When you pursue a winter break in North Wales there is one important thing you must do and that is, embrace the cold. If you can do this, wholeheartedly embrace the wonderfully unpredictable North Wales weather in all its forms, then you are sure to have an unforgettable time.
The weather makes a winter hotel break.
It is the very reason you don’t have to share the mountains with hundreds of other people. It’s why when you walk into the hotel lobby you feel instantly at home, the warmth inviting you in to sit and sip a hot chocolate in the lounge. The winter outdoor activities are the reason hunger strikes and you can’t wait for dinner, and it’s why, when you step into your grand bedroom, the first thing you want to do is jump into bed and stay there for days.
Embracing the cold allows you to discover all that Eryri (Snowdonia) has to offer, outdoor activities that welcome you to enjoy the true beauty of our National Park whilst you stay with us at our Victorian Llandudno hotel beside the sea.
For those keen to get the legs moving…
You can take in beautiful landscapes wherever you wish to venture, from coastline to castle, mountain path to peak.
As outdoor activities go, you won’t be surprised that hiking our great Snowdonia mountains is top of the list. From Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself to Tryfan, Moel Siabod and Y Garn, or the Carneddau and Glyderau ranges. It is highly recommended that inexperienced hikers or mountaineers book a guide who will be able to safely assist your adventure as well as sharing insight and information about the area.
But you needn’t head for a peak to experience the wonder of Snowdonia, there are endless walks you can take in and around the stunning National Park. The National Trust have compiled a list of their top 10 walks in Snowdonia; from Gelert’s grave walk in the quaint village of Beddgelert to Llyn Ogwen circular walk for anyone who wishes to delve into Arthurian legend.
For lower-level winter outdoor activities…
Plan an exploration of some of Wales’s greatest and most important castles. Wrap up and set out to see the UNESCO-listed quartet of Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech during your stay at our North Wales hotel.
The closest is the medieval fortress of Conwy Castle, just 4 miles away from our Llandudno hotel, if you’d prefer not to venture too far. Whilst you are there wander too around the picturesque walled market town of Conwy itself.
But perhaps it’s not the mountains or the castles but the wintery Welsh coastline that draws you here…
In which case, you will enjoy walking along the seafront of our charming town of Llandudno. Take a right as you leave our hotel and walk along Llandudno Bay to Penrhyn Bay via the Little Orme on the North Wales Path. Or take a left to venture to the impressive Grade II listed Pier, from here on the clearest days, you can see the breath-taking Snowdonia Mountain range. If you continue past the pier, you might like to make your way to the summit of the Great Orme for even more spectacular views over Liverpool Bay, the Carneddau range, the Menai Strait and Anglesey, with a range of walks to choose from.
If it’s romantic and beautiful coastal walks you seek…
Plan a pilgrimage to St Dwynwen’s Church at Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn) on Anglesey, for St Dwynwen’s Day on 25th January. The Welsh Valentine’s Day dedicated to love in honour of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers; a fourth century Welsh princess who, after having no luck in love herself, became a nun and would pray for true lovers to have better luck than she did. On this day many enjoy romantic walks, exchange gifts, cards and beautifully carved Welsh love spoons. Pack a picnic for two and walk to the legendary tidal island, once the home of St Dwynwen, from the beach car park along the stunning sandy coastline, or along the forest track. (Please note, it is advised that you check tide times before your walk to ensure you don’t get cut-off from the mainland at high tide.)
After a chilly winter beach walk head back to the hotel where the warmth of traditional hospitality will draw you in and keep you cosy for an evening of relaxation and great food. There’s nothing better than having a hotel to retreat to after a day of embracing the cold. A hot shower or a long soak in the bath, and a freshen up before a drink in the bar and then a three-course dinner at our two AA Rosette Chantrey’s Restaurant, refuelling you for tomorrow’s adventures.
Keen cyclists or mountain bikers will discover plenty of routes and trails in and around Snowdonia, guaranteeing panoramic views of mountains, lakes, forests and valleys…
Whether you take to the winding roads or find routes within the mountains, including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, epic mountain tracks like the 25 km Gwydyr Trail for experienced mountain bikers, or shorter, scenic trails like the Lôn Gwyrfai multi-use path from Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu catering for all levels of confidence and experience.
Maybe that’s not quite fast or exciting enough, for the thrill-seekers, maybe a visit to the adrenalin-inducing Zip World is the kind of outdoor activity you’re looking for. Offering a range of adventures, from Velocity, the fastest zip line in the world, to Quarry Karts the UK’s only mountain cart experience.
Embrace the cold and you can discover the sheer beauty of Snowdonia, without the crowds or queues. Unforgettable views and miles of trail all to yourself. Castles and coastlines free to roam for anyone seeking adventure. You pack the layers and we’ll take care of the rest on your unique winter break in Llandudno.