North of England
Scotland
Resting rurally in Rhosbodrual near Caernarfon in Gwynedd is Bodrual Cottage, a contemporary barn conversion. Enjoying countryside views, looking towards Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), a homely interior, and a convenient location within driving distance to both the beach and the Snowdonia National Park, Bodrual Cottage welcomes nine guests for a group getaway.
Benefit from ample off-road parking, before making your way into the cottage, firstly arriving at the open-plan living space, abording lofty beamed ceilings and enough space to accommodate your entire group; rustle up delicious meals in the well-equipped kitchen, gather around the large dining table, and relax with the woodburning stove alight. Outside is set up for alfresco living with extensive gardens which house a decked area complete with a pizza oven, a fantastic play area for the kids and for the grown-ups, a wonderful seven-seater hot tub.
You can imagine spending lots of happy holiday time here soaking in the tub while watching the children play safely before stepping out and tucking into delicious home-made pizza. It doesn't get much better than that!
As sleep calls, select between four well-appointed bedrooms, including a double with en-suite, a twin, a ground-floor bunk room, and a ground-floor family room, all complete with TVs. The cottage is complete with a delightful ground-floor bathroom, boasting an indulgent roll-top bath, perfect for soaking in after a day of exploration.
Many areas of interest can be reached by car from Bodrual Cottage, starting with Caernarfon, home to a magnificent castle, marina, popular golf club and the Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre, where you can try your hand at kayaking and paddle boarding. Bangor is your next stop, where you can tour Penrhyn Castle & Garden, or enjoy a stroll along Bangor Promenade and the Garth Pier, before heading to the centre, brimming with eateries and shops.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Bodrual Cottage, with real driving times.
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: LL61 6TQ
An independent aquarium on the Menai Strait showing British marine life, with seahorses, octopus and lobsters.
Anglesey Sea Zoo is an independent aquarium and marine conservation centre on the south coast of Anglesey, near Brynsiencyn. Over 40 tanks show native British sea life, including octopus, lobsters, seahorses, conger eels and jellyfish. Highlights include the No Bone Zone for invertebrates, a wolf fish lair, a real crashing wave, a shipwreck and a kelp forest full of big fish.
Tip: No need to book ahead, as tickets are bought on the door. Standard and family tickets stay valid for 6 days after the day of purchase, so you can return for free in that time.
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.
Sat nav: LL58 8BY
Edward I's unfinished, near-perfectly symmetrical moated castle on Anglesey, part of a World Heritage Site.
Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey was the last of Edward I's royal strongholds in Wales, designed by James of St George beside the Menai Strait. Four concentric rings of defences, a water-filled moat with its own dock and a near-perfect symmetrical plan make it a striking sight.
Tip: Use the main town car park opposite for the most direct route in, and watch for two-way traffic there.
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: 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: LL57 4HW
A Grade I listed Neo-Norman castle near Bangor with an internationally important art collection.
Penrhyn Castle is a country house at Llandygai, near Bangor in Gwynedd, built in the style of a Norman castle. Thomas Hopper rebuilt it in this Romanesque Revival form between 1822 and 1837, and it is Grade I listed. It is regarded as Hopper's finest work and as one of the most important country houses in 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.
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.
East of England
Heart of England
South of England
South West of England
Wales
