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We had the chance of a last minute week away the first week of September and I set about trying to find a place closeish to home. After a little bit of googling I found Gwynfryn Farm, which is just north of Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales.
The website describes Gwynfryn Farm as an organic farm with a swimming pool, soft play, gym, outdoor tennis court, with wifi (necessary!) farm where the guests are welcome to help feed the cats, pigs, lambs, hens (depending on time of year). It sounded perfect. I was very disappointed when I called to book it that the larger properties sleeping 6/7 were all booked up for that week and so we couldn’t visit with the grandpparents. This was until I realised that the complex was quite small and we could book two properties. The Farmhouse Wing (with 2 bedrooms) for me and the three girls and Peris (which sleeps 2) for the Grandparents.
We arrived at
Gwynfryn Farm at around
3pm for our Friday check in. Cleverly Gwynfryn Farm let half the properties out Friday to Friday and the other half Saturday to Saturday so you can choose which day to arrive. Out of peak season you can also book shorter breaks. Tip if you are coming from the North ignore your Sat Nav and drive into Pwhelli and then out again to avoid the very very narrow back road.
The Farmhouse Wing is attached to the Farmhouse itself where the owners live and you access it through reception. After initially thinking it might be a bit funny being in the Farnhouse itself it was actually perfect as we got to feel part of the comings and goings on the farm (and we were closer to the cake that a local lady leaves in a box for you to buy.)
The Farmhouse Wing itself is a really lovely property. It has been very nicely done up and has a really nice big farmhouse kitchen which was perfect for us as the idea was that the grandparents would eat all meals with us. The kitchen is adequately stocked although some plastic cutlery, plates and cups for younger guests would be a nice addition. If you are travelling with young children you will need to take your own, we had some cups but I was a bit worried about the girls breaking the plates on the stone floor. Thankfully they didn’t.
The property the grandparents rented, Peris, was a little dated and felt in need of a refresh. Had they been eating and drinking there all week, rather than just sleeping there I think they would have been a little disappointed but as they spent the waking time at ours with us it didn’t matter a jot.
So after unpacking our bags and foodshop (I arranged for Tesco to deliver a food shop between 4 and 5 on the day we arrived, much easier then when packing the car) we had a wander round the farm, discovered the playground, soft play and finished with a game of pool before it was home to bed for the girls at 7 and a glass of wine for us.
My husband arrived later that evening for the weekend so on the Saturday morning there was 7 of us up by dawn (!). The animal feeding on the farm takes place after Farmer Alwyn has finished milking the cows. Usually around 9.30/10. So on the first day went to see the cows being milked and explored.
We found the playground, the secret garden with the trampolines in and the chickens, and then when Farmer Alwyn rang the bell to say it was time for feeding (around 11 that day as the cows hadn’t been very co-operative) we went off to feed the little animals en masse.
Not only did we get to feed the hens, ducks, rabbits, goat, pony and lambs, we also got to meet the brand new baby calf in the field with her Mum. The girls were amazed at how tall it was and how well it could walk having only been born that night. ‘We aren’t that clever Mum are we”.
After a farm play in the morning we went swimming in the pool late afternoon which is small but perfectly big enough for our 3. The changing rooms are also tiny but we just threw a towel on and walked back across the farmyard with these on to get changed at home. So if you do visit make sure you remember to take crocs/flip flops whatever the weather.
From Gwynfryn Farm we visited some incredible beaches as we were lucky enough to have fantastic weather, especially for the first week of September. We went to Morfa Nefyn, Abersoch, Porth Ceriad, Black Rock Sands and also visited Portmeirion, Harlech Castle and Cricieth. We had a ball, often visiting a beach in the morning and spending the afternoon at the farm, or vice versa.
By the end of the week my girls were doing the feeding themselves, happy to run into the chicken pen, collect the eggs and drag the feed bag around.
The weekly quiz and BBQ hosted by Alywn and Sharon was a real treat and a really nice touch. This usually only happens in High Season but as the weather was so good the first week of September they put it on anyway. They provide the food and you take cutlery and drinks. The sausages and burgers were home made and superb. We ended up buying some to bring home. At 50p a burger they were a real steal.
We loved the location of Gwynfryn Farm and the laid back atmosphere. Many guests we met had been returning year after year, and one couple was on their 11th visit. Given the mere 2 hour drive from us, and the stunning beaches, and the fact that it was very good value for money, I am sure we will be back! Thanks Gwynfryn Farm.
It really is a great holiday destination. I’m sure we’ll be going back!
My now husband introduced me to this magical place 18 years ago. I have witnessed loads of changes over the years each and everyone improving this amazing holiday destination.
We now visit each year with our two sons who countdown the months, weeks, days until we return.
We love Gwynfryn farm, the people and the beautiful souroundings.
That’s fantastic that you return each year.
A lovely family break! Ideal it was only two hours away for you. So glad you all enjoyed it and would return! Wow….11th year of going. That must say something! #Countrykids
How wonderful, I’m delighted you found somewhere a little like Coombe Mill closer to home. It looks like a week that worked for everyone and you had the lovely september weather. Now I have somewhere to recommend when I’m asked if I know of anywhere like us further north! Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Sorry Fiona I just found this in spam. Definitely one for you to recommend. Sorry we couldn’t make it to you this time but we will.
So glad you all had a good time. Our boys love feeding all the animals on the various farms we visit but most of all they just love holding chickens. I don’t know why but that is what they love to do! #countrykids
Love how they get so excited about it
Looks like a lovely family place. We love anywhere with animals, so it would be a winner for us x #Countrykids
thanks for commenting, you would love it I’m sure
What an amazing place! Its got pool & wi-fi too! Thanks for sharing your awesome trip #countrykids
thanks for the comment, I can highly recommend.
I have to see if we have a place like this in Washington! This looks like such a great time and my daughter LOVES farm animals. I love your tip about having food delivered! I never would have thought of that-I imagine that would cut down on impulse buys as well.
Thanks for commenting. Hope you find one.
Sounds like a great time! Lovely photoa 🙂 I need to visit Portmeirion again since I haven’t been since I was a toddler and it’s not too far away! Xx
Thank you we had a wonderful time
This looks like a lovely place to visit! I have even bookmarked the website so we can look for our holidays next summer. Thanks for linking up. Hope to see you again next year! #SummerDays
It really is lovely Katie sure you would like it
Looks like you had a fab time! My toddler broke a plate on a stone floor in a cottage last year, eek! #countrykids
Thank you it was fabulous