Beached in Wales
Wants a taste of cruise ship life without leaving dry land? LIS LAMBERTSEN finds the perfect dry run in the Welsh countryside
FANCY a cruise on dry land? If the idea of an activity-packed voyage of discovery is tempting, but you’re not sure it’s for you, then perhaps test the water on a weekend away at the Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel.
North Wales’s rugged countryside may not be an obvious destination for those considering weighing anchor, but staying at a Warner Leisure Hotel is as close as you’ll get to liner luxury without leaving dry land.
The hotels are adult only, guests must be at least 21. That said, my husband and I, in our early fifties, were among the younger guests during our stay. But don’t let this put you off, the hotel was lively and packed with things to do.
Like a cruise ship, there is a busy itinerary every day, ranging from quizzes in the coffee shop to Nordic walking and a full timetable of evening entertainment in the Late Lounge.
Cover bands and tribute acts are the order of the day but the standard was high. Even the cheesy comedian managed to raise a few laughs despite his 1970s time-warp cabaret routines.
Playing a good mixture of 60s and 70s hits, the band had the crowd up dancing almost straight away. Guests can book a regular table in the lounge each evening and the camaraderie amongst guests reminded me of my cruise experiences.
The entertainment changes regularly throughout the week and there is something to suit most tastes. This is not the West End but it’s way above holiday camp entertainment levels, and if you set your expectations accordingly you won’t be disappointed.
For those looking for a quieter evening there is a bar area with plenty of room to sit and catch up with other guests. The chatty bar staff know their stuff and the cocktail list is impressive.
During the day there are numerous activities on offer. We headed out to the rifle and archery range for a couple of shooting sessions. A good-natured team competition encourages guests to mix and you’ll soon make new friends.
A wine tasting session in the main restaurant was both informative and enjoyable, with several guests staying behind afterwards to continue the grape-themed conversation. It was reasonably priced and the wine on offer excellent.
The restaurant, again reminiscent of cruise fare, offered a variety of options from a salad bar and carvery-style Butcher’s Block to a variety of a la carte options which changed daily. Vegetarians are well catered for and the dessert offerings were delicious, making it hard to choose just one.
After all this good food and wine, a visit to the spa was in order and we opted for a swim in the pool followed by facials and massages. There is also a well-equipped gym and table tennis for more energetic guests.
We enjoyed a long walk in the glorious grounds of the castle which has spectacular views towards the sea. We investigated the maze and the walled garden and paid a visit to the Williams’ Obelisk which commemorates the 8th Lord Willoughby de Broke.
The grounds are beautifully kept and, despite visiting in winter, there was plenty to see.
A short trek through a woodland path brought us to a bird hide where we spent half an hour being entertained by the squirrels and robins.
Guests can stay in garden lodges or the hotel itself, which offers the perfect blend of activities and relaxation with something for everyone.
On the edge of Snowdonia, it is also the perfect base from which to explore the stunning locations nearby.
For those of us over a certain age it is the perfect getaway to be active and energised, with the option to sit back and watch the world go by. All the fun and choice of a cruise holiday, but nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside, without a wave in sight.