You’ve booked the week off work. You’ve packed the car. But now the question is: What do you actually do with seven days in North Wales in January?
The answer isn’t to rush around. Winter in the Conwy Valley is about pacing yourself. Short daylight hours are an excuse to linger over lunch, and “doing nothing” counts as a legitimate activity.
That’s the beauty of making Conwy Valley Getaway your base. Because you have a warm sanctuary to return to, you don’t need to fill every hour.
Here’s a practical 7-day itinerary built for winter weather, designed to perfectly balance seeing the sights with making the most of our heated indoor pool, your private hot tub and the silence.
The Value of the Quiet Season
Let’s be honest about the budget. January and February are the quietest months of the year. Not only are the roads and castles peaceful, but our weekly rental rates are at their lowest.
In fact, booking a full 7-night stay during these months often costs only a little more than a peak-season weekend. You get double the time for roughly the same budget. It’s the smartest way to maximize your holiday fund while everything else is getting more expensive.
Day 1: Arrival & Decompression
Check-in is at 4pm. By the time you unpack at Fig Tree or Laurel , it will likely be dark. No need to rush out.
- The Activity: Instead head straight to the indoor heated pool. It is maintained at 28-29°C and, in winter, you’ll often have it entirely to yourself.
- Dinner Tip: We’re in a rural spot, so takeaway delivery isn’t an option (which is a blessing in disguise).
- Option A: Stop at the Bodnant Welsh Food (10 mins away) on your way in. Pick up a ready-made shepherd’s pie and local cheeses.
- Option B: Drive to Tir a Môr in Llanrwst (15 mins) for excellent fish and chips to bring back to the cottage.
Day 2: Your Neighbour (Bodnant Garden)
No need to drive far today. You’re exploring what is right on your doorstep.
- Morning: Bodnant Garden is just 10 minutes away. While the famous Laburnum Arch is bare in winter, the dedicated Winter Garden is spectacular with coloured stems, scent and snowdrops.
- Lunch: Eat at The Hayloft at Bodnant Welsh Food. It serves proper seasonal food, sourced locally.
- Afternoon: Take the 25-minute loop around Llyn Syberi (the fishing lake just along the lane from the cottages) or simply retreat to the cottage to read.
Day 3: Coastal Air (Llandudno)
Head to the coast (25 mins away) for Victorian architecture and sea air .
- Morning: Walk Llandudno Pier. It’s bracing in January, but the views back toward the Little Orme are worth it .
- Winter Note: The Great Orme Tramway is closed in winter. Instead, drive the “Marine Drive” toll road (£2.50ish) around the headland. You get the spectacular views without getting wet.
- Rainy Day Option: If it is pouring, visit the Mostyn Gallery (contemporary art) or take a tour of the Penderyn Distillery on Lloyd Street. Both are entirely indoors and open year-round.
Day 4: The Mountains (Eryri)
The drive to Llanberis takes 50 minutes, but it’s an attraction in its own right – regularly voted one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
- The Drive: Set your sat-nav for Llanberis, but ignore the A55. Instead, head south down the valley (A470) and turn right at Capel Curig (A4086). This route takes you past lakes and mountains rather than dual carriageways, eventually dropping you down the dramatic Llanberis Pass.
- The Photo: Park at Llyn Padarn to see the famous “Lone Tree.” It’s a classic photo spot .
- Lunch: Pete’s Eats in Llanberis is a legendary climber’s café. Think pint-sized mugs of tea and massive portions of chips.
Day 5: The “Do Nothing” Day
You’ve been exploring for four days straight. Today, you stop driving.
- The Plan: Sleep in. Long breakfast. Mid-morning swim followed by the hot tub.
- Lunch: If you want to head out, the Groes Inn (15 mins away) is the oldest licensed pub in Wales. It has low beams, roaring fires and great food.
- Evening: Movie night. Both cottages have Smart TVs and reliable Wi-Fi .
Day 6: History (Conwy Castle)
You cannot come here without seeing the fortress.
- The Castle: Conwy Castle remains open 10am-4pm in winter. Walking the battlements offers incredible views over the estuary.
- The Walls: Walk the medieval town walls (free). They are some of the best-preserved in Europe.
- Winter Note: Plas Mawr (the Elizabethan house) is closed in Jan/Feb, but the town itself is fully open for business.
- Why Winter? The castle battlements are quieter in January, and the views over the frosty estuary are stunning without summer crowds blocking the wall walk.
Day 7: Nature’s Power (Aber Falls)
Finish with something impressive.
- The Walk: Drive to Aber Falls (30 mins). It is a flat, gravel path suitable for most abilities (approx. 2 miles return).
- Why Go: Waterfalls are at their best in winter . After the January rains, the power of the water is incredible.
- The Farewell: Head back to the cottage for one final hot tub session under the stars before you pack up .
Winter Logistics: Good to Know
Can’t take a full week off? Try a “Hybrid” Break
If taking five full days off work in January feels impossible, don’t worry. Our reliable Wi-Fi means you can easily turn this into a workcation. Many guests work remotely from the cottage on Monday and Tuesday (enjoying the view from the dining table), then clock off at 5pm to jump straight into the hot tub. You get the benefits of a 7-day change of scenery without using up all your annual leave.
Driving & Dogs
You’ll need a car as public transport is limited in our rural location. Both cottages accept up to two dogs, and most of the locations above (Conwy Walls, Aber Falls, Llandudno Pier) are very dog-friendly.
The Heating
Don’t worry about the cold. We have full central heating to keep the cottages toasty, plus the hot tubs and heated pool are available 24/7.
FAQs
Is everything open in North Wales in January?
Major sites like Conwy Castle and Bodnant Garden remain open year-round. While some smaller heritage sites (like Plas Mawr) close for winter maintenance, the main attractions, pubs, and restaurants are open and much quieter than in summer.
What if it rains all week?
This is exactly why you book a cottage with an indoor pool shared between a maximum of 9 guests (not 50+). You’re not queuing for lane space – you’re swimming in peaceful privacy! Winter in North Wales is about having options. If it rains, you have the heated pool (28-29°C), the private hot tubs and plenty of indoor attractions nearby – check out our Rainy Day guide for further inspiration!
Can I work from the cottage?
Absolutely. We have reliable Wi-Fi throughout both cottages, making them perfect for a workcation. Many guests work a few days from the dining table (enjoying the view) to save on annual leave, then relax in the pool after 5pm.
Do we need a car?
Yes. While Conwy town is accessible by train, our cottages are in a private, rural location with no public transport. To explore the itinerary above (Llanberis, Aber Falls etc.), you’ll need a car.
What is included in the price?
Everything you need: fully equipped kitchens, bed linen and towels, private parking and 24/7 access to the heated indoor pool and your private hot tub. The cottages have full central heating to keep them warm and cosy, regardless of the winter weather.
Can we book both cottages together?
Yes. If you are a larger group (up to 9 guests), you can book Fig Tree and Laurel together. You get exclusive use of the pool, both hot tubs and the grounds – perfect for a post-Christmas family gathering.
