1. Nant Gwrtheyrn – Canolfan Treftadaeth a’r Gymraeg | Welsh Language & Heritage Centre

📍 Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6NL
📞 01758 750 334 | post@nantgwrtheyrn.org

Set in a dramatic former quarrying village at the foot of Yr Eifl, Nant Gwrtheyrn is now a thriving centre for the Welsh language and heritage. Offering immersive language courses, cultural exhibitions, woodland walks, and a stunning coastal café, it’s a brilliant place to engage with the heart of Welsh identity. The restored cottages and chapel whisper stories of the village’s slate-mining past. It’s peaceful, educational and inspiring. Crazy Nell loves the steep woodland paths, although she’s yet to master the art of reading Welsh. She insists the clifftop views are best appreciated with wind in your fur and crumbs in your beard.

2. Tre’r Ceiri | Tre’r Ceiri Hillfort

📍 Yr Eifl, Llanaelhaearn, Pen Llyn
📌 No contact – open-access site

Perched high on the slopes of Yr Eifl, Tre’r Ceiri is one of the most impressive and best-preserved Iron Age hillforts in Britain. Built around 2,000 years ago, its ramparts and over 150 stone hut circles remain clearly visible, forming a true archaeological treasure trove. The panoramic views from the summit stretch from Snowdonia to the sea, offering a stark reminder of why ancient peoples settled here. History feels very much alive atop this hill. Nell charges up the paths like she’s being pursued by Druids and insists on checking every stone hut for signs of ancient snacks.

3. Amgueddfa Forwrol Llŷn (Nefyn) | Llŷn Maritime Museum

📍 Old St Mary’s Church, Nefyn, LL53 6LB
📞 01758 721 313 | afllmm@yahoo.com
🕑 April–October, Wed–Sat 10:30–16:00, Sun 11:00–15:00

Tucked inside a beautiful old church building, this small museum punches well above its weight in storytelling power. The Llŷn Maritime Museum documents the seafaring traditions of the local area — from heroic lifeboat rescues to the intricacies of sail-making and shipwreck survival. Models, artefacts, and tales from local fishermen make it a fascinating stop for anyone intrigued by the coast. Nell’s not allowed inside, but she’s a regular outside the entrance, nose to the breeze, imagining what it might have been like to crew a 19th-century schooner. She maintains she would’ve made an excellent ship’s dog.

4. Eglwys Sant Beuno, Pistyll | St Beuno’s Church

📍 Pistyll, Pwllheli, LL53 6LT
📌 No direct contact

Standing quietly near the sea, St Beuno’s is one of the oldest churches in Wales, dating back to the 12th century. It was a key stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Bardsey Island. With its low stone walls, weathered interior and ancient graveyard, the church exudes a calm, spiritual atmosphere. Visitors often speak of a sense of stillness, as if the building itself is breathing with the past. Nell seems to agree. She treads gently here, never barking — just wandering thoughtfully, tail wagging slowly as if in tune with something only she can hear.

5. Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw | Art & Heritage Gallery

📍 Llanbedrog, Pwllheli, LL53 7TT
📞 01758 740 763 | post@oriel.org.uk
🕑 Gallery 09:30–17:00 daily | Café 09:30–16:30

Nestled among woodland above Llanbedrog Beach, this Victorian Gothic mansion houses one of Wales’s most prestigious art galleries. Showcasing contemporary and historical art, local makers, and rotating exhibitions, it’s a cultural anchor for the region. Beyond the gallery, you’ll find a lovely café, sculpture gardens, and trails leading to the famous Tin Man sculpture above the village. Nell isn’t allowed indoors (though she’s petitioned), but she enjoys parading around the grounds like she owns the place. Her favourite activity? People-watching from a sunny bench while hoping for cake crumbs from unsuspecting gallery-goers.

6. Plas yn Rhiw | Historic Manor & Gardens

📍 Rhiw, Pwllheli, LL53 8AB
📞 01758 780 219 | plasynrhiw@nationaltrust.org.uk

Overlooking the dramatic sweep of Hell’s Mouth Bay, this charming 17th-century manor house is managed by the National Trust. Restored by the Keating sisters in the 1930s, it’s filled with period furniture, family heirlooms, and glimpses into domestic life on the Llyn Peninsula. The gardens are stunning — vibrant with colour in spring and summer, and peaceful all year round. Woodland paths weave around the estate, making it a dreamy spot for walkers and dogs alike. Nell trots along as if inspecting her estate, occasionally posing majestically in front of rhododendrons like some sort of floral ambassador.

7. Eglwys Sant Hywyn, Aberdaron | St Hywyn’s Church

📍 Aberdaron, LL53 8BE

St Hywyn’s stands proudly on the beach in Aberdaron and has welcomed pilgrims for over a thousand years. It was the final stop before the perilous crossing to Bardsey Island and remains a place of spiritual significance. The church’s thick walls and rustic charm are matched by its connection to Welsh poets and saints. Today, it’s a beautiful, serene place to reflect, listen to the waves, and ponder your place in the world. Nell particularly enjoys the nearby beach, but always pauses at the church doorway — either in reverence or hoping someone drops a biscuit.

8. Ynys Enlli | Bardsey Island

📍 Off Aberdaron coast 🛶 Boats depart from Porth Meudwy, weather dependent

Bardsey Island is often called the “Island of 20,000 Saints” and has long been a sacred and mysterious place. Once a major Christian pilgrimage site, it’s now a haven for wildlife, birdwatchers, artists and seekers of peace. With its ancient monastery ruins, lighthouse, and rugged beauty, Bardsey feels removed from time itself. You can reach it by boat from Aberdaron when the weather permits, though dogs aren’t allowed ashore. Nell doesn’t mind — she watches it wistfully from the mainland cliffs, ears to the wind, probably imagining herself as the first Westie to start a monastic order.

9. Castell Cricieth | Criccieth Castle

📍 Castle Street, Criccieth, LL52 0DP
📞 03000 252 239 | Criccieth.Castle@gov.wales
🕑 April–Nov: 10:00–17:00 | Winter: check seasonal times

Criccieth Castle stands atop a rocky headland between two beaches and offers jaw-dropping views in every direction. Originally built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, it later fell into English hands under Edward I. The remains include towers, a gatehouse, and remnants of domestic quarters — all rich in story. Informative panels help bring it to life. Nell loves the breezy clifftop walk up to the castle (though she’s not keen on the cannon). She likes to sit near the walls, surveying the town below like a furry little queen of the realm.

10. Amgueddfa Forwrol Porthmadog | Porthmadog Maritime Museum

📍 The Harbour, Porthmadog, LL49 9LU
📞 01766 514 581
🕑 Easter to Autumn: Daily 12:00–16:00

Situated in an old slate building right on the historic harbour, this museum celebrates Porthmadog’s rich maritime and industrial past. You’ll find exhibits on shipbuilding, trade, slate exportation and seafaring life. It’s small, friendly, and full of detail — a hidden gem for lovers of history and heritage. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, so Nell sticks to the quay, tail wagging at passing boats. She’s convinced she was a sea captain in a past life and often strikes dramatic poses beside the anchor outside. We let her have her moment. She’s earned it.