Day Itinerary – Snowdonia Culture

Location: Llanbedrog

Morning: Visit one of Wales’ premier art venues: Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. The gallery is housed in a grade 2* Gothic Victorian Mansion on the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula. Having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, it is not only one of Wales’ most beautiful art venues but also its first. It is situated in the village of Llanbedrog on the Llŷn Peninsula, in a remarkably scenic location. Built in 1857, it was styled as a Gothic mansion for Lady Elizabeth Jones Parry of the Madryn Estate. It was purpose built, as a Dower house, to hold the widow’s own art collection although it is said that she never slept there. It is rumoured that the ghost of Lady Love Jones Parry’s can still sometimes be seen walking the upper landings.

In 1896 the mansion was sold to the Andrews family of Cardiff. They were entrepreneurs who developed the West End of Pwllheli and established a horse drawn tramway from there to the gallery. There’s a very fine collection of Swansea and Nantgarw porcelain at Plas which is on loan from descendants of the Andrews family.

Today, it is a joy to visit with monthly exhibitions by premier artists from Wales and beyond. There are also many special events including kids’ art workshops, concerts, lectures and craft fairs along with many other activities throughout the year. Entry to the gallery is free.

Lunch:

Don’t leave without a visit to the award-winning tea room in the bright and pretty conservatory. The best of home-made cooking is on offer, and only the freshest of local and fair trade produce is used. Favourites include cakes, baked daily, and puddings, although there is a full menu available, popular with both visitors and locals. In good weather you can enjoy your meal outside in the listed garden, planted with rare and exotic species, and enjoying stunning views of Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay.

Contact: Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, LL53 7TT

Tel: 01758 740 763

Plas Glyn y Weddw Arts Centre / e: enquiry@oriel.org.uk

Location: Nant Gwrtheyrn (Travel Time from Llanbedrog – 35 minutes, 14 miles)

Afternoon:

Nant Gwrtheyrn is surely one of the cultural capitals of Wales. It’s both a heritage and Welsh language Centre and it has all been created within a renovated Victorian Quarry village. The coastal location is quite unforgettable and there are lovely walks you can enjoy both along the beach and in the neighbouring woodland. Recent investment has allowed the creation of a Heritage Centre, opened in 2003, which interprets the story of the valley from the Iron Age to the present day. A new road makes ease of access much improved and car parking is now provided in the village. Amongst the many reasons to visit the village is the fact that admission is free.

Built in 1878, the village of Nant Gwrtheyrn originally consisted of twenty-six houses, a shop and bakery and a mansion – home to the Quarry Manager. There was also a chapel in the village and children were taught by the chapel’s minister. At its peak as many 200 people lived there. By the 1940s the quarry had closed as tarmac had replaced the need for slate as road surfacing. The last house was left empty in 1959. The village was then purchased by a charitable trust in the 1970s and finally, in 1982, the first residential Welsh for Adults course was held at Nant Gwrtheyrn.

Enjoy a cup of tea, or something stronger, in Caffi Meinir, the fully licensed eatery at Nant. Why don’t you sit outside – it’s a glorious spot to enjoy the view. The café is so named because of the tragic story of Rhys and Meinir who were cousins who lived in the valley of Nant. They fell in love and… When you visit Nant Gwrtheyrn ask about the sad end to the tale or visit: Nant Gwrtheyrn

You’re bound to fall in love with Nant Gwrtheyrn and, if you decide to stay over, then 4* accommodation is available on site.

Contact: Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Pwllheli, LL53 6PA
Tel: 01758 750334
Nant Gwrtheyrn / e: post@nantgwrtheyrn.org