Information
About
Tyddyn Iolyn is believed to date back to the 16th century and research so far has produced the names of the occupants back to 1687 from the land tax records and materials researched at the archives in Caernarfon.
Situated in the village of Pentrefelin (mill village), the farmhouse is in the parish of the old church (yr hen eglwys) of Ynyscynhaearn. The church is a pleasant ¾ mile walk along a farm track towards the sea from the main road in Pentrefelin. It is now under the auspices of CADW (The Castles of Wales) and The Friends of Friendless Churches who host open days and occasional concerts during the summer. Tyddyn Iolyn boasts its own pew on the sloping floor of the transept, and the grave of the famous harpist and musician David of the White Rock' or Daffyd y Garreg, can be seen in the churchyard, together with those of some of our predecessors here at Tyddyn Iolyn. It is possible to obtain a key to have a look at the inside of the building.
The stonework at Tyddyn Iolyn is particularly interesting as very large stones were used in construction, and there are exposed wooden pegged oak beams, a huge inglenook fireplace and, what is possibly an original priest hole. The cottages are converted from the old barn & hayloft, stable and granary.
The old shrub walled garden has been improved over the years but dates back to the original farmhouse. You are welcome to peruse the vegetables, orchard and shrubberies over a morning coffee before starting your day in the heart of North Wales.
Who’s who
Mirka & Rob
We are the proud proprietors of Tyddyn Iolyn and you may see us about as we live in the farmhouse. We moved here from London in 2014 and always welcome a chat or hello as you wander the property looking into all that is weird and wonderful about Tyddyn Iolyn. There are very few places that are inaccessible but we will have discrete signs letting you know!
If you have any questions or need some help please feel free to knock on the main farmhouse door or call us on +447743 322 909 if you don’t see us about.
Murphy
Murphy is our fun loving dog, born on the 2nd May 2014. He is a Border collie of sheep trialling champion winning parents! Murphy is very friendly and always looks forward to new guests for attention seeking petting and fun, and often treats so watch out!
Murphy is completely friendly but please be aware if first introducing him to your children or own best furry friends!
Rosie & Gracie
Our two donkeys, Rosie and Gracie, joined Tyddyn Iolyn in July 2007.
Their previous owners had rescued them from a children’s petting zoo and restored them to good health.
Rosie is the chocolate brown, smaller donkey who was born on 1st November 1999 and Gracie is the grey donkey born on 1st January 2001.
Both are friendly, curious and sociable and you are welcome to visit them. They have never been known to bite, but please note that children must always be accompanied by an adult, as all animals can be unpredictable and we cannot accept responsibility for any accident or injury sustained. Donkeys can kick so it is recommended not to stand behind them. They often have a ‘mad half hour’ in the evening, during which it is best to leave them alone as their brakes are not good! Please do not feed them without asking first as they have tendency to get fat.
Nearby towns
There is a delightful harbour in Porthmadog where once local slate was loaded onto ships and transported worldwide, and a maritime museum celebrating shipbuilding that was of historical importance to the town. Porthmadog is just over 3 miles away from the farmhouse.
Local artist Rob Piercy has his gallery in Porthmadog.
Just across the Dwryrd estuary is the famous Italianate village and gardens of Portmerion created by Sir Clough Williams Ellis between 1925 and 1975. He incorporated old and new buildings successfully within the natural landscape. The Village is surrounded by exotic sub-tropical gardens and woodland and there are miles of sandy beaches. Made famous by the cult television series ‘The Prisoner’ with Patrick McGoohan in the 1960s, and also featuring in ‘Cold Feet’, Portmeirion has provided inspiration to many, including Noel Coward who wrote ‘Blithe Spirit’ here in 1941. A unique delight not to be missed, especially when the brass band is playing on a summer Sunday afternoon, Portmeirion is a must.
Within walking distance from the town, past the boatyard, and only a few minutes drive from Tyddyn Iolyn is the unchanged seaside village of Borth-y-Gest with delightful sandy coves, and on the outskirts of the town is the fine, sweeping, sandy beach at Black Rock Sands.
Most facilities are available in Criccieth which is a lovely, small, historic town on the coast of Cardigan bay and the Cambrian railway. Criccieth is approximately 2 miles from the farmhouse.
Facing south and sheltered by the mountains of Snowdonia, Criccieth is warmed by the Gulf Stream, giving us a sunny microclimate. A 'Britain in Bloom' finalist, the high street is relatively un-spoilt and is beautifully decorated with floral displays in season and for the annual Criccieth Festival held in June. A four road crossing point and a significant lawn area known as Y Maes is part of the original common land marking the town centre. The town has two promenades with safe sand and shingle beaches, and was voted amongst 'the best seven little seaside towns where the atmosphere remains authentic' by The Sunday Times. There is a good selection of restaurants, cafes and tearooms. Cadwaladers in Castle Street have produced ice-cream locally since the 1920s, serve coffee, snacks and smoothies in their cafe overlooking the sea, and hosts a popular jazz night on Thursday evenings.
Criccieth Castle was built on a rocky promontory jutting out between the two beaches, overlooking Tremadog bay, in the 13th century by Llewelyn the Great. Originally a Welsh stronghold, the castle was later taken and extended by Edward I, endured a long siege by the Welsh, and was finally burned by the rebel Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr around the start of the fifteenth century. The impressive remains are a landmark and dominate the skyline, offering wonderful views.
Portmadog is set on the wide Glaslyn estuary, which is a haven for migrating birds. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan town with a good mixture of shops, eating-places and the Glaslyn Leisure Centre with a swimming pool. Porthmadog and nearby Tremadog were created in the early nineteenth century when the local MP at the time, William Maddocks, built a mile long embankment called ‘The Cob’ across the estuary to reclaim land from the mudflats. The terminus of both the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland steam railways are situated at the end of the Cob. Shelley was known to have been a regular visitor and T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was born nearby at Tremadog.
Pwllheli is a busy old market town and resort with a number of antique shops, cafes and a weekly open air market on Y Maes. Pwllheli is now an international sailing centre with a multi-million pound marina and the yachts to go with it, and is the venue for a number of local, national and international sailing and water sports events. Pwllheli has narrow streets and a number of listed buildings including the old workhouse and the 15th century Penlan Fawr house. In past times the harbour was an important centre for shipbuilding and fishing, but the arrival of the railway heralded change and The Cambrian railway with links to the rest of the UK terminates here. The journey along the coastline to Barmouth must be one of the most beautiful in the country.
Abersoch is trendy and very lively in the summer, with a safe sandy beach, boat hire and sailing facilities. There are shops and pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes. Annual events include the jazz festival, regatta and Wakestock.
The pretty mountain village of Beddgelert is about ten miles from Tyddyn Iolyn through the dramatic and beautiful Aberglaslyn pass, where the River Glaslyn flows to Porthmadog harbour through a narrow gorge. Beddgelert has several pubs and restaurants, a historic church, the legendary tomb of Gelert, Prince Llewelyn's faithful dog, and the Sygun copper mines. The illustrator of the Rupert bear stories, Alfred Bestall, once lived here. Beddgelert is a starting place for many good mountain walks.
Harlech is a charming village with an imposing castle and a wonderful stretch of sandy beach. There are a number of cafes and restaurants. Not to be missed is a cream tea on the terrace at The Plas with a magnificent sea view stretching to the end of the Llyn peninsula.
At Llanbedrog there is a sandy National Trust beach and a stiff climb up to the headland reveals a statue of the ‘Tin Man' and some tremendous sea views. The Galley is a superb beach bistro/cafe with a view of the bay, and the Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw art gallery and cafe is highly recommended.
Eating Out
There is a choice of good restaurants in the area and many pubs that are privately run and offer excellent food. See below information on local restaurants and pubs.
*Dog friendly
Pentrefelin, 1 mile away
*Eisteddfa Fisheries, Café Cadron Caffi
Excellent breakfast in a beautiful setting, Tel: 01766 522 148
Criccieth, 2 miles away:
Dylan’s Restaurant: Set right on the Criccieth beach, it offers beautiful views with a vast choice of dishes, ranging from fresh seafood to comfy pizzas. One to visit! Tel: 01766 522 773 LL52 0HU
Poachers Restaurant: An excellent local restaurant on the High Street, Criccieth, offering a la carte home cooked food. Tel: 01766 522 512 LL52 OHB
*Tir a Mor: A Stylish coffee shop / restaurant near the sea front. Tel: 01766 523 084 LL52 OHG
The Goat Inn: at Garn Dolbenmaen on the A487 Porthmadog-Caernarfon road, offers an extensive menu with waitress service, a few minutes away from Tyddyn lolyn. Tel: 01766 530 237 LL51 9LJ
*The Castle Inn: Excellent pub grub and wonderful atmosphere to spend on an evening. Tel: 01766 523 515 LL52 0RW
Mei’s Fusion Foods: delicious Malay / Chinese restaurant, also does take away. It’s on the High Street, Tel: 01766 522 048.
Porthmadog, 2 miles away
The Royal Sportsman: is a hotel with bistro bar on the High Street, Porthmadog, which has been recently refurbished. Tel: 01766 512 015 LL49 9HB
Passage to India: Indian food on Bank Place off the High Street, Porthmadog. Tel: 01766 512 144 LL49 9AB
Spooners Bar: cafe and bar at harbour station, Porthmadog, provides snacks, good value meals and a variety of Real ales - including locally brewed 'Purple Moose'. Tel: 01766 516 032 LL49 9AF
Portmeirion Hotel: offers well-presented first class menu in unusual surroundings at Minfford, near Porthmadog, with wonderful views of the estuary. Booking required. Tel: 01766 770 228 LL48 6ER
Castell Deudraeth: is a beautifully restored castle style hotel/restaurant just outside the grounds of Portmeirion. Excellent food served in lovely surroundings. Booking required. Tel: 01766 772400 LL48 6ER
*The Ship: Lombard Street. Friendly, traditional pub with good home cooked food. Tel: 01766 512 990 LL49 9AP
*Big Rock Café: great place for breakfast and lunch, all locally sourced, nice variety of food, breads baked on premises. Located in 71 High Street, Tel: 01766 512 098
Y Banc Tapas: 72 High Street, Porthmadog, Tel: 1766 515495
Tremadog, 2 miles away
*The Union Inn: excellent home-cooked food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Families welcome. Real ale including locally brewed Purple Moose ales. Cask Marque Award 2012. Tel: 01766 512 748 LL49 9RB
Golden Fleece: great atmosphere, delicious fresh meals, cooked daily from locally sourced ingredients. Music night, every Tuesday. Tel: 01766 512 421 LL49 9RB
Y Sgwar: excellent restaurant serving freshly prepared and reasonably priced food. Tel: 01766 515 451 LL49 9RB
Borth-Y-Gest, 2 miles away
Moorings Bistro: small and cosy land and sea restaurant with views over the harbour. Tel: 01766 513 500 LL49 9TS
*Sea View Tea rooms: family run tea-room and cafe serving excellent home cooked food Tel: 01766 515 931 LL49 9TR
Local Attractions
The Island of Bardsey or Ynys Enlli marks the end of the Pilgrim's Trail, which is marked by many historic churches on the Llyn, such as that at Aberdaron. Bardsey may be visited by boat from Pwllheli or a small Llyn fishing port at Porth Meudwy. The island has a special magic and a large seal population. Porpoises and dolphins are often seen from the boat.
The Llyn coastal path is 91 miles long and part of the Wales coastal path. There are secluded beaches and coves, which are quiet even on the busiest bank holidays.
An easy walk over a grassy headland and down a flight of steps leads you to a sandy beach at Porth Ysgo near the property once owned by the Keating sisters at Plas yn Rhiw (now owned by the National Trust) near the end of the peninsula.
Porth Oer is famous for its whistling sands and Porth Dinllaen (National Trust) at Morfa Nefyn has a lovely old pub, ‘Ty Coch', on the beach where you can enjoy a drink and lunch at the water’s edge. There is a beautiful sandy beach with rocky inlets and pools to explore at Porth Colmon.
Porth Neigwl, or 'Hells Mouth' is a stunning five-mile stretch of sands that is a favourite with surfers. Porth Ceiriad is about two miles south of Abersoch down some beautiful quiet lanes. If you want some advice on how to find these quieter, often un-signposted places, please don't hesitate to ask.
At Tyddyn Iolyn there are spectacular mountain views from Snowdonia down to Cadair Idris and beyond. Snowdon is an easy drive away, and for climbers and walkers, the Carneddau
Glyders, Moelwyn and lesser-known Rhinog mountain ranges are all within easy reach Tremadog cliffs, much favoured by climbers, are just over five minutes away. However,if you fancy a short walk on a pleasant evening then it’s possible to walk straight out of Tyddyn Iolyn and up the road to greet spectacular views of the Llyn Peninsula, all at your doorstep!
Contact Numbers for Local Attractions
Castles:
Criccieth Tel: 01766 522227 LL52 ODP
Harlech Tel: 01766 780552 LL46 2YII
Caernarfon Tel: 01286 677617 LL55 2AY
Conwy Tel: 01492 529358 LL32 8AY
Steam Railways:
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, Porthmadog - Tel: 01766 516000 - LL49 9NF
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Porthmadog - Tel: 01766 513402 - LL49 9DY
Snowdon Mountain Railway - Tel: 0844 493 812 - LL55 4TY
Tal y Llyn Railway, Towyn - Tel: 01654 710472 - LL36 9EY
Gardens and National Trust properties:
Portmeirion Italianate Village/Gardens - Tel: 01766 770000 - LL48 6ER
Crug Farm Plants/Nursery - Tel: 01248 670232 - LL55 ITU
Plas Brondanw - Tel: 01766 772772 - LL48 6SW
Bodnant gardens, Conwy (NT) - Tel: 01492 650460 - LL28 5RE
Plas yn Rhiw, nr Aberdaron (NT) - Tel: 01758 780219 - LL53 8AB
Penrhyn Castle and gardens, Bangor (NT) - Tel: 01248 353084 - LL57 4HN
Powis Castle and gardens (NT) - Tel: 01938 551944 - SY21 8RF
Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog - Tel: 01766 772600 - LL41 3YU
Local Activities
We have a variety of brochures, leaflets and contact numbers for a vast range of activities for you to do on your holiday. Too many to list in detail here but activities in the area include:
- Leisure centre/Pool
- Golf
- Cycle Hire
- Fishing
- Theatre and Cinema
- Water sports
- Riding
- Boat trips
- Art galleries
- Mountain Biking Centres
- White Water Rafting
- Quadbiking
- Bowling
- Go-Karting
Here are some initial contact names and numbers for the more popular activities in the area:
Paintball Park Dragon Raiders' Criccieth - Tel: 01766 523119 - LL53 6SZ
Glasfryn activity park - Tel: 01766 810202 - LL53 6PG
‘Ropeworks', Pwllheli - Tel: 01766 819187 - LL53 6HJ
Llanbedrog shooting school - Tel: 01758 740810 - LL53 7PG
Quad Biking at Porthmadog Activity centre, Morfa Bychan - Tel: 01766 512468 - LL49 9UR
New Heights Microlight School - Tel: 077718 81180 - LL54 5TP
Also see:
- Coed Y Brenin, Mountain Biking
- Antur Stiniog, Mountain Biking / Downhill
- Bear Grylls Survival Course
- RIB Rides