Wales: Wild, Windswept and Wonderful

We begin our tour in the north with a spot of bracing sea air before shifting into medieval landmarks. Victorian gem Llandudno gives you the classic promenade, easy access to Great Orme and a quick hop to Conwy, where the magnificent medieval castle and town walls are a must-visit. Keep plans simple - walk, browse and then head back for dinner.

Where to Stay: A quintessential Welsh coast escape, Bodysgallen Hall and Spa is a beguling blend of history and romance that sits in over 200 acres of parkland. Around two miles south of Llandudno and owned by the National Trust, it enjoys stunning views across to Conwy Castle and Eryri (Snowdonia). Take a turn around the spectacular gardens, home to a rare 17th century parterre, before enjoying an easy reset in the spa. If you are deciding where to eat in Wales, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, ‘The Dining Room’, is ingredients-led and leisurely.

This region proves Welsh coast escapes can mean estuary light and mountain scenery too. The road from Betws y Coed to Dolgellau is full of tight bends, stone walls and sudden viewpoints, plus the occasional sheep. The pretty town of Dolgellau is definitely worth a visit and the predominantly flat nine-mile Mawddach Trail is a reliable option when you want expansive views without too much faff.

Where to Stay: Beautiful, stone-fronted Victorian mansion Penmaenuchaf Hotel sits high over the Mawddach Estuary at the foot of Cadair Idris, so the view is a huge part of the appeal. After a day of exertion, relax in the ‘Afon Restaurant’ with its vistas across the gardens and towards the dramatic peaks of Eryri, and enjoy dishes rooted in seasonality and with a deep respect for provenance. Stay a couple of nights, and it will be obvious why Penmaenuchaf belongs on any list of the best hotels in Wales.

As you move south, the rhythm softens. Here Lake Bala, said to hide a sunken town beneath its surface, becomes your focal point, with the Dee Valley close by for easy drives and river walks. This is a great part of the world for doing less on purpose, a lakeside stroll in the morning followed by countryside in the afternoon, then a long, leisurely dinner.

Where to Stay: Palé Hall Hotel is set on 15 acres of riverside parkland in the Dee Valley. Over the course of its colourful history, this haven of comfort and elegance has played host to the likes of Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill. In its current incarnation, it ranks not only among the best hotels in Wales, but in the whole of the UK.

Pembrokeshire has a way of making the day feel longer. Here the coastline is the main event, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park suits a slower pace. A couple of gentle walks, a few beach stops and then back to your hotel for pre-dinner drinks. The gorgeous little market town of Narberth adds galleries and independent shops for similarly unhurried afternoons.

Where to Stay: Just inland from the coast, Grove of Narberth is warm, art-filled and designed for lingering. Its food is properly grounded, with much of the produce used in both the fine-dining 4 AA Rosette ‘Fernery’ restaurant, and the more relaxed Artisan Rooms Brasserie, sourced from the hotel’s extensive kitchen garden. Ideal for eco-conscious travellers exploring sustainable travel in Wales.