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Last updated: 22 February, 2023
Expert travel writer: David Atkinson

If you enjoyed Caernarfon Castle’s starring role in The Crown, then Grade II-listed Plas Dinas not only makes for a great base nearby, but also boasts its own royal connections: it’s the family home of Lord Snowdon, who married HRH Princess Margaret in 1961.

This is truly a hotel fit for a princess with lavish rooms and fine dining in the Gunroom Restaurant (with 2 Michelin rosettes), making for a genteel break in stylish surroundings. The signature Snowdon’s Afternoon Tea is the epitome of timeless style.

As well as the main hotel, there are three cosy, self-catering cottages for multi-generational escapes. While the hotel is aimed primarily at couples, families are welcome in the cottages.

They’ve recently won Best Hotel at the North Wales Tourism Awards for the second year running, the Go Food and Drink Award at the North Wales Tourism Awards, and the Editors Choice Historic Award at the Good Hotel Guide.

Surrounding area

Set in 15 acres of spring-blooming gardens, Plas Dinas is the gateway to exploring the rural, western fringes of Snowdonia. Expect rural tranquillity in a special setting some two miles south of Caernarfon.

Combine an overnight stay with a visit to nearby, UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle, where Lord Snowdon masterminded Prince Charles’s investiture in 1969.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

National Slate Museum

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[10.8 miles]

This industrial-heritage museum celebrates the international significance of Welsh slate in ‘roofing the 19th century world’. There are plenty of hands-on exhibitions for families and history buffs alike, plus regular talks and workshops.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

Welsh Highland Railway

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[13.6 miles]

Rail buffs, wannabe train drivers and anyone who appreciates spectacular scenery will love this gloriously scenic route through the landscape of the Snowdonia National Park.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 2+ hours

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry [Zip-lining]

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15.6 miles]

Hard-core adrenaline lovers will make a beeline for this adventure-packed quarry site near Bangor. It’s home to the world’s fastest and longest zipline, with speeds of up to 100mph.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 2+ hours

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Caernarfon Castle
Experience

Caernarfon Castle

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[3.4 miles]

This imposing medieval fortress was originally built in the 11th century, then enhanced by King Edward I at the end of the 13th century. The scene of many a siege and sacking, and then increasingly unnecessary, it fell into disrepair so that only the shell walls remain today.

Best for ages: 4+ | £11

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Overview >
GreenWood Forest Park
Experience

GreenWood Forest Park

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[9.5 miles]

GreenWood is one of North Wales’ favourite family attractions – and one of the greenest. The 17-acre site has the UK’s first solar-powered ride, the Solar Splash. Otters and native birdlife can be spotted on a walk through the woodland grounds.

Best for ages: 4+ | £17

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Overview >
Beaumaris Castle
Experience

Beaumaris Castle

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[21.3 miles]

The last and most elaborate of the four, Beaumaris is a castle designer’s dream with its concentric design of a castle within a castle. Although unfinished, it represents a dramatic landmark and the gateway to the visitor-hub town of Anglesey.

Best for ages: 4+ | £8

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Portmeirion
Experience

Portmeirion

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[24.7 miles]

The fairy-tale village, located outside Porthmadog, was the labour-of-love lifework of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His visionary collection of Italianate-style buildings makes for an eccentric family day out. Join free daily walking tours.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Snowdonia National Park

Wales, United Kingdom (UK)

Snowdonia’s national park is the rural heartland of North Wales — think mountains, glacial valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. But there’s also plenty here for families, history buffs and Sunday strollers.

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