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Holidays
NORTH WALES GLAMPING RETREAT IS THE STAR OF A NEW BBC SHOW
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Brook Cottage Shepherd Huts, a glamping retreat near Pwllheli, is featured in the new series of the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, hosted by comedian and Chattyman, Alan Carr.
Located on the glorious Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, on the edge of Snowdonia, the retreat offers rural peace and quiet in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with far-reaching views to Yr Eifl (The Rivals) mountains. With all the luxury of a five-star experience, at the same time guests can really switch off, relax and connect with nature.
The award-winning retreat, which is nestled within a wildflower meadow overlooking a private lake, offers boutique glamping for adults only. The five-traditional “It gave shepherd style huts have been lovingly us the opportunity hand-crafted to create by co-owners Mark Barrow and Jonathan something unique” Gooders, both of whom have a background in fine art. “The TV series was a great opportunity,” commented Mark. “We have five shepherds huts and it was down to five designers by episode 5, so they each got a hut. glamping for One design adults only. The didn’t work five-traditional out – you’ll shepherd style have to huts have watch the been lovingly programme to hand-crafted find out which! – but that gave us the opportunity by co-owners to create something unique from scratch.” Mark Barrow Named after the wife and daughters of Llywelyn and Jonathan the Great, who once ruled Wales, each hut features Gooders, both en-suite shower room, fitted kitchen, indoor and of whom have a outdoor dining tables for quiet, intimate suppers background in fine art. and a wood-burning stove to make those evenings extra cosy. Interior Design Masters returns to BBC1 on 9 March. The Brook The huts look onto a private lake a great opportunity,” Cottage episode airs on 6 April. www.luxuryglampingwales.co.uk
Ben & Holly’s Hideaways offer a luxurious escape on the beautiful island of Anglesey, right on the shores of the Menai Strait in Beaumaris. There are four properties to rent, each with its own character and There are four properties to rent, each with its own character and charm, offering the perfect location for small families or larger groups. charm, offering the perfect location for small families or larger groups. Ty Stabl was originally the stables to the 16th-century manor house that forms the main part of the property, and has been converted into an forms the main part of the property, and has been converted into an ‘upside-down’ house to take advantage of the views. It sleeps nine, with ‘upside-down’ house to take advantage of the views. It sleeps nine, with two extra beds in the annexe. The Pink House, Ty Pinc, is Grade II listed two extra beds in the annexe. The Pink House, Ty Pinc, is Grade II listed and part of the original hall, Tros Yr Afon, It sleeps up to 12 in six bedrooms. and part of the original hall, Tros Yr Afon, It sleeps up to 12 in six bedrooms. High Tide is a truly beautiful, individually designed apartment. Part of The Tides house, it occupies the whole first floor and sleeps six people. The Tides house, it occupies the whole first floor and sleeps six people. Low Tide, which occupies the Low Tide, which occupies the ground floor, is an equally ground floor, is an equally lovely apartment and sleeps lovely apartment and sleeps four. It is double aspect, four. It is double aspect, the front windows giving a pretty outlook over the front garden and amazing views over the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. The two ‘Tides’ are often booked together for larger groups and all four properties can be combined for an exclusive and decadent holiday. The site is in a beautiful corner of the island, set in stunning landscaped grounds and just a five-minute walk into Beaumaris town – and one minute to the pebble beach across the road. Visit benandhollyshideaways.com
Each hut is di erent but all o er a luxury stay Choose whether to dine in or out…
JOLLY HOLLY DAYS
Ty Stabl: a minute from the beach Relax at High Tide! A minute from the beach
HAPPY VALLEY
If you’re looking for a cosy retreat nestled in a picturesque valley just outside Llangollen, look no further than the Glyn Valley Hotel. This historic inn offers idyllic views across the Ceiriog Valley, while the restaurant serves a variety of hearty, homecooked dishes created with locally sourced produce – ideal after a day’s walking or exploring the area. On Sundays there’s a fabulous carvery with vegetarian options. Continental breakfast is served, but a full Welsh breakfast is available for a supplement.
The hotel’s double rooms feature an en-suite shower room with toiletries, TV, drinks-making and wi-fi. The Superior suite drinks-making and wi-fi. The Superior suite boasts a king-size bed, double sofa bed, boasts a king-size bed, double sofa bed, deluxe coffee machine and complimentary deluxe coffee machine and complimentary water in addition. Dogs are allowed for a water in addition. Dogs are allowed for a small charge. There is also a family room small charge. There is also a family room with a king-size bed, bunk beds, en-suite with a king-size bed, bunk beds, en-suite shower room etc, and single rooms as well. shower room etc, and single rooms as well. Sky Sports is shown in the new Glyn Valley Lounge. The bar and lounge offer a Valley Lounge. The bar and lounge offer a range of local real ales as well as a simple range of local real ales as well as a simple menu with daily specials. Free parking menu with daily specials. Free parking is available, and there are dozens of is available, and there are dozens of great escapes on the doorstep, including great escapes on the doorstep, including Ceffyl Gwyn Stables, offering pony and Ceffyl Gwyn Stables, offering pony and quad treks. www.glynvalleyhotel.comquad treks. A fantastic base for exploring
TIME TO RETREAT
As we’ve all learnt, holiday planning can be complicated! So keep it simple for 2022 and head to a peaceful haven in a beautiful location off the beaten track. Goetre Retreat Caravan Park is a small, quiet family-run park in the heart of beautiful Mid Wales, with plenty to do and see all around. The site is located on the banks of the River Mule, halfway between the pretty villages of Abermule and Kerry, whilst Newtown and Welshpool
are both just a short drive away. For walkers, there’s easy access to lots of popular routes including Offa’s Dyke and the Kerry Ridgeway. Nearby are the reservoirs and dams of Lake Vyrnwy, Clywedog and the Clywedog and the Elan Valley, which offer Elan Valley, which offer breathtaking views and breathtaking views and are of special interest are of special interest to birdwatchers to birdwatchers Fishing, golfing, cycling and horse cycling and horse riding are all available riding are all available locally, or simply sit locally, or simply sit back and relax as back and relax as you enjoy a breath you enjoy a breath of country air. of country air. www.goetreretreat www.goetreretreat You’re close to the Shropshire border caravanpark.co.uk caravanpark.co.uk
HOT SPOTS
HAWKSTONE PARK
If you’re enjoying a break in the Shropshire countyside, make a point of visiting Hawkstone Park Follies, a historic woodland fantasy with cliffs, crags, caves, deep woods and a series of extraordinary monuments built over 200 years ago.
The Follies is a mix of natural and artificial landscape, developed by generations of the Hill family who lived generations of the Hill family who lived at Hawkstone Hall. After more Hall. After more than a century of decline and decay, the follies were restored and re-opened in 1993 and today the park consists of 100 acres (40ha) of follies, landscaping and rocky outcrops, based around the authentic Norman castle of Red Castle.It is now scheduled (Grade I) on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and to explore in its entirety takes around three hours.
The park was used as a setting for the battle scenes in Narnia in the BBC’s adaptation of CS Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1988.
PEACEFUL PARK IN A TOP SPOT
Most holidaymakers come to the Welsh coast for its stunning shores. If you want a break with quiet coves and sandy beaches nearby, check out what’s on offer at Northfield Holiday Park. This small, peaceful caravan and chalet park on the edge of the seaside village of Borth boasts 13 comfortable, fully equipped caravans and two
spacious timber chalets, both with beautiful views of Cardigan Bay. Set in landscaped gardens with lots of tropical plants, Northfield is a hive of activity for wildlife. Owners Andrew and Caroline, who live on site, go out of their way to give you an enjoyable stay, and a recent Visit Wales inspection awarded the park 100 percent for cleanliness, service and welcome. Borth is six miles north of Aberystwyth, and has a long sandy beach. The south end, beneath the cliffs, has plenty of rock pools where children can find small fish and shellfish. The its stunning shores. If you cliffs continue south to Wallog and are home to nesting birds want a break with quiet coves including gulls, chuffs, ravens and peregrine falcons. From and sandy beaches nearby, Wallog, the causeway extends out to the legendary sunken check out what’s on offer city of Cantre’r Gwaelod. at Northfield You can fish for Holiday Park. This mackerel and skate small, peaceful from the beach at caravan and certain times of chalet park on year, or boats from the edge of the Aberystwyth will seaside village take you deep-sea of Borth boasts fishing or to watch 13 comfortable, for dolphins or seals. fully equipped See northfield caravans and two holidays.co.uk
NEW BUSINESS MAKES A SPLASH
The tranquil setting on the River Perry
There can’t be many more relaxing ways to spend the day than sitting beside a river, watching the water flow gently past, listening to the birds in the woodland around you – and not much else. It’s exactly the kind of idyllic holiday experience you can expect with a visit to the Riverside Cabins, on the banks of the River Perry, just outside Shrewsbury.
A selection of cosy holiday and glamping lodges offer the perfect escape for families and couples alike. Opened just as the pandemic began, it has not been an easy start for the holiday business, but the boutique self-catering cabins and lodges in the heart of scenic Shropshire have already been recognised in the Guardian’s Top 30 Cottages & Campsites. The little collection of individually styled luxury cabins and lodges sleep between two and six. The larger lodges have their own private hot tub, and for smaller cabins there are two secluded woodland hot tubs available to hire. All cabins and lodges are well spaced out for that ‘away from it all’ feeling. The location is perfect for exploring the great outdoors, with wonderful walks and wildlife on the doorstep. And with lots of nearby historic sites and attractions, plus lovely country pubs and restaurants to enjoy, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained during a weekend, short break or longer getaway. See www.riversidecabins.co.uk
As we settle into spring, many people are looking forward to a holiday this year – and for lots of us, returning to the same spot time after time offers the ultimate reassurance and comfort. So, if knowing what to expect when you go away is important to you, why not make 2022 the year you invest in your own holiday home escape?
Finding the perfect property isn’t always easy, but one option made simple by local experts at Lowfield Leisure is to create your own bespoke lodge and leave it to the professionals to bring your dream to life. Lowfield Leisure Lodges provide high-quality, luxury accommodation options for both private and commercial use. All lodges are built using the same concepts used to build homes, ensuring your lodge is durable and built to last for many generations to enjoy. Utilising years of timber-frame building expertise, Lowfield
with wonderful walks and wildlife on the doorstep. And with lots of nearby historic sites and attractions, plus lovely country pubs and restaurants to enjoy, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained during a weekend, short break or longer getaway. Plenty of space between cabins cabins.co.uk Leisure lodges and pods are made to last, with the highest quality finish. A robust steel frame means they can be easily relocated, reconfigured and repositioned without structural damage, giving you flexibility as well as quality. With a range of holiday accommodation options available, from two-berth pods to six-berth lodges, and a number of bespoke finishing options, you really can make it your own. All the lodges are built completely offsite and all internal finishes are completed prior to delivery. Your lodge is then simply delivered to your desired site in one or two parts (depending on size) ready to be connected to the services. It couldn’t be simpler. If you’ve been dreaming about having your own holiday home, now’s the time to make that dream a reality. Find out more at lowfieldleisure.co.uk or call 01743 891922.
HOT SPOTS
PONTCYSYLLTE AQUADUCT
No break in the Llangollen area is complete without a detour, either by car or – if you’re lucky enough – by boat, to see the world-famous Pontcysllte Aquaduct at Trevor, near Wrexham. Designed and built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, Pontcysyllte means ‘the bridge that connects’ and the aquaduct and its surrounds are now designated a World Heritage Site, one of the most remarkable achievements of the Industrial Revolution.
The 18-arch stone and castiron structure took ten years to design and build took ten years to design and build and was completed in 1805. It carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee and is now the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world.You can walk across if you dare, or take a leisurely boat ride. Why not hire a boat from one of the businesses at Trevor Basin. The views are something else…
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY HOME YOUR OWN
professionals to bring your dream to life. provide high-quality, luxury accommodation options for both private and commercial use. All lodges are built using the same concepts used to build homes, ensuring your lodge is durable and built to last for many generations to enjoy. timber-frame building Your lodge can be moved expertise, Lowfield
The fi nish is superb
Making Trax
In the middle of a global pandemic, a young couple from Llangollen had the dream of opening their own shop that would focus on outdoor lifestyle and mountain biking. ey even had a name – Bear Trax
When Nathan and Steph Wood met in Whistler, Canada, Nathan was working as a ski and bike technician and Steph as a ski and snowboard instructor. Both outdoor enthusiasts, it wasn’t long before they had hatched a plan for their return to Wales. Their idea was a shop, but one with a difference. They would focus not only on retail but also working with and promoting the local area. And they’d do this by hiring out electric bikes, e-bikes, to visitors.
It seemed the perfect plan. They’d be encouraging people to get out in the fresh air, which was something close to their hearts, and they would run social rides for fun, too. The couple moved back to Llangollen in 2018 where they decided to settle. Then came lockdown… When they both ended up on furlough, they finally had time on their hands to work on their dream. They brought Nathan’s sister Sam on board to help with the project, and the three spent endless days researching, sending emails to brands and building a business plan. Retail start-ups are notoriously unpredictable and tricky, but in March 2021, once they found the retail space on Market Street in Llangollen, it was time to make the dream a reality.
The idea behind Bear Trax was not to compete with other bike and outdoor shops but to create a modern retail experience, where people could seek out alternative products and ideas. Brands you can find include Picture organic clothing, Bro! clothing, 100%, Unite, OneUp Components, Stance, Bark + Ride and many
more. E-bikes are available to hire by the day or half-day, and within easy reach are Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis and they would run social rides for Abbey and fun, too. The couple moved back to Plas Newydd, Llangollen in 2018 where they decided to name a few. to settle. Then came lockdown… The couple knew starting a business in 2021 meant they needed to focus furlough, they on sustainability. This finally had time is why Bear Trax stocks on their hands products from companies to work on their such as Picture, which uses dream. They recycled bottles and sugar brought Nathan’s cane to produce its clothing and accessories ranges. The team also want to encourage active travel and fitness encourage active travel and fitness at community level. During the summer, at community level. During the summer, the shop offers organised evening rides, ladies nights and e-bike socials. As the biking community is growing, locally and nationally, they had no doubt the shop would be an asset to the town – and they’ve more than proved they were right. Five reasons why you should hire an e-bike to explore Llangollen – from the team at Bear Trax: • They eat hills for breakfast! Leaving you to enjoy those amazing views from the top • They’re green. By leaving your car behind, you’ll be doing your bit for nature and keeping active • No sitting in traffic or looking for a parking space! • You can go further on an e-bike than a standard pedal bike. See all the sights in just one day • They are FUN! – with friends or on your own.
Bear Trax uses social media to promote o ers, attractions and events as well as details of the social rides they run. If you’d like to receive updates – or just want to join the community of mountain bikers in Llangollen and surrounds – follow on Instagram or Facebook @beartraxllangollen Steph, Nathan and Sam
The Bear Trax way
and ideas. Brands you can find include Picture organic clothing, Bro! clothing, 100%, Unite, OneUp Components, Stance, Bark + Ride and many Life is an open road…
