Holidays in Wales

Award-winning and praised to the heavens, the Coalhouse is pretty special, and its location rivals its food for attention. Right on the beach and with panoramic views of the coast, this lovingly restored building is now a seriously chic setting in which to showcase head chef Jake Keward's marvellous creations. Fish caught a stone's throw away and veggies from local kitchen gardens make for a menu full of agonising choices, although the hake, cockle and laverbread chowder is a definite highlight. A special night out, or for a taste of the Coalhouse pop in for their £20 three-course lunch menu.

Llŷn is an area rich not only natural beauty but in culture and history, too, and the National Trust has created an interactive learning centre for those wanting to learn more about the area and get the most out of their visit. There's stacks on information on the peninsula and activity ideas for all ages. The centre is in the Aberdaron fishing village so there's plenty right here to explore, too, including the church that was the last stopping off point for pilgrims on the way to Bardsey Island. Porth y Swnt translates as the 'gateway to the sound'.

Delightful bedrooms at this B&B are in keeping with the Georgian surrounds: some have cast-iron fireplaces, brass bedsteads and tie-backed curtains; the downstairs room has lovely wooden panelling and shutters. A short stroll away down a leafy lane is Glyn and Corina's own restaurant, Glan yr Afon, where breakfast and dinner are served.

The market in Pwllheli, the main town of the Llŷn peninsula, was established over 600 years ago under a charter granted by Edward III in the 14^th century. Today, organisers claim it to be one of the largest markets in the country. Held every Wednesday, rain or shine, this outdoor market sells everything from local produce to cheap clothes, cleaning products to plants. If you’re on a self-catering holiday, this is the place to come to stock up your larder (and your cleaning cupboard) at reasonable prices. During the summer, between May and September, there is a smaller market on Sundays, with more of an emphasis on crafts and local produce. On the first Saturday of the month there is a produce market at Sarn Village Hall. 

Find hake with spinach covered in local Llyn cheese and served with tapenade and sauteed potatoes, Welsh sirloin steaks, burgers from the Edern butcher and, for the vegetarians, mushroom, asparagus and parmesan risotto with rocket and black truffle oil. There's a children's menu and Sunday lunch menu, too. Closed Monday.