Historic Houses of Snowdonia

Snowdonia is home to some beautiful houses. Ambling around, taking in the incredible interiors, stunning gardens and histories are always a great way to while away an afternoon and the tales of romance, bribery and smuggling of contraband are just an added bonus!

If you are looking for something different to do while you are here or the weather is getting in the way of your outdoor activities, why not take a day out and visit some of these beautiful homes. Here are four of our favourite historic houses of Snowdonia…

PENRYN CASTLE | BANGOR

Home to Dawkins – Pennant’s, this mock castle in Norman style is so impressive with its abundance of intricate plaster and stone carving; especially the stone staircase which is breathtaking. Queen Victoria is one of the more notable guests and the slate bed which was commissioned for her stay in 1859 is still in situ. A walled garden, extensive formal gardens and a Railway museum add to what is a fantastic place to visit. Now owned by the National Trust.

PLAS NEWYDD | ANGLESEY

Starting life way back in 1740, Plas Newydd was the county seat of the Marquess of Anglesey before being taken over by the National Trust in 1976. Set on the Menai Straits, the house and gardens are spectacular and with over 500 years of wealth, titles and estates, it became one of the most notable houses of the area as well as its notoriety from the secret tunnels that led down to the sea for smuggling contraband.

ERDDIG HALL | WREXHAM

It’s been voted as the UK’s most favourite historic house. Whilst the house is filled with opulent furniture, its walls adorned with Chinese silk wallpaper and the artefacts collected by the family over 100’s of years remain, it is the unique relationship that the family of the house shared with its servants that is so fascinating. Portraits of servants with accompanying poems written by the squire himself show the rare bond those ‘above and below stairs’ shared.

BODRHYDDAN HALL | RHUDDLAN

One of the few remaining family-owned stately homes in Wales, makes Bodrhyddan Hall quite unique with the family of Lord Langford still in residence. For 500 years the family have resided in this 17th Century hall. Along with stunning formal gardens the house itself has an impressive art collection and the incredible 3000 year old Egyptian mummy and Sarcophagus are reason enough to visit.