As the autumn chill settles in and the nights lengthen, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm pub with a lively log fire to round off a day spent sightseeing. Pull on your coats and scarves and explore North Wales in its full autumn glory, then thaw out with a swift pint or a hearty meal in one of these captivating pubs.
King’s Head – station stop Llandudno
As the oldest pub in Llandudno, the King’s Head takes pride in its welcoming and cosy atmosphere. A huge log fire in the main bar adds to the charm and often inspires spontaneous singalongs on frosty nights! Positioned at the base of the Great Orme and adjacent to the tram station, it’s the ideal pitstop after a day exploring the ‘Queen of the Welsh Resorts’. Whether you’ve spent the day Christmas shopping on Mostyn Street or you’ve been tramping around on the Orme, the King’s Head offers a warm welcome to one and all – dogs too!
Tal y Cafn – station stop Tal y Cafn
Sitting right next to the railway station, this spot has hosted an inn at this crucial river crossing for over two centuries, although the stylish gastro-pub of today is a world away from the coaching inns of the past. A towering double-sided, bespoke log fire serves as a stunning focal point and is perfectly functional – allowing every patron to savour the fire’s heat! Boasting top-notch food and a rich selection of beers and spirits, many hailing from local breweries and artisan distillers, this pub never fails to impress.
Remember: present your train ticket to enjoy a 10% discount on your meal!
Y Gwydyr – station stop Dolwyddelan
Y Gwydyr is a quintessential country pub nestled in the scenic village of Dolwyddelan, at the heart of the Lledr Valley. Anyone visiting the area in the autumn is in for a real treat; the trees here put on a display to rival New England and the colours are absolutely amazing (a great view from the train is guaranteed)! Allow your dog to curl up by the open fire, mingle with the locals over a drink or two and savour a delicious homemade meal or bar snack. We think Y Gwydyr is the perfect pub to unwind and warm your feet in after a day experiencing autumn glory in the Lledr Valley.
The Bull Hotel – station stop Llanfairpwll
A Grade-II listed building situated in the heart of the busy market town of Llangefni, the Bull Hotel came under new ownership in April of this year. With log fires in both the bar and lounge areas of the pub, you’re assured a warm welcome when you come in from the cold. And to warm you up fully, the pub offers an extensive range of local ales and traditional pub grub. This historical gem of an inn still retains many of its original features too, including its stone facade, coach house and stable blocks. Sipping a drink here, you almost feel like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel! Take the short bus journey from Llanfairpwll, the bus station is on Holyhead Road outside the railway station, to Llangefni.
The Oyster Catcher – station stop Rhosneigr
Located on the beautiful coastline of Rhosneigr, the Oyster Catcher is not just a pub but a local institution. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the pub boasts a stunning location, nestled in sand dunes and right on the beach. The roaring log fire in the downstairs bar area is a welcome sight after a blustery winter’s walk. The menu offers an array of tempting seasonal dishes utilising local ingredients wherever possible. Oh, and did we mention the Oyster Catcher is dog friendly? So friendly in fact, canines have their very own menu!
The Victoria Inn – station stop Holyhead
The Victoria Inn, a traditional pub located in Holyhead, is a gem on the coast of Anglesey with stunning views of Holyhead Mountain. Its cosy atmosphere is accentuated by a cheerful, crackling log burner, perfect for relaxing after a busy day of exploring the island. With a great selection of beers on tap and an enviable selection of gins, you’ll be sure to find your perfect tipple here. Hungry? All the pub classics are served on the Victoria’s small but perfectly formed menu.
Wherever you travel on the Conwy Valley or North West Wales Coast Lines this autumn there are so many lovely pubs and inns just waiting to welcome you in from the cold. These are just a few of our favourites and we know you’ll have your own too. We’d love to hear about them, log fire or not!
And if you need any further convincing, we love North Wales all year round but autumn here is so special. From the glorious colours of the Lledr Valley to the windswept beaches of Anglesey, there’s so much to enjoy and – bonus – it’s a lot quieter than during the summer months. Why not come and find out for yourself? Start planning your next trip here with Traveline Cymru.