North of England
Scotland
Settled on the outskirts of the quaint village of Ffestiniog, Gwynedd in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is the charming, end-of-terrace Ael Y Bryn. This wonderful, stone-fronted, dog-friendly cottage benefits from a welcoming and thoughtful-presented interior where a woodburning stove makes the heart of the home, a large rear garden with hot tub and a breath-taking location overlooking the rolling welsh countryside in a fun-filled national park; the perfect setting for couples seeking a romantic getaway in North Wales.
Cross the threshold into your new home-from-home and unwind on the plush sofa in front of the soothing warmth of the woodburning stove while your partner pampers you with a delicious meal prepared in the fully-equipped kitchen. Dine together at the table positioned by the window where the fabulous countryside views provide a memorable backdrop; later step outside to admire the stars filling the sky over Pant Llwyd from the bubbling hot tub, the perfect end to a day full of exploration.
When the evening draws to a close head inside to wash off the day’s adventures in the sleek, ground-floor bathroom before climbing the stairs to slope off to sleep in the well-appointed king-size bedroom. If you can tear yourself away from this romantic bolthole venture into the heart of Ffestiniog where you can pick up all your self-catering essentials at the local store or enjoy a much-need break from the kitchen with date night at Y Pengwern, indulge in delicious food here while your canine companion rests at your feet and you raise a toast to your romantic retreat.
There are an abundance of walks and trails from your doorstep as well as woven throughout the national park, all offering spectacular views across the rolling countryside; the brave among you may even try to summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to experience stunning sunrises, sunsets and unbeatable views. Other notable, nearby attractions include Zip World Llechwedd where you can experience the scenery from a unique vantage point as you zip line over the quarry, you can also tour the underground mines and even play golf in them, the 13th-century ruins of Dolwyddelan Castle and the iconic Italianette village of Portmeirion.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Ael Y Bryn, with real driving times.
Sat nav: LL46 2YH
A World Heritage Site castle built by Edward I on a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea.
Harlech Castle is a medieval fortification in Gwynedd, built onto a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea. Edward I had it built during his invasion of Wales, and it is one of the castles UNESCO includes in its World Heritage listing for the finest late 13th and early 14th century military architecture in Europe.
Sat nav: LL25 0JD
A thirteenth-century Welsh prince's castle on a small knoll, with a restored keep and a ruined west tower.
Dolwyddelan Castle is a thirteenth-century castle in Conwy County Borough, probably begun by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, ruler of the Kingdom of Gwynedd, to guard an east-west route through his lands. It stands on a small knoll, with a keep on the east side and a tower on the west, joined by walls to form a roughly circular enclosure.
Sat nav: LL28 5UY
A 37-acre zoo near Colwyn Bay with chimpanzees, red pandas, otters, lemurs and a children's farm.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden near Colwyn Bay in Conwy County Borough. It covers 37 acres and has been open since 1963, so it has built up a good range of animal areas over the years.
Tip: Check the zoo's website before you go, as the sources note that animal exhibits such as the sea lions have changed over time.
Sat nav: LL24 0AL
A railway museum at Betws-y-Coed with a miniature steam railway and a rare electric tramway.
The Conwy Valley Railway Museum sits beside Betws-y-Coed railway station, on the site of the old goods yard. The museum building holds a collection of railway artefacts, and the attraction began with a former standard gauge railway carriage, which is a licensed buffet and restaurant car.
Sat nav: LL55 2AU
A medieval fortress begun by Edward I, part of a World Heritage Site in north-west Wales.
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. Edward I began replacing an earlier motte-and-bailey castle with the current stone structure in 1283, and it was built on a grand scale as the administrative centre of north Wales.
Sat nav: LL32 8BD
A well-preserved Edward I fortress with battlement walks and views to Eryri and over Conwy's harbour.
Conwy Castle was built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287 and is part of a World Heritage Site. Eight large towers and a high curtain wall still stand, and it has the best preserved set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. The ruins are split into an inner and an outer ward, with a Great Hall undercroft and chapels to explore.
Tip: Climb the spiral staircases and walk the full battlement circuit if you can. Cadw highly recommends it.
Sat nav: LL55 4UB
A Welsh prince's round-towered fortress guarding the foot of the Llanberis Pass above Llyn Padarn.
Dolbadarn Castle (Castell Dolbadarn) was built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great in the early 13th century. It stands at the foot of the Llanberis Pass, overlooking the lake of Llyn Padarn, and once controlled an important mountain pass. Today it is a grade I listed building, owned by Cadw and run as a tourist attraction.
Sat nav: LL61 6DZ
A National Trust mansion and Grade I listed gardens on the Menai Strait, with red squirrels and views to Snowdonia.
Plas Newydd is a country house on the north bank of the Menai Strait, with views across the water to Snowdonia. The house has origins in 1470 and was long the seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey.
Tip: Dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens, but not on the Terraces. Autumn is a busy season for the red squirrels, so stay quiet in the woods.
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
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