Inspiration
10% DISCOUNT | LARGE SELF CATERING HOLIDAY HOME NEAR CONWY
LARGE SELF CATERING HOLIDAY HOME NEAR CONWY | SYCAMORE-COTTAGE Sycamore-Cottage is a largeself catering holiday home near Conwy in North Wales. This spacious and modern 4 bedroom cottage provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests on the northern tip of the Snowdonia National Park. The owners of Sycamore Cottage are offering guests 10% discount when booking to stay between now and the New Year.* This is what previous guests have to say… “We had an amazing week at this property. A very spacious house, very quiet location.Hhouse is great and very well looked after, owners very friendly and welcoming and let us know they were only round the corner if we needed them, which we didn’t as everything was there for us. Great walk down to the sea front and to the local high street, we will be more adventurous next time and walk into the hills! We will return.” * minimum 3 nights stay
Top 5 Unique Snowdonia Shopping Experiences
Mooching around the shops of small towns and villages is very much part of a holiday. For one, you have the time to enjoy a bit of leisurely retail therapy and secondly, it is a rare chance to see a high street of independent shops. In Snowdonia of course, we like to do things a little differently and that goes for our shopping experiences too; some are off the beaten track, some are treasure troves you didn’t know existed and some are, well in the cattle market….. here are our top 5 unique Snowdonia shopping experiences…. CAE DU DESIGNS | HARLECH This is one of the best treasure troves you will ever find and once you’ve been introduced, you will be back time and time again. People come here year on year to stock up on material for home furnishings. There is a lovely cafe next door to deposit your ‘other half’ giving you plenty…
Niki Pilkington | An Artists Profile
Niki Pilkington is an Welsh born illustrator currently living in New York. Her work is described as highly charged, trend inspired fashion portraits which has gained her a client list which includes TOPSHOP, Ted Baker, Sir Paul McCartney & MTV. Using her mother tongue, Welsh in her work, she is well known for combining her love of phrases, idioms and beautiful quotes into her pieces – it’s great to see the welsh language incorporated into a high fashion, modern environment – and even more so on an international stage. Her original works tend to be found on the walls of private collectors homes, but the good new is that prints are also sold through galleries and on line including the gallery at Plas Glyn y Weddw . Being a local girl to the area from Morfa Nefyn, we asked her where was her favourite place to visit and favorite place to eat in Snowdonia. Beddgelert was…
Cors-Y-Gedol Hall
There aren’t many places to rival an Elizabethan manor in the wilds of Snowdonia. Join the likes of Charles II and Welsh revolutionary Owain Glyndwr and escape to the luxurious 7-bedroom historic Cors-y-Gedol Hall, near Llanbedr in north-west Wales. Cors-y-Gedol Hall is the latest addition the Dioni family. Sleeping up to 14 with prices starting from just £13 per head per night (based on full occupancy), the property offers an experience no modern holiday rental can match for history or sense of grandeur. A mile long oak lined driveway leads us up from the coast road to the hall with its magnificent granite gateway. Heavy oak doors, imposing fireplaces, rare antiquities, a grand piano, library and oak panelled walls are set alongside modern day additions of flat screen TVs and WIFI. The dining room is grand with a central dining table comfortably seating all 14 guests and the traditional style kitchen, the one you always wanted…
Tips For Winter Getaways in Snowdonia
Snowdonia in Winter is just as beautiful as in the Summer. Some might argue even more so. Snow capped mountains, rivers full of crisp ice cold water and miles and miles of deserted beaches. The towns also come into their own with festive cobbled streets, cosy cafes and pubs with roaring fires. Here are some of our tips for winter getaways in Snowdonia CONWY CASTLE AND TOWN Conwy Castle and it’s walled town were built under the instruction of Edward I as part of his conquest of the principality of Wales. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World. Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Mountain and The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art are all near by and well worth a visit. BETWS-Y-COED SWALLOW FALLS The Swallow waterfalls in Betws-y-coed is the highest continuous waterfall in Wales and is one…
Top 5 Christmas Cottages
Christmas time is on its way and if you are looking to go away over the festive period, where better to go for that quintessential Christmas than Snowdonia; real log fires, lovely long walks in the mountains and by the sea followed by cosy afternoons either at a cafe or in a beautiful holiday cottage. We have lots of choice, so depending on whether you are looking to celebrate low key or with family and friends, Dioni has something to offer and here are our top 5 Christmas cottages: TY-NEWYDD SLEEPS 2 Ty Newydd is a romantic one bedroom holiday cottage in Bala North Wales. This simple yet elegant cottage provides self catering holiday accommodation for up to two people in a beautifully tranquil location. STABAL-IWRCH SLEEPS 4 This fantastic two bedroom barn conversion provides luxurious self catering accommodation on a welsh hill farm just outside Betws Y Coed in North Wales. The cottage is really…
Top 5 Cosy Holiday Cottages For Autumn Retreats
It’s that lovely time of year; all the colours outside are changing, there is a chill in the air and when the evening comes in, its time to light the fire. A fireplace is part of the course here in Snowdonia and so if you want to enjoy the pleasure of one whilst on holiday, here are our top 5 cosy holiday cottages for Autumn retreats…. LLYS DERWIN Llys-Derwin is a magical character holiday cottage near Criccieth in North Wales. Built in the 16th century with the blood money of King Henry VIII in his effort to influence the nearby monastery the cottage is a fascinating combination of old world charm and modern comforts. TY NEWYDD Ty Newydd is a romantic one bedroom holiday cottage in Bala North Wales. This simple yet elegant cottage provides self catering holiday accommodation for up to two people in a beautifully tranquil location. NANT Nant, which means…
Pant Du Cider
Autumn is on its way; there is morning dew on the slopes, crispness in the air, leaves changing colour and… apples falling off the trees left, right and centre! So the question is what to do with them all and from the ideas I’ve heard so far, making cider is one of the best! But if you’re not up for the challenge of making your own, you’ll be pleased to know that Snowdonia has its own brand of cider….Pant Du Cider. Based on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia, the Pant Du Orchard was started in 2007. Of the 2900 trees planted, 2000 are traditional cider making apples and the remaining trees are made up of native Welsh varieties including Bardsey apples which have been planted in support of developing and securing the future of this near extinct variety from the Llyn Peninsula. There are 4 types of cider to choose from; decide on whether…
Festival No 6 Countdown...
“Welcome to a festival like no other, a bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture in the most stunning festival setting in the world.” It’s in the Daily Mail’s top 10 UK Festivals as well as being voted Best Festival and Most Unique Festival Site in 2014 and its 4th year is set to be better than the last. Portmierion is a very magical place in its own right, but with Festival No 6 in town that magic goes to another level. Belle and Sebastian, James Bay and Grace Jones are included in a lineup of over 500 music artists. Festival goers can also enjoy a ‘conversation with Steve Coogan’ or a Q&A session with award winning director Asif Kapadia and producer Mark Ronson following a screening of their award winning film ‘Amy’. Illuminated bands, parades and carnivals fill this most inspiring of venues with life and colour. Secret raves, pop up parties, foraging expeditions, children’s storytelling and stand up paddle boarding means…
Barmouth Walking Festival 2015
The Barmouth Walking Festival 2015 is fast approaching. It’s a great event organized by the Barmouth Publicity Association and runs from the 12th – 21st September. For £8.50 you can join a group of like minded enthusiasts for a guided walk along some fantastic routes in Snowdonia. The walk leaders have all been carefully selected and can really add to the experience with their local knowledge of the landscape, history and nature. There are over 30 walks to choose from over 10 days and ticket options are available from 1 to 10 walks. The brochure gives a comprehensive breakdown of all the walks, offering routes for all abilities. That said, I would suggest most are best suited for people who have done some walking before; 10 miles through the Rhinog Mountains is not for everybody! We’ve had a lot of guests in the past that have really enjoyed the experience despite some sore feet, highly recommend…
Nigel Mansell Opens Restaurant Near Barmouth
The 29th June 2015 saw the official opening of a brand new restaurant & bar, Nineteen.57 in Tal Y Bont, Barmouth. Having undergone a £700,000 refurb over the last 6 months the restaurant brings a fabulous fine dining experience to the area. A 40 cover restaurant offers a great bistro style menu and the bar light bites, a children’s menu & play park. To celebrate the opening, our headline ‘Nigel Mansell Opens Restaurant Near Barmouth’ gives the game away! Having been a regular visitor to the area for the last 58 years, he was more than happy to give his time for the opening. Guests included local residents and business owners who relaxed with a complimentary glass of prosecco and homemade canape’s whilst enjoying the sun and soaking up the atmosphere. If you want some pointers on the menu; its Mum’s homemade lasagne (Nigel’s favorite), the homemade slow roast shoulder of lamb and of course shepherds…
Whitewater Rafting In Snowdonia
Whitewater rafting comes up on many a bucket list and many of us think that in order to do experience it properly, we have to go far flung places across the world. Not the case. The National White Water Centre, located here in Snowdonia, is the only commercially rafted stretch of water in the UK. A mix of natural resources and dam controlled rapids, make it one of the best places in the world to enjoy the sport. Depending on what you are looking for in your whitewater experience, its all covered here…. the Tryweryn river mixes the intensity of an Olympic-grade whitewater course with a gentle journey through the Snowdonia National Park. The grade 3-4 rapids on the upper Tryweryn will offer you the full thrill of whitewater, but if admiring the beauty of the area is more you’re thing, you might be tempted by the grade 2-3 rapids on the lower part. However, if…
ROCK ARDUDWY | Harlech's Mini Music Festival
June 13th sees the Harlech and Ardudwy leisure centre play host to Rock Ardudwy | Harlech’s mini music festival no less! Local bands including: Jambyls, Ratz Alley, Old Steel Spurs, Session, Swnami and Strapless will be playing everything from good old rock n roll, ballards, a bit of blues and the all important covers that really get you singing and dancing along. So come on, the summer is here, grab your bandana and make your way to Harlech. It starts at 2pm and runs until midnight – there will be food stalls and a bar so make a day out of it and really let your hair down! WHEN: Saturday 13th June WHERE: Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure Centre TIME: 2pm – Midnight TICKETS: Adults £20, Children 11-15 £15, 10 and under go free.
How To Be Happy | The Answer Might Be in Snowdonia
50% of happiness is determined by our genes, 10% is from our circumstances, job, house, status etc, leaving the remaining 40% down to us to manage. Whats the secret? The chemical in our bodies that promotes happiness is dopamine and from our teenage years onwards, if we do not actively try to create it in our bodies, it will naturally decrease and not be reproduced. If you don’t use it, you loose it. How do we create it? There are 4 recognised ways in which to increase dopamine levels: Close Network. Having a close and supportive network of family and friends. Spending time with them is important and those that do tend to me much happier and fulfilled. New Experiences. Changing the way you do things or going on adventures is a high dopamine releaser. It could be as simple as a different running route every morning or the big adventure. But either way, variety being…
Music Festival Line Up For North Wales 2015
The music festival line up for North Wales 2015 is looking bigger and better than ever before. So if you’re into music festivals and want to get involved, here is a comprehensive guide as to whats happening this summer: JUNE GOTTWOOD, ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL WHEN: 11th – 14th June WHERE: Anglesey WHAT’S IT ABOUT: The mystical little party hidden in the middle of the woods. Gottwood is a critically acclaimed, independent, boutique, and intimate underground electronic music festival. Strictly for 18 and above. JULY WAKESTOCK WHEN: 11th, 12th, 13th July WHERE: Abersoch WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Wakestock is a music and wake boarding festival attracting the best wakeboarding talent in the world to this tiny corner of North Wales. The festival crowds enjoy watching the action during the daytime and enjoying some chill time on the stunning beaches before returning to the festival site for more music action with some of the UK’s top performing…
Conwy Is The Place To Be This Summer....
Due to open in June this year, Surf Snowdonia is still very much talk of the town. It’s already on the ’50 most exciting things to do in the world’ list without even opening! So if you’re planning on getting in on the Surf Snowdonia action this year, make sure you don’t get caught short with booking your accommodation….. after all, Conwy is the place to be this summer… To get you started, here are 5 Dioni Holiday Cottages nearby: Llwyn Y Coed-Isaf Llwyn-Y-Coed Isaf is a 3 bedroom bungalow holiday cottage in the Conwy valley. Overlooking the banks of the Conwy Valley, 10 minutes outside Conwy itself, on the northern border of the Snowdonia National Park. Sycamore Cottage Sycamore-Cottage is a large self catering holiday home near Conwy in North Wales. This spacious and modern 4 bedroom cottage provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests on the northern tip of the Snowdonia…
Experience Snowdonia In Springtime
Driving through the towns and villages this week, it is clear that spring has arrived. Snowdonia has woken from its winter hibernation and everyone is getting ready to enjoy the great outdoors that this part of North Wales has to offer. To experience Snowdonia in springtime is special. Stunning green pastures set against a back drop of snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, turquoise seas, and cascading waterfalls. When you add newborn lambs bouncing in the fields among the daffodils, it’s pretty idyllic. Even for those fortunate to live here, it really is Snowdonia at its best! With the lighter spring evenings, longer walks and treks are also an option. This is the best time to climb Snowdon in our opinion. Apart from missing the summertime masses, with the lower temperatures, and the countryside looking at its best, it makes this bucket list adventure even more enjoyable. So if your thinking of climbing up Snowdon or…
Geocaching Snowdonia Style
An any day, any time adventure. Geocaching is a great way to explore new places. ‘Hidden treasures’ that have been concealed throughout the world (2 million in fact) have their locations and GPS coordinates logged onto a central geocaching website. Anyone can go onto the website, get the GPS locations and go hunting for treasure. All for free. So if you are trying to entice the kids out for a walk or looking for something to do when on holiday, geocahing is a great way to add a bit of adventure to the trip. Needless to say, there are lots of Geocache treasures here in North Wales. So if you want to give it a go, what better way to start than geocaching Snowdonia style!
