North Wales : Betws-y-Coed, Snowdon, and Portmeirion

WHERE: North Wales – Betws-y-Coed, Snowdon, Portmeirion

WHEN: April 2015

HOW LONG FOR: 2 DAYS

I spent my Easter weekend exploring north Wales, and I have to say, it was stunning. I definitely didn’t anticipate how beautiful it would be – having lived in the west country myself for 4 years I just expected it to rain, but we were greeted with brilliant sunshine and some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve encountered. I suppose it needs all that rain to stay so green and lush!

I want to start this post with a little bit about the B&B we stayed in, because it was such an integral part of what made our trip so memorable. Afon Gwyn Country House (click here for their website) is a beautiful stone building in the town Betws-y-Coed, and it is possibly the best place I have ever stayed. Run by Gareth and Rana, who are extremely welcoming and friendly, this B&B is in the perfect location for exploring North Wales. The rooms are immaculately clean, and the decor is incredibly charming. What sets them apart is their attention to detail; they gave us a torch in case we were out late at night, left out a box of Easter treats ready for our arrival, and had all the toiletries you could hope for. The breakfast was delicious with a selection of cereals and fruit to be picked on, plus a hot meal made fresh for you by Rana. It truly felt like a home away from home.

We stayed in the White Room — THE WHITE ROOM

1. BETWS-Y-COED

This is the lovely little village we stayed in. Quiet, quaint and quirky.

Pretty places in Betws-y-Coed:

Swallow Falls

Conwy Falls

Fairy Glen & River Walk

2. SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK & MOUNT SNOWDON

Betws-y-Coed is located in amongst the endless rolling hills of Snowdonia. Driving through the national park to Mount Snowdon itself is a must – these are some shots I took on the way.

When we arrived at the Snowdon Railway, we realised how good a decision it was to book our tickets in advance. There were so many people and those who arrived late were told they had a long wait. We also realised how weather-dependent Snowdon is… when we reached Clogwyn, this is what we were met with.

Luckily, just before our train was about to leave, the sun burnt through the clouds to reveal this:

3. PORTMEIRION

A short drive from Snowdon is the village Portmeirion. It was built in the style of an Italian village by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, and on a sunny day you really do feel like you could be walking along the Almalfi Coast.

GREAT FOOD

1. THE GRILL BAR AT THE ROYAL OAK HOTEL (Betws-y-Coed)- I can thoroughly recommend the Fish&Chips here, one of the best I’ve eaten.

2. THE OLD TANNERY (Llanrwst) – We had the duck and the sea bass, both were amazing.

After my weekend in Wales, I have decided that the area is seriously underrated… at least it was by me! It is one of the prettiest places I have been, and I am already planning to go back this summer at some point for a longer holiday. The best thing about going in Spring though? These guys…