Aberdovey, or in Welsh, Aberdyfi, is a rather peaceful and idyllic river port on the River Dyfi estuary.  Aberdovey started out as a shipbuilding port, and is now more of a seaside resort, with an excellently spreading sandy beach.  The town centre has expanded along both the riverfront and seafront, and stretches back from the original harbour in the green, sheep-dotted hills that surround the town.  These are something of a preview for Snowdonia, because Aberdovey is on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, as well as being less than a hundred miles from the West Midlands.  Meaning the best places to stay in Aberdovey are an easy, beachy base for exploring the national park, Cardigan Bay, and into the prettiest parts of Gwynedd.

One of the things our Gurus really valued about the best places to stay in Aberdovey was how properly Welsh they felt.  The town has a high percentage of Welsh speakers, and there’s plenty of pride in the local history, stories and cultural traditions.  One of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Aberdovey is the Penhelig Arms, which  has been around since the 18th century - and is in a fantastic spot, right across the road from the water. The railway arrived in town in 1863, and it’s a really spectacular stretch of line if you’ve any inclination towards train travel - or just spectacular coastal scenery.

You can also enjoy Aberdovey’s spectacular scenery on foot, and the best places to stay in Aberdovey will definitely be of interest to walkers exploring the pleasures of Gwynedd.  Aberdovey has a history with outdoors-folk, this was the location of the very first Outward Bound centre, built in 1941 to run adventurous excursions on the water and on land.  Today this is a fine spot for sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing, and crabbing - and that’s just for your morning’s entertainment.  Aberdovey also has an 18 hole golf links.

The Best Places to Stay in Aberdovey

For a Rural Escape

• The Willow Hill are three, beautifully presented pods, cut into the hillside above Aberdovey.  These are no hobbit holes, they’re elegant, even luxurious, with contemporary details.  If you’re here with your family you can enjoy the easy ocean access, and if it’s just the two of you, you may prefer the private outdoor hot tubs with fabulous views.

For Ocean Views

• The Penhelig Arms is a 15 room inn in a fabulous spot, right across the road from the River Dyfi estuary.  The restaurant has especially good ocean views, and is known for its locally sourced produce turned into delicious menus.  There are 15 rooms and suites, some in the hotel building, some in an annex above the hotel, and there’s also a cosy cottage.  The bar is pleasantly cosy in winter, and pleasantly airy in summer.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re travelling via London you can do it in about five hours on the train from London Euston.  Aberdovey is about five and a half hours by train from Cardiff, via Shrewsbury.  If you’re travelling from even further afield, Cardiff Airport is connected to around 50 destinations by direct flights, but Aberdovey is quite close to Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport too - both are just across the border.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Spring is beautiful in Gwynedd. If you enjoy a stroll, be it around a castle grounds, up a mountain or along a rocky peninsula, then the mild, dry weather of spring is a good time for it. Plus there are lambs and birdsong. Summer in Gwynedd is also appealing, what with the golden beaches looking almost as good as the Med. under the summer sun. Autumn is great for walkers, with the colours adding to Gwynedd’s dramatic views and welcoming pub lunches to come in for. Plus the castles are at their most moody and dramatic looking too. In winter you might need to walk more briskly, or up higher mountains, to keep you warm, but there’s always a welcoming fire burning somewhere and plenty of colourful Christmassy events to keep you in good cheer.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Gwynedd?
• Or you could expand your search to include the best places to stay for Snowdonia National Park?
•  Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.