Our fun times in North Wales

My blog is primarily my diary, a place for me to record our trips, adventures and wine discoveries. It's lovely that others enjoy reading it too and maybe try a few locations, activities or drinks themselves. 

That said this post is my general round up about our fabulous week in North Wales at Deganwy. A place we had never heard of that nestles on the east side of the Conwy Estuary behind Llandudno, opposite Conwy and overlooking Angelsey.

Our apartment was super; one bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/diner and lounge. Being on the second floor we were grateful for the lift and with private parking it made a very comfy home from home.

But our main reason for choosing this apartment were the views, absolutely stunning, the patio doors with a glass balcony meant we could let the warm Welsh air in whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the sea.

And there were sights and sounds a plenty, looking left we had a super view of Conwy Castle across the estuary. The trains ran every 20 minutes but were never intrusive, it was quite nice to hear them go past. We could also see the yachts sailing in and out of the marina, especially in the evenings as the sun went down.

Looking right we overlooked the Conwy coastline line and Angelsey. There was always something to see or hear.

The down side of Deganwy was it's lack of pubs or restaurants. There was a Chinese restaurant and expensive French restaurant in the small row of shops (beauticians and estate agents) but disappointingly no bar or pub to sit outside enjoying the views; if we win the lottery there's a business opportunity awaiting.

Our first night we walked along the estuary about a mile to the chip shop which was also eat in. It was certainly worth the stroll as the fish was delicious, too many chips but so so tasty. We did find the Castle View pub just around the corner and enjoyed a drink before the walk back. A shame really it wasn't nearer to our apartment but after long days out exploring the walk was a bit too far.

Unbeknown to us when we booked our first weekend coincided with Llanduduno's Vintage transport weekend. Deganwy is just one train stop from Llandudno which saved on parking, of course the trains were packed as it was a very busy weekend. 

Llandudno's town centre was closed to traffic with fairground rides set all along the high street, what a great atmosphere. The main showground was just out of town, we didn't go but really enjoyed seeing the few traction engines and other vehicles in the town.

Llandudno is a traditional sea side town that we had visited years ago when our son was small. It was nice to see some traditional entertainment still attracting the crowds and the pier open; very busy and quite a walk to the end. All the fun of the sea side was on offer from candy floss stalls, ice cream sellers, live music at the end of the pier and of course the amusement arcades with their tipping point machines.

It was also the Victorian Festival with many people dressed in Victorian clothing. Earlier in the day a steam train had pulled into the station and the 'Victorians'enjoyed an Afternoon Tea  on board. 

We were back in our apartment when the steam train departed but a bonus of staying above the railway line is we had a birds eye view as it steamed past.

I always holidayed in North Wales in the 1970s with my Dad and the scouts, it was a treat when Dad drove to Angelsey crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge. So lovely to do this again and visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrynrobwllllantysiliogogogoch which I can say but you'll have to take my word on that!

We had an amazing week, out everyday visiting all the National Trust and Cadw properties in the area. We really enjoy being NT members and as we are co tuning English Heritage members we now enjoy free admission to Cadw properties.

These are the places we visited, as well as a local vineyard, with links to each dedicated post: 

Chirk Castle        Conwy Castle        Beaumaris Castle   

Penrhyn Castle       Plas Mawr          Plas Newydd   

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard       Bodnant Gardens 

Needless to say we walked miles doing so many steps everyday. It was interesting to see our fit tracker, Monday was our drive around Angelsey and Thursday our vine tasting followed by a chilled last afternoon enjoying the views.

As you can see we had a superb time in North Wales and hopefully won't leave it so long until we visit again. Maybe in Conwy itself next time as it had so many lovely shops, bars and restaurants, although I don't think we'd manage in The Smallest House in Great Britain, it was cute but so so small!