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Porth y Swnt
Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment.
Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 8BE
Important notice
Our car park use pay and display machines or the JustPark app. We recommend downloading the app before your visit.
Opening times for 2 August 2025
Asset Opening time Visitor centre 10:30 - 16:00 Henfaes car park Open all day MTWTFSS2829303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosed- Car park
Our car park uses pay and display machines. You'll need to scan your member card, or pay with coins if you're not a member. You can also use the JustPark app; we recommend downloading the app before your visit.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on a lead are welcome in the shop and reception area but not in the exhibition.
- Electric vehicle charging point
- Shop
The shop at Porth y Swnt isn't run by the National Trust.
- Toilet
Level car park with gravel, three Blue Badge spaces with tarmac surface (15–20 metres from centre). Accessible toilet in visitor centre.
- Accessible route and/or map
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Drop-off point
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
- Photograph album
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
Main entrance - what3words: ///treating.notifying.craters
- By road
From the north: follow the A487 from Caernarfon. After 3.5 miles (5.6km) take second exit at roundabout to join A499. Continue 10 miles (16km) on A499. At roundabout, take second exit signposted B44177. At Nefyn, take second exit at roundabout to continue on B44177. At Pengroeslon turn right to join B4413. Continue 4 miles (6.4km) until you reach Aberdaron. Turn right before you cross the bridge in the village. Pass the centre on your right as you enter the car park. From the south: follow the A497 from Porthmadog through Criccieth to Pwllheli. At the roundabout in Pwllheli take first exit signposted A499. At Llanbedrog turn right onto Ffordd Pedrog / B4413. Continue on B4413 until you reach Aberdaron. Take the first left immediately after the bridge. The visitor centre is on your right as you enter the car park.
Sat Nav: SatNav: LL53 8BE This postcode will get you to Aberdaron village. The National Trust car park and visitor centre are close to the bridge in the centre of the village. Please note SatNav can be inaccurate on Llŷn's minor roads.
- By train
The nearest train station is at Pwllheli, 15 miles (21km) from Aberdaron. A bus service runs from here.
- By bus
Bus runs Monday to Saturday from Pwllheli to Aberdaron. Bus drops off at the post office. From here walk 60 yards (55 metres) right towards the centre of the village, bearing right before the bridge towards the car park. The centre will be on your right.
- Parking
Parking is free for members of the National Trust. Please note the pay and display machines accept coins only. You can pay online using PayByPhone. We recommend you download the app before your visit.
Highlights
Visitor centre
An interpretation centre at the heart of Aberdaron, showcasing the special historical, cultural and natural qualities of the Llŷn peninsula.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do in Porth y Swnt
There is plenty to see and do around Porth y Swnt. Explore this unique coastline for yourself.
Article
Things to do from Porth y Swnt
Start your adventure from Porth y Swnt. Discover one of the Llŷn Peninsula's most stunning beaches, perfect for a day out. Take a stroll along the sandy strand, explore the dunes, and look out for seasonal wildlife. Whether you prefer paddling in the shallows or catching waves with a surfboard, there’s something for everyone.
Activity
Kayaking in Aberdaron
Interested in kayaking sessions? We're offering kayaking sessions that will run from Aberdaron beach. Each session will be tailored dependent on the group and sea conditions on the day. A session costs £35 per person. Payment is made on the day at Porth y Swnt visitor centre located at the entrance to the car park in Aberdaron. Payment can be made using card or cash.
Top trails
Trail
Porth Meudwy coastal walk
A circular coastal walk on the Llŷn Peninsula from Aberdaron along the headland to the small fishing cove of Porth Meudwy.
Places to stay
Daron
A bright, two-storey apartment in lovely Aberdaron, with a sandy beach on the doorstep and nearby trails for walking and cycling.
Pant Rhiw Cottage
Take in the views across Hell’s Mouth Bay from this cottage on the Plas-yn-Rhiw estate.
Bwthyn yr Ardd
Located on a hill above the sea, this rustic garden cottage enjoys stunning bay views.
Tyn y Parc Barn
Next to a pretty farmhouse, groups of friends and families will adore this character packed barn close to the coast.
Upcoming events
Event
Sesiynau caiacio ym Mhorth y Swnt | Kayaking sessions in Porth y Swnt
Diddordeb mewn sesiynau caiacio'r arfordir yn Aberdaron? | Interest in kayaking the coastline at Aberdaron?
Event
Sesiynau Blasu'r Iaith Gymraeg | Welsh Language Taster Session
Free one hour Welsh language taster sessions
About Porth y Swnt
This exciting interpretation centre, at the heart of the beautiful fishing village of Aberdaron, shines a light on Llŷn’s unique culture, heritage and environment. You can experience Bardsey Island’s retired lighthouse optic up close, follow in the footsteps of pilgrims for a journey across the Sound in the video pod, catch up on what Llŷn’s Rangers are up to and form your reflective thoughts in the Sea of Words.