Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, Denbighshire
Originally a manor house, it was reconstructed in the 19th century to look and feel like a Victorian castle. The four-star hotel has a choice of rooms from sophisticated ‘royale rooms’ to luxurious garden lodges with patio or balcony. There are walking trails in 260 acres outside the castle, spa facilities with heated indoor pools and activities including archery and shooting on site. Live shows and music are provided on selected nights and there are dining facilities in St David’s restaurant.
Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion
Situated in the grounds of the Italianate village of Portmeirion, the four-star hotel offers contemporary rooms in a gothic castle. The interiors are dominated by Welsh slate, stone and oak with featured paintings by Welsh artists. There is a brasserie on site which overlooks the Victorian walled garden from its conservatory. Coach parties can be dropped off outside with parking available at nearby Portmeirion.
The Courthouse, Betws-y-Coed
Once a police station, magistrates court and cells, this Victorian building has five bedrooms which characterises it's former self. Choose from a Lawyer’s Room, Interrogation Room, Handcuff Room, Fingerprint Room or Cell Room. The en suite bathrooms still carry the echoes of times when they were magistrates chambers. Police memorabilia is found around the guest house which has an original cell door, police helmets, truncheons and a magistrate’s coat of arms. Even the breakfast menu has names which are fitting for the property.
Graig Wen Campsite, Nr Dolgellau
Situated near Dolgellau with breathtaking views of the Mawddach estuary and Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains. Choose from yurts, cabans, cottages, bed and breakfast or even camping. There is plenty to do in the vicinity including castles, mountains, steam trains, zip lines and bike trails. Group bookings are also welcome.
Hotel Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth
Purposely created during 1925 and 1976, Portmeirion is an Italianate fantasy village on its own peninsula. It is also famous for being the filming location of the The cult TV series ‘The Prisoner’. Stay in the castle, the hotel or one of the cottages to enjoy the full experience of the village.
Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llŷn Peninsula
Located in a former quarrying village, the five star graded terraced cottages were once used by the workers and are suitable for groups (up to 120 guests). The site is now a Welsh language and heritage centre.
Safari Tents at Plas Weunydd, Llechwedd
As well as the hotel, Plas Weunydd offer six safari tents, each one suitable for up to five guests. They feature a wood burning stove and a barbecue on their own private balcony with views across the slate landscape, Zip World and Eryri National Park.
Riverside Camping, Caernarfon
Offering handcrafted tented lodges or cabans by the banks of the river Seiont for a luxury glamping experience in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia). Conveniently located seven miles from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and 2 miles from the coast, there are castles, steam trains, sporting activities and many more attractions within easy reach.
The Willows, Abersoch
A five star award winning caravan and camping site for adults only, just under three miles from Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula. They offer Hobbit homes, the Eye-Pod and Chillout Pod which have all the mod cons to enjoy cosy camping. The Eye-Pod has a clear dome for star gazing whilst enjoying a well earned early night or lie in!
Quirky accommodation in North Wales
Mid Wales
Crai Valley Eco Lodges, Nr Brecon
Situated in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, a wide range of accommodation over three organic farm sites is offered. Clients can choose from American log homes, glamping huts with verandas and a hot tub with views of the river, stone barn conversions, a traditional farm house and a town house. Activities and experiences can also be arranged for up to two coach loads.
Craig Y Nos Castle, Brecon Beacons
World famous opera singer Adelina Patti owned the castle in 1878 and free historical tours are offered free to clients who stay there. Situated in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, the castle is within Craig y Nos Country Park, which offers 40 acres of meadows, lakes and woodland to walk around. It is well renowned as the most haunted castle in Wales. There is a gym on site along with a hot tub. Evening meals are offered on selected dates. There is suitable parking for coaches.
Nannerth Country Holidays, Rhayader
Set behind the hills of the Elan Valley, this is a 200 acre organic and eco-friendly farm which is big on conservation. Say hello to Ava - a vintage circus and fair wagon. To keep her in tip top condition, she is not let out often, but there is other accommodation on site which includes a barn conversion, a loft and an old granary, all with hot tubs. There are plenty of things to do on the farm including badger watching in the treehouse, experiencing lambing live and exploring the wood and wetlands around the farm.
Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells
The Straw Cottage is a quiet retreat which focuses on the sounds and activities of outdoor living. Surrounded by three acres of meadows and woodland with a stream nearby. Enjoy going back to childhood days by building dens or dipping in the stream. There are even games provided for a rainy day. Then sit back and enjoy the views on the private veranda. There is no electricity in the property. Light comes from lanterns and candles with torches supplied. Wood burners provide heating and cooking is by gas. Alternatively they offer the Granary Cottage for up to four guests.
Treberfedd Farm, Lampeter
Feel just like a hobbit in the unique timber-framed eco cabins, located on a hilltop enjoying panoramic views. Underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove, an organic meadow grass roof and walls lined with sheep's wool make them about the cosiest homes in Ceredigion. Enjoy hot tubs in the modern farmhouse or converted granary store.
Cwmcarn Forest, Cwmcarn
Cwmcarn Forest in the South Wales Valleys offer an alternative to packing a tent by providing timber framed furnished or unfurnished glamping pods with heating, electricity and electrical sockets. All 'wooden' tents have their own barbecue facilities and a picnic table to enjoy outdoor dining. One of the larger pod is equipped with a bed, storage, dressing table and sofa.
Fully furnished luxury lodges are also available which feature a seating area on a decked veranda.
Hide at St Donats
The countryside retreat received a Quality Assured Glamping Site Gold Award in 2017. The site is near Atlantic College and St Donat's castle and is only 25 minute drive away from the capital city. It is home to three cabans, a Shepherd's Hut and a Walden Lodge.
Bethsaida, St Dogmaels
A converted baptist chapel which offers 4 star accommodation. The chapel has retained much of its original features such as the pulpit and the stained glass windows. Enjoy the history and art of Welsh culture using the reading material provided. For cyclists, the Bed and Breakfast offers bicycle storage within the building. Ideal for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Fforest, Cilgerran, Cardigan and Penbryn
Fforest farm has three locations around South West Wales. In 2017, they were named as one of the top three glamping resorts in the world by National Geographic. They provide a variety of accommodation, designed to enjoy the outdoors including cabins, lodges, domes, stone lodges and bell tents.
Florence Springs, Tenby
Florence Springs offers peace and solitude of the countryside. Choose from a Hobbit House, yurt, or treehouse. They also offer a premium camping pitch which has benches, an undercover seating and cooking area, a barbecue and fire pit which includes free logs. Located half a mile from Heatherton activity park, which has a multitude of activities for the whole family including the exciting Treetops adventure trail. Other nearby attractions include the Manor Wildlife Park, the Dinosaur park, Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Haven Pod, Neyland
A cabin style lodge which takes the phrase 'waterfront accommodation' to a new level. The cabin-style lodge floats on the water in the marina surrounding by boats and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The eco-friendly cabin, which sleeps two adults and two children, is built from ethically-sourced balau and cedar wood, floating on up-cycled pontoons and finished with Fair Trade products. The pod itself has all the amenities families would need from a self-catered accommodation including a kitchenette and kitchen essentials, a dining table and chairs, TV, sofa, Wi-Fi and a stunning private terrace.
Nantseren Glamping, Carmarthenshire
This exclusive use glamping site is set on a family farm near Llyn y Fan Fach and has achieved a Visit Wales Gold Award. It offers group accommodation with stylish tents, a glamping barn and a wild spa. The tents can accommodate up to four guests each and are set along a wooded stream on a wildflower meadow. Each one has its own bathroom in the spacious glamping barn, which also has a large log burner, seating and dining areas, books, games and a well equipped kitchen.
Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire
The panoramic views from the castle over St Brides Bay and Preseli Hills are incredible due to its elevated position on a hilltop. Founded in the 12th century, it has undergone extensive restoration during its history. The rooms are luxurious, some housed within the tower and turrets. There is a treatment room on site. Private dining can be arranged when staying exclusively as a group of eight or more.
Trellyn Woodland Camping, Abercastle
Secluded yurts, tipis and geo-eco accommodation can be found at this coastal campsite. Each pitch has a covered area with a campfire, picnic table and grill. There is no light pollution at night so a perfect location for star gazing in front of your own campfire. Its location allows guests to explore the unspoilt beaches around the coast.
Twr y Felin Hotel, St Davids
Part converted from an 1806 windmill, Twr y Felin Hotel has been meticulously restored and extended by the Retreats Group to a luxury contemporary art hotel. Located in the heart of the UK’s smallest city St Davids, within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it includes 21 en-suite bedrooms including the windmill tower, a sophisticated bar, a two rosette AA restaurant and an inviting lounge named Oriel. The hotel contains over 100 pieces of art inspire by the area. Passionately striving to improve its environmental impact, the hotel was awarded the Green Key for sustainability. A Green Key stands for an establishment’s promise to its guests that by opting to stay with such an establishment, they are helping to make a difference on an environmental and sustainability level.
