North of England
Scotland
Nestled in the Gwynedd countryside with sea and mountain view, just moments away from Aberdesach Beach is this phenomenal detached house, Y Berth Ddu Farmhouse. Sleeping up to eight guests, Y Berth Ddu Farmhouse makes for an excellent stay in North Wales for a large group.
Upon arrival, you will be delighted to find ample off-road parking spaces resting in front of this marvellous, stone-built home-from-home. Be enveloped into a charming sitting room, with enough leather seating for all the family to relax on in front of the TV.
Continue through to find an additional living/dining room, with another TV for extra entertainment and a plush sofa; the dining table seats eight, creating a lovely socialising space as you dine with your loved ones. Towards the back of the property is the spacious kitchen, the chef of the group will be dazzled by the ample appliances available, from an American fridge/freezer to a convenient dishwasher!
The close-by breakfast bar is a superb spot for a morning coffee, along with another dining table for four, to suit your eating arrangements. When night falls, make your way to the first floor to find two tastefully furnished king size rooms, accompanied by handy en-suite shower rooms, as well as a double and a twin room.
A family bathroom is also located within the property, with tiled finishes and a spacious bath with an overhead shower to relish a well-deserved rest in. Savour some peace and quiet with a book in the sunny conservatory and look out at those magnificent views of the countryside and the distant sea of an evening enjoy the beautiful sunset.
The large garden showcases a vast, lush lawn and numerous sitting areas and a hottub for you to relax in with a glass of wine or a cold beverage in hand. Note: This property can be booked with Refs.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Y Berth Ddu Farmhouse, 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: 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: 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: 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
