A trip to North Wales

Jayne and I just came back from a mini-break to North Wales. We stayed at the Tremeifion Vegetarian Hotel, a place we have been to several times before. It's a small hotel with just four guest bedrooms. It's a great place for relaxing and exploring the beautiful countryside of Snowdonia (even if, like us, you're not strictly vegetarian).

Tremeifion is run by a delightful couple called John and Maureen Jackson. Maureen is possibly the world's best vegetarian cook, and the food is simply stunning (if only I could persuade her to write a book of her recipes...). The hotel isn't really suitable for children - no TVs for a start - but dogs are always welcome.

One of the (many) good things about Tremeifion is the beautiful views it offers. As you sit in the conservatory savouring your after-dinner coffee, you can watch the sun setting over the estuary and the Italianate village of Portmeirion on the opposite shore. The mountains of Snowdonia are on the right, while to the left Porthmadog and the Lleyn Peninula vanish into the distance.


I completely forgot to take any photos of Tremeifion or the views from the hotel, but above is a picture I took of Portmeirion, which we visited on our second day.

Portmeirion is known principally for two things. One of these is the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner, which used Portmeirion as the mysterious village in which Patrick McGoohan's character was confined. And the other is the beautifully decorated Portmeirion pottery (which is actually produced in my home county of Staffordshire!). As well as admiring the gardens and the quirky architecture, you can walk through the extensive woodlands around the village, and also on the estuary sands if you like (though don't forget to check when it's high tide!).

Anyway, we had a great break, and returned refreshed and revitalised. If anyone is thinking of taking a short holiday in the UK, I highly recommend the Portmeirion area, and the Tremefion Hotel in particular!