GENERAL SECTION: The Chapel of Art in Criccieth, Gwynedd, GB North Wales, UK, Europe
This page shows the location of Criccieth in North Wales, with maps and aerial images

The UK or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to give the full title, is a group of islands off the west coast of Europe in the North Atlantic.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are the four main countries which make up the British Isles.

Wales
is the tiny Principality on the west coast of the British mainland.

Population: 3 million

Languages spoken: English and Welsh, an ancient Celtic language still poken by about 20% of the population. Wales is called Cymru in Welsh.

Famous people from Wales include: singers Tom Jones and Bryn Terfel, actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones authors & poets Jan Morris, Dylan Thomas and R. S. Thomas politicians William Gladstone and David Lloyd George pop groups Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals

NW Wales
is a very beautiful and unspoiled part of the world. The Lleyn Peninsula is south of the Isle of Anglesey or Ynys Môn and west of the Snowdonia National Park. Eryri or Mt. Snowdon in English, is the highest mountain in all England and Wales.

CRICCIETH
is a small historic town situated on the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula.

It is a popular base for exploring this beautiful mountainous maritime region, including the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, the many miles of unspoilt coastline and the imposing medieval castles.

Criccieth  "The Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia"
It is not known who coined this rather cumbersome slogan, nor when it was first used. The phrase certainly appeared in travel literature by the early 20th. century and has been used on posters, brochures and pamphlets ever since. It is as delightful today as ever.

As a successful contender in the annual "Wales in Bloom" contest, Criccieth is certainly a very colourful town through the summer months... Perhaps more a jewel than a pearl?

Let's just say Criccieth is a little gem!

And it most certainly is on the shores of Tremadog Bay, which is what this part of Cardigan Bay is called.

Both are bays on the coast of the Irish Sea - the stretch of water separating mainland Britain from Ireland.

Population 1,720 (1991)

A town borough since 1284, Criccieth also serves the surrounding rural community. The villages and hamlets of Llanystumdwy, Rhôslan and Pentrefelin are Criccieth's nearest neighbours.

Criccieth & District is in turn served by the old port towns of Porthmadog (5 miles east) and Pwllheli (8 miles west), which is also a market town and administrative centre for Dwyfor, a subdivision of Gwynedd.

The Royal Borough of Caernarfon is the county town, legislative and administrative headquarters for Gwynedd.

Confusing? Yes, the area is divided into different administrative, clerical, legislative, historical and even poetically named areas! A true reflection of our ancient history and heritage.

Criccieth in Literature
Apart from due mention in the Encyclopædia Britannica, Criccieth inspired the poet Robert (von Ranke) Graves to write "Welsh Incident".

Climate and Best Time to Visit
Criccieth enjoys a temperate, maritime climate, so frost and snow are rare in the winter.

The mild climate ensures that millions of daffodils are in full flower all over Wales in time for St. David's Day on March 1st.

However, to get the most out of a visit, choose the months from Easter through to October, when all the restaurants, attractions and recreational facilities are in full swing.

May is the most beautiful month to visit North Wales, when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom and the woodlands are perfumed by carpets of bluebells.

A spectacular introduction for first-timers and never-ending joy for devotees!