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Things to do in Porth y Swnt

Several sculptures of simplified figures on display in a darkened room with a blueish hue in 'The Deep' exhibition at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron, Gwynedd.
A display in 'The Deep' exhibition at Porth y Swnt | © National Trust Images/Tom Simone

Situated on the edge of Wales in the picture-postcard fishing village of Aberdaron, Porth y Swnt visitor centre is a gateway for discovering Llŷn; 30 miles of a dramatic, windswept and inspiring peninsula extending into the Irish Sea.

History and culture of Llŷn

The creation of local architect Huw Meredydd Owen, Porth y Swnt's aim is to encourage people to see Llŷn in a new light through the ground-breaking interpretation which offers an introduction to the history and culture of Llŷn through audio, videos, sculptures and artwork.

One of the exhibits at Porth y Swnt
Archaeology exhibit at Porth y Swnt | © LIVE / Ecoamgueddfa

Go on a journey into The Deep

Immerse yourself in The Deep, an atmospheric under the sea experience. Get up close and personal with the farmer, the fisherman and the pilgrim as you weave your way around the wooden figures skilfully crafted by Dominic Clare. Get to know our resident seal in our sound and light animation by Sean Harris and Jim Brook.

Discover The Way

Wind your way up to The Way, where man’s interaction with the land comes to life with natural materials. Pandora Vaughan’s colourful textile artwork illustrates how land has been used differently over time. Woven on-site by basket maker Lee Dalby; the willow pod is a great spot to take a seat and join Colin the fisherman on a trip to Bardsey Island.

Into The Light

Emerge in The Light, the highest point of your pilgrimage. Marvel at the light and colours refracted through the optic from Binita Walia’s glass installation. Learn how this historic piece of Bardsey Island lighthouse came to be here.

Dip into The Swnt

Don’t forget to get your hands wet in The Swnt. The installation created by Hellicar and Lewis draws on the exact time of day, season of the year, weather and tidal level of the sea in Aberdaron, creating an ever-changing well of light and sound that visitors can interact with by using their hands.

Make your own poetry

Work your way down into The Fold and garden, an outdoor area to reflect on your journey and decide where to go next. Make a memory by creating your own poetry in the Sea of Words before heading out to explore the rest of this fascinating part of Wales.

Highlights of Porth y Swnt

Lose yourself for an hour or so as you take the audio tour around Porth y Swnt. Hear about the people, history, geology and wildlife of Llŷn as you stroll around the centre.

Lighthouse optic

At 8ft high and 8ft wide you can’t miss the Bardsey Island Lighthouse optic. The giant retired light bulb made its way over the Sound by helicopter. Watch the film here and learn more about the history of this striking optic.

Three children are huddled around a periscope in 'The Light' exhibition at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron, Gwynedd.
Children looking through a periscope at 'The Light', Porth y Swnt | © National Trust Images/Gareth Jenkins

Children’s activities at Porth y Swnt

Have some fun with the Porth y Swnt scrapbook, find the hidden animals with the UV torch and create your own poetry in the Sea of Words.

Go on the wildlife safari. Pick up a leaflet from the car park or inside Porth y Swnt before heading off on the coastal footpath.

Bike trails and walks at Porth y Swnt

Explore the area on two wheels. Pop into Porth y Swnt for more information on local bike trails.

Stroll across the coastal footpath to the small fishing cove of Porth Meudwy. You might even come across the rarest member of the crow family, the red-legged chough, along the way.

Several sculptures of simplified figures on display in a darkened room with a blueish hue in 'The Deep' exhibition at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron, Gwynedd.

Discover more at Porth y Swnt

Find out when Porth y Swnt is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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