Plas Bodegroes: food for all seasons in north Wales

An archetypal country house hotel, Plas Bodegroes sits on the south coast of the beautiful Llyn Peninsula.

With classic Georgian architecture, a garlanded restaurant and acres of well-kempt parkland, it takes good care of the nature-lovers and romantics who are drawn to north-west Wales’s wild and windswept beaches.

What to do

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A few hundred yards from the nearest public road, the hotel is surrounded by parkland and forest, which guests are free to explore - quite possibly in the company of the owner’s cat, who likes to keep an eye on visitors as they stroll around the property. Pwllheli beach is a mile or so away - and from there you can set out along the Wales Coastal Path.

A ten-minute drive across the peninsula is Morfa Nefyn’s “real hidden gem” of a beach, says The Times, “a gorgeous crescent with safe bathing and golden sands”. A little further west is Porth Iago, “with golden sands, clear waters and an ancient hillfort above”, says The Guardian. “You can even wild camp here: it’s included in the parking fee. The rocks are a good place for bass fishing.”

The eccentric gardens of Portmeirion and impressive castle at Caernarfon are both about 20 miles away.

What to eat

Plas Bodegroes has long been a draw for foodies - and held a Michelin star for almost two decades. The light-filled dining room overlooking the garden is an attractive setting for a menu rich in local and seasonal produce - particularly seafood.

In late April, a generous fillet of turbot was set off nicely with crisp asparagus and a well-made hollandaise sauce, and a meaty monkfish starter came with crisped ham from Carmarthen. Other options on the ever-changing menu included loin and cutlet of Welsh lamb, lemon roasted cod, confit duck leg and pan-fried brill.

The following morning, a hearty breakfast will fortify you for whatever the Welsh landscape (or climate) has in store. After a choice of cereals and toasts, the hot options include deliciously comforting smoked haddock with poached eggs, as well as more conventional breakfast options.

How to get there

Plas Bodegroes is a three-hour drive from Birmingham and about five hours from London. The nearest railway station is Pwlhelli, half a mile away, at the end of the Cambrian Coast Line, which is about five hours from Birmingham via Machynlleth.

From £120 per room per night for two people, including breakfast. A three-course meal in the restaurant is £45 per person. For more information see the Plas Bodegroes website