Spotlight on... Y Felinheli

The coastal village of Y Felinheli, between Caernarfon and Bangor on the northern Gwynedd coast, is a sought-after location for those seeking a home close to the water. With a great marina and the National Outdoor Centre for Wales (also known as Plas Menai) on the doorstep, the focus in Y Felinheli is very much on water sports.

The village's name (roughly translated to mean a saltwater mill) is a nod to the old mill on the Afon Heulyn river which was moved closer to the sea in 1633. 

Until the slate quarrying industry transformed the area in the 1800s, Y Felinheli and nearby areas were largely agricultural. In the late 18th century the Dinorwic Quarry was developed by the owners of the Vaynol Estate, of which much of the land in and around Y Felinheli was a part. This necessitated the building of a harbour to export the quarried slate, which was transported to the harbour by narrow gauge steam railway.

In the Second World War, the boatyard at Y Felinheli was put to good use for the building of landing craft. Since then, a number of businesses have sprung up to service all things marine, including rigging and sailmaking businesses and boatyards. And, of course, the marina has moorings for pleasure boats and yachts, and there is a sailing club which organises dinghy racing and other events.

Although a village of only some 2,000 inhabitants, Y Felinheli has a number of facilities and amenities including shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses and services. Its location between Caernarfon and Bangor means it is only ever a short journey away (some ten minutes in either direction) from excellent shopping centres, commercial facilities, business parks and leisure activities. And with the Snowdonia National Park more or less on its doorstep, Y Felinheli is the ideal base to explore all the history, culture and outdoor activities for which the region is so famous.

Interested in buying a property in Y Felinheli? Talk to our Bangor team on 01248 371 212 or email bangor@dafyddhardy.co.uk.