Travel: Land of legends
New film King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword, released this week, was partly filmed in Snowdonia, with its majestic mountains, breathtaking coastline – and the best view in Britain…
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
Home to Mount Snowdon (or Eryri, in Welsh), Snowdonia has really come into its own as a worldclass destination. Last month, ‘magical lake’ Llyn Llydaw, viewed from the top of Snowdon, was voted Britain’s most spectacular view (main picture). If you don’t fancy heading there on foot, the narrow-gauge Snowdon Mountain Railway also takes you 1,085 metres to the summit. Now, Snowdonia is backdrop to Guy Ritchie’s new movie, King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. After all, it’s the fabled home of Arthur and his sword, Excalibur…
INSIDER’S GUIDE
The well-preserved Victorian resort of Llandudno is full of great-value accommodation. Its Lawton Court Hotel was named best hotel in the world for service on TripAdvisor, and the Elm Tree was rated the world’s best bargain hotel. Llandudno is 10 minutes’ drive from the walled medieval town of Conwy, a World Heritage Site. Check out the Italianate village, Portmeirion, built last century on a remote, beautiful estuary. On a hot day, you’ll feel like you’re really on the Med!
DON’T MISS
Thrill-seekers should book a ride at Europe’s Longest Zip Line (zipworld.co.uk), based at Penrhyn Slate Quarry, Bethesda. Fly head-first at 100mph down a mountain! The lovely valley of Nant Gwynant is loved by filmmakers, and the Ogwen Valley is stunning.
FOOD AND DRINK
Enjoy afternoon tea at the stately St George’s Hotel, in Llandudno, where you can dine while gazing out to sea (£16.90 per person). The historic town of Caernarfon is a great place to buy Welsh baked goodies like bara brith and locally made booze.
Come in search of ‘the once and future king’ and fall in love with Wales