23 minute read
Holidays
PURE GOLD
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Nestled in stunning Herefordshire countryside, Aymestrey Lodges is a collection of five luxury, traditionally made log cabins dotted around landscaped grounds, offering the perfect retreat for couples and families alike. Choose from a onebedroom, two-bedroom or three-bedroom lodge – all feature their own immaculately maintained hot tubs. Awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation, the park has its own small nature pond, Italianate Garden and summer house.
Located on the edge of the Mortimer Forest, Aymestrey is a tiny village with an award-winning pub serving great food. If you just want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity around Aymestrey you can hang up your car keys and enjoy some spectacular circular walks right on the doorstep. There’s also fishing nearby, while three great
golf courses are a short drive away, and if you want to explore a little further afield you have the choice of some of England’s and Wales’ most splendid “All feature attractions within easy reach. their own The area is a paradise immaculate hot tubs” for those who love to visit historic houses and castles and enjoy peaceful country walks. The Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that inspired poet AE Housman, the Long Mynd and the Welsh Marches are all on your doorstep. www.aymestreylodges.co.uk
Luxury accommodation on an award-winning site
Choose from one, two or three-bed options
ALL ABOARD FOR ADVENTURE
Beacon Park Boats is a family business offering five-star boating holidays on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. All boats available for hire are graded at a luxury 5* rating with the British Marine Federation, and all prices are fully inclusive, including diesel, parking and wi-fi where available. All boats, excluding Robin, are pet friendly and pets travel free of charge.
The team at Beacon Park Boats pride themselves on exceptional cleaning standards, echoed by regular customer feedback, and towels, toiletries, linen and cleaning products are provided. There are also coffee pods for your on-board Nespresso machine, as well as tea bags and sugar.
All boats have bow thrusters to help you manoeuvre and moor up. For those chilly evenings all have central heating and many boats have woodburning stoves for which the team provides homemade briquettes. “All boats For novice boaters, Beacon Park Boats supplies have a complimentary DVD on boat-handling in addition central heating to a one-to-one detailed handover on arrival – be assured we will not leave you until you feel confident in handling the boat. and many If you still don’t feel happy taking the helm, there have wood stoves” is also the option of getting your very own skipper, offering as much (or as little) boating assistance as you’d like, to enhance your canal holiday.
www.beaconparkboats.com
All Beacon Park boats are BMF fi ve-star rated
World class
If you’re planning to explore the stunning surrounds of the Brecon Beacons, then check out these three holiday cottages, nestled around Llanfoist Wharf on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, near Abergavenny. Originally a hive of industry, this private wharf is now part of Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s a rural oasis on the wooded slopes of the Blorenge mountain, within walking distance of the bustling market town of Abergavenny.
The cottages are in a truly magical place. The beautiful broadleaf woodland setting contrasts with dramatic open views over the canal and surrounding historic villages to the slopes of the Sugarloaf mountain and vineyard.
Expect the very finest, from technology to tradition. Leisurely breakfasts are made simple with a Nespresso coffee machine, Dualit toaster and digital radio. Wander into nearby Abergavenny, or explore the mountain footpaths and the canal towpath from your cottage door. After a day in the great
“a truly magical place” outdoors, pamper yourself with Gilchrist & Soames Llanfoist Wharf is part of a World Heritage site toiletries. Make the most of the delicious local produce, with a barbecue overlooking the canal or a sumptuous supper prepared in the hand-crafted kitchen. On those chillier days, cosy up with a Melin Tregwynt woollen throw in front of the traditional wood burner. www.beaconparkcottages.co.uk
Welcome your guests at the imposing entrance Have your mansion moment
Set in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, Glansevin is a beautiful Georgian mansion built during the Napoleonic Wars as a family home. Now in its third century as a residence, Glansevin offers you the opportunity to enjoy its splendid rooms and wonderful surroundings for an unforgettable stay.
Glansevin has been a retreat and home for people to return to, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and informal family gatherings “A games for over 30 years. Corporate groups return room and each year, enjoying the informality, flexibility and privacy of the mansion. Guests receive exclusive use of the property and its private bar area with open grounds, making it a wonderful place to spend fire” time with family and friends. The mansion is made for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with plenty of space, including a games room and large sitting room with an open fire. The bar area can be stocked with your favourite refreshments (no corkage fee).
Glansevin sleeps up to 40 guests, with additional pull-out beds for children. The mansion is a unique and comfortable home, one you can truly make your own. Whatever your Make yourself at home reason for choosing Glansevin, we know you’ll have a memorable time. www.glansevinmansion.com
Hand over the stress
Pass the Keys Shropshire is a new kind of property management company, set up to help manage your property on short-let sites such as Airbnb so you don’t have to. The team will list it, find the guests, look after them, even clean up after them. They provide hotel-quality toiletries, and professional cleaning and laundry service after each check-out. You can keep track of your property via the client portal and check occupancy, earnings, future bookings, and block out dates you wish to use the property yourself.
Providing you with a full range of services will help achieve the maximum return on your short-let property without any of the hard work. Pass the Keys are Airbnb enthusiasts and problemsolvers using a combination of smart technology and good old-fashioned customer service to ensure hosts get the most out of their property.
www.passthekeys.co.uk
“Ensuring hosts get the most” A COSY COTTAGE
Smithy Park at Abermule, Powys is the perfect location for exploring Mid Wales. The coast is just an hour’s drive through the Cambrian Hills and there are reservoirs, castles and historic towns nearby.
As well as pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes, the park boasts Oak Cottage, which is available all year. This two-bedroomed cottage has been refurbished to be cosy yet practical. The galley kitchen is fully equipped and has a breakfast bar; the utility room has a washer/dryer. Doors from the living/dining room open onto the patio overlooking lawns; for cosy evenings in, there are two large reclining sofas plus TV and log-effect fire. The master bedroom has ample storage and shares a family shower room with the twin room. A second cloakroom makes the cottage ideal for four people. The conservatory is a sun trap, and there is gas central heating throughout. Call 01686 630657. www.smithypark.co.uk
Touring is also available
TIME TO JUST BE…
This year why not plan an idyllic escape to the country? Get away from it all with a stay at Ruth’s Retreat, in the pretty south Shropshire countryside near Shrewsbury. Ruth’s is a magical place to stay and the perfect antidote to daily stress. Choose from four wonderful properties – a log cabin for up to three people, and three chalets for two.
The small, select site is blissfully quiet. Each property has its own hot tub and garden, and visitors come to relax and unwind as well as to explore the many attractions the local area has to offer. The Shropshire Way is on your doorstep, and the Shropshire Hills close by. For those wanting quality time out, it’s is the ideal getaway.
www.ruthsretreatshropshire.co.uk
Lie back and daydream The log cabin sleeps three
TOUR IN STYLE
Wisteria Tours is a Shropshire family tour business specialising in tailored coach tour visits to gardens and historic homes. Run by sisters Jacky and Sue Burnell, it builds on the business set up by their mother Jackie Crick, who is still involved in tour planning. Wisteria Tours continues to be a uniquely family firm and regards customers as “A travelling companions. All share a love of visiting gorgeous locations, travelling in style and staying in elegant hotels. shared love” Whether you are a new or returning customer, coming with friends or travelling on your own, they’ll make you feel looked after and welcome. The huge range of tours run through to summer, when the gardens are in full bloom. www. wisteriatours.com Travel with like-minded companions
A secluded gem
Discover self-catering in Wales at Tyddyn Sydney Bach, a refurbished and extended Visit Wales 5* garden cottage for two with exposed beams and high ceilings. It has an open-plan kitchen/lounge with spacious double bedroom and bathroom, furnished and equipped to high standards. Wi-fi, towels, bedlinen and table linen are included. The modern fitted kitchen/dining room is well equipped with a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, combination microwave/ oven, gas hob and extractor hood. A good range of table and cookware is provided. The tasteful lounge has red leather reclining sofas with side tables and brass lamps, a computer desk and chair,
smart TV and DVD player. Tyddyn Sydney Bach is set in the grounds of a larger cottage kitchen/dining room is well equipped with a fridge/freezer, between the dishwasher, combination famous Britannia microwave/ and Menai oven, gas hob Bridge and extractor crossings to hood. A good Anglesey, on the outskirts of the ancient city of Bangor. It range of table is uniquely placed close to the UNESCO sites of Edward I’s and cookware castles and the Slate Landscape, and 50 metres from the is provided. Wales Coastal Path. Visit Treborth Botanical Gardens, enjoy The tasteful watersports on the Menai Strait and surrounding beaches, lounge has red stroll on the restored Victorian Pier, experience Zipworld leather reclining sofas with and climb the Snowdonia mountain range. It’s an ideal base for side tables and brass lamps, exploring Snowdonia and Anglesey or just enjoying a romantic Room to relax a computer desk and chair, retreat for two. Call 01248 355180. www.tyddynsydney.co.uk
“Exposed An idyllic garden setting
beams and high ceilings”
WELL DESERVED BREAK
Established in 2022, Well House Cottages have been designed to offer a blend of modern luxury with charming character. If you’re wanting to explore somewhere new or take a break from everyday life, our accommodation presents a sense of home comfort in sought-after locations. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or a week-long break, you’ll find activities to suit everyone. Outdoor adventures, fine dining or an evening dining or an evening in, the area provides in, the area provides a host of options a host of options from an extensive from an extensive list of eateries and list of eateries and places to explore . places to explore . From the rolling hills of rolling hills of Monmouthshire to the blissful beaches of Carmarthenshire, there is a location for Monmouthshire to the blissful beaches of Carmarthenshire, there is a location for everyone. For those who appreciate hidden paths and mountain hikes and those who everyone. For those who appreciate hidden paths and mountain hikes and those who crave sea air, the Well House Cottages locations provide gateways to country and crave sea air, the Well House Cottages locations provide gateways to country and coast. Enjoy small town life, enjoy city bustle? Whatever your idea of bliss, with Well coast. Enjoy small town life, enjoy city bustle? Whatever your idea of bliss, with Well House Cottages you can just enjoy. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and one House Cottages you can just enjoy. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and one of the team will help you book a brilliant break. www.wellhousecottages.co.ukof the team will help you book a brilliant break.
“Choose from a host of options” Home from home
Explore from your front door
YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION – RELAX!
Now the Christmas tree is packed away for another year, thoughts are turning to what lies ahead. A new year brings new adventures, and there is no better place to seek adventure than North Wales. It has it all, from mountain ranges to glorious coastline to peaceful countryside. And Menai Holidays has over 800 carefully selected self-catering cottages across North Wales ready to welcome you for your next adventure.
You will be spoilt for choice with holiday homes that cater to every need, including dog-friendly cottages that are sure to keep tails wagging. Take advantage of luxury cottages or holiday cottages with hot tubs, large gardens and sea views to pamper yourself and your loved ones. The familyfriendly cottages are perfect for gathering your loved ones together under the same roof in your very own home away
that are sure to keep tails wagging. Take advantage of luxury cottages from home. Or why or holiday cottages not book one of the with hot tubs, large charming log cabins. gardens and sea What are you views to pamper yourself and waiting for? Make visiting your loved ones. The family- North Wales one of your New friendly cottages are perfect Year resolutions. Browse the for gathering your loved ones fabulous properties at www. together under the same roof menaiholidays.co.uk or find in your very own home away them on Facebook and Instagram.
Sit and take in the view A luxury stay for larger groups
Homes in spectacular locations
BEACHSIDE BLISS
Porthllongdy is one of Anglesey’s premier holiday locations. Established in the 1950s, it is beautifully landscaped with plants and flowers, providing a relaxing, peaceful environment to match its stunning location 100 yards from the beach.
Overlooking Red Wharf Bay, with its golden sands, awardwinning pub and restaurants, it is an idyllic holiday spot. Whether you enjoy swimming, kayaking, walking or just relaxing, our recently completed luxury holiday cottages – three in contemporary style and a
traditional barn conversion – each comfortably sleeps four people and makes for the perfect retreat. Being family-run we guarantee friendly service and take pleasure in making sure all our customers have a truly memorable stay. kayaking, walking www.porthllongdy.co.uk or just relaxing, our recently completed luxury holiday cottages – three in contemporary The luxury barn interior style and a
Pembrokeshire perfection
The team at St Brides Bay Cottages has handpicked an outstanding picked an outstanding selection of self-catering selection of self-catering cottages in the St Davids, cottages in the St Davids, Solva and Porthgain area Solva and Porthgain area of North Pembrokeshire. of North Pembrokeshire. Whether you’re looking for Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape or a cosy Cottages o er rural tranquillity… rural retreat, you’ll find the perfect cottage for your Wales holiday – and many of the holiday cottages are dog-friendly, too.
St Davids is the smallest city in Britain but not much bigger than a village. It has a magnificent cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, with many small interesting shops, galleries, restaurants and a large tourist information centre. St Brides Bay hosts 16 cottages to suit groups of Bay hosts 16 cottages to suit groups of all sizes and tastes. Solva is probably all sizes and tastes. Solva is probably the most picturesque fishing village the most picturesque fishing village in Pembrokeshire, and home to 14 St in Pembrokeshire, and home to 14 St Brides Bay cottages. Nearby are eight Brides Bay cottages. Nearby are eight cottages in superb locations around cottages in superb locations around Porthgain and Newgale Beach, one of Porthgain and Newgale Beach, one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches. Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches.
www.stbridesbaycottages.com www.stbridesbaycottages.com
The cottages are newly completed The cottages are newly completed
Rest up by the river
River Cottage is a traditional two-bedroom stone cottage, full of character, on the edge full of character, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. A of the Brecon Beacons. A converted school, it dates from converted school, it dates from 1860 and offers stylish, comfy 1860 and offers stylish, comfy accommodation for up to four accommodation for up to four people plus dogs. On the River people plus dogs. On the River Tawe, with easy Tawe, with easy access to Craig access to Craig Y Nos castle, Y Nos castle, A character conversion Brecon Beacons and the Gower, it Brecon Beacons makes for a relaxing getaway or the base for an active walking or cycling holiday.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything for a comfortable stay. The cosy living room has exposed stonework and a wood/coal burner. The main bedroom is tastefully decorated with a king-size bed; an optional pull-out can be added to the single bedroom. Find River Cottage on various holiday booking websites
It’s beautifully decorated
Holiday Directory
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www.gopackgotravel.com
or text him on
+44 (0)7510 534 819
Pen Y Bryn Barn, near Llangollen
Pen Y Bryn Barn sits on a hill overlooking the Dee Valley, with beautiful views, privacy and space. It has 5* Visit Wales grading and offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, ample living space, and a desk should you need to catch up with work. With a sauna, wood-burner and a great record collection it is an ideal place to relax and switch off. It’s a half-hour walk to Llangollen for restaurants, pubs and activities. Make the most of the winter offer and pay for five nights, get five half-price! Email antoniask@ btinternet.com. Property details on www.holiday
lettings.co.uk
The Top Floor at Cantref House, Brecon
The Top Floor at Cantref House is exactly that – the top floor of the top floor of a three-storey a three-storey house, with its own entrance separate to the main house and accessed via and accessed via outside steps. The outside steps. The accommodation sleeps two and comprises lounge, comprises lounge, kitchen, shower room with toilet, and double bedroom, and has a visitors’ room with books and leaflets on the area, places to eat and taxi contacts. In the heart of the Brecon Beacons, with views of Pen y Fan and Cribyn, four miles from historic Brecon, The Top Floor is spacious and well equipped for your stay. www.cantrefhousetopfloor.co.uk
Lake Vrynwy Hotel
Leave behind the hustle and bustle and escape to one of Wales’ most extraordinary lakeside hotels. With acres of RSPB-protected woodland, there are miles of walking trails to enjoy. Venture out to watch the birds and discover waterfalls; it’s also one of the UK’s best areas for mountain biking. With the lake at the centre of everything, it’s a prime location for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. Alongside sumptuously decorated rooms, the restaurant offers fabulous food – you can catch up with family and old friends or treat a loved one, all with a stunning view of the lake. www.lake
vyrnwy.com
Cwmachau Cabins
At Cwmachau Farm, just north of the Brecon Beacons, two luxury cabins, Tynant and Tyncoed, are nestled deep in the meadow. Take in the stunning views of the Honddu Valley from your veranda, unwind in the hot tub or explore the working sheep farm and soak up the scenery. Whether you’re after an active break, or just some time to relax, your hosts Chris your hosts Chris and Jackie Davies and Jackie Davies are full of local are full of local knowledge and knowledge and will do all they will do all they can to make your can to make your stay enjoyable. stay enjoyable. There are great There are great walks close by, walks close by, with views over with views over the mountains. the mountains.
www.cwmachau www.cwmachau cabins.co.uk cabins.co.uk
Riverside Cabins, Shrewsbury
If you’ve been craving a break away from it all, this little collection of award-winning boutique cabins and lodges in the heart of Shropshire could be just what you need. This riverside retreat is ideal for families and friends, and well-behaved dogs. Surrounded by 10 acres of greenery, each cosy cabin and lodge has its own private hot tub, perfect for a relaxing soak under the trees. Spacious woodland lodges sleep up to six, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a generous kitchen and living area, while cosy cabins with balconies sleep two to four. www.riverside-cabins.co.uk
