Happy New Year
My husband and I are planning 4 nights in North Wales, along with destinations in England, we will be going in May. We will have a car.
I am thinking 2 nights in Conwy and then 2 nights somewhere else closer to the Snowdonia Nat'l park.
Was looking at Caernarfon, Beddgelert, or Betws-y-Coed.
Any thoughts on which of these towns would offer atmosphere, moderate hikes nearby, and general beauty along with easy access to nearby sights. If you have a favorite, would love a suggestion as to where to stay as well.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1834 posts
Betws y Coed and Caernarfon are only about 40 minutes drive from Conwy - not really worth relocating there. Beddgelert is about an hour by car - again ask if it is worth the hassle of relocating.
Of them all, Conwy would be my choice for atmosphere with its ruined castle, town walls and medieval town centre. You have easy access to the Conwy Valley and into Snowdonia. There is Llandudno with the Great Orme with lots of walking on top (plus the amazing Bronze Age copper mines). There is also Conwy mountain. Near by are Bodnant Gardens, and in May the wonderful laburnum arch should be dripping with flowers.
If wanting a second base, I would suggest Criccieth with its ruined castle. It gives access to the Llyn Peninsula with its coastal walk (the area around Aberdaron is lovely) as well as the Ffestiniog valley with access to the Moelwyns and Cnicht. Cwm Pennant is a delightful valley yet to be discovered by tourists asnd walkers. It gives access to the Nanlle Ridge, into Beddgelert forest and Moel Hebog. There is also the eclectic Portmeirion too which has some pleasant walks around the estate as well as an Italianate village to explore.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
On both of our trips to that part of Wales we stayed in Caernarfon at the Victoria House B&B. Other than the castle there isn’t much to the town, but my wife loves that B&B. With as close as Conwy is to Caernarfon, I too think it doesn’t make sense to relocate. On our most recent trip in 2019 we drove up to Caernarfon through Snowdonia and used Caernarfon as a base to visit Llandudno and Anglesey. We had previously Conwy castle so skipped it on that trip.
Posted by
OP
172 posts
Thanks for the feedback. Think we will just stay in Conwy for the 4 nights and sightsee from there.
Posted by
81 posts
I’m interested in this thread too. Where in Conwy will you stay?
Posted by
2404 posts
You could consider Plan Maenan Country House which is located in the Conwy valley just off the A470. It’s not cheap!
Posted by
OP
172 posts
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I have booked Gwynfryn B+B in Conwy. We have decided to stay there all 4 nights per feedback. It includes breakfast in an old chapel that has been converted. Looks interesting!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1834 posts
I've been looking at the pictures and website. Gwynfryn B+B sounds wonderful!
Posted by
Denver, CO
113 posts
I have booked Gwynfryn B+B in Conwy. We have decided to stay there all 4 nights per feedback. It includes breakfast in an old chapel that has been converted. Looks interesting!
Karen, can you report back on Gwynfryn? Considering booking it and would love to hear about your experience. Thank you!