6 of the Best Pubs in North Wales

Pubs often offer some of the greatest insights into our past. From historic tales to ancient features, there is plenty to discover in some of Wales’ best pubs. In this post, we list six pubs you won’t want to miss.

1. Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, Nant Gwynant

What’s to love: Commonly abbreviated to the PYG, this is a popular destination for mountain climbers and walkers alike because of its historic connection to the first successful Everest summit, in 1953. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stayed at the PYG whilst training for the successful Everest expedition and their signatures can be found scrawled upon the ceiling (amongst many other famous mountaineers). After spending the day in the nearby mountains where Tenzing and Hillary trained, why not come for a pint and submerge yourself in the memorabilia that is on display.

Cuisine: British
Prices: From £3.75
Opening Times: 8am – 10pm Mon-Fri; 8am-8pm Sat;  10am-4pm Sun
Address: Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd, North Wales. LL55 4NT
Contact: 01286 870211; escape@pyg.co.uk; www.pyg.co.uk

2. Ship Inn, Anglesey

What’s to love: With beautiful surroundings of Red Wharf Bay, The Ship Inn Offers a range of both traditional and contemporary meals, with the speciality being their famous Trawlermans Triumph (Fish and chips). Alexandra Jones, from the Ship Inn, said: “Our pub is steeped in history, originally standing as 3 fisherman’s cottages dating back to 1751.”

Situated next to the water, The Ship Inn has beautiful views looking over to Llanddona and the vast Pentraeth forest, and would the perfect pit-stop to a full day exploring the local area.

Cuisine: British
Prices: Mains from £11.95; sandwiches & wraps from £5.95
Opening Times: 11am – 11pm, 7-days a week
Address: The Ship Inn, Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, Gwynedd, LL75 8RJ
Contact: 01248 852568; info@shipinnredwharfbay.co.uk; www.shipinnredwharfbay.co.uk; www.facebook.com/TheShipInnrwb

3. Cottage Loaf, Llandudno

What’s to love: Based on the site where a traditional bakery once stood, The Cottage Loaf offers a relaxing rest after a day exploring the Victorian town of Lllandudno. Although reconstructed in the 1980s, many of the original bakery’s features were retained. This includes timbers from a wrecked ship, in 1869, and from the original Llandudno pier, in 1877 – giving the pub a historical feel. With ‘Gin of the month’ and local Welsh beers on tap, The Cottage Loaf is a popular establishment in the area.

Cuisine: British
Prices: Mains from £10.95; light bites from £6.25
Opening Times: 11am – 11pm, 7-days a week
Address: Cottage Loaf, Market Street, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2SR
Contact: 01492 870 762; info@the-cottageloaf.co.uk; www.the-cottageloaf.co.uk

4. Ty Gwyn Coaching Inn, Betws y Coed

What’s to love: With original features and low beams, Ty Gwyn is one of the few remaining ‘unspoilt’ coaching inns and dates back to 1636. The pub pride themselves on supporting local business by purchasing local Welsh produce wherever possible. This cosy traditional pub is the ideal spot for anyone after a nostalgic resting spot in the beautiful area of Betws-y-Coed.

Cuisine: British; Varying international favourites
Prices: Mains from £7.95
Opening Times: (Food) 12noon-2pm & 6.30pm-9pm
Address: Ty Gwyn Hotel, Betws y Coed, Conwy, LL24 0SG
Contact: 01690 710383; www.tygwynhotel.co.uk

5. The Corn Mill, Llangollen

What’s to love: Situated on the bank of the River Dee, The Corn Mill, in Llangollen, has a charming interior with some of the original mill’s features still intact – including the waterwheel. After an exhausting climb to the top Dinas Bran or after visiting the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, The Corn Mill would be an ideal place for a relaxing drink or a bite to eat. On a warm afternoon, its exterior decking offers beautiful views of the river and surround countryside.

Cuisine: British
Prices: Mains from £10.95; light bites from £6.95
Opening Times: 12noon – 11pm Mon-sat, 12noon – 9pm Sun
Address: The Corn Mill, Dee Lane, Llangollen, LL20 8PN
Contact: 01978 869 555; corn.mill@brunningandprice.co.uk; www.cornmill-llangollen.co.uk

6. Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

What’s to love: Once an old vicarage dating back to 1823, Ty Coch Inn is situated on the shore of the bustling fishing village of Porthdinllaen. With a beach at its doorstep, it will come as no surprise that this pub is a popular spot for families and walkers alike. A 1-mile walk from the nearest car park, this pub’s beautiful secluded spot is an ideal place to unwind with a cold drink whilst enjoying the views across to Yr Eifl and the Snowdonia mountain range.

Cuisine: British
Opening Times: See website.
Address: Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynnedd, LL53 6DB
Contact: 01758 720498; info@tycoch.co.uk; www.tycoch.co.uk

Feeling inspired to visit Wales? Check out our Welsh holiday cottages.