Wales is a stunning constituent country of the United Kingdom and is famous for its hundreds of castles (the greatest concentration in Europe), its mountains and valleys, and for its unpronounceable names. It is also is famous for its charming and quaint cottages - but perhaps none more than "Tu Hwnt i’r Bont" as well as "The Ugly House" just down the road.
Tu Hwnt i’r Bont is just another of many reasons why Wales should be on everyone's backlist. The teahouses in these historic buildings are also proudly Welsh and offer some of the traditional Welsh dishes everyone should try.
History of The Tu Hwnt i’r Bont
The house is incredibly old and dates back to 1480 and is much older than the unmissable heritage Tu Hwnt i’r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) that stands beside it.
Built: In 1480
While it was initially built as a residential dwelling in 1480 it was later on used as the Courthouse for the surrounding area. According to their website:
"From here the most serious offenders could have been taken to Tan y Craig in Llanrwst where they could be hanged outside the old gaol!"
Over its long lifetime, Tu Hwnt i’r Bont fell into disrepair several times but was always rebuilt and restored. Now it is owned by the National Trust in Britain and is leased out as a tearoom.
Address: Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, Nr Inigo Jones Bridge, Llanrwst, Conwy, LL26 0PL
Tea Rooms of Tu Hwnt i’r Bont
The Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Tearooms welcomes visitors to the delightful little market town of Llanrwst. Llanrwst is the gateway to Snowdonia National Park - thought by many as the most stunning region of Wales.
Opening Hours: 10.30 am to 5.00 pm 7 Days A Week
Closed: January and February
October to Xmas: Open Only On Friday To Sunday
March: Closed On Mondays
It is beautifully set on the west bank of the River Conwy and it will be immediately obvious why this little place is one of the most Instagrammed in Wales
Over half a century ago the decision was made to turn this quaint piece of Welsh heritage into a traditional Welsh Tea Room. Today one can enjoy Welsh favorites including their scones - the recipe for which continues to be a well-kept secret.
class="content">
class="about clearfix">
class="container">
class="row">
class="otel-info margint60">
class="col-lg-7 col-sm-12">
Not only is the cottage itself picturesque, but also the setting itself is idyllic and is considered a must-see for anyone visiting North Wales. Come and see how it is set in the Conwy Valley and Betws-y-Coed.
North Wales: It Is Designed To Offer An Enjoyable 'Taste' of North Wales and its Culture
The little restaurant provides:
class="col-lg-8">
- Morning Coffee
- Lunches
- Afternoon Teas, Ice Cream, and Takeaway Sales
The restaurant has a seating capacity for 50 people inside and another 30 people outside in their lovely tea garden and one can enjoy a full waitress service. Groups of between 20 and 80 people are welcome but with prior arrangement.
The Ugly House Tearoom - Pot Mel Ty Hyll
Just 4 or 6 miles up the road is not-so-charmingly named "The Ugly House" or "Ty Hyll" as it is known in Welsh. It has been described as “charming” and “unique” by visitors and locals alike.
It is another perfect place to stop and relax in their tearoom called "Pot Mel." Here customers can enjoy a blend of the best of Welsh homemade food and the best of North Wales charm.
The ingredients are locally sourced and include a few savory dishes. Their “secret recipe” is the Welsh Rarebit. Other things to try out on the menu include their range of homemade quiches, their popular Scotch Eggs, and their Homemade soup. The sandwiches are freshly made to order and use locally baked bread from the Tandderwen Bakery in nearby Betws y Coed.
Menu: Welsh Rarebit, Homemade Quiches, Scotch Eggs, Homemade Soup
When it comes to their cakes, try out their classic Victoria Sponge, Coffee and Walnut cake, a Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange cake, and perhaps a plate of sticky Apricot & Sultana Flapjacks.
Traditional Welsh Cakes: Try Their Barabrith and Freshly Griddled Welshcakes
Hours: Open From 10.30 am 7 days a Week
The Honeybee Room
Just upstairs in "the Ugly House" is the Honeybee Room.
Go upstairs and see their honeybee exhibition room just above the tearoom where one can learn about the life-cycle of the honeybee, their queen-rearing project which supplies local queens for local beehives, and what people can do to support pollinators in their own gardens.
The wildlife garden surrounding the Ugly House is managed to provide pollen and nectar for as long a season as possible. The beehives are located in the woodland away from the building.
class="row">
class="otel-info margint60">
class="col-lg-7 col-sm-12">
Next time one goes to England and Scotland, plan around including Wales in one's trip. This is a charming part of the country and that everyone should really explore. Visitors are amazed by the number of castles and the narrow country lanes in the country.
class="col-lg-4">