THE FACTS ABOUT GREAT VIEWS IN NORTH WALES

Base yourself at The Old Rectory Country House in Llansanffraid Glan Conwy for walks around the fortified walls of Conwy and, in the spring, visits to the nearby gardens of Bodnant and Plas Newydd (on Anglesey). This is one of the oldest and best hotels in the area: parts of the building date back to the 1600s and there are plenty of antiques and Victorian watercolours. There are six bedrooms; the best views are from the Mahogany room (which has a double corner bath) and Walnut room. The restaurant is very good (opt for the dinner, bed and breakfast package). X-FACTOR Stunning views of Snowdonia, Conwy Castle (floodlit at night) and the Conwy Estuary from the two-acre front garden. CONTACT The Old Rectory Country House, Llansanffraid Glan Conwy, North Wales (01492 580611; www.oldrectorycountryhouse.co.uk). Doubles from £129 (£199 half-board); Mahogany and Walnut rooms £159 (£229 half-board). Minimum two-night stay at the owners' discretion