Is North Wales A Mini Break Hotspot?
Pre Covid-19, sneaky weekend breaks often involved a quick jaunt to Barcelona, Madrid or even Milan. Cheap flights made it just super easy to drop into a Spanish or Italian city for the weekend……but were we missing a trick or two at home?
Now bear with me here ,as I really feel I am about to either make a lot of people laugh or just click out of the blog never to return, but could Llandudno be your go to short break in 2020?
Yes, I accept the connotations! Llandudno is a place where older people go, but plan a little carefully and your experience could be altogether different.
Here’s The Plan!
For the purpose of this blog, I am presuming that you are arriving late morning on a Friday, departing Sunday ….and the weather is fine, does not have to be hot, just dry.
To set the scene for a great weekend, you need to see Llandudno from it’s best angle, which is the seafront. Therefore aim to park as near as possible to the Little Orme.
Your weekend break starts with a stroll along the promenade, which unlike many yesteryear resort type costal towns in the UK, is actually rather elegant and a little bit sparkly. Indeed ( you might need to squint) , you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Nice, complete with pebble beach and stylish Victorian buildings.
Llandudno Promenade - Dog and child, bloggers own! x
NB: Perhaps I should have said make sure you wear comfortable footwear, well I am saying it now, but before we set off on a proper walk, it is time to fuel up.
What are your instant thoughts on the food offerings in Llandudno?
True to most seaside resorts you would be right in thinking that fish and chips are aplenty, but any thoughts of slumming it in a back street cafe can be left right here.
Recommendations!
Number 1! Osborne House.
Osbourne House is a boutique hotel which is a sexy departure from a twee little guest house by the sea. The bar could easily be a sleek space in a happening city, complete with black panel walls contrasted with cool carrara marble. Indeed the bar would be a good place to kick off the weekend, Bellini in hand…….but just the one as you have a lot to do. The menu is easy going but very well executed and if the weather is good, you could dine in the small garden overlooking the sea.
Osbourne House Bar - Go on, have a cocktail.
Recommendation Number 2!
Now I need to be honest at this point, I used to live in Wales and consequently have a little bit of a soft spot for the country. I even flirted with running a restaurant of my own for some time and it was then I realised that there was a massive niche in UK holiday resorts.
Setting aside the exceptions of the popular South West, I realised there were really not enough quality restaurants located by the sea. Thankfully I was not the only person noticing the gap and subsequently Dylan’s are reshaping the restaurant scene and standard in North Wales, located in Criccieth, Menai Bridge and Llandudno.
Dylan’s Llandudno
The opening of the Llandudno restaurant really emphasises a change in the people that might consider a break there. Located in a stunning Victorian building, sea front, Dylan’s celebrates Welsh produce serving local Menai Mussels and a Welsh Sparkling Wine, Borgo Molino, Treviso. You might raise an eyebrow, a sparkling Welsh wine? How could that possibly be any good? Yet if you were in Italy or Spain you be likely to give something new a go, so the same rule applies here.
Fed and watered, now let’s get on with the day.
Assuming a level of fitness, a walk around the Great Orme is the perfect way to burn off any excess calories from lunch. The walk takes you away from all the hustle and bustle of the town and really allows you to appreciate the scenery, especially on a clear day where you may even be able to see the Isle of Man across the water. There are also some rather upmarket houses to spot.
NB: Please note you can also drive, a toll payment may apply.
The walk ends on the West Shore Beach. A really large expanse of golden sand and if the weather is good, it is the perfect place to catch your breath and kick back. Even in the height of summer, West Shore rarely gets overcrowded and a sheltered space can usually be found.
West Shore. Boy, bloggers own.
Time to turn tourist for a minute! There is a pleasure train which runs from West Shore back in to town, so if your legs are tired, jump on.
Check In
Whilst there are some lovely hotels on the seafront in Llandudno, I want to enhance your experience further and recommend the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy, just a short five minute drive from the centre of town.
The hotel is located in a Marina with some very nice looking yachts, instantly elevating the perception of your North Wales experience. The Quay Hotel and Spa bucks the trend of seaside hotels in the UK, with polished floors and spacious public areas giving a distinct continental vibe.
Enjoy dinner in the restaurant over looking the water and upgrade to an estuary facing bedroom.
Good Morning, Good Morning. !
After a good sleep and a hearty breakfast you are ready to start the day.
And it’s here where we really shake things up! You might think there is nothing better than looking out to sea, but what about actually getting out on the water?
Across from the hotel is another marina, Conwy Marina, running all manor of water based activities and courses.
However, I am not suggesting you don a wetsuit and try windsurfing, although you can if you wish. A 1 day Competent Crew course is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Climb aboard a luxury sailing boat, learn a new skill and take in the stunning scenery around Anglesey and the Menai Straits. Its a full day on the water, topped off with a meal at the Marina restaurant.
Typical Conwy Marina Sailing Yacht.
Awaking Sunday morning, I am hoping you now feel convinced that Llandudno and indeed nearby Deganwy, really make for a great weekend break. Wind down the active weekend with a visit to the hotel spa or enjoy a spot of shopping in Conwy.
Safe travels home. xxxxx
