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Quenton Fyfe
Editor
We're looking at North Wales and Anglesey this time,
with a view to exploring what the area has to offer
at this time of year.
North Wales - it's an area steeped in history, rich with
rugged, varied landscape, and proudly Welsh in outlook.
Whether you're looking for history, modern nightlife and
entertainment, the great outdoors, stunning scenery,
active pursuits or culture, North Wales has something to
offer you. For many, it's this wide range of attractions
and activities that give North Wales such a strong appeal.
The Snowdonia National
Park was one of the first to be
created and it attracts great numbers of visitors each
year. The obvious focal point is Snowdon itself. At some
3,560 feet, it's the highest British peak outside Scotland.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway
will take you close to the
summit if you don't feel up to making the trip on foot.
Given that Snowdon, and its 100-odd surrounding peaks have
been used for Everest expedition training, electing to take
the train would be quite understandable! The whole area is
enjoyed by many outdoors pursuitists from walkers to cyclists
to riders and climbers. As such, it's well geared up to cater
for your visiting needs.
Heading south west to the coast and Cardigan Bay, we find
the remarkable, and immediately recognisable village of
Portmeirion. To many the world over, it's the setting of
Patrick McGoohan's trials and tribulations as The Prisoner.
To its local residents however, it's home and the realisation
of a boyhood ambition of early 20th Century architect,
Clough Williams-Ellis. Which ever take you have on the
village it's a fascinating, and popular, place to visit.
Moving north past the dramatic Llyn Peninsula towards the
Menai Strait, you'll find the imposing, but unfinished, 13th
century Caernarfon Castle. Built by
Edward I as a seat of
power and a means to contain the rebellious Welsh, it was
never completed due to repeated attacks by locals who had
different ideas. None the less, in 1969 it played host to
the investiture of Prince Charles as the current Prince of
Wales. Today, the castle is a World Heritage Site.
North-East from Caernarfon lies Menai Bridge, a Victorian
town and location of Telford's impressive 1926 suspension
bridge which, together with Stephenson's Britannia Bridge,
links Anglesey with the mainland.
Anglesey really is a place to itself, with Welsh being the
mother-tongue of many locals. It has a rich ancient history,
from Neolithic times through the ancient Britons and druids
to medieval times.
As you might expect there are lots of remnants to be seen
from this turbulent history. From Neolithic burial chambers
at Bryn Cellu Ddu through to the impressive Beaumaris
Castle, again built by Edward I. Beaumaris town still
retains its Victorian gaol and courthouse which are both
well worth a visit.
As well as ferries over to Ireland, there are great views
to be enjoyed from Holyhead featuring Ireland, the Isle
of Man and Snowdonia on good days. In addition to the
natural wildlife habitat to be found at Holyhead and the
South Stack, there are man-made varieties on offer too -
the Anglesey Sea Zoo is to be found on
the shores of the
Menai Strait at Llanfairpwllgwyngll and features a
fascinating array of sea-life and recreated habitats.
With features like this, great beaches, interesting
history and even its own race circuit, Anglesey truly
has something for everyone.
Back on the mainland again, travelling east along Conwy
Bay we find Conwy Castle, another of Edward I's Iron
Ring of fortresses. This one guards the fortified town
of Conwy, with a feature Telford suspension
bridge
linking the two together. Telford designed this bridge
with mock medieval towers to blend in with the castle.
Aberconwy House is to be found here. It's
the only medieval
merchant's house to have survived the area's turbulent past
and, dating from the 14th Century, it's believed to be one
of the oldest houses in Wales.
Conwy's coastal neighbour is the pretty Victorian town of
Llandudno. Many regard this as the best
of the various
seaside resorts to be found on the North Wales coast,
contrasting as it does with the traditional 'Kiss Me Quick'
centres to be found further to its East. It features a
golden, sandy beach flanked by the great limestone outcrops
of Great Ormes Head and Little Orme. Llandudno's speedy rise
in popularity amongst the Victorians is thanks in no small
part to the smart, Owen Williams designed promenade.
Today's Llandudno offers its visitors good shopping, with a
modern shopping arcade discreetly designed to blend with the
traditional surroundings. The North Wales Theatre on the
promenade is a new 1500 seat theatre, where West End shows
and the Welsh National Opera perform.
Amidst the glitz and hubbub of the more modern easterly
resorts, you can find the Offas Dyke National Trail at
Prestatyn. This Long Distance Path runs the length of
Wales from the North Coast down to Sedbury in the South.
While North Wales does not boast endless sunshine,
it does boast an unrivalled mix of countryside, history,
culture and activities meaning it's one of the very best
British locations you can head for when you want to get away from it all.
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Hotels in North Wales and Anglesey
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Remember, all our hotels are covered by our unbeatable
Price Promise, meaning you won't find a
better deal!
Seiont Manor Hotel, Caernarfon
Seiont Manor sits peacefully within the countryside
of Snowdonia surrounded by 150 acres of mature farmland.
Quality Hotel Snowdonia, Llanberis
Set in 30 acres of gardens and Woodland on the edge
of the Snowdonia National Park, opposite the Snowdon
Mountain Railway. Nestling between the twin Lakes of
Padarn and Peris in the shadow of Snowdon itself,
the location is simply breathtaking.
St George's Hotel, Llandudno
Overlooking the splendid sweep of Llandudno Bay,
the St George's Hotel offers the finest food,
service and traditional Welsh hospitality. Some bedrooms enjoy breathtaking views of the
bay and all have television and radio, telephone
and hospitality tray.
Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris
Anglesey has perfect beaches, amazing history and
attractions to suit all ages. Dating back to 1831,
the classic Bulkeley Hotel overlooks the water and
offers fine views of the Snowdonia Mountains.
Travelodge Halkyn, Halkyn
Located on the A55 westbound, 4 miles south of
Holywell, the Travelodge at Halkyn provides
contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the northern Welsh countryside.
Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin
Originally a 13th century castle, the
beautiful Ruthin Castle Hotel offers traditional
hospitality located at the gateway to Snowdonia. Explore the 30 acres of gardens and parkland or
take a short walk into Ruthin.
Click here to see our full range of great hotels throughout Britain.
Alternatively, our range of Holiday Cottages across the country offer outstanding value and
excellent accommodation - ideal for longer stays.
Please be sure to check the note at the bottom of this section.
City Inn Westminster, London
The City Inn Westminster is central London's largest
new build hotel for thirty years. This four star
deluxe hotel offers 460 impressive and well appointed
bedrooms, many with stunning views of London's skyline.
Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
08 Apr 05 - 14 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £59.50!
15 Apr 05 - 17 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £64.50!
Per night rates (Fri - Sun, Min 2 nights stay):
08 Apr 05 - 14 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £54.50!
18 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Normally £93.00, offer price £54.50!
01 May 05 - 29 May 05: Normally £95.00, offer price £54.50!
De Vere Cavendish St James London,
London
Located in prestigious Jermyn Street in the heart of
London's Piccadilly. Guests will discover that Theatreland,
Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament and London's
most exclusive shopping districts are on the doorstep.
Perfect for a city break or theatre break.
Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
01 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £89.00, offer price £74.00!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £79.00, offer price £74.00!
Novotel London Euston, London
Novotel London Euston is a "New Generation" modern
stylish hotel, featuring leisure facilities,
restaurant and bar which the leisure traveller has
come to expect from a full service hotel. The hotel
is adjacent to the British Library and close to the
West End, Covent Garden, Regents Park and Oxford Street.
Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
30 Mar 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £59.50, offer price £49.50!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £56.50, offer price £49.50!
Per night rates (Mon - Thu):
01 May 05 - 02 May 05: Was £94.50, offer price £49.50!
27 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £94.50, offer price £49.50!
Swallow Hotel Preston, Preston
A friendly modern hotel, located in an excellent
position for touring the North West. The superb
leisure club features an heated indoor swimming pool,
spa bath, sauna, steam room, gym and sunbeds.
Per night rates (Mon - Sun):
1 Nov 04 - 30 Apr 05: Was £40.00, offer price £35.00!
City Inn Glasgow, Glasgow
City Inn Glasgow is situated on the riverside at
Finnieston Quay and combines a passion for modern
design and innovation with contemporary living.
The hotel is ideally located next to the SECC
and close to the city's vibrant centre, the hotel
provides the perfect location from which to explore
the city.
Per night rates (Fri - Sun):
04 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £47.25, offer price £44.50!
04 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £47.25, offer price £42.00!*
* Min 2 night stay
01 May 05 - 01 Sep 05: Was £64.50, offer price £44.50!
01 May 05 - 01 Sep 05: Was £64.50, offer price £42.00!*
* Min 2 night stay
Radisson SAS Hotel Edinburgh,
Edinburgh
The Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh is situated in
the very heart of the historic 'Royal Mile'.
Halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace,
the hotel is ideally placed for exploring Edinburgh's
most famed attractions.
Sunday Saver Deal:
01 May 05 - 30 Apr 06: save 50% off Sunday night, when also staying Friday and Saturday
Novotel Bradford, Bradford
Novotel Bradford is a light and airy hotel
with a stylish decor and is conveniently
located within a short distance of both Leeds
and Bradford city centres, 10 miles from Leeds
Bradford International
Airport and ideally placed for exploring the
beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
Per night rates (Mon - Thu):
01 Apr 05 - 30 Apr 05: Was £40.00, offer price £30.00!
01 May 05 - 31 May 05: Was £42.50, offer price £30.00!
Special Offers Note:
Don't worry about the Standard Rates shown on our hotel
booking pages. These Special Offer prices will automatically be
calculated and confirmed before you book.
That's all for this issue of BritainUpdate from
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newsletter. We'll be back next time with more
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