MIKE AND JESS' TRAVEL DIARY
England and Wales Trip
Day 4 - May 8 2019
We decided to get an early start on our day instead of hanging out in Chester. The friends we were meeting were working until 5, so we had the whole day to explore northern Wales. We left Chester at 10, it was raining and was perfect for a nice drive. We hadn’t planned on anything for this day, thinking we would spend it in Chester, so as we drove, I looked for things to stop and do along the way.
I found Gwrych Castle and gardens. (For the next few days we are in Wales, good luck pronouncing the town names in your head. Welsh is not a simple language, but it’s funny to try to say!) We drove a tiny road (yeah right two way!) And pull up to a magnificent Castle. In the car park… no one. We have this enormous Castle to ourselves. I think I would have to say this was my favorite castle to date and that’s saying a lot after trips to Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Ireland.
Next, we headed to the touristy city of Llandudno (the double L is supposed to be pronounced CL.. Sure why not..) to drive the Great Orme, a limestone formation at the tip of a peninsula. There’s a one way road that circles it and you can drive to the top for views or hot coffee at the café which was much needed because it was freezing!!
Next, we headed to the town of Conwy, which we loved. It was an adorable harbor town with a ton of character. The downtown was surrounded by Castle walls built a long time ago- I don’t pretend to know history- that you can walk the whole city on! Which, of course, we did.
As we meandered this sleepy harbor town, we saw a wine, beer and spirit shop called Vinomondo. Perfect for gifts to bring our friends who will be hosting us for the next few days! We popped in and were treated to such warm and fun hospitality. We were looking to get a couple gins and they offered tastes of their favorites, most were made in Wales, but also including a small-batch gin made in New Zealand, which was fabulous. We bought quite a few bottles as gifts for our friends…and a couple gifts for ourselves (including the New Zealand gin!)
In town, we got some fresh fish and chips with a view at The Galleon, some pastries from the Popty Conwy Bakery, and finished up in the traditional pub called Albion where we were very clearly the only tourists. We sipped the cool (not cold) beers until 5 in the evening and our friends were off work.
Our friends (that we met in our Austria trip) have a gorgeous cottage in Snowdonia–seriously, straight out of a fairytale. We are so envious of their slice of heaven, but also feel so fortunate to be welcomed to such an incredible stay with incredible hosts.
We caught up over a wonderful meal of homemade local pork, potatoes, and veg and of course, some local gin.