A Welsh Winter: Walks, History and Country House Charm
– Winter walks around the Little Orne in North Wales
– Spa time at Bodysgallen Spa and award-winning dining at Bodysgallen Hall
Combine crisp coastal air, dramatic landscapes and historic surroundings for the perfect Welsh winter break staying at Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno. Guests can blend the great outdoors with heritage, fine dining, a spa with indoor swimming pool and the comforts of a historic country house with fireplaces to ensure a wonderful winter escape.
Set within more than 220 acres of wooded parkland and formal gardens overlooking Conwy, Bodysgallen Hall is a peaceful country house retreat within easy reach of the North Wales coast, mountains and historic attractions. Among the most rewarding nearby walks is the circular route around the Little Orme, beginning and ending on Llandudno Promenade and rising to the summit of the 140-metre (450 ft) limestone promontory.
Just a short journey from Bodysgallen Hall, the Little Orme offers an exciting introduction to the coastline around Llandudno. The three-mile circular walk begins on Llandudno Promenade, before ascending towards the summit, where walkers are rewarded with expansive views across the coast, the mountains and the rural landscape of Conwy. At around two hours, the route is well suited to a winter morning after breakfast, leaving plenty of time to return to the warmth of the Hall afterwards. The terrain is uneven and steep in places, with sections close to cliff edges, so suitable footwear and care are essential, particularly in winter conditions. Check the weather forecast before heading out.
The walk’s combination of sea views, open countryside and limestone landscape makes it an appealing way to experience the beauty of North Wales in the quieter winter months. From the summit, the elevated vantage point offers a wonderful perspective across the coastline and towards the mountains and countryside of Conwy.
Conwy itself is absolutely worth an afternoon retreat. Conwy boasts a rich heritage and a unique atmosphere and is home to the famous imposing Conwy Castle. The town’s cobbled streets are filled with small artisan shops.
Returning to Bodysgallen Hall brings a distinctly different experience: the warmth and tranquillity of a historic Welsh country house. The origins of Bodysgallen date back centuries, with the present Grade I-listed house evolving from a much earlier settlement into a vast country residence. Its name has been interpreted as meaning “house among the thistles”, and the property has gradually developed over the centuries, with historic outbuildings and gardens forming part of the wider estate. The Hall was sympathetically restored by Historic House Hotels from 1980 and was subsequently donated to the National Trust in 2008, ensuring the long-term preservation of this important historic property.
Today, Bodysgallen Hall retains the atmosphere and architectural character of a traditional country house while offering the comforts of a luxury hotel. Its setting is particularly striking, with magnificent views towards Conwy Castle and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The hotel has 31 spacious bedrooms, located within the main house and a collection of converted cottages, some with their own private gardens.
The public rooms of the Hall are another highlight. Historic interiors, period details, artwork and impressive fireplaces create welcoming spaces in which to relax after a day outdoors. Guests can settle down with a book beside the fire, enjoy traditional afternoon tea or take a pre-dinner drink while appreciating the atmosphere of a house steeped in history.
For those looking to unwind further, the hotel’s spa includes an indoor swimming pool, providing the perfect complement to an active day walking the North Wales coast. The hotel recently welcomed GAIA Skincare spa treatments.
Bodysgallen Hall’s gardens are one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Wales. The gardens combine formal planting with woodland, historic features and far-reaching views. They have featured on the BBC’s Glorious Gardens from Above and include a rare 17th-century parterre, with box hedges and sweet-scented herbs, alongside a rockery and cascade, a walled rose garden and several follies.
Winter brings its own beauty to the gardens, with the structure of the formal planting, mature woodland and historic features becoming particularly prominent. Several woodland walks lead guests through the estate, with the Gothic Tower and the Obelisk on Ffrith Hill among the features to discover. The estate’s kitchen garden is also an important part of life at Bodysgallen Hall, providing fresh ingredients for the hotel’s menus, while seasonal foliage from the grounds is used for floral arrangements throughout the Hall.
Throughout the year, guests can join garden tours hosted by the head gardener, who celebrated 45 years at the hotel in 2026, offering an insight into the history, design and ongoing stewardship of the gardens.
Food forms an important part of the Bodysgallen experience, with the hotel’s restaurant awarded 2 AA Rosettes. Ingredients grown in the kitchen garden contribute to the menus, creating a connection between the surrounding estate and the dining room.
Bodysgallen Hall’s location makes it an ideal base for discovering the diversity of North Wales. Within easy reach are the Victorian beach resort of Llandudno, the historic town and castle of Conwy, the mountains of Eryri and several National Trust gardens.
North Wales’ appeal is distinctly year-round, but winter offers a quieter opportunity to experience its unique landscapes and heritage. A stay at Bodysgallen Hall offers an especially memorable way to discover this magical part of the United Kingdom.
www.bodysgallen.com Llandudno, North Wales, LL30 1RS Tel: +44 (0)1492 584 466
B&B priced from £300.00 per night based on two sharing
