St David’s Day, the Daffodil, Welsh Wine, Welsh Whisky and Bodysgallen Hall

St David is Wales’ patron saint and St David’s Day is the national day of Wales and is celebrated across the country on 1st March. Visit Wales offer lots of facts about St David’s history and legacy on their website including this short phrase by him: ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ – ‘Do the little things in life’ – which is still a well-known maxim in Cymru. 

The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and many can be seen across North Wales’ finest hotel Bodysgallen Hall, which is set within 220 acres of gardens and parkland. The bright yellow daffodil blooms across Wales (and across other parts of the UK) in abundance from February.

Wales is a year-round destination especially for those who love the outdoors, history and local cuisine and north Wales has a backdrop for all nature lovers. From the highest mountain range in Wales to rolling hills as far as the eyes can see, to a golden sandy coastline which includes picturesque Llandudno. This is an area of stunning landscapes where travellers can explore market towns, dense forests and lakes and even castles, all in one day. But staying longer is key to making this a truly memorable experience and Bodysgallen Hall, set in over 220 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal gardens is the true home from home.

Wales also celebrates its own wine and whisky with the latter growing in popularity. During a stay at Bodysgallen Hall guests are invited to discover Welsh Whisky with a tour of the Penderyn Whisky Distillery in Llandudno. Learn about the history of Penderyn, how whisky is distilled, the water being brought down from its source deep within the Great Orme, and then aged in oak barrels giving the whisky its unique authentic flavour.

Welsh Wine Week returns for its sixth year in 2026 and will once again celebrate wine from across the country, this year between 29th May and 7th June. There are around 50 vineyards operating across the country resulting in red, white, rosé and sparkling Welsh wines. Wine Week also operates events for the trade sector to further promote locally grown and produced wines on a national and international scale.

Bodysgallen Hall’s unique location in North Wales offers magnificent views across to Conwy Castle and Snowdonia really setting the scene for this magical part of Wales. The award-winning hotel is home to one of North Wales’ finest restaurants awarded 2 AA Rosettes and also home to a spa with an indoor swimming pool. The hotel offers 31 spacious bedrooms, a combination of rooms in the main house and cottages with direct access to the gardens and parkland.  The hotel’s public rooms offer historic charm and all have magnificent fireplaces ideal to sit by with a book, afternoon tea or pre dinner drink. 

Several National Trust gardens are located close to Bodysgallen Hall and offer plenty to explore throughout the seasons. Guests staying at the hotel have complimentary entrance to all:

• Bodnant Garden: A world-famous garden, home to National Collections and Champion Trees. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant.
• Chirk Castle and Garden: Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches. A stark symbol of power, the construction of Chirk Castle began around 1295 during the reign of the conquering Edward I in order to subdue the last princes of Wales.
• Penrhyn Castle and Garden: Fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations. The dominating stone façade of Penrhyn Castle hides more than just its internal red-brick construction. Built in the early 19th century, its formidable architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection lean on a long history of sugar and slate fortunes, social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. 
• Plas Newydd House and Garden: On the island of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Plas Newydd is a Grade I-listed house and garden on the banks of the Menai Strait. With the  mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) as a dramatic backdrop, enjoy the 40 acres of peaceful garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland.

The word “bod-ysgallen” has been interpreted as “house among the thistles”. Bodysgallen Hall is a Grade I 17th century house that has gradually evolved over the centuries from modest hamlet to a large and comfortable country house, with restored and converted outbuildings, surrounded by one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Wales.

The gardens are a true highlight here and have been featured on the BBC show ‘Glorious Gardens from Above’ with several themed garden tours available throughout the year, hosted by the head gardener who celebrates 45 years at the hotel in 2026. 

The gardens at the hotel include a rare 17th century parterre of box hedges filled with sweet-scented herbs, a rockery with a cascade, a walled rose garden, and several follies. Several woodland walks enhance the outdoor experience. Search out the Gothic Tower within the woodland and the Obelisk located on top of Ffrith Hill. An additional highlight is that of a kitchen garden providing the freshest of ingredients for the dining menus. There is also an abundance of seasonal foliage for the in-house arrangements.

Bodysgallen Hall has been sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels since 1980 and was donated to the National Trust in 2008. It is the ideal hotel to discover the uniqueness of North Wales and this area of outstanding beauty.

www.bodysgallen.com Llandudno, North Wales, LL30 1RS Tel: +44 (0)1492 584 466
B&B priced from £290.00 per night based on two sharing