Going off-grid for holidays is becoming more popular than ever, as burnt-out workers from across the country crave digital detoxes and an escape from reality. Personally speaking, I also was eager to lock away my phone – usually seemingly glued to my body for half the time - and swap out for real life experiences; something truly unique. Considering the same? I suggest checking out Plas Weunydd.
Plas Weunydd is placed within a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, just shy of Blaenau Ffestiniog’s town centre and perched on the outskirts of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Indeed, Wales' historic slate quarry, still mining to this day, joins the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and the Great Barrier Reef in the list of other places given the same legal protection. That’s how important (and beautiful) it is.
We were surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. Think striking, rugged rocks, towering mountains that weaved their way along the horizon and deep valleys boasting pops of colour from purple shrubs like heather. There were vast lakes dotted around, plus an abundance of wildlife including kingfishers and butterflies.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of Plas Weunydd
In Blaenau
Ffestiniog, Wales
My photos show the cabin (pictured left), the golf buggy used to get to our hut and me gazing at roaming sheep.
Need To Know:
- Address: Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, LL41 3NB
- Area: Blaenau Ffestiniog, on the
southeastern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia)
- Hotel Type: adventure, glamping, shepherd's hut
- How To Get There: although you can drive and there was parking available, we came from London Euston railway and experienced a straightforward switchover at Llandudno Junction. This took around four and a half hours in total. Top tip, time the second leg well as the connecting trains are essentially every two hours apart.
- Attractions Nearby: Zipworld is within the complex alongside downhill mountain bike operator Antur Stiniog, and we had a go at Titan (the zipwire) and underground mini golf in a former slate mine. There is also the world-renowned steam railway, plus Portmeirion is a half-hour bus ride away. Also, Tanygrisiau waterfall is a 45 minute walk from Plas Weunydd hotel. Finally, need some R&R? Book the remote sauna that's exclusively for guests
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: Plas Weunydd comprised of three separate accommodation options: the hotel itself (where families tended to stay), glamping pods (Llechwedd) and my pick, the shepherd’s huts (Barlwyd). Our charming little lodge, one of five, can only be reached by golf buggy (a ten-minute uphill drive) and all instructions and self-check-in information was sent to us via email in advance. Albeit a little bumpy, we had so much fun with this quirky form of transport and you can’t help but gawp at the views along the way
- Perfect For: a cosy hideaway for couples or explorers wanting to take advantage of the nearby hiking trails
Service & Price
- Service (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: there is a two-night minimum stay, and our weekend break in August came in at £350 for two, with food setting us back just under £60
Room Quality & Comfort
Plas Weunydd's wooden huts are carefully placed in the heart of nature - it was so peaceful.
Room: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After tapping in the keycode given to us by reception and activating the power bank towards the rear of the cabin (oh yes, there was no mains water or electricity here), I took a moment to really appreciate how cute this space was. Prepare for tones of sage green with burgundy trimmings, a bed that spanned the far left hand side and a fully-equipped kitchen towards the right. They give you a gallon (4.5 litres) of drinking water too. The bathroom was compact and our shower had hot water – enough for four short showers a day. But it was the finishing touches that really stood out; we’re talking a log burner, hot water bottles and games. To charge your devices? Either bring your own batteries or use their portable one provided.
As darkness arrived, we found ourselves mesmerised by the night sky. One by one, more stars appeared and I think we even saw two meteors too. Amazing.
Dining Highlights
The pizza-making was an ideal date night activity.
Pizza kits can be pre-ordered when booking (you need to give at least 24 hours notice), and they'll safely be delivered, alongside all instructions and utensils, direct to your cabin at check-in. Don't fancy Italian? You can also choose other outdoor options like barbecue packs.
Dinner: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Pizza-making kit (£30) - housed in a lovely wicker basket, here I unpacked two globes of ready-made dough, chorizo, pre-grated mozzarella and marinara sauce. Our advice is to be really generous with the semolina when rolling out the base, as it can get stuck. I particularly enjoyed watching our creations cook in the pizza oven right by our cabin.
Fuel up for the day with a classic breakfast, before venturing to the great outdoors.
Breakfast: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you don't fancy pre-ordering a breakfast BBQ kit, the morning buffet within the hotel restaurant (£14.95) is a safe bet, and that's what we decided to do. Prepare for a homely affair, right opposite a log fireplace, that completely set us up for the action-packed day ahead: buttery scrambled eggs, bacon, baked beans and herby mushrooms. The best bit? The crisp-as-you-like hash browns. I also treated myself to Coco Pops and a croissant to finish. Because we're on holiday, right?
My Overall Experience At Plas Weunydd
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I honestly had such a tranquil, memorable stay at Plas Weunydd Barlwyd Shepherd’s Huts, and would recommend it as a good introduction before going completely off-grid. This is because although there wasn’t WIFI in the huts, we could still connect to 4G, plus amenities and a train station were a manageable distance away. Ideal if you don’t have a car like us. Service was friendly throughout too, and always on hand to help.
I’ll never forget waking up in our cabin surrounded by sheep outside, plus navigating past the herds in the morning was definitely an experience.
