Why we chose this castle hotel:
- Unique setting: Grade II listed French-style villa on Anglesey with 3 acres of gardens and a private beach.
- Historic charm: Built in 1849 inspired by Loire Valley châteaux with period features throughout.
- Elegant accommodations: 22 rooms and suites inside the château plus lodge suites on the grounds.
- On-site activities: Restaurants, bars, sauna, hot tub, wine cellars, games room, tennis courts, and bespoke activities like falconry and cocktail classes.
- Views: Spectacular panoramas of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia mountains.
- Check dates & prices here
A little corner of the Loire Valley in Wales; Château Rhianfa is a very unique Grade II listed French-style villa in Beaumaris on the Island of Anglesey.
Dating back to 1849, it was architecturally inspired by the original owner’s travels through the Loire region of France.
It has 22 stylish rooms and suites to choose from as well as 3 acres of landscaped gardens, a private beach, and a host of on-site facilities: top-quality restaurants & bars, a sauna and hot tub, banquet rooms, wine cellars, games rooms, and tennis courts.
All sorts of activities can be arranged at the property too such as cocktail-making classes, wine tasting, RIB speed boat trips, and even the ancient sport of falconry.
What are the rooms like?
- Period meets modern: Traditional furnishings, period features, luxury en-suite bathrooms with modern comforts.
- Lodge options: Some suites in the grounds for more privacy and space.
- Technology included: TVs, WiFi, and DAB radios in every room.
- Views from rooms: Panoramic vistas of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia mountains.
- See all rooms in detail here
In the castle itself, there are 22 elegant rooms with traditional furnishings and many period features, but also modern comforts: cable TV, WiFi, DAB radio, and luxury en-suite bathrooms.
There are also a couple of lodge suites on the grounds which can offer guests more privacy and more space.
And what about food? Facilities, things to do?
- On-site dining: Le Dragon Rouge serves French and British cuisine, breakfast and outdoor dining options.
- Gardens & grounds: Victorian-style landscaping with French touches, perfect for walks and views.
- Leisure facilities: Sauna, hot tub, games room, wine cellars, piano room, and lounges.
- Activities: Falconry, cocktail-making classes, wine tasting, RIB speed boat trips.
You can enjoy some fabulous views from the rooms and from all around château Rhianfa, with the waters of the Menai Straits just in front and the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance.
The highly regarded on-site restaurant Le Dragon Rouge has a range of French and British dishes on offer, with outdoor dining possible in fine weather.
Their a la carte breakfast is also top quality and can be served in the restaurant or to your room.
Guests can enjoy a stroll through the castle and a stop at the lounges & bars, the piano room, and the games room or also arrange guided tours of the extensive wine cellars.
The gardens, too, are wonderful to explore; they are landscaped in traditional Victorian style but with some classic French touches, and the views, as mentioned before, are wonderful.
What are prices like?
Check out all the details – prices, reviews, and more photos – on the booking page here
How is the location? And how do I get there?
- Scenic region: Anglesey Island and Snowdonia National Park provide history, culture, and outdoor activities.
- Historic attractions: Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just over four miles away.
- Outdoor adventures: Snowdonia offers hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, bird watching, and more.
- Nearby vineyards: Pont du Vineyard, 16 miles away, offers wine tours and tastings.
Enchanting as Château Rhianfa is many guests happily end up never venturing outside of the castle grounds.
For those that do, between Anglesey Island and Snowdonia National Park, you will be spoiled for things to see and do, from historical and cultural sights to amazing scenery and sporting activities.
Beaumaris Castle is just over four miles away and is undoubtedly one of Wales’ historical highlights.
It was the last of Edward I’s 13th-century castle-building program in Wales, which was eventually to become crucial to the Norman-English control of the country.
Described as Britain’s “most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning” it was seen as a quite revolutionary, futuristic approach to defensive castle building and remains to this day a very formidable sight.
It was built with an outer ward guarded by a moat, twelve towers, two gatehouses, and an inner ward with a further six towers and two gatehouses.
At its core, there are the ruins of domestic facilities and accommodation, and one of its gates was also designed to be accessed only by ship – allowing supplies to arrive by sea in the event it was under attack from land.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the organization describing it as one of “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe”. Certainly, a must-see in Anglesey, if not in all of North Wales.
Wales, and North Wales particularly, might not be known for their vineyards, but following on with the French theme, just 16 miles from Château Rhianfa there is Pont du Vineyard.
Here the Huws family have, against the odds, been producing their own wine in the shadow of Snowdonia since 2010.
They offer tours of the vineyards as well as wine tastings of course, and it makes for a uniquely interesting day out.
The spectacular Snowdonia National Park probably doesn’t need any introduction, being as it is one of Britain’s rural highlights.
It is just a 15-minute drive from the château and is a wonderland of stunning scenery.
There are plenty of sports to be enjoyed in the local area, too, from tennis and falconry on the castle grounds to kayaking, white water rafting, zip-lining, rock climbing, golf, cycling, and hiking, as well as bird watching around the rocky coastline.
There is also much more to see and do, in the immediate area and farther afield. The staff at the château will always be at hand though with good advice and recommendations and they can also arrange all sorts of tours and trips, including bespoke tours in the surrounding area and beyond.
Any interesting history I should know about?
- Built in 1849: By Sir John Hay Williams as a dower house for his wife Lady Sarah.
- French inspiration: Architecture strongly reminiscent of Loire Valley châteaux from Francois I era.
- Victorian landmark: Became the centerpiece of the estate and one of North Wales’ most talked-about buildings.
The Château dates back to 1849 when Sir John Hay Williams, Baronet of Bodelwyddan, set about constructing a dower house for his wife, Lady Sarah, in the event of his death.
Dower houses are usually not showpiece properties and the original design was reportedly far less ambitious.
As construction commenced though, imagination, artistic endeavor and a keen sense of francophilia led it to quickly becoming the center point of the estate and one of North Wales’ most talked about Victorian-era buildings.
Students of architecture will note it is particularly reminiscent of châteaux from the era of Francois I (1515 – 1547), where in France itself some of the best examples can still be found at Chaumont, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise.
And what about the reviews? What did other guests like?
“Absolutely beautiful buildings and location! The inside of the hotel is much the same and like going back in time. The staff couldn’t be more helpful, friendly and the service was great. Our room in the lodge had an amazing view and was well kept and clean. The breakfast was lovely and again the service was spot on, just so much character to the place with loads of nice little cubby holes to relax in. Great place to stay!..”
“The hotel is simply beautiful inside and out, the interior is grand and decadent and the views are breathtakingly stunning. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the food is exceptional. We will definitely be returning, many thanks!..”
