture, and all the information can be found on the Ecomuseum website. If you make your way towards the Aberdaron area, you’ll be sure to come across a few unique locations that come under the Ecoamgueddfa’s banner.
Aberdaron
Plas Carmel at Anelog near Aberdaron is a community project that has breathed new life into the former site of Carmel Chapel and The Plas Shop. Celebrating the local heritage they weave geological history, mythology and tell the tale of memorable local characters such as Dic Aberdaron. The stories here will reveal a new dimension to your understanding of the area. After you take it all you could head over to the on-site cafe which offers seasonal food, all made using local produce. Events are occasionally held here too, such as poetry evenings, literary launches and relaxed gigs.
In the village of Aberdaron the Porth y Swnt centre, located near the Henfaes car park is another great site which will provide you with a deeper understanding of the area, Here, you can follow a journey from the ‘dark’ into the ‘light’ through art and poetry - an experience that’s sure to enrich your visit. From there you can head into the village where there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat, including the popular chip shop, Sblash. Keep an eye on their menu – freshly caught crabs and lobsters are often available. There are also several cafes, bakeries, shops and two stylish pubs, The Ship and Tŷ Newydd, each offering a relaxed, traditional atmosphere. The church by the beach, St Hywyn's Church, is open to the public during the day. You can pop in to read about poet R.S.Thomas's relationship with the church and the area, and do keep an eye out from some of the musical concerts held at the church from time to time.
Three roads meet in Aberdaron; one leads you towards Anelog and Plas Carmel, another heads towards the village and mountain of Rhiw. This is where you’ll find Plas yn Rhiw, another Ecomuseum site. Here you can explore the building and gardens, enjoying a walk under the trees before you head back from a tasty afternoon tea in the cafe, looking out over the expansive Porth Neigwl beach.
But if you follow the main road from Aberdaron and through Rhoshirwaun you’ll find another of the Ecomuseum sites, the cultural and eco-centre of Felin Uchaf. This visionary social enterprise offers a range of experiences, including a late summer storytelling festival, where everyone gathers around the fire to listen to tales of times gone by in a hand-built roundhouse. Art, craft and movement workshops are held here, as well as hands-on projects relating to the land, and during your visit you can freely explore the nature woodland paths, biodynamic gardens and the Observatory. The café offers drinks and homemade cakes on the weekends, and the shop is open daily.
Llanbedrog
Closer to Pwllheli, in the village of Llanbedrog you’ll find one of Wales' most famous galleries and art centres, Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw. The old building has been transformed and is now home to a number of impressive works by local, national and international artisans including Iwan Bala, William Selwyn and Bronwyn Williams-Ellis. The gallery offers a variety of ambitious exhibitions all year round, as well as temporary exhibitions offering insights into local culture. You could easily spend a day here enjoying a bite at the stunning, award-winning café, or leisurely exploring the gallery and vineyard paths that lead you to the summit of Mynydd Tir Cwmwd nearby where the Iron Man statue stands. You will also find a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheatre at Plas Glyn y Weddw, with the sea of Llanbedrog bay as its magnificent backdrop. There are often family-friendly performances here, especially in the summer. The gallery and amphitheatre are multi-purpose spaces that often host workshops and discussions – check out their website when planning your visit.
Llanystumdwy
Between Pwllheli and Cricieth is the village of Llanystumdwy, a small village with a lot of history. This is where David Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister grew up between 1916 and 1922. There is a small museum in the village where you can read about Lloyd George’s life and work, and in the woods nearby you’ll find a large house where Lloyd George lived for a time, now repurposed as the Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre.
Writing courses are available at Tŷ Newydd throughout the year. You can also hire out the building to host festivals, retreats or other projects. This old building is a serene location, the perfect place to inspire new and experienced writers alike - many big names in the Welsh literary world are regular visitors to Tŷ Newydd. You can walk along a path from the garden down to the coast and join the Wales Coastal Path. It is also possible to walk down to the village and to the community pub, Y Plu. A host of events are held here regularly including gigs, comedy and poetry evenings. Why not experience the variety that Eryri has to offer, all in this small, welcoming village.
Bangor
At the centre of Eryri and home to Bangor Univeristy, Bangor is known as the ‘City of Learning’, but it also prides itself on its culture. Pontio arts centre boasts a cinema, a studio for smaller productions, spaces for workshops and a large theatre for the main performances. It is an accessible centre with high-end resources and events all-year-round. The on-site Ffynnon bar and Cegin cafe are ideal for a pre or post-show drink or meal.
Bangor is also home to Storiel, a museum and art gallery located in the city centre. It has a vibrant programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year and also hosts a permanent exhibition which illustrates life in Gwynedd from past to present.
Bangor can be reached by train from the direction of Anglesey or the north coast of Wales, and both Pontio and Storiel are within walking distance of the station. Public buses also stop close to both venues. If you’re driving, there are many public car parks close to both locations, but bear in mind that Bangor is also a great city to get to by bike via the Lôn Las cycle route.
Eryri is full of proud Welsh communities, brimming with culture. So don't be surprised if you come across an arts event or initiative in the most unexpected places as you explore the area. Get involved, support and most of all, enjoy what’s on offer.
Larger Centres
The area's larger centres such as Criccieth Memorial Hall, Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli and Galeri in Caernarfon offer a range of artistic events. You may get lucky and visit when a Welsh event is on at the spectacular Cricieth hall. Neuadd Dwyfor and Galeri are centres that regularly host live performances, and have an in-house cinema. Over in Dolgellau, Tŷ Siamas located in one of the town's main ancient buildings offers a wide range of local musical events. And if you’re near Bala, Theatr Derek Williams has films, plays, live music and workshops. If you’re heading to any of these towns why not check out what’s on and taste the local culture while you’re there?