Where dragons soar – island escapes on Anglesey
The Isle of Anglesey on the north-west coast of Wales offers untamed natural beauty, with many landscapes that have featured in fantasy epic House of the Dragon. Overlooking the Menai Strait, Château Rhianfa adds a fitting touch of fairytale grandeur. Inspired by castles of the Loire Valley, this boutique French-style château with turrets and formal gardens offers sea views from four-poster beds, alongside the option to book private lodges or cottages. For something more theatrical, Saffron Tower near Beaumaris is a whimsical, self-catering retreat hidden within a walled garden. Once concealed beneath a curtain of ivy, this fairytale 12th century folly has been restored and turned into a striking hideaway overlooking a landscaped garden with ancient trees and topiary. Modern amenities include a private pool and a sauna.
Anglesey’s culinary scene is equally rooted in its surroundings. At Y Marram in Newborough, seasonal ingredients take centre stage through changing menus and guest chef residencies, bringing Michelin-level dining to this coastal village. Meanwhile, The Lobster Pot in Church Bay serves up freshly caught seafood alongside sweeping views of the sea. For a more intimate dining experience, Catch 22 in the village of Valley hosts tasting sessions and supper clubs that celebrate the island’s produce.
Outdoor adventure awaits along the coastline, which was used as a filming location for season three of House of the Dragon. For an immersive exploration of the landscape on foot, the 130-mile Isle of Anglesey Coast Path circles the entire island, offering everything from relaxed beach strolls to brisk clifftop walks with the opportunity to spot peregrine falcons and nesting seabirds. Split into 12 manageable sections, the route passes Roman forts including Caer Gybi, medieval churches and old copper mines, revealing the many facets of the Welsh island.
On the water, high-energy experiences channel the show’s action-packed drama. Gecko Surf offers exhilarating kitesurfing lessons on Rhosneigr Beach, where westerly winds and shallow bays create ideal conditions to ride the waves. RibRide Adventure Boat Tours take visitors on high-speed trips past the Menai Suspension Bridge which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026, and out towards Puffin Island, navigating sea caves and seal colonies along the way. For something more relaxing, traditional seaweed bathing at Halen Môn offers a more restorative experience, immersing visitors in kelp-infused, mineral-rich waters – a wellness treatment that reflects the island’s maritime heritage.
Epic landscapes and mountain adventures in Snowdonia (Eryri)
Inland, the striking mountain ranges, slate landscapes, towering peaks and magical woodlands (known as ‘Celtic Rainforests’) of Snowdonia (Eryri) – the oldest and biggest of Wales’ National Parks – rival any on-screen fantasy realm. At the heart of Snowdonia’s cinematic appeal lies Dinorwig Quarry, a fortress-like landscape above Llanberis in Padarn Country Park, which doubled as Harrenhal in House of the Dragon. Part of UNESCO Slate Landscape, it is home to the National Slate Museum (currently undertaking an extensive renovation project) and a popular spot for hiking and climbing, although not all of it is publicly accessible. Guided tours with Paradise Adventures bring the terrain to life through all-day explorations across the National Park, including the quarry. For those seeking hands-on adventure, Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog offers bike-hire and access to 14 mountain biking trails, from gentle tracks for beginners to steeper routes for experienced riders. History enthusiasts can step into the past at Caernarfon Castle where they can try their hand at archery with the resident garrison.
Snowdonia’s accommodation is as diverse as its landscapes. Porth Eryri Glamping offers a boutique take on outdoor adventure on a 50-acre farm near Pentrefoelas, offering four private cabins hidden within a three-acre woodland. Far from rustic, all cabins feature a smart TV, Wi-Fi, a rainfall shower, kitchen and a wood-fired hot tub – all within easy reach of mountain trails, biking routes and zipline experiences at ZipWorld Penrhyn Quarry. Nearby, Barlwyd Shepherds Huts provides romantic escapes between March and November, with wood-fired saunas and access to the coast and countryside. For a truly memorable stay, Portmeirion celebrates its centenary in 2026 with a series of festivals throughout July and August. The Italianate village, created by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, offers overnight stays in two four-star hotels, including the Gothic Castell Deudraeth. Set within one of Wales’ most theatrical surroundings, the pastel-coloured houses and exotic gardens create a setting that feels straight out of Westeros.
Food and drink in Snowdonia are shaped by the land. At Palé Hall, a grand Victorian mansion turned luxury country house hotel, fine dining celebrating Welsh provenance is the focus at The Henry Robertson. Headed by chef Luke Selby, the restaurant serves seasonal dishes crafted from regional produce, to be enjoyed surrounded by ornate ceilings and beautifully preserved period features. For full fairytale immersion, visitors can stay overnight in one of the hotel’s 22 individually designed rooms or round off the day with experiences including clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing or wine tasting. Selby also helms The Bryntirion Inn, a 300-year-old pub, just a short walk from Palé Hall, which serves Welsh-inspired dishes and real ales in a relaxed and homely environment. Pant Du Vineyard in the Nantlle Valley adds Welsh wine and idyllic orchards to the mix. Vineyard tours invite visitors behind the scenes and delve deeper into the wine-making processes, while offering sweeping views of Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and the coast.