You’re in your partner’s good books. You’ve treated your loved one to a romantic escape to North Wales – nice one! Now you need a few pointers on how best to romance your partner while you’re here. Read on for the best places to dine, stroll and just…be together.
At this point, if you haven’t booked a short break and you’re at risk of incarceration in the dreaded doghouse, click here for our last minute Valentines availability.
Intimate Places to Eat
The Loft Restaurant at Ye Olde Bull’s Head Inn, Beaumaris, Anglesey
One of the best dining spots on Anglesey, The Loft is a cosy converted roof space in the 16th century hostelry. Local specialities include Welsh Black beef, salt marsh lamb and an array of seafood. Book quickly if you want to grab a table. If you’re too late, the groundlfoor Brasserie is a more relaxed if less elegant alternative.
Tucked away down a side street inside Conwy’s walls, Watson’s Bistro is a small, homely, family-run place making a quiet name for itself serving good quality food using local ingredients. Conwy mussels (the only mussels still to be hand-raked in the UK) can often be found on the menu.
On a hill above Llanbedrog cove between Pwllheli and Abersoch, Tremfan Hall boasts good food with a great atmosphere and stunning views. Places are limited so book as soon as you can.
Cosy bars for a quiet drink
Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen near Morfa Nefyn
Yes it’s probably the most photographed pub in Wales, but Ty Coch has also been voted one of the top 10 beach bars in Wales. After a stroll along this lovely bay, how could you resist a tipple (or two) here? Sadly the kitchen is being refurbished at the moment, so you won’t be able to warm yourself with soup.
12noon to 4pm at weekends only
Now this is a proper pub, serving a great array of local real ales (it’s co-managed by local breweries). Bursting with carefully preserved historical features, including a baronial fireplace and all the original 1920s bar fixtures, it’s a great place to pop into after a bracing walk along Conwy’s medieval walls.
A picture-postcard inn looking across Red Wharf Bay to the wooded hillside near Llanddona, The Ship is justifiably popular. If you’re following the coast walk to Benllech, it’s the place to retire once you’ve kicked off those muddy boots. You may need to be lucky to nab a table by the fire, though.
Romantic strolls with views, views, views
Betws-y-Coed to Llyn Elsi and Around
At the back of the large church in Betws-y-Coed, a path leads up through the woods (steeply) before levelling and opening out to tranquil Llyn Elsi. The walk round this small lake is a delight, with Moel Siabod and Snowdonia’s northern massifs rising to the west. Take 2 hours and go slow!
Belgian Promenade, Menai Bridge
Short and popular, this walk starts from the small pay car park near Jade Village Chinese Restaurant. Drop down through mixed woodland (look fast for red squirrels) then follow the promenade built by Belgian WW1 refugees, under Menai Bridge and back into town.
Borth-y-Gest to Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog
Just a mile from Porthmadog off the Black Rock Sands road, the handsome bay-lined village of Borth-y-Gest is the start of a lovely walk west along the coast to the aforementioned beach. There are plenty of sandy coves along the way on which you can draw love hearts to each other.
