Pwllheli

Pwllheli is a seaside market town on the south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. The name means “salt water pool” in Welsh, and the town sits on the edge of Cardigan Bay with sweeping views across to the Cambrian Mountains. It’s the unofficial capital of the Llŷn Peninsula and serves as a hub for surrounding villages and rural communities._x000D_
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The town has long been associated with maritime activity. Its sheltered natural harbour made it a focal point for fishing and trade in earlier centuries, and today, Pwllheli Marina is one of the largest in Wales. It attracts sailing enthusiasts from across the UK, with modern facilities and access to some of the best cruising waters in the country. The beach near the marina is sandy and clean, offering both Blue Flag status and plenty of space for walking or sunbathing._x000D_
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Pwllheli is also a Welsh-speaking stronghold, with a high percentage of the population using Welsh as their first language. This adds to the town’s distinct character, with bilingual signs and a strong sense of cultural identity. The weekly open-air market, held on Wednesdays in the Maes, has been a tradition for centuries and remains popular with locals and visitors alike._x000D_
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The town is served by a small railway station at the end of the Cambrian Coast Line, offering a slow but scenic route to places like Porthmadog and Machynlleth. In the summer months, it becomes a busy destination for tourists, many of whom stay in the surrounding campsites and caravan parks or venture further into the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty._x000D_
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Pwllheli has a mix of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs, alongside newer developments aimed at tourism. Despite changes over time, it retains a relaxed pace and unpretentious charm, rooted in its local traditions and natural surroundings._x000D_