Guarded by the ruins of a 12th century castle on the cliffs above, Criccieth has been relatively unspoilt by modern developments. The local name is David Lloyd George, born and lived just outside Criccieth, he is buried at Llanystumdwy a few miles away, where there is also a Lloyd George museum. The town has a long history, dating from Saxon times, continuing with a visit by Edward I in 1284. While 4 miles away is the old smuggling port of Porth Dinllaen on the north Lleyn coast. At the mouth of the River Glaswyn, the twin towns of Porthmadog and Tremadog, were built on reclaimed land by a local MP in the 19th century.
Today there is a picturesque harbour and sandy bathing beaches.
Portmeirion Portmeirion is close to Porthmadog at the base of the Lleyn, and part of Eifionydd. Built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is something altogether different. Started in 1926, its design is based on Portofino in Italy. The hotel is today the centre of the village life, and many of the buildings are available for rent. Film makers have naturally been interested in Portmeirion, particularly the Prisoner, the cult series of the 60's.