Above: Craig Yr Aderyn, or 'Bird's Rock,' reputedly used as a watch- tower by the Princes of Gwynedd in the 13th century
and Judy theatre in 1860, celebrated 150 years of performances using the original theatre and puppets. During their time at the entrance to Llandudno’s Victorian pier, they counted the likes of Queen Victoria and the Duke of Westminster among their clientèle. “Llandudno is always bustling and definitely moving with
the times. But it also retains its genteel Victorian ambiance. Much of the Promenade and many of the hotels along the seafront haven’t changed much since I was a girl growing up
HIDDEN GEMS OF GWYNEDD AND BEYOND
t Bodnant Garden. Beautiful 80-acre gardens at the home of Lord Aberconway. Mar-Nov.| Tel: (01492) 650460;
www.bodnantgarden.co.uk. t Conwy harbour. Take a nature walk along the banks of the River Conwy for superb views of flora, fauna, and the all-important castle. t Edwards of Conwy. North Wales is home to some local produce and this award-winning deli is the best place to stock up on local goodies for a picnic
18 BRITAIN
lunch or take-home souvenir. Tel: (01492) 592443;
www.edwardsofconwy.co.uk. t Tower (4-star), nr Mold, Flintshire. The sole remaining Welsh fortified border house, in the same family for 500 years, Grade-I listed. Now a bed and breakfast with three bedrooms. Tel: (01352) 700220;
www.towerwales.co.uk. t Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden. This so-called health farm for the mind is a residential library, housing the
personal book collection of the erstwhile British Prime Minister and offering residential courses. Tel: (01244) 532350;
www.st-deiniols.com. t Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno. Contemporary arts venue, re-opened after refurbishment, Tel: (01492) 879201;
www.mostyn.org. t Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni. This Anglesey gallery complex centre has a local history section and a great cafe. Best of all is the gallery dedicated to North Wales’ best-known
artist. Tel: (01248) 724444;
www.kyffinwilliams.info. t Plas Newydd, Llangollen. This 18th-century stately house was home to the Ladies of Llangollen, who welcomed the cream of intellectual life to North Wales. Tel: (01978) 860828;
www.llangollen.org.uk. t Ruthin Castle Hotel (3-star), Ruthin, Denbighshire. Part-medieval, part-Victorian castle once owned by Edward I, and now a luxury hotel with a two-rosette restaurant.
Tel: (01824) 702664;
www.ruthincastle.co.uk. t South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead. For a gloriously end-of-the-earth experience, this icon of the Anglesey coastline offers guided tours. Do call first, though, as opening hours are seasonal. Tel: (01248) 763207;
www.trinityhouse.co.uk/ events_and_leisure/visitor_centres.
m
t If calling from overseas, dial your international code, then 44, and then omit the first zero.
www.britain-magazine.com
in Llandudno in the 1950s,” says Jacqueline Millband Codman, head of the Codman clan. She inherited the Punch and Judy Show from her great-grandfather who started the tradition in 1860 and now runs it with her son, Jason. Down the road in neighbouring Conwy, more traditional
attractions are the focus of the most complete walled town in Britain. The World Heritage castle, another landmark from the era of Edward I, remains one of the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain and an essential
n
PHOTO: WALES ON VIEW/ALAN NOVELLI/VISIT BRITAIN IMAGES
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