We spent the bank holiday weekend exploring Wales. We visited a pretty house, set in a stunning valley in North Powys called Bryngwyn Hall, which belongs to Lady Linlithgow and is available for private house parties and weddings. We then drove on through Snowdonia to Plas Bodegroes on the Lyn Peninsula, which is at the westernmost tip of North Wales. They describe the property as a restaurant with rooms and certainly the emphasis was very much on the food. However the rooms were very clean and comfortable and we had a lovely one overlooking the garden. Our only criticisms were a tiny bathroom and the wait between courses at dinner was agonizingly long. The staff were all delightful, the food excellent but 3 hours for dinner was a bit long for us. However a great base for the weekend and the best one in the area.
From here we ventured further west to Abersoch and did a wonderful coastal walk around the peninsula which took in some wonderful little Welsh sheep farms and rugged terrain. The next day we were more adventuresome and went into the heart of Snowdonia. Setting off from Beddgelert we hiked for 5 hours up into the mountains and along glens very similar to the highlands of Scotland. We found charming little cottages, some breathtaking views and wonderful trees along the river. We were so impressed by the beauty of Snowdonia. We then drove further north into Anglesey and popped briefly into Beaumaris which was a real tourist hot spot, so we headed south again and visited the amazing Bodnant garden. Wow, what colours and such an amazing variety of plants & trees, including some very old redwoods www.bodnant-garden.co.uk. We then headed back to the hotel, with a brief stop off at Harlech, which sits up high and has a very commanding view over the sea and the surrounding countryside. We entered Wales very ignorant about the country, loved what we saw and look forward to returning soon.
To find out more about country houses and mansions to hire in Wales for family holidays, houseparties or corporate entertainment, please contact Andrew Loyd, andrew@ltr.co.uk or + 44 (0) 1835 824642.