A unique thing about North Wales is that she looks good at all times of the year, in all kinds of weather and at all times of day. However, we think there's no better way to fully appreciate the beauty of our stunning natural surroundings than at first light.
Although our hotel is located at the base of a valley, a short walk or drive can bring you to some of the most arresting viewpoints in the region. Close to home at sunrise, summer sunlight casts Snowdonia's jagged peaks into ragged relief. Travel a little further and see how the first light of dawn transforms our coastline into a shimmering ribbon of gold.
Most days, sunrise is an event that goes unnoticed by all but the earliest of birds. But not Midsummer's Day.
The ancient history of North Wales is inextricably linked with magical and spiritual places, many created in the worship of the heavens and earth. Today, as back then, the Summer Solstice is commemorated with esoteric magical rituals that date back thousands of years.
With this year's solstice just around the corner - Tuesday 21 June, 2022 at 4:47am - we're sharing our three favourite spots to greet the sunrise on this most magical of mornings.
Are you ready for an early start? We guarantee it will be worth it!
1. Snowdon's lakes - Llydaw and Teyrn
Starting close to home so to speak, why not watch the sunrise this solstice, just stone's throw from our hotel?
Sitting on the eastern slopes of Snowdon the popular lake Llyn Llydaw and its diminutive neighbour Llyn Teyrn offer stunning viewpoints from which to watch the sunrise.
Both can be reached easily by taking the well-maintained Miner's Track from Pen-y-Pass car park so there's no requirement for you to be a seasoned hiker to bag this sunrise.
While the Snowdon Sherpa doesn't operate early enough to ferry you up to Pen-y-Pass, you can walk from the hotel or take the car and grab a coveted spot at the car park (be warned, it fills up very quickly in high season and at peak times like this).
Once there, pick your spot and drink in the spectacle of the Midsummer sun rising above Moel Siabod. While it only last a few minutes, it's an experience that will stay with you a lifetime.
Afterwards, why not complete your adventure by continuing on to Snowdon summit? Beyond Llyn Llydaw, walkers on the Miner's Track will join the Pyg Track - somewhat steeper - to reach the summit.
2. Bryn Celli Ddu, Anglesey
Renowned for its links our our ancient past, the island of Anglesey is steeped in myth and legend. Once home to the mighty order of the druids, the landscape is strewn with relics of their occupation.
Burial mounds, standing stones and cairns are a common sight here but none is more famous than Bryn Celli Ddu. And what makes this historic site even more special is its connection to the Summer Solstice.
Every year on Midsummer's Day, Bryn Celli Ddu plays host to a special druidic ritual, welcoming in the rising sun. In fact, the site was designed specially for this purpose. On the solstice the sun's first rays illuminate its stone chambers, filling them with life-giving light.
Stewards of this special site, CADW, regularly run Archaeology Open Days here. This is your chance to get hands-on and contribute to research ongoing at Bryn Celli Ddu, as well as learn about daily life in Neolithic times.
For details of what's on at Bryn Celli Ddu, visit the CADW website.
3. Great Orme, Llandudno
If you're willing to take a drive to catch the sunrise, then Llandudno's iconic Great Orme is a memorable place to see in the Summer Solstice. On a clear morning, you can see as far as Liverpool, so you can be assured the sunrise will be a spectacular one here!
For the best viewpoints, take a walk up the eastern slopes of the Orme; wind you way up through Happy Valley and pick a spot looking towards the Little Orme. On a still morning the waters of the bay are suffused with a golden glow that washes up onto Llandudno's Victorian seafront. It's something quite special to behold.
If you enjoyed sunrise, why not come back for sunset? The Great Orme does them really well too!
Walk or drive up to the Summit Complex for 360 degree views of the North Wales coast and Snowdonia. Alternatively, take a drive around the world-famous Marine Drive, a leisurely route which encircles the Orme and rewards with breathtaking views as the sun sets towards Anglesey.