A varied and fascinating landscape awaits the visitor to North Wales. This is where the mountains of Snowdonia gradually give way to the clean, sandy beaches and sheltered bays of the Welsh coast which are perfect for surfing, sailing and other water sports.

Inland, there is so much to see and do. You could climb Snowdon by one of the many footpaths or if you prefer to do it the easy way, take the steep rack and pinion railway to the top; the views at the summit are terrific and you might be able to see the coast of Ireland on a clear day.

Round about you will discover pretty little villages with stone built cottages, pubs, tea shops and restaurants, and a warm Welsh welcome.

Numerous tourist attractions await your visit; Anglesey Sea Zoo, Colwyn Bay Mountain Zoo, Llandudno's copper mines, Bodnant, Portmeirion - the Italianate village and home of the famous pottery, Plas yn Rhiw and Glynllifon gardens.   If you're interested in history then no fewer than five different castles are within easy driving distance; Conway, Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Harlech and Criccieth.

Nature lovers can enjoy wild flowers, birdwatching, seal and dolphin spotting.

Take a look at the luxury self-catering cottages on offer below, or find more in the menu on the left under Gwynedd.

Accommodation in

	Bryn Afon is an attractive 19th Century, semi detached, 2 bedroom stone built cottage situated in the tiny hamlet of Nant Gwynant, close to the River Glaslyn and Lake Gwynant in the heart of Snowdonia. near the village of Beddgelert. The property comprises of a Lounge / Dining room, which has an exposed stone inglenook with a wood fuel stove and an open beam ceiling. The kitchen has been newly fitted to a high standard and includes an integral dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge (no ice box) and a touch automotive ceramic hob and oven. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one double and one twin and a newly fitted bathroom comprising of a panelled bath with curved shower section and screen, a wash hand basin, WC and heated towel rail. Externally there is a raised front garden and a secure storage cupboard and to the rear a lawned garden area arranged over 4 levels with the top level having magnificent views towards the mountains and Snowdonia, with natural woodland framing the rear garden which is securely fenced. Sleeps up to 4 people.   01635 43831,07747 007002    Click here to email owner
	Llanfendigaid Estate - a self-catering coastal mansion sleeping 16 with an indoor heated swimming pool at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park. Close to beaches and surrounded by superb scenery. Due to a late cancellation for Christmas, Llanfendigaid is offered at the special rate of £2,450 for any dates between 17th and 28th Dec 2009   01264 710 814,+44 (0)7786 231427    Click here to email owner
	WTB self-catering award winning, 3 to 5 star complex of cottages on a small, friendly, family run Organic farm near Pwllheli, North Wales. Excellent on-site facilities including indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Games room, Gym, Tennis Court, games room with soft play area for toddlers, swings, climbing frame, slide, trampoline. There is a menagerie of pigs, goats, pet lambs, cats, dog, hens and dairy cows for the children to enjoy. Blue Flag Marina and beaches and golf-(2 miles. Please click on photograph for details.   01758 612 536,    Click here to email owner
	Gogarth Hall Farm holidays are set within the Snowdonia National Park and offer three WTB rated five star self-catering cottages, a five star farmhouse, a caravan and bed and breakfast at the Hall. The area offers peace and tranquillity that is rich in wild life and is a haven for rare birds. Our farm is situated in the county of Meirionethshire, the most southern point of the park opening out onto Cardigan Bay.   01654 791 235,    Click here to email owner
	The two Glyn Uchaf Cottages are situated in 11 acres of National Park land with panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and the delightful Sycnant Pass. They were newly built in 2005 to the very highest standard with 5 Star WTB accreditation; the land also boasts a newly constructed nature reserve with a small lake with all its interesting wildlife and our own friendly ducks. Each cottage has all amenities in order to make your visit a memorable one, plus they are well-behaved pet friendly if you want to bring your dog on holiday.   01492 622053,07734 388341    Click here to email owner
	Brackenbury is a pet-friendly Grade II listed cottage in a picturesque village location overlooking the green and the River Glaslyn. Set in the heart of the Snowdonia National park, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, Beddgelert has many amenities including a shop, pubs, restaurants and a post office. Sleeps 4. 2 bathrooms.   01751 430 624,    Click here to email owner
	Spacious stone barn conversion, in the Snowdonia National Park. Sleeps 4 plus cot, 2 ensuite bedrooms. Central for walking, fishing, cycling and the beach. Exclusive Prince Albert fishing rights, two rods available on the river Wnion at Rhydymain, Salmon and sea trout. Barmouth and Fairbourne beach approx 10-15 miles. Bedlinen provided. Private raised decking overlooking Cadair Idris mountain. Sorry no pets. Awaiting tourist board grading. Availability for half-term.   01341 450253,07968598079    Click here to email owner
	Beautiful 2 bedroom stone-built cottage, elevated position with views towards Snowdon. Sleeps 4. Slate floors, underfloor heating and woodburner. Superb standard. Llanberis 3 miles. One dog welcome.   01244 500 540,    Click here to email owner
	Ysgubor is a pretty 5 bedroom stone-built detached farmhouse extended to create a light and spacious property with many original features including oak beams and doors, exposed stone walls, slate flagged floors, and an inglenook fireplace. Sleeps up to 10.   01244 500 540,    Click here to email owner