It's well known that Cornwall is one of the most beautiful locations in the UK. The one downside to living in such a place is the huge influx of tourists and holidaymakers over the summer seasons.

But there might be a new runner-up in the race for the UK's prettiest place. Gwynedd, a stunning county in the UK, is as picturesque as Devon or Cornwall but doesn't attract as many tourists during peak season, according to The Express.

This Welsh gem boasts mysterious islands like Portmeirion, historic sites such as Caernarfon, and charming seaside towns including Barmouth. Situated north of Ceredigion and south of the Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd showcases the scenic Lleyn Peninsula and Cambrian coast and is home to beautiful seaside resorts and award-winning beaches.

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The main towns on the peninsula are Abersoch and Pwllheli, with much of the area recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. The National Trust oversees the preservation of this region.

History enthusiasts should make a beeline for Caernarfon, which houses a castle that's been designated a World Heritage Site. Barmouth, a former shipbuilding town, has evolved into a popular resort brimming with attractions to entertain visitors.

Dinas Oleu cliffs were the first property acquired by the National Trust in 1895. The town also hosts the RNLI Museum on its promenade.

Just three miles north of the town lies Carneddau Hengwm, featuring two chambered tombs. A short distance from there, at Pen-y-dinas, you can find the remnants of an Iron Age camp.

The county also boasts one of Wales's top tourist hotspots, Portmeirion Village. This unique Italianate village, the brainchild of Clough Williams-Ellis, famously served as the backdrop for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, world-class trails await in Coed y Brenin Forest, nestled near the scenic market town of Dolgellau, surrounded by stunning countryside.

Many of the town's buildings are crafted from local dark slate, and it sits at the base of the Cader Idris mountain range in southern Snowdonia.

For those with a penchant for castles, Criccieth offers a fort perched on a headland, providing sweeping views over Tremadog Bay, the town, and the beaches below.

Criccieth hosts two popular fairs and markets each year in May and June. Nearby lies the village of Llanystumdwy, the childhood home of David Lloyd George, who served as British Prime Minister from 1916 to 1922.

A museum dedicated to the former prime minister, filled with memorabilia, can be found in the town.

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