View from Graig Wen. Copyright Gretta Schifano
I have to tell you about the beautiful place where we stayed in Wales: The Slate Shed B&B at Graig Wen near Dolgellau in the South of Snowdonia National Park.
Graig Wen
Owners Sarah and John bought this former slate works with 45 acres of land in 2007 and have made it into a truly wonderful place to stay. Graig Wen sits in a peaceful spot above the Mawddach Estuary and below one of the highest mountains in Wales, Cadair Idris. Besides the B&B there are some self-catering cottages and a campsite where you can bring your own tent, caravan or motorhome or rent a yurt (complete with a wood burner) in the wooded, rugged grounds. Below Graig Wen and running alongside the estuary is the scenic Mawddach Trail, a flat cycling and walking trail which stretches 9 miles from Dolgellau to Barmouth.
My kids (15 and 11 at the time) had never stayed in a B&B before this trip. In the car on the way there I tried to explain the concept of the B&B. I must have done a rubbish job because they became very anxious at the thought of staying in the home of strangers.
The Slate Shed B&B
When we arrived their nerves soon disappeared. Sarah showed us to our lovely, cosy rooms and I felt instantly at home. Each room had an eclectic mix of furniture ranging from pieces made of reclaimed wood to vintage mirrors to Welsh blankets. Our bathroom had a free-standing bath, power shower, gorgeous organic toiletries and white cotton waffle bathrobes. There were fresh flowers in a vase on the window sill and and a beautiful view of the Mawddach estuary from the window.
Our room at The Slate Shed. Copyright Gretta Schifano
Milliseconds after our arrival the youngest worked out that, as well as a TV, each room had a small, glass jar containing a couple of squares of chocolate and there was also a packet of caramel waffles next to the kettle. In our room next to the tea tray was a decorated wooden peg holding a clutch of decaffeinated teabags. When I’d spoken to Sarah on the phone the day before she’d asked me if there was anything any of us couldn’t eat for breakfast and I’d mentioned that I avoid caffeine.
Once we’d settled in, Sarah invited us downstairs for tea and Welsh cakes in the dining room overlooking the estuary. I stepped over a black and white cat dozing on the stairs on my way down. As I sat at the wooden table drinking tea from a china cup I felt myself relax after our six-hour drive. Sarah gave us the code for the free wifi and we chatted about our plans for the weekend.
The food
I’d taken up Sarah’s offer, made the day before, to book tables for us at local restaurants on the Friday and Saturday nights.The two restaurants she chose for us were The Meirionnydd in Dolgellau and Mawddach Restaurant on the opposite side of the estuary. Both were excellent and I’d definitely recommend them.
Breakfast at The Slate Shed. Copyright Gretta Schifano
The Slate Shed breakfasts are just what you need before a day exploring Snowdonia. The ingredients are home-made or locally sourced as far as possible. Each evening we made our breakfast choices for the next morning from a menu left in our rooms. I had something different every day: a vegetarian cooked breakfast with sausages made by the local WI; homemade pancakes with berries and syrup; salmon and scrambled egg with homemade wholemeal toast. It was all delicious and there was also cereal, fruit, yogurts, toast, tea, coffee and fruit juices on offer. Packed lunches are available too if you order them the day before.
The verdict
I loved our weekend at Graig Wen and would definitely recommend it as a beautiful, relaxing and homely place to stay. Children over 10 years old are welcome at the B&B but the self-catering and camping accommodation is open to all ages.
The lowdown
There are five rooms at The Slate Shed all with en-suite bathrooms. My husband and I stayed in Bran, which costs from £110 per night including breakfast for two people. The kids stayed in Sidan which costs from £75 per night including breakfast for two people. Thank you to Visit Wales for arranging our stay at The Slate Shed.
I love nice B&Bs, and yours looks wonderful. Carmel wafers by the kettle? I’m there! x
Susanna recently posted…Spring: Yosemite’s best kept secret
This looks so peaceful and relaxing. And breakfast is just my cup of tea!
Actually Mummy… recently posted…The 7 secrets to the best family ski holiday in Europe.
Again, I really do want to see Wales and see where my husbands family is from. Such nice photos you have. Thank you for sharing. #mbpw
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Whats The Lenten Story
I’m absolutely amazed you haven’t stayed in a b&b with your kids before!! We have found it invariably cheaper and more interesting than a hotel (and a lot more lux than a youth hostel). We stayed in Dolgellau last summer for a fortnight and as you say it is an amazing place. There is the most brilliant walk ever (all at one level) called Precipice Walk which I’d recommend (no doubt your b&b lady did but a weekend just isn’t long enough….). We also loved The George pub by the estuary – and cycling along it. Oh it was a lovely holiday – so glad you’ve shown your kids such a lovely part of Wales.
Nicola Baird recently posted…Ideas to help children and teens fundraise
I know, I can’t believe we haven’t stayed in a B&B as a family either! We’ve always just camped, rented places or stayed in hotels. We haven’t stayed in a youth hostel yet but I know they have great family rooms now so I’d like to do that. I absolutely loved the area too.
We often stay in B&Bs – funny I was planning a post on how great they are! And that breakfast looks amazing….Glad you had a lovely time.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…An Awesome Time At Hever Castle By Jessica!
It worked really well for us and I’d definitely think about staying in a B&B with the kids again.
Sounds heavenly and that breakfast looks delicious.
We were also at a B&B last week in Scotland and it has really made me rethink our options for breaks in the future. The personal touch makes a huge difference.
Trish – Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Just checking in…
It really does. It’s so relaxing to be somewhere homely.