Dreaming of finding a slice of winter calm beside the sea? A relaxing winter retreat where you can combine classic seaside charm, National Park explorations and a good dash of winter warmth and cosiness?
Now is the time. The festive period has past, the kids are back at school and the car parks are quiet once again. This is the season for the silver traveller; those with newfound free time, a sense of adventure and anyone looking for experience-focused travel.
Where else than one of the best hotels in Llandudno. The Imperial Hotel will be your base for delicious food, great sleep and a peaceful place to put your feet up at the end of a day of exploring.
Our North Wales hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Llandudno on the beautiful coast of North Wales, at the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and a short stroll from Venue Cymru – an award-winning theatre and entertainment and exhibition venue. You really can’t go wrong with a winter break in Llandudno.
Get Out and Explore
Walks
There are endless walks and wanders; whether you wish to step out from the hotel and spend time in nature, or hop in the car and enjoy a scenic drive into the Eryri National Park.
Routes can be dependent on the winter conditions, which can be challenging and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s recommended that only those with winter skills and equipment or an experienced guide should venture out into snowy, wintery conditions.
But if, during the most wintery conditions, you choose to stay lower you can admire the picture-postcard snowy peaks from the edge of a glistening Llyn (lake) or take to the coastal path which runs right past our door.
In Llandudno you can enjoy the circular route around the Little Orme, or enjoy the 25-minute drive to Aber Falls for an easy-moderate 4.5km walk to the foot of Aber Falls waterfall – a lovely and popular out-and-back walking route.
Whilst you’re there, visit the small village of Abergwyngregyn, home to the Aber Falls Whisky Distillery, ‘one of seven whisky distilleries in Wales, and the first in North Wales since the early 1900s.’
Find other great winter walks around Llandudno nearby.
Castles and National Trust Properties
Conwy Castle
Just 15 minutes from our Llandudno hotel, you can spend time exploring the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle – the distinctive and unusually well-preserved fortress invites you to wander around 1.3km of castle walls, with far-reaching views of the dramatic Welsh coastline.
Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle, a neo-Norman fortress is approximately 30 minutes from our Llandudno hotel, set in 60-acres of garden and woodland. Once a family home to the Pennant family, it was reconstructed during the late 1900s and today, as a National Trust property visitors enjoy wandering through the vast rooms and stairways or walking around the castle’s impressive grounds, with beautiful mountainous views.
Explore more of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales.
Bodnant Gardens
You could spend all day taking in all there is to see at Bodnant Garden. A 15-minute drive away from our North Wales seaside hotel, this National Trust garden boasts year-round inspiration and is a wonderful winter activity provided you wrap up warm and stop at the tea-room for tea and cake! There are 80-acres of formal gardens, meadow, woodland and shrub to discover; follow the beautifully cared for meandering pathways that take you on a journey from start to finish. During the winter there’s even the Winter Garden Trail offering colour and interest through the cold months.
When It’s Time to Come Inside
Be Entertained
When it is time to step back inside during your peaceful winter break, book something at Venue Cymru, only a short walk from our Llandudno hotel. There you will be thoroughly entertained whether you love live music, theatre and comedy, ballet, or opera.
Find out what’s on during your winter retreat.
A Tour & Tasting
Take an idyllic seaside stroll to the nearby Penderyn Distillery, a 15-minute walk away, in the centre of Llandudno for a tour and tasting. You can’t beat a distillery within walking distance of your North Wales hotel; the Distillery Tour is around an hour long; there’s an exhibition area with their unique and ‘innovative single copper pot still’ and then you have the chance to purchase some of their award-winning whisky before enjoying a tipple in their Tasting Bar.
Stay and Spa
Make it your own spa day with the use of our Mint Condition health and fitness suite; here you’ll find a calming place to relax and unwind; enjoy our heated swimming pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room – just perfect after a day of walks and exploring. If you’re a fan of the chilly dips, pop outside for a splash in the bay then warm the body in the sauna. When it’s time to lie down and read a book or get ready for dinner, simply wander upstairs to your room.
During the winter our Llandudno hotel offers the perfect retreat for peace and quiet; time spent in our cosy and relaxing lounge to read, indulge in Afternoon Tea or play a game of cards; award-winning dining makes every evening feel extra special in Chantrey’s Restaurant, perhaps a drink in the bar or lounge before (and after?) and then a wonderful night’s sleep before a delicious Welsh breakfast to nourish you for the day ahead.