What makes North Wales the perfect staycation escape?

We sat down with our Managing Director, Laura Dubois to learn about her favourite places to visit on the Llyn Peninsula, and what it is about North Wales that makes it the perfect spot for a staycation.

Q: Why do you holiday in North Wales?

I have been going on holiday every year to the Llyn Peninsula for over ten years now, and every time I visit; I manage to find something new to experience- be it a new coastal walk or clifftop café! The landscape is spectacular, and I love the contrast of the beautiful, serene coastline; set against the moody and dramatic backdrop of the rugged Snowdonia National Park. As you peek over the Menai straits on the approach to Caernarfon, you know you are soon to be on holiday, and you can feel yourself begin to relax. I live in Cheshire, so it is only a couple of hours drive, and when my son was little this was great as it meant we didn’t arrive exhausted by a long journey; and meant long bank holiday weekend breaks were easy to arrange at the last minute.

Q. Where do you stay?

We self-cater and have stayed in many holiday homes across the Peninsula, including several wonderful stays in various properties at Natures Point. We look for properties with good beds, great views and a wood-burner-and if there is a games console for my son even better.

Q. Do you have a favourite property at Natures Point?

It is difficult to pick just one as it really depends on the nature of the stay, and who I am travelling with. From the character of the beamed ceilings and traditional stone walls in our courtyard properties, down to the incredible views commanded from the balconies of the new apartments they all offer something different. One memorable stay was celebrating my mums 70th birthday with all the family in The Farmhouse, on a very cold weekend in March where it snowed and we were eternally thankful to retreat back to the warmth of the wood burner, after a long brisk walk across the sandy beaches at Abersoch.

Q. Where do you recommend for eating out?

For a special evening meal, I would recommend Dylan’s on the beachfront at Criccieth. It is contemporary dining at its best and the art deco building allows for great views out over the bay and beyond. In the summer they often have a pop-up seafood shack as well if you fancy a more relaxed snack to take home with you or down onto the beach for a picnic. Closer to Natures Point, you will also find a warm welcome at several of the local pubs, such as The Cliffs which can be accessed directly from the coastal path or the newly refurbished Y Bryncynan has a lovely patio area with a playground for young children. For lunch on the beach, I would also highly recommend Cwt Tatws a premium cafe/shop at Porth Towyn, near Tudweiliog who serve lovely hot food and drinks on their terrace or will box up items for you to takeaway-perfect for when you have worked up an appetite paddle-boarding along the nearby coves. As the properties are fully equipped, we will sometimes dine in and my husband enjoys nothing more than a trip down the road to the local SPAR at Nefyn-which is nothing like your average SPAR! You can pick up excellent local produce and a variety of fresh meats for evening BBQs. We have spent many a lovely evening watching the sun set over the sea, with the twinkling lights of the famous TyCoch Inn at Morfa Nefyn visible in the distance.

Q. What are your favourite days out?

Well, my husband would probably say it is playing the incredible Heritage golf course at Nefyn, and my son would no doubt opt for the Castle at Harlech or maybe the climb up through the National trust woodland to the Tin Man, officially known as Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd headland. This is a stunning viewpoint on the cliffs above Llanbedrog beach where the sea stretches out for miles in all directions. For myself however, my favourite days are those spent on long walks discovering the coastline finished off with a swim or lounge on one of the gorgeous sandy beaches that can be found in North Wales. We recently discovered the fabulous bakery at Aberdaron, Becws Islyn where we stock up on pastries and pies and head out along the coast path and then inland for a great circular walk. Nearby, we also discovered an incredible hidden spot called Porth Ysgo-where you head down "Jacobs ladder" (many steps!) to a quiet little beach cove and beautiful waterfall. Hells Mouth beach (Porth Neiwgl) is also not too far away and is good for a game of frisbee on the beach and for watching the brave surfers and wake-boarders take on the enormous waves. Lastly, we usually head back to Abersoch for coffee and cake at the very chilled Kin & Co, or a tasty ice cream from the fabulous Two Islands ice cream parlour!

Tempted to experience your own escape to Natures Point? We have a wide range of properties that you can explore here.

Need more ideas for things to do in North Wales? Why not check out our local activity guide which covers everything from pet friendly beaches to zip wires in the National park!