North of England
Scotland
Situated on the edge of the small village of Talsarnau, near Penrhyndeudraeth, this contemporary and cosy retreat is the perfect base for a special trip with family and friends amongst the breathtaking coastline of Eryri/Snowdonia National Park. The remarkable views from this contemporary property will inspire a visit to Portmeirion (5 miles), the Italianate architectural masterpiece designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, which features some wonderful scenic walks.
Harlech, with its famous cliff-top 13th-century castle, Royal Saint David’s Golf Course, and miles of beautiful dune-fringed beaches, is just 4 miles away, while Porthmadog, with its marina, waterside views, and a range of independent shops and restaurants, can be reached within 6.5 miles. You can hop aboard one of the three heritage railways serving Porthmadog to enjoy scenic mountain views to Caernarfon (24.5 miles) or marvel at Blaenau Ffestiniog (11 miles).
Boasting underfloor heating and special homely touches throughout, this contemporary home-away-from-home sets the scene for pure relaxation after a busy day of adventure. Through the welcoming entrance hallway, you’ll find two bedrooms, an en-suite king-size and an en-suite twin, that provide an oasis of calm to retreat to.
Maximising stunning views towards Portmeirion, the Dwyryd Estuary, and the mountains beyond, the spacious open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner on the first floor benefits from plenty of natural sunlight pouring in through large picture windows. Sit back and enjoy the fabulous view from the plush sofa or farmhouse-style dining table before preparing something delicious in the contemporary kitchen.
Upstairs on the second floor, there are two additional king-size bedrooms, both featuring stylish en-suite facilities and superb views to wake up to. Outside, the enclosed courtyard garden has been designed with relaxation in mind, with sleek paths, feature planting, and bespoke, quiet spots to unwind.
Take a soothing dip in the hot tub, enjoy some al fresco dining, or soak up the sunshine on the outdoor sofas with your morning coffee or a chilled glass at sunset. There is also space to store bikes in the garden.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of 4-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Talsarnau, 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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South West of England
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