Palé Hall

An award-winning, five-star hotel next to Snowdonia National Park, with three AA Rosette dining – includes full Welsh breakfast and optional five or eight-course dinner

Palé Hall traces its history back to the 19th century, when it was constructed by railway engineer Henry Robertson. With a well-thumbed guestbook, including the likes of Queen Victoria, this elegant abode flaunts a truly grand and fabulous setting amid 50 acres of private, landscaped gardens. It's located just outside the small market town of Bala on the edge of Snowdonia and has been awarded the Visit Wales Gold Award.

The five-star Palé Hall has been lovingly and intricately restored to all its former glory and boasts a vast vaulted hallway with rich oriental rugs and period furnishings, plus a number of lounges with ceiling frescoes, antiques and original oil paintings. Once run as a shooting estate by the Duke of Westminster, Palé Hall is still a great spot for a range of outdoor pursuits, like fishing, cycling and white water rafting.

The fine-dining experience here is a reason to visit in itself. With the appraised head chef Gareth Stevenson at the helm, it offers a meaningful menu from the very best of the area's fine selection of homegrown ingredients. Chef Stevenson's thoughtful and expert use of flavours and ingredients have earned the restaurant three AA Rosettes. Needless to say, Palé Hall carries a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.