#JonesonTour - stop nesa', Dyffryn Conwy!
So, the Jones Tour continues, highlighting some of the locations, activities and attractions that we love and believe you will enjoy here in Wales. Once again, this is not a comprehensive selection, purely a random sample, a brief snapshot if you will, of what we like and makes us proud to be ‘o Gymru’. And whilst we’re at it, we’ll give you a heads up on where to find our Jones o Gymru products, and make your visit that extra special!
Ffwrdd a ni! Off we go!
We’ll start on the coast, Rhos on Sea to be precise, to pick up some some picnic snacks - Tom's Treats is a brilliant deli/cakery, indulge yourselves and of course pick up some your first batch of Jones o Gymru produce!
Next we'll move along the coast and take our picnic on the tram up the Great Orme in Llandudno, a headland that juts out into the sea, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside. You’ll find some scenic walks and drives on the Great Orme, as well as the more leisurely cabin lift! So much to see and do at this lovely Victorian resort and if entertainment is your thing, Venue Cymru is worth a visit - and a good place to stock up with Jones crisps!
Move on to the historic town of Conwy, at the mouth of the Afon Conwy, before we head down the valley. Visiting Conwy Castle is a must. This incredible medieval fortress is #14 of the 50 most beautiful places in Britain, built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rumours that it was built here to be close to the railway line are completely unfounded!
Once you’ve climbed all the towers and enjoyed the magnificent views across the estuary, back towards the Great Orme, there is still more to see and do in this beautiful town, with some interesting, independent, shops on the narrow streets within the town walls. Call in at Cantîn, adjacent to the town walls, and sample some locally produced coffee. Pop in to Dylan’s Shop on the High Street. At both venues you can choose from a wide variety of Welsh produce, including, of course, our Jones Crisps and Welsh Popcorn! Pop down to the lovely quayside for a little picnic - watch out for those pesky seagulls though! If you get a little thirsty, The Albion is a must visit, highly regarded as one of the finest pubs in Wales for real ales.
Further down the vale, call in at the wonderful Bodnant Gardens and allow plenty of time to take in all that these historic gardens have to offer. The famous Laburnum Arch is magical if you manage to time your visit right, but there is so much to see at any time of year - make sure you go to the peaceful Far End!
Stay a night or two at Furnace Farm, adjacent to the Bodnant Welsh Food centre to pick up some more beautifully presented Welsh goodies, including, of course, our very own Jones produce!
Cross the bridge nearby at Tal y Cafn and move on to Surf Snowdonia, an unique surf park that offers an artificial surf wave. It's a great place to learn how to surf, but there’s also an amazing indoor activity area which is challenging for all ages! A great place to stay too, with the recently developed Hilton Garden hotel alongside.
Head across to the market town at Llanrwst, pick up some more Jones products at Spar and head off for an exhilarating few hours ar Zip Forest World.
Move on to our final destination, the wonderful Betws y Coed. Take a walk up to enjoy the sights and sounds of Swallow Falls before returning to find some food and drink.
Situated just a 10-minute drive from Betws y Coed is Porth Eryri Glamping, for those looking for accommodation whilst visiting this beautiful part of the country.
Porth Eryri Glamping sits on the grounds of a 40-acre working farm called Gwern Hywel Isaf on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Pentrefoelas on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.
A welcome hamper featuring traditional Welsh products will also be provided to kick start your stay in the perfect way!
We’ve already touched on some activities, but for those golfers amongst you, then Conwy Golf Club is a must visit. A venue to several championships over its long history, this course is a true test, but even if you’re not quite on your game, you can look forward to some memorable views from the clubhouse.
If rugby is your game, keep an eye out for RGC matches at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, where North Wales’ finest players take on some iconic teams from the south.
A trip down the vale of Conwy really does have so much to offer, with so much to see and do within a relatively short travel distance. We hope you have the opportunity to do so this summer and have time to reflect on a great visit, especially with a nice cold drink in one hand and a bag of traditional Welsh crisps in the other!