7 Night Discover More of Southern Snowdonia
Explore the best of Southern Eryri (Snowdonia) on this exciting Discover More tour. We’ll climb aboard the Talyllyn Railway for wow-factor Welsh scenery, visit the wonderfully quirky village of Portmeirion, and UNESCO-listed Harlech Castle - the imposing 13th-century medieval stronghold built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales. We’ll also spend time at the Gothic-style cottage of Plas Newydd in Llangollen, enjoy a canalboat ride, and tour Plas Brondanw, the former home of renowned Welsh architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the iconic Italianate village of Portmeirion
- Taking a ride on the Talyllyn steam train
- Relaxing on the Llangollen canal in a horse drawn boat
- Spending time at the mighty fortress of Harlech Castle
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- All entrance fees (other than National Trust, English Heritage & CADW properties)
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked and continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays leader
- All transport included in the itinerary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Our tour begins in fine style with a trip to Harlech Castle. One of a ring of imposing castles built by King Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as a statement of power, Harlech Castle dominates with its dramatic position atop a plinth of rock. We’ll delve into its fascinating past as we wander the battlements hearing tales of siege and capture that played a pivotal role in the history of the British monarchy.
In the afternoon, there’s the option of a short yet scenic walk by the Mawddach Estuary.
Today we head to Llangollen where our first stop will be Plas Newydd, a small cottage which Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby transformed into a Gothic fantasy of stained glass and elaborately carved oak. Explore the exhibition which brings their story to life and stroll around the immaculate gardens. We’ll then head to Llangollen Wharf where we take a journey on the canal in a horse drawn boat. Sit back and relax as you journey down a section of the Llangollen canal which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover more about Dolserau Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
This morning we’ll visit Machynlleth, a charming market town located in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere. We’ll explore the former capital of Wales and learn more about Owain Glyndŵr and the formation of the Welsh Parliament. We’ll then head to Tywyn Wharf for a journey aboard the Talyllyn Railway to Abergynolwyn.
Today we visit the wonderfully quirky village of Portmeirion. Built in the style of an Italian fishing village, its pastel-coloured buildings and coastal position bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to North Wales. Think stately mansions, gardens, and exotic plants thriving in a healthy micro-climate. So surreal is this quirky Welsh village that it starred as the otherworldly setting for cult 60s TV show The Prisoner.
Afterwards, we’ll tour Plas Brondanw, the Grade I listed gardens and former home of Portmeirion’s architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, considered to be one of his finest creations.
The first stop on our final day is St Marks Church, a Grade 1-listed building with an interior inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. We’ll then venture to the Corris Craft centre where there will be time to explore the various different workshops.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Dolserau Hall
Reopening in 2026, Dolserau Hall enjoys arresting countryside views at this Victorian manor house at the southern end of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. The location is idyllic; think ancient woods and craggy uplands in all directions (parts of the park served as the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings). There’s no shortage of things to do, either, including following the Mawddach Trail along the edge of the Mawddach Estuary, discovering the compact range of hills known as the Rhinogs, and climbing the rugged foothills of Cader Idris – the highest mountain in southern Snowdonia (Eryri) at 893 metres. You’ll also be close to Dolgellau, the small market town best known for its once flourishing woollen industry (ruins of the Pandy fulling mills used to remove fats and grease from the wool cloth can still be seen along the Afon Aran River).
With only 21 rooms, it's one of HF Holidays' smaller country houses and 40% of it's rooms are reserved for singles, making it easier than ever to have your own space.
Rooms
A choice of guest rooms at Dolserau Hall
Designed with your comfort in mind, Dolserau Hall has 21 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The rooms in the main house or converted coach house. Some come with standout views of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
Choose Your Room Service
Some guests love choosing a particular room, for the view, a quiet spot in an annex, or to be close to the dining room. Many return to the same room time and again, creating a familiar and comforting sense of place for only £30 per room.
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Dolserau Hall
Getting to Dolserau Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Dolserau Hall
Dolgellau
Gwynedd LL40 2AG
Tel: +44 (0)1341 422522
By train
The nearest station is Machynlleth.
For train times and to plan your route check National Rail.
By taxi
The 16-mile journey from Machynlleth railway station takes about 30 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Cader Cabs* and Mach Taxis* directly.
Cader Cabs
A local, 24/7 firm, who can provide transport from nearby train stations and bus stops. No pre-booking is required.
Tel: +44 (0)7766 983 103
Email: info@cadercabs.co.uk
Mach Taxis
We recommend pre-booking your taxi at least seven days in advance.
Tel: +44 (0)1654 702048
Email: taxi@machtaxis.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Dolserau Hall.
*Cader Cabs and Mach Taxis are not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
From Machynlleth take the T2 bus to Dolgellau. You can complete the two-mile journey to Dolserau Hall by taxi. Or if you alight at Dolgellau Starbucks, it’s a one-mile walk along a quiet country lane to the house.
By car
It takes about 90 minutes to drive from the M56 at Chester or the M54 at Telford to Dolserau Hall.
From the north
Head to Chester, then take the M53 and A55 to join the A550, followed by the A5104 for about 20 miles, then finally the A494 signposted to Bala.
Stay on the A494 through Bala heading towards Dolgellau. A mile after going past a junction for the B4416 to Brithdir, take the next turning on the left to follow the country lane for half a mile to Dolserau Hall.
From the south
Take the M54 and A5 to Shrewsbury to join the A458 towards Welshpool. Continue on the A458 through Welshpool and after 27 miles turn right at a roundabout onto the A470 towards Dolgellau. As you come down a steep hill before Dolgellau, look out for a petrol station on the right. Take a right turn immediately before it, then you’ll find Dolserau Hall is about one mile along this country lane on your left.
By air
The nearest airport is Manchester Airport.
You’ll need to allow around five hours, firstly taking the train to Chester, changing to the Sapphire bus to Wrexham, and from there taking the T3 bus to Dolgellau.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Sunhat
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- First aid kit, including plasters
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles,
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Dolserau Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
01 May - 08 May 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,419 Double from £1,419 pp |
from £1,419 pp |
from £1,419 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
25 Sep - 02 Oct 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,499 Double from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 pp |
from £1,499 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||