The Foodie Travel Guide> Places to Stay UK> Best Places to Stay in Wales

Best Places to Stay in Wales

The Bell at Skenfrith

Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, England

With its lovely rooms, excellent restaurant, friendly and efficient staff and picturesque walks, this idyllic getaway offers up the complete rural package. The Bell at Skenfrith is located in a stunning and tranquil setting in the Monmouthshire countryside. There’s the River Monnow meandering by, a ruined castle and a church in the village. The pretty whitewashed 17th century coaching inn has 11 tastefully furnished rooms and the food is top-notch. At dinner, perhaps the blue cheese brûlée as a starter followed by the locally-reared beef and a scrummy pudding. It’s one of the best places to stay in Wales for a walking break. Pick up a handy leaflet of local walks and order a picnic hamper to take with you. Head up the hill to Whitehouse Farm where Apple Cider County produce their award-winning cider and stop for a tasting. The Bell also makes an ideal base if you’re visiting the Abergavenny Food Festival in September.

Foodies will love:

• Summer dining on the terrace
• A traditional Welsh tea with Welsh cakes, Barabrith and Tregothnan tea
• A pint of local ale in the Dog & Boot bar
• The excellent wine list including sparkling rosé from local vineyard Ancre Hill

Rooms from £130 a night.

The Angel Hotel

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales

With the same owners as The Walnut Tree Inn, one of a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Wales, The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny, is firmly on the food lover’s map of Wales. You’ll find it in the heart of this scenic and charming small Welsh town, on the South Eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons. Abergavenny comes alive every September for its annual Food Festival, one of the best food festivals in the UK. With its own castle, independent shops and wonderful walks, it’s a great all-round destination for a weekend break. From the town you can walk to the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain which dominates the skyline.There are 34 tastefully furnished bedrooms. Even better, a unique cottage with self catering facilities. It was once the Victorian gatehouse of Abergavenny Castle.

Foodies will love:

• The Angel’s afternoon tea taken in the courtyard
• Dinner in the Oak Room Restaurant
• The free taxi service for guests wanting to eat at The Walnut Tree

Rooms from £95 a night.

Llangoed Hall

Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales

You’ll feel like you’re staying in a private country house at Llangoed Hall. There’s a grand piano in the hallway, interesting artworks adorning the walls, and a huge collection of books. The magnificent Jacobean mansion was first converted into a country house hotel by Sir Bernard Ashley, the husband of renowned fabric designer, Laura Ashley. As for the 23 bedrooms, they are huge and Edwardian in style, with antiques and decanters of sherry. The location, just outside the literary enclave of Hay-on-Wye, and with the Brecon Beacons on your the doorstep. This is the place to stay in Wales for country pursuits, croquet and fine dining. In 2016, the hotel’s restaurant was voted the ‘Best Restaurant in Wales’ by The Sunday Times. Homegrown produce comes from the hotel’s kitchen garden and there’s a smokehouse, too.

Foodies will love

• The choice of a four-course or tasting menu
• The old-fashioned cheese trolley
• The Laura Ashley afternoon tea

Rooms from £150 a night.

Gliffaes Country House Hotel

Brecon Beacons, Wales

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in the Brecon Beacons, Gliffaes country house hotel is a great choice. Surrounded by the Black Mountains and with its own stretch of the River Usk, it’s one of the best places to stay in South Wales. With five beats along the river, it is also a top fishing hotel offering beginner and improver courses in fly fishing. Built in Italiante style, the Victorian building is full of character. There are 23 individually designed bedrooms with antiques, pretty fabrics and classic country décor. Go for a stroll around the 19th Century arboretum before getting cosy by the fire and tucking into delicious cakes from the afternoon tea buffet.

Foodies will love:

• Breakfast on the sunny terrace
• Dining on modern British dishes in the Brecon restaurant

Rooms from £110 a night.

The Grove

Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales

The Grove is the best place to stay in Wales for an upmarket gastronomic experience. The 18th-century country house started life as a restaurant with rooms and has evolved into a fabulous hotel with both rooms and luxury cottages. Herb cottages have magnificent views of the Preseli Hills and come with a cosy wood burning stove, a deep bath and elegant décor. Set in 26-acres of beautifully manicured grounds, this hidden gem is a good choice for a romantic weekend break. There are lovely walks nearby and the Pembrokeshire coast is a short drive away. The main draw though is the exceptional food. Expect a fine dining experience in The Fernery restaurant showcasing the best Pembrokeshire produce. Nice touches for guests include gourmet picnic hampers to take with you on a day out.

Foodies will love:

• The 8-course taster menu using produce from the restored kitchen garden
• The extensive wine list
• Relaxed dining in The Artisan Rooms with small plates and grazing boards

Rooms from £190 per night

Llys Meddyg

Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales

With the sea before it, the Mountain of Angels behind and set within the Pembrokeshire National Park, Llys Meddyg is in a truly enchanting setting. Family-run with great passion, this beautiful Georgian building is a chic, relaxed and cosy restaurant with 9 rooms. Colourful Welsh blankets, local artwork and fresh flowers define its effortless style. For foodies – foraged finds, imaginative menus and home-smoked produce. Local produce is championed – fresh lobster and crab, slow-reared pork, Caws Cymru cheeses and Welsh whisky from Penderyn distillery. Dog-friendly rooms are available in the Mews building and Newport beach is just a 5-minute walk away. A perfect place to stay if you’re to looking to explore all the delights of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Foodies will love:

• A cocktail in the cosy cellar bar
• Relaxed summer dining in The Kitchen Garden room
• A Full Welsh Breakfast

Rooms from £90 a night

Penally Abbey Restaurant With Rooms

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Penally Abbey is the place to stay for a stylish and relaxing seaside break along the Pembrokeshire coast. The country house hotel has sweeping views out to South Beach and beyond, towards Caldey Island. Recently renovated by new owners, this late 18th-century gothic gem has elegant rooms rich in period detail and is beautifully decorated in calming colours. The 11 bedrooms are extremely comfortable with big beds, soft linen, fluffy bath towels and luxury toiletries. Family-run with love and great taste, this is a charming and friendly place to stay in Wales. The beach just a 10-minute stroll through the sand dunes and there are wonderful walks nearby. At meal times, relaxed fine dining with imaginative cooking and warm hospitality.

Foodies will love:

• Dining by candlelight in the elegant restaurant
• Emphasis on local Pembrokeshire produce
• Welsh cooked breakfast with laver bread

Rooms from £125 a night.

Wolfscastle Country Hotel

Treffgarne, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Wolfscastle country hotel has been run by the same family for over 40 years. The hotel stands on a promontory next to the Norman castle from which the village and hotel take their names. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quiet stay in rural Pembrokeshire. Inside, the hotel has a spa offering relaxing massages and beauty treatments. Bedrooms are comfortable and well appointed. Most are dog-friendly. Outside, there’s beautiful countryside and good walks. At the end of the day, enjoy relaxed dining in the Brasserie or more formal dining in the 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Service is friendly and attentive.

Foodies will love:

• A pre-dinner cocktail in the Brasserie
• Delicious dishes created using Welsh produce
• Sunday lunch

Rooms from £75 a night.

Slebech Park

Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A peaceful hideaway in West Wales. History buffs will love staying at Slebech Park, a country estate set in 650 acres within the Pembrokeshire National Park. In the grounds, you’ll discover Victorian walled gardens, the ruins of an old chapel and hidden tunnels. The location, overlooking the DauGleddau estuary, is stunning. Cycling, walking, shooting and tennis are just some of the outdoor activities on offer.

Foodies will love:

• A pre-dinner drink in the cosy bar
• Dining in the 2 AA Rosette restaurant
• Bara Brith and Welsh cakes with tea

Rooms from £66 a night.

Trefloyne Manor

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A golfer’s delight on the Pembrokeshire coast. Trefloyne Manor, near Tenby, has a well-regarded 18-hole golf course and pro shop. Some of the guests staying at the family-run country hotel will have views of the course from their bedroom balcony. Bedrooms are all individually designed and are divided between the main farmhouse building and a converted coach house. There’s also The Loft, an impressive three-bedroomed apartment with its own kitchen and dining area. The vibe in the hotel is relaxed and friendly with local golfers mingling with guests. Non-golfers can enjoy the fantastic coastal walks or a relaxing massage in The Dovecote, which also offers beauty treatments. At meal times, classics such as steak and chips, Trefloyne fish pie or slow-cooked pork belly.

Foodies will love:

• Sandwiches and a pint in the bar after a round of golf
• Relaxed dining in the Orangery restaurant
• Picnics to enjoy in your room

Rooms from £100 a night.

St Brides Spa Hotel

Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales

St Brides Spa Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Wales if you’re looking for relaxing spa treatments, delicious seafood and stunning sea views. This award-winning seaside spa hotel is located within the Pembrokeshire National Park. Go for a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and you’ll have views out to sea and across to Saundersfoot beach. In fact, there are wonderful sea views from the restaurant, spa and many of the hotel’s 34 bedrooms. Décor in the rooms is modern, fresh and coastal. For a marine-themed spa treatment, try the lava shell relaxing body massage or a detoxifying seaweed wrap.

Foodies will love:

• Eating local seafood in the Cliff restaurant
• Al fresco breakfast on the deck
• Fish and chips in The Marina

Rooms from £175 a night.

Plas Bodegroes

Pwllheli, Lyn Penninsula, North Wales

One of the best areas to stay in North Wales is the Llyn Peninsula – designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s known for its wonderful coastal walks and beautiful beaches. Food lovers ‘in the know’ take their taste buds (and their dogs), for a short break at Plas Bodegroes, an award-winning country house restaurant with rooms. An elegant and charming hotel in a pretty setting, it’s nestled amongst woodland and carpeted by a sea of bluebells in the spring. Rooms are comfortable and traditionally furnished. An ideal romantic getaway.

Foodies will love:

• Afternoon tea on the rose-clad veranda
• Top class dining in the restaurant

Read our Expert Review.

Rooms from £99 a night.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa

Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales

Bodysgallen Hall is a luxury hotel with history. This 17th-century restored country mansion is surrounded by 200 acres of parkland and stands on a hill overlooking Llandudno. It is one of the few hotels run by the National Trust. Guests who stay here can relax in the spa, explore the beautiful gardens with its follies and admire the wonderful views of both Conwy Castle and the Snowdonia mountain range. Expect country house hospitality, roaring fires, paintings and antiques. Accommodation is provided in 15 traditionally furnished bedrooms and 16 pretty cottages in the grounds.

Foodies will love:

• Traditional Welsh afternoon tea
• Fine dining in the restaurant

Rooms from £151 a night.

Escape Boutique B&B

Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales

Over 10 years ago, the Escape Boutique B&B put Llandudno firmly on the map for trendy city slickers. Described by travel writer, Bill Bryson, as his ‘favourite seaside resort’, Llandudno has been undergoing a revival in recent years. Head to North Wales for a weekend break by the sea and stay at this hip and contemporary B&B. The Victorian villa has 9 individually designed and colourful bedrooms each with cheeky names such as The Boudoir and Retro Red. For beach hut chic, stay in the Coastal room with its deckchair stripes. Expect oversized headboards, huge beds, walk in showers and luxury touches such as Bose iPod docks.

Foodies will love:

• Eating out at Llandudno’s Seahorse restaurant
• Visiting nearby Bodnant Welsh Food Centre

Rooms from £99 a night.

See All: Best Places to Stay in North Wales

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