Discover the finest destinations for a Welsh weekend getaway, ranging from the majestic Snowdonia to a delightful vineyard in Glamorgan
The King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston, located in The Gower
While the Pembrokeshire coastline often steals the spotlight, the Gower region boasts some of the UK’s most breathtaking beaches, including Rhossili, Oxwich, and Three Cliffs Bay. Despite being set inland, The King Arthur Hotel enjoys a fantastic location with picturesque views of the village green. On sunny days, both locals and visitors gather, creating a vibrant festival-like ambiance. The rooms are unpretentious yet cozy, providing a comfortable retreat after a refreshing walk or swim. You can refuel with generous servings of pies, burgers, and chilli, perfectly complemented by an impressive selection of real ales and Welsh liqueurs.
Rates for doubles start at £85 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit kingarthurhotel.co.uk.
Porth Tocyn in Abersoch, Gwynedd
Porth Tocyn, located in Abersoch, Gwynedd, is an exceptional base for exploring the awe-inspiring Wales Coastal Path. This warm and inviting hotel is family-run, providing a delightful home-from-home experience. With sitting rooms adorned with fresh flowers, magazines, and comfortable sofas, as well as a dedicated children’s snug to entertain the little ones, guests are guaranteed a welcoming stay. The bedrooms exude a charming ambiance, featuring a blend of antique pieces and crisp Egyptian linens, while bookshelves and watercolor paintings adorn the walls. Families and dog owners will find specially designed rooms to suit their needs.
One of the highlights of Porth Tocyn is the enchanting dinners served on the terrace, offering breathtaking sea views. Rates for doubles start at £155 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit porthtocynhotel.co.uk.
The Grove of Narberth, situated in Pembrokeshire
The Grove of Narberth is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Wales, offering two exceptional restaurants renowned for their spectacular cuisine. The Fernery provides an elegant fine dining experience, while the Artisan Brasserie invites guests to enjoy a leisurely, indulgent lunch on the stunning garden terrace. Both restaurants take pride in sourcing many of their ingredients from the hotel’s expansive kitchen gardens.
Accommodations at The Grove consist of 13 stylish bedrooms in the main house, along with cottage suites dispersed throughout the charming gardens. These suites are located in buildings dating back to the 16th century, meticulously restored and renovated to offer a delightful stay.
Rates for doubles at The Grove start at £246 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit grovenarberth.co.uk.
Albion Aberteifi, situated in Cardigan
Immerse yourself in Cardigan’s vibrant seafaring heritage by staying at the newly opened Albion Aberteifi, a charming 12-bedroom hotel nestled along the banks of the river Teifi within a restored old maritime warehouse. Preserving much of the original structure, the hotel boasts delightful pencil sketches of tall ships, 150-year-old oak wooden floors, and walls that exude a maritime ambiance.
The bedrooms provide a wonderfully cocoon-like retreat, adorned with king-sized beds, Welsh blankets, and textiles, along with reclaimed fixtures and furniture. Guests can indulge in the luxurious Aesop toiletries provided. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant, Yr Odyn, tantalizes the taste buds with creatively textured dishes crafted using smoke and fire.
Rates for doubles start at £165 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit albionaberteifi.co.uk.
The Old Vicarage in Corris, nestled in the breathtaking region of Snowdonia
Prepare your walking boots and outdoor attire for an unforgettable stay at The Old Vicarage, a beautifully restored accommodation that serves as the perfect base for a variety of activities. From hiking up the magnificent Cader Idris to conquering the exhilarating cycle routes at Dyfi Bike Park or embarking on wildlife-spotting adventures in the Dyfi Unesco Biosphere, which encompasses ancient woodlands, lakes, wetlands, and marshes, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences to be had.
The four bedrooms, each adorned with a distinct color palette, exude a chic and contemporary ambiance. Additionally, the bright and airy dining room is the ideal spot to indulge in a delicious three-course breakfast, providing the perfect start to your day of exploration.
Rates for doubles start at £130 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit oldvicarage.wales or rarebits.co.uk.
The Castle Cottage Inn in Harlech
Ideal for history enthusiasts and those captivated by Wales’s dramatic past, The Castle Cottage Inn is a beloved restaurant with rooms that experienced a change in ownership in 2020. The new owners, leveraging their background in the airline industry, have introduced the Aviation Bar, adorned with captivating flying memorabilia. Alongside, Pattra’s restaurant, skillfully led by the previous chef-owner Glyn Roberts, continues to delight diners.
Situated a brief stroll from the remarkable Harlech Castle and the town’s historic high street, this charming establishment serves as a delightful base for exploring one of Wales’s unique corners. The inn offers seven comfortable rooms, some with splendid castle views.
Rates for doubles begin at £140 per night, inclusive of breakfast. For more information, visit castlecottageinnharlech.com.
The Llanthony Priory Hotel in Abergavenny
Nestled in one of Wales’s most spiritually captivating corners, the Llanthony Priory Hotel is a captivating country inn, intricately tied to the original 12th-century Augustinian priory. Hidden away in the serene Ewyas Valley, this charming retreat offers a true off-grid experience, where simple bedrooms welcome guests with no phone signal or televisions, providing a sense of immersion in the tranquil Welsh countryside.
Exploration opportunities abound with walks right from the doorstep, nearby cycling and trekking routes, and the chance to marvel at the spectacular star-studded skies at night. The cosy cellar bar serves up real ales and mouthwatering homemade dishes, including hearty meaty casseroles and delectable vegan goulash.
Rates for doubles start at £140 per night, including breakfast. For more information, visit llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk.
Llanerch Vineyard, located in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan
Llanerch, the esteemed AA Welsh Hotel of the Year for the previous year, proudly stands as the UK’s pioneering vineyard hotel. This exquisite destination seamlessly blends modern and elegant bedrooms, providing captivating views of the picturesque surrounding countryside. Guests can indulge in captivating tours and tastings of the estate’s esteemed Cariad wines.
The culinary experience at Llanerch is truly exceptional, with the restaurant offering delectable seasonal menus, sourcing premium ingredients from local producers. For those seeking pure indulgence, delightful afternoon teas are available, best enjoyed on the sunny outdoor terrace. On top of this, Angela Gray’s Cookery School operates within the estate, offering day and half-day courses for those passionate about culinary arts (angelagray.co.uk).
Rates for doubles start at £80 per night, and room-only options are available. For more information, visit llanerch.co.uk.
The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, situated in Builth, Powys
Nestled in a serene setting on the banks of the River Irfon, surrounded by glistening lakes and lush woodlands, The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa is akin to a tranquil retreat in Wales. This charming country hotel and spa exudes relaxation and leisure.
The spa at the hotel offers a delightful array of amenities, including a 15m pool, four treatment rooms, a well-equipped gym, an outdoor hot tub, and a tennis court. Additionally, the 50-acre grounds feature a nine-hole par-three golf course, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Wander directly from the doorstep to discover invigorating walks, ideal for working up an appetite before savoring dinners showcasing modern British dishes (including a vegetarian menu) alongside an extensive 300-strong wine list.
For those with canine companions, dogs are warmly welcomed at an additional cost of £20 per night.
Rates for doubles start at £196.50 per night, inclusive of breakfast. For more details, visit lakecountryhouse.co.uk.
Mansion House Llansteffan, located in Llangain, Carmarthen
The Mansion House in Llansteffan, situated in Llangain, Carmarthen, is an exquisite destination for a romantic weekend escape. This elegant Georgian building is gracefully nestled in five acres of lush and enchanting gardens, offering captivating vistas of the River Towy estuary and the captivating Carmarthen Bay. It’s an idyllic setting for leisurely sunset strolls along the waterfront or through the wooded headland, as well as exploring the dramatic ruins of Llansteffan Castle, which overlook a sweeping expanse of sandy beach.
Inside, the eight bedrooms exude the charm of a classic country house, boasting tasteful decor without a hint of chintz. The on-site restaurant showcases a delectable menu featuring coracle-caught fish from the Towy River, succulent Welsh lamb, and fresh seafood from Milford Haven. To complement the delightful cuisine, locally brewed ale is also on offer.
Rates for doubles start at £160 per night, which includes a delightful breakfast. For more information, visit mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk.
