I stayed at the beauty spot two hours from manchester that feels like the alps

IT'S PERFECT FOR ADVENTURERS, BUT WHAT'S IT LIKE FOR A YOUNG FAMILY? 16:12, 01 Jun 2025 I’m gazing across the mountains, the sun is shining and I’m feasting on cheese fondue. It’s

the perfect setting for an Alpine holiday. But this is North Wales, not the Swiss Alps. Forget the Matterhorn, it's quarries not ski slopes marking the landscape and the fondue is made

from cave aged cheddar not Gruyère. I’ve come to Snowdonia, or Eryri as it's now officially known, a tourist spot known for its towering mountains and lush valleys, that’s just a two

hour drive from Manchester. I’m booked into the Plas Weunydd Hotel with my family, right in the heart of the rugged landscape. The Victorian hotel, located in a former slate mine, is popular

with adventurers. There’s a Zip World and a mountain bike centre just a stone’s throw away from our base. But being six months pregnant and with a toddler in tow, my partner and I plan a

more sedate itinerary for this trip. Hurtling through the air at 100mph doesn’t really appeal in my current condition. Article continues below On our first night, we enjoy dinner at the

hotel on the outdoor terrace, which has incredible views of the jagged peaks opposite. We order Snowdonia Cheese Fondue (£18) to share, then fish and chips (£18) and the chicken gyro (£17).

Our little one has the kids' pasta with Bolognese sauce, and laps up the lot. The stand out dish is the fondue - silky, salty and creamy served with all manner of Crudités and breads to

dip into it. The mains are standard pub fayre, but they are just what we need after a post-work drive with the little one. The bedroom is comfortable and clean. Fans are provided in the

room, which are quickly turned on in the sweltering May heat. The hotel has a very laid back, cosy vibe - in the lounge/dining area a mix of walkers and tattooed 'mountain bike

bros' relax on the comfy chairs with their dogs after a day on the hills. Ahead of the visit, we seek out family friendly activities in the area. I want to know what this part of the

world has to offer for young families keen to take in the breathtaking views, but in need of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Google directs us to a soft play centre nearby

and an alpaca farm (although when we call up the farm, they inform us they are only running two hour hikes for visitors, which aren't suitable for youngsters). As the sun is shining, it

feels a shame to spend the day in a soft play centre. The hotel is just an 18 minute drive from the beautiful town of Betws-y-Coed, so we head straight there. We immediately stop off for a

coffee and an ice cream at Hangin Pizzeria, one of the many cafes and restaurants located in the centre opposite a big park. The restaurant has an enormous gorilla statue outside, which my

daughter enjoys toddling up to while practising her animal noises. The little one is also kept entertained with the colouring crayons the staff offer out, while us adults admire the view.

Suitably refreshed, we head off on a walk to the popular attraction Swallow Falls. The 45 minute walk from the town follows the river and takes you on a path through scenic woodland to the

waterfall. My partner takes the toddler on his shoulders, and she has a great time pointing out all the trees from up high. We take a few breaks along the river so she can have a paddle in

the water. Disclaimer - we don't make it all the way to the falls on foot because the path gets a bit steep, but on our way home we drive to a car park nearby so we can see it. We head

back to the town for lunch, and stop off at The Alpine Coffee Shop, which serves up artisanal food to streams of eager tourists. I would definitely recommend the homemade falafel filled

pitta bread, which was fresh and very moreish. Just behind the cafe is the Conwy Valley Railway museum, which offers miniature train rides at just £2.50 a ticket. It's for passengers

aged 2+, so we don't quite make the cut. After lunch we visit The Village Green park and the little one has a good run around with her ball. For dinner we head out to a local pub, The

Grapes. It's a warm day and as we wait for food outside, my toddler has fun going down the slide in the pub's well equipped play area. The Grapes serves up hearty pub classics like

homemade steak and ale pie and lasagne, and has excellent views of the mountains in the outdoor seating area. The next morning we have breakfast at the hotel. The hotel offers a really good

buffet with options like perfectly poached eggs and good quality sausages and bacon for guests to fill up on before their day exploring. We then head to a car park near Dolwyddelan Castle,

a thirteenth century castle that's less than a ten minute drive away. The castle, perched on a hill, serves as a lasting memorial to medieval Welsh ruler Llywelyn the Great. After

soaking up the Welsh history, we pay a visit to the nearby beauty spot Fairy Glen. It's a beautiful dingle named after the mythical sprites which are said to reside there. There's

a perfect picnic spot with gorgeous views where we have a play and enjoy sandwiches from the Popty Tandderwen Bakery, before heading back home. Our time in Snowdonia was blissful. Although

the area is perfectly geared up for people seeking adrenaline fuelled adventures, it also suited a young family keen for a relaxing stay in the stunning surroundings. TRAVEL FACTFILE Rebecca

stayed at the four-star Plas Weunydd Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llechwedd, Gwynedd. It is roughly a two hour drive from Manchester. Plas Weunydd Hotel offers night rates from £69 based on

2 sharing room only and there are accessible rooms and dog friendly rooms available if needed. There are also options for bed and breakfast. The hotel recently reopened after a refurb. It

offers family rooms, a boot room, a hotel bar and a big outdoor seating area. There is also a car park on site. There are glamping tents which sleep up to five, from £125 per night, and

Shepherd's Huts, which sleep two from £150 per night. To find out more about the hotel, visit the website here. The hotel also offers corporate retreats, there is a brochure on the

website here. Article continues below For more on the latest What's On news click here.