The best and worst universities for accommodation ranked by students
Bangor was top in Wales at 12th - but one Welsh university ranked 95th
Student accommodation in Bangor has been ranked the best in Wales
(Image: Bangor University )
The best universities for accommodation have been ranked from student reviews. With students paying an average £139 to £341 a week and far more in London it's a major consideration when applying or preparing to go to university.
Last week Cardiff University Vice Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner told a Senedd committee the number one reason students give for not choosing her institution is accommodation. On the latest Uni Compare rankings, out this week, Cardiff comes 95th out of 100 universities compared on accommodation and no Welsh university was in the top 10.
Bangor takes the crown for best university accommodation in Wales and 12th out of 100 in the UK. Bangor is followed by Cardiff Met and Swansea comes third.
Uni Compare based the rankings on what is says are 28,430 verified student reviews. Rankings were based on considerations such ash modern facilities, good locations, and strong campus communities.
The reviews listing is based on reviews of student halls and off-site accommodation.
Here we look at how UK universities for student accommodation in 2026, according to Uni Compare's latest student-led review rankings.
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Best university for accommodation in Wales
Figures have the UK rank and comparison to last year in brackets. Wrexham is not included in the list
Bangor (12 = +17 places) Cardiff Metropolitan (28= +8 places) Swansea University (33 = -6 places) Aberystwyth (52= +16 places) University of Wales Trinity St David (55 =+39 places) University of South Wales (69 +17 places) Royal; Welsh College of Music and Drama (79=+54 places) Cardiff (95 = -43 places)
UK's Top 10 Universities For Accommodation 2026 according to Uni Compare
Edge Hill University Liverpool John Moores University Newcastle University University of Liverrpool; University of Lincoln Middlesex University University of Derby University of Salford University of Sheffield University of Surrey
Uni Compare said: "The 2026 rankings represent the culmination of 28,430 verified student reviews and ratings collected across 209 universities.
"Since the platform's inception, Uni Compare has amassed 151,805 reviews and ratings, creating one of the UK's largest student-led review databases focused solely on the university experience.
"Uni Compare's methodology combines student feedback collected through their website and mobile app with verification processes, including CAPTCHA checks and IP monitoring to maintain authenticity.
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"The platform uses a hybrid scoring system that weighs both average ratings and review volume, giving greater statistical reliability to institutions with larger sample sizes."
The full listing can be seen here.
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Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
I've stayed in top hotels all around Wales and one is my favourite
I've stayed in top hotels all around Wales and one is my favourite This country hotel is luxury with bags of personality, not just another beige-coloured copy-paste five-star experience I've stayed several times at this luxury country house hotel (Image: Savills ) Who says you need a passport for a lush hotel stay? Wales has you covered. We've got the full accommodation roster from coastal spa escapes to grand country house hotels. Expect standout food, spot-on locations and bags of character. Maybe the homemade sourdough at breakfast, the epic lake views, or the quirky design pulls it all together. Either way, we have a very long list of top accommodations, making choosing a favourite challenging. I'm incredibly fortunate to stay in hotels all over Wales and indeed the world as part of my job as a travel journalist and podcaster. In my years of travel, I've experienced all manner of stays, from dingy hostels with sanitary conditions that would alarm the Red Cross to five-star swanky stays with bellhops and butlers. Having run the full gauntlet of accommodation options, certain things make a hotel stand out for me. Small touches, off-beat designs, and hospitality extras elevate it from a good stay to a fabulous one, and often, it has nothing to do with star ratings. I have stayed in boutique Welsh coastal boltholes and bright and airy YHA hostels that have wildly impressed me. Conversely, I recently booked a posh spa break for my anniversary, and upon checking in, I was informed that we couldn't use the spa as they hadn't "received my email request to use the spa." Needless to say, I had to go into full "I would like to speak with the manager" mode. So when my editor asked me to pick a favourite hotel in Wales, I had to mull it over. It's tempting to just name the fanciest five-star stay, a recognisable name we can all concur is a bucket list break. Article continues below But I'm of the mind to break the mould and share somewhere that's a classy stay with plenty of quirks and a staff team that you can reasonably describe as 'chatty'. A country house hotel that gives Saltburn vibes while still being welcoming. My favourite hotel in Wales Pale Hall Hotel has a Michelin Green star (Image: Daily Post Wales ) The place? Palé Hall in Bala. With its illustrious history and lavish décor, this 18-room Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for a swanky escape on the edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with access to trails, lakes and adventure activities. If you want an eco-stay in Wales, this mansion encapsulates the grandeur of the Victorian era while committing to sustainable practices, including having its own clean, completely carbon-neutral source of electricity. I've stayed several times at this AA Five Red Star, Relais & Châteaux destination luxury country house hotel with an acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star for sustainable practice. It was one of the first hotels in the UK to receive a Michelin Key Award. Like Michelin stars, the Keys are a three-tiered award highlighting the best places to stay globally. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Pride of Britain Hotels and Celebrated Experiences, swish Palé Hall is independently owned by Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, who took over the hotel in 2024. The ambitious pair plan to add a spa and a second restaurant and potentially expand the number of bedrooms. They have also invested £200,000 to create exquisite Welsh art galleries. Arriving at this large countryside hotel is an experience in itself. The historic exterior, framed by gardens, woodland and a backdrop of rolling hills, creates an immediate sense of occasion. Luckily, I wore my finest frock (£4 from Vinted). What's Palé Hall like? Cosy sitting room inside Palé Hall Hotel (Image: Pale Hall ) Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a curious mixture of grandeur and décor I would describe as a hipster fever dream. Imagine a grand staircase, chandeliers and roaring fireplaces paired with patterned wallpaper and abundant taxidermy. How many hanging deer heads can one country house hotel have? Well, the vibe here is 'not enough'! Rooms and suites are individually styled with Take a moment to chat with staff, and you'll soon discover that dog-friendly Palé Hall is more than just your standard countryside escape. Its history is as captivating as its architecture, tracing back to the 15th century when the original house was first built. Constructed in 1871 by the esteemed railway engineer Henry Robertson, the house oozes character and class. Known for his ambitious railway projects across Wales, Robertson spared no expense in creating a home that mirrored his success. The hall, designed by architect Samuel Pountney Smith, is a beacon of elegance and grandeur with its honey-coloured stone and eclectic Jacobean style. Palé Hall's role in history extends beyond its famous guests. During the First World War, it served as a convalescent hospital, providing recovery and respite for injured soldiers amidst its peaceful setting. It took on a new role during the Second World War, providing refuge for evacuated children from urban centres. These young evacuees found safety, freedom, and an opportunity to explore the vast estate, creating memories that starkly contrasted with the turmoil of the time. The property features 18 individually styled bedrooms (Image: Portia Jones ) Over the years, Palé Hall has also hosted an impressive list of guests, including royalty. Queen Victoria visited in 1889, captivated by the house and its scenic surroundings. During her stay, she used a magnificent bath and slept in an ornate bed, both of which remain in the now aptly named Victorian Room, one of the many luxurious suites available if you want to splurge. My favourite room is the Churchill suite, named after the man himself. In the 1950s, the hall became a favourite retreat for Winston Churchill, who often stayed while hunting on the estate's expansive grounds. The Churchill Room preserves this historical connection, allowing guests to sleep in the grand room that once hosted the wartime leader. This dog-friendly suite has a magnificent vaulted ceiling, stained glass roof lights and exquisite wood-panelled walls. Behind a secret door (who doesn't love a room with a hidden door), there's a beautiful marble-lined bathroom where you can luxuriate in a copper and zinc bath while sipping a glass of fizz because, let's face it, there's no point in a bubble bath without prosecco, darlings. You can stay in a suite named after Sir Winston Churchill, who was an occasional guest at Palé Hall in the 1950s. (Image: Portia Jones ) Today, Palé Hall embarks on a new chapter under the stewardship of Anthony and Donna Cooper Barney. The couple actively honours the hall's rich history while spearheading thoughtful restorations and enhancements, preserving its charm and history for future generations. The owners have also recently announced a culinary partnership with a renowned chef. Business News Wales reports that the collaboration between Palé Hall Hotel, at Llandderfel, near Bala, and Luke Selby, executive chef at the double Michelin-starred La Manoir aux Quat'Saisons at Great Milton, Oxford, will be launched before the end of the year. The partnership will feature a chef's Table experience and a series of exclusive dining events highlighting Luke's culinary mastery. A key ingredient will also be the link between local food producers, Welsh culinary heritage, and a chef's table, giving me yet another excuse to return to my favourite countryside bolthole. The hotel sure is fancy (Image: Palé Hall ) Why I love Palé Hall We stayed in the top-floor Carmethen suite during our last visit to Palé Hall during the Christmas period. Stepping into the spacious suite felt like walking into a Christmas dream. A mini Christmas tree adorned the corner, twinkling with warm lights, instantly creating a festive atmosphere. In calming hues of green and cream, the suite's décor exuded understated elegance, perfectly complementing the panoramic views of the Dee Valley and surrounding mountains. The suite's amenities further enhanced the experience. The dramatic bathroom featured a freestanding slipper bath, ideal for soaking away winter chills and a spacious separate shower. The super king-size bed, dressed in luxurious linens, ensured a wonderfully restful night's sleep. Thoughtful details like the Welsh Mead welcome gift and soft bathrobes added a touch of indulgence, perfect after a day of exploration and an evening of upscale dining. The Huntsman Bar and Bistro at Palé Hall was delightful to visit at Christmas, decked out in upscale decorations and playing festive tunes. The bar pays homage to the hall's Victorian heritage with its intricately carved bar, cosy atmosphere, and roaring fire. It's the perfect place to unwind with a classic cocktail or celebrate the season with one of their innovative concoctions. One such standout cocktail, Autumn Gold, comes complete with glowing ice cubes and is served in a treasure chest that emits dry ice, adding a theatrical touch that perfectly encapsulates Palé's eclectic vibe. But it's not just about theatrical drinks at The Huntsman. One standout cocktail, Autumn Gold, features glowing ice cubes (Image: Portia Jones ) Their bistro menu provides a more laid-back dining option for those seeking something less formal than the hotel's fine dining experience. The beautifully adorned bar welcomes dogs, making it a friendly space for all family members, including the woofing variety. With an extensive wine list, it's the kind of snug bar where you could easily lose track of time after a vino or three, as we discovered after sampling several recommendations from keen-as-mustard bar staff. "You HAVE to try this rofiveust Bordeaux, it's exceptional." The Mastercard certainly took a hammering that afternoon. Don't miss out on the afternoon tea at Palé Hall either. The menu is a classic yet elevated affair, beginning with an array of delicate finger sandwiches, each tasty bite exploding with fresh, seasonal flavours. On the other tiers are warm butter scones and a variety of exquisite patisserie and sweet treats, all served with tea or a glass of fizz if you're feeling fancy. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Have a drink by the fire (Image: Pale Hall ) For a truly special dining experience, the hotel's Henry Robertson Dining Room is a must-visit. With its marble fireplace, ornate plaster ceilings, and chandeliers, this elegant space sets the perfect scene for a fine dining feast. As an AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star establishment, Palé Hall takes pride in delivering impeccable cuisine that celebrates the finest British and Welsh produce. The dinner menu is a testament to the culinary team's skill and creativity. Starters like pulled pork croquette with burnt apple and radish salad set the tone, while mains such as the butter-roasted chicken with jumbo white beans and grain mustard sauce showcased the kitchen's ability to balance comfort and sophistication. Desserts were just as memorable, with options like salted caramel tart and Palé Hall's signature crème brûlée. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour, making the dining experience one of the highlights of our recent stay. What's nearby For the more adventurous, cold water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular (Image: Portia Jones ) Another big selling point is that the hotel is at the doorstep of the national park and near several small villages and charming towns. Just four miles away lies Bala, a historic market town that brims with charm and opportunities for adventure. Whether you're seeking lake walks, local shopping or a taste of Welsh culture, Bala delivers. Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, is the largest natural lake in Wales and a stunning spot to visit, especially in winter. Crisp, frosty air and snow-dusted landscapes create a serene atmosphere, ideal for scenic walks or moments of quiet reflection by the water. For the more adventurous, cold water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular and offers a bracing way to connect with the natural world and get your wellness boost for the weekend. The Bala Lake Railway is a must-visit for history lovers and train nerds (enthusiasts). This delightful narrow-gauge railway line runs along the southern shores of Llyn Tegid, offering an enchanting hour-long journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on a retro choo-choo. Blimming marvellous. Local enthusiasts lovingly restored the line after the original Ruabon-Barmouth railway closed in the 1960s. It uses vintage locomotives that once transported slate from the region's quarries, adding a touch of historical delight to your rail adventure. If you like hiking, Bala is a gateway to some of Wales' most epic landscapes. To the west, the towering peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) offer rugged and dramatic trails, while the quieter Berwyn Mountains to the east provide a sense of wild, untouched beauty. Your next Welsh escape Driving to Palé Hall is straightforward and offers beautiful views along the way (Image: Portia Jones ) So why is Palé Hall my favourite hotel in Wales? Sure, other places might have sea-view pools and upscale thermal spas, but do they have a stuffed fox lurking in the gents' toilets or a glowing cocktail served in a treasure chest? This is luxury with bags of personality, not just another beige-coloured copy-paste five-star experience. Once you've seen one 'state-of-the-art' gym, you've basically seen them all. But Palé? It has character, a hydroelectric power plant, secret doors, telescopes, off-beat decor and staff who don't look like they just stepped out of a corporate training video. Article continues below If you're bored of bog-standard stays where the only excitement is choosing between 'standard' or 'premium' pillows, then Palé Hall is exactly the antidote. Because sometimes, what you really want from a hotel is a bit of mild eccentricity with your elegance and maybe a cocktail with light-up ice cubes. For more information visit the Pale Hall website.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
I ate the best food in Pembrokeshire inside a secret garden
I ate the best food in Pembrokeshire inside a secret garden It was an eight-hour part foraging adventure and part wild dining theatre on the Welsh coast My foraging adventure deep on the Pembrokeshire coast (Image: Portia Jones ) 'I think my dinner is staring at me' is not something I expected to say in my adult life, but this is Wales, and things are different here. The meal in question? A gargantuan spider crab, freshly hand-dived from Pembrokeshire's clean, nutrient-rich waters. With its spindly legs and armoured exoskeleton, it looked like it had crawled straight out of the 'Upside Down', and frankly, I wasn't entirely sure I should be eating something that resembled a rejected Stranger Things prop. Spider crabs aren't the only surprising sustenance found beneath the frothing waves. Our bountiful Welsh coastline is a well-stocked larder, bursting with laver seaweed, molluscs, prawns, crabs and edible plants, all ripe for the picking if you know where to look. Luckily, I'm not alone in navigating this alien banquet. I'm deep in a wooded Pembrokeshire valley on a Tân A Môr Forage and Feast experience: part foraging adventure and part wild dining theatre on the coast of Pembrokeshire. The setting is nothing short of idyllic, in a secluded Walled Garden in St Ishmaels, where a leafy valley leads down to a secluded smugglers' cove - Monk's Haven. The setting is nothing short of idyllic (Image: Portia Jones ) Article continues below Once a vicarage for the medieval church next door, this Grade II-listed manor now moonlights as one of the most low-key spectacular wedding venues in Wales, with Georgian Gothic architecture and stone outbuildings turned boutique accommodation. It has held its Cadw listing since 1998 as 'an unusual local example of pattern-book design,' which is heritage-speak for 'fancy and rare'. Today, the vibe has shifted from holy to highly curated, with the wedding venue space reimagined as a Pinterest fever dream: hand-built fire pits sending up plumes of woodsmoke, a campfire, and one gloriously long communal table adorned with wildflowers and candles that scream 'rustic but make it editorial'. There's even a campfire for post-dinner wine and song. It's all very peak millennial, and I'm here for it. Judging by our hosts' hand-painted menus and breezy introduction, we're in for a full-on edible adventure. Over the next eight hours, this multi-course experience will take us from the forest floor to the tidal zone before we sit down for long-form dining. One gloriously long communal table adorned with wildflowers and candles (Image: Portia Jones ) We'll be led through mossy trails and down to a seaweed-strewn cove, where our hosts will explain exactly what we're eating and where it was lurking before it hits our plate. Our expert hosts Kate Powell and Jonathon Griffiths are at the heart of the Tân A Môr Forage and Feast experience, and as clearly smitten with each other as they are with creating carefully crafted menus that read like love letters to Pembrokeshire's produce. "We were cooking like this nearly every weekend, just for ourselves, and then we started cooking for friends, and it grew from there," says Kate, stirring an aromatic forest green nettle and wildflower soup while Jon stokes a roaring fire for our upcoming courses. "We were cooking like this nearly every weekend, just for ourselves, and then we started cooking for friends, and it grew from there" (Image: Portia Jones ) Kate, who has an art degree, says her background shapes how she approaches cooking and creating foodie gatherings, 'I love trying to be creative with food outdoors. It just feels right.' 'I used to run a cocktail bar for weddings, but I always wanted something more creative. When I worked in restaurants before, it was so formal nothing like this relaxed, community vibe we have now.' The dishes certainly sound impressive. From hand-dived spider crab cooked on an open fire to elderflower fritters and Pembrokeshire scallops laced with garlic butter, their inventive dishes are packed with local flavour, literally pulled from land and sea. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Dishes are cooked over open fires (Image: Portia Jones ) There are also hulks of fire-charred ribeye, creamy wedges of Perl Wen and Perl Las from nearby Caws Cenarth, and honeyed flatbreads scattered with foraged fruit and nuts. These carefully crafted dishes are immaculately plated, with decorative flourishes and incredible attention to detail. As the pair move around the cooking stations with quiet coordination, it's clear this joint vision is a blend of complementary skills and instinctive teamwork. 'We wanted to combine everything we're good at and share what we love,' Kate explains. 'We've both lived away for a large part of our adult lives and when we came back, it was like seeing Pembrokeshire properly for the first time. You realise how much you love the place you're from and want to celebrate it.' Gargantuan spider crabs, freshly hand-dived from Pembrokeshire's clean, nutrient-rich waters (Image: Portia Jones ) That sense of rooted pride fuels their mission to use local suppliers and showcase native ingredients, even the ones locals don't always know are on their doorstep. 'There's not a big food industry here,' Kate admits, 'but we have all these incredible producers hidden away.' Manning the open fire and flipping hunks of beef, Jon chimes in: 'We've been in and out of each other's lives. Then, about two years ago, we found each other again and with that came food, foraging, and a shared love for the outdoors.' The passion for creative cooking is evident in the beautifully presented amuse bouches that begin to circulate, including what appears to be a deep-fried flower that Kate assures me is edible. "These are oxide daisies", she enthusiastically explains. The passion for creative cooking is evident (Image: Portia Jones ) "You have to pick them wild from hedgerows; these aren't the ones you see in the garden. You coat them with tempura batter, flash fry them, and sprinkle a light coconut powdered sugar over them." And the taste? "Like a daisy and a doughnut came together." Despite considering myself an aspirational foodie, I didn't know you could deep fry flowers. I suppose the ultimate point of a foraging feast isn't to merely dine; it's to develop a newfound appreciation of biodiversity and discover edible species that coexist in our abundant environment. Kate Powell and Jonathon Griffiths are at the heart of the Tân A Môr Forage and Feast experience (Image: Portia Jones ) We leave the garden and follow Kate and Jon toward the coast to better understand the origins of what we're feasting on. We walk through a tree-lined valley that drops quietly down to Monk Haven, a secluded, seaweed-rich cove. Once home to a monastic settlement, it's now an idyllic spot where locals can swim and SUP relatively undisturbed by hordes of tourists and TikTokkers. Jon gestures towards the ocean as he skillfully shucks a massive haul of oysters. 'We'll talk about where the oysters come from, gather shoreline greens, and if you're into seaweed or shell identification, we've got charts." We ate freshly shucked oysters right on the shore (Image: Portia Jones ) Thankfully, sustainably harvesting seaweed and live shellfish for personal consumption, subject to conditions, is legal in the UK. Phew, a seafood crime is thankfully averted. Jon explains that native British oyster populations have declined dramatically over the decades due to habitat loss, pollution, over-harvesting, and disease. However, these tasty molluscs are thriving in pockets of pristine Pembrokeshire thanks to a native oyster restoration project and nutrient-rich, clean waters. Today, we're sampling freshly shucked oysters right on the shore. These Atlantic Edge Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters PGI are cultivated in pristine Class A shellfish waters, the highest quality standard in the UK. They can be slurped back nude or topped with fiery Pembrokeshire chilli farm sauces hotter than the sun. I'm an oyster girlie now (Image: Portia Jones ) I used to politely decline oysters, convinced they were just sea-flavoured mucus with a stellar PR team. But after reluctantly slurping one of these fresh-from-the-shore beauties in Anglesey, I've fully converted. I'm an oyster girlie now. Salty, briny, slightly sweet like the ocean in edible form, I'll take any excuse to knock one back. Especially when paired with a glass of champers. Oysters consumed, we're plodded back to our secret garden for candlelit long-form dining with a showstopping centrepiece. We settle around the long table with strangers, a mix of locals and outsiders. Awkward small talk quickly leads to navel-gazing as the wine flows and generous summer party invitations are enthusiastically issued. It's no surprise, really, that sharing food is one of humanity's oldest social instincts (Image: Portia Jones ) It's no surprise, really, that sharing food is one of humanity's oldest social instincts. Biologists have watched chimps and bonobos, our closest primate relatives, doing the same within their groups. The first shared meals likely happened around campfires, long before plates or recipes existed. Cooking required teamwork, hunting, gathering, and building fires, so meals like this almost demand community. As glasses were filled and laughter and stories spread, it felt like we were tapping into something ancestral. Wine helps, of course. Over the merry conversational din, Jon appeared with the star of the dining show, portioned up spider crab he'd hand-plucked from Pembrokeshire's waters. The star of the dining show, portioned up spider crab (Image: Portia Jones ) These oversized crustaceans were steamed in bladderwrack seaweed, roasted on red-hot coals and served with smoked butter and focaccia. Having never eaten something that looked like it had scuttled out of a sci-fi movie, I was completely at a loss. Jon, clearly the crab whisperer, gives instructions without missing a beat. 'First, you dig into the end of the spider crab. The claws work like lobsters, but thin, paper-like skin covers the sweet meat inside the knuckles. I always start with the claws, then snap off the legs. There's not much meat there, but it's worth it. After that, pick up the body and eat it straight from your hand.' Oh, so straightforward then. Phew. Eating the slightly sweet crab by the fistful, polite chat soon turned into local gossip and roaring laughter. This wasn't just a standard shared meal but a lesson in eating outside your comfort zone with equally adventurous diners. The food is divine (Image: Portia Jones ) Kate proudly introduces our next course, sirloin steak from a Hereford cow raised at Green Lane Farm in Waterston, a family-run beef and sheep farm just outside Milford Haven. "The beef was butchered nearby in Prendergast, making it as local as possible". On the plate, it came with creamy potatoes from Trehill Farm in Harlows, wild mushrooms foraged nearby, and fire-charred carrots that still held a hint of smoke. Jon expertly sears the steak over an open-fire cooking station he built himself. The outside chars perfectly, giving way to a tender pink centre, exactly how quality meat should be served. It's no surprise the dishes are sumptuous. Pembrokeshire is having a serious foodie moment right now. With indie producers, creative chefs, and charming pubs all championing local produce, the county's produce scene is buzzing. Pembrokeshire is having a serious foodie moment right now (Image: Portia Jones ) It's called the 'cottage garden of Wales' for good reason: thanks to the Gulf Stream, the growing season is longer, the pastures are lush, and the land is fertile. Here, farmers, fishermen, and chefs work together to keep food local and sustainable, which means fresher food and fewer food miles. With a focus on creative cooking, community connections and sustainable foraging, Kate and Jon fit perfectly into Pembrokeshire's thriving foodie scene. Planning these elaborate dining events isn't easy (Image: Portia Jones ) 'We love celebrating what people around us are doing, says Kate as we sit by the crackling fire "We're the final step, but so many have worked hard before the food gets to the table.' Jon sums it up perfectly, 'It's all about connection to nature, food, and each other. We want people to slow down, learn where their dinner comes from, and feel part of something bigger.' But planning these elaborate dining events isn't easy. 'It's weeks of prep,' Kate says. 'But it's worth it to share this experience." The multitalented duo also keeps things as local and handmade as possible, from hand-building the outdoor cooking stations to cutting down the wood for fires and painting the menus. The multitalented duo also keeps things as local and handmade as possible (Image: Portia Jones ) It's evidently a real labour of love, and they both seem content but knackered as the sun dipped below the horizon and the bar till continued to ring. As guests launched into an off-key song behind us, Jon got a touch sentimental. "I feel so lucky that Kate and I found each other, he says adoringly. "It's a great combination of her love of cooking and my love of exploring outdoors. There aren't many people you can harvest a spider crab with or collect seaweed with. We've just really bonded over the things we've done" This spirit of genuine connection ultimately set the tone for the day-long event. It wasn't your typical polished, corporate food gig; it was an authentic community mash-up (Image: Portia Jones ) It wasn't your typical polished, corporate food gig; it was an authentic community mash-up, where strangers swapped stories and plates with equal gusto, connections forged, and Instagram handles swapped. After receiving so many wine-fuelled BBQ invitations from my newfound foodie friends, I fully plan to take advantage of a few. Shall I bring red or white, Steffi? The next Tân A Môr Forage and Feast experience takes place on Saturday July 12. Information and booking here. Article continues below
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
The luxury Welsh resort that you can stay at for as little as £55 a night
The luxury Welsh resort that you can stay at for as little as £55 a night The Mediterranean-style escape was recently named the best seaside destination in the UK This pretty village in Wales has been compared to Italy for its beautiful buildings and coast (Image: Getty Images ) With holiday prices increasing and the cost of living rising, finding a cheap break for the family can be quite daunting. Gone are the days you can book a caravan down West Wales on a whim or take your family of four to Tenerife for less than a month's wages. However, we have found a cheap alternative to staying at a luxury Welsh location for as little as £55 a night. Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales is home to the colourful Italian inspired village which is celebrated for its vibrant architecture which was made iconic by the classic TV series The Prisoner. Here is how you can take the whole family on a mini Mediterranean escape in North Wales for the night for less than a flight to Italy. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . The gorgeous village offers on site motorhome pitches from £55 to £85 per night, depending on what time of year you go and what size plot you would like. There are 23 plots available in three different pitch sizes. The options include: Small pitch (5.5m x 4m) - from £55 for off season and £65 during the Summer Medium pitch (7m x 4m) - from £65 for off season and £75 during the Summer Large pitch (8m x 5m) - from £75 for off season and £85 during the Summer Article continues below The prices are based on two people staying per night, and additional fees will apply for extra people. However, the prices remain the same for two adults and two children, so if you are planning a family get away this summer you could pay as little as just £65 a night which is half the price of the average cost for a hotel stay in Portmeirion, which works out as roughly £134 per night. Each pitch is located on a hard surface, perfect for cars, motorhomes or campervans and they all have an e lectric hook-up, TV hook-up and drinking water tap, so you won't be roughing it on your luxurious weekend away. The site also offer facilities including w ash rooms, showers & toilets, wireless broadband, grey water tank, elsan drainage, dish washing facilities, refuse & recycling and picnic areas. Although, we've saved the best two perks of the camping location for last... Within the price of your pitch rental you gain free access to Portmeirion, and out of hours too! This means it will be less busy and you can explore the wonders of the Welsh Mediterranean village freely and in your own time. This also means you can use the heated outdoor swimming pool on site, however this is only open during peak seasons (April - September), when pitch prices are slightly increased. Usually day tickets to visit Portmeirion cost £20 for adults, £17.50 for concessions, £13 for children 5-15, free for children under five years old, they also do family deals like two adults and two children for £54. That being said, if you and your family of four wanted to stay in the motorhome park you would save the cost of the tickets and be able to put that towards other holiday costs. Content cannot be displayed without consent The seaside location recently placed third in Which?'s best coastal destinations in the UK, after achieving a commendable 79% rating. With five-star accolades for both its scenery and seafront, a visitor commented: "The place is superb in every way. It's a beautiful setting with wonderful food and accommodation - perfect for a special occasion. If you're looking for somewhere to take your furry friends, unfortunately you'll have to find a different campsite as the there are no dogs permitted on the motorhome park or the village. However, they do make exemptions for registered guide and assistance dogs. Alternatively if you're not a keen camper, they also have options to stay in the village in a self catering cottage which sleep between four and six people. However, these jump up quite drastically in price. This option would set you back between £603-£768 during the off peak season, or during the Summer it can reach heights of £1,263. Similar to those who stay at the motorhome, those in the cottages will also enjoy free entry into Portmeirion Village and Gardens and use of the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can read about one Wales Online reporter's experience of staying overnight in the surreal Welsh Village with no residents here. Article continues below For more information, alternative locations to stay or to book a motorhome pitch you can follow this link.
