Chateau Rhianfa

Château Rhianfa is a historic home inspired by the beauty of the Loire Valley in France. Perched on the Isle of Anglesey along the Menai Strait, with sweeping views across Snowdonia, the château was built by Sir John Hay-Williams as a gift for his wife, Lady Sarah. Originally designed as a dower house on the water’s edge, its French-inspired style was influenced by the châteaux the couple admired during their travels, particularly from the era of François I. Lady Sarah personally oversaw the interiors, ensuring that every detail reflected her taste and vision.

To honor her influence and link the French design to its Welsh setting, the house was named “Rhianfa,” meaning “ladies’ abode,” a name suggested by the local vicar. Completed in 1851, it remained in the Hay-Williams family until 1957, holding its place as a cherished part of the local history. Following a period as apartments, Château Rhianfa was carefully restored and reopened in 2012 as a luxury hotel and wedding venue. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved historic home, where French-inspired elegance meets the natural beauty of North Wales.

Château Rhianfa is a striking seaside villa, built in ornate French Gothic style and inspired by the grand châteaux of the Loire Valley. Its layout is anything but ordinary. The rear entrance sits at ground level and connects to the main block via a covered bridge, while the principal living floor is actually the second storey, giving the main rooms sweeping views of the Menai Strait. The main block rises three storeys with attics and corner turrets topped with conical roofs. The front is perfectly symmetrical, featuring a central gable, tall oriel windows, balconies, and decorative sash and mullioned windows.

A later addition, the ‘tenants hall,’ takes a simpler Tudor Gothic approach, with large mullioned windows and delicate spirelets. Inside, the principal floor is a carefully planned journey, from the bridge and entrance, you move through three main rooms arranged in a line, each richly decorated with fine woodwork, painted ceilings, and a series of ornate fireplaces. Below, labyrinthine service quarters quietly support the grand spaces above. With its dramatic architecture and elegant interiors, Château Rhianfa is a historic home full of character.

Le Dragon Rouge

Le Dragon Rouge offers an intimate dining experience that celebrates the local produce of Anglesey and Snowdonia (Eryri). Open daily for dinner, the restaurant takes a modern approach to classic Welsh cooking, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful flavors. Starters are simple yet refined, highlighting fresh seafood, vegetables, and comforting soups. Main courses feature Welsh beef, lamb, and carefully prepared fish, alongside well-crafted vegetarian options. Desserts include rich chocolate creations, light fruit-led finishes, classic tiramisu, and a selection of Welsh cheeses. The three-course menu is priced at GBP 70 (USD 94.1)

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Château Rhianfa is a relaxed and indulgent experience, best enjoyed in the elegant lounges overlooking the Menai Strait and Snowdonia (Eryri). The spread includes freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of homemade cakes like Welsh cake, bara brith, pistachio sponge, and chocolate desserts, along with savory bites such as sausage rolls and classic finger sandwiches. Priced at GBP 30 (USD 40.37) per person, it’s a lovely way to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy a traditional afternoon treat.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday Lunch at Château Rhianfa is a traditional affair, perfect for slowing down and enjoying the grounds after your meal. Starters include comforting soups, shellfish chowder, and classic meat dishes, followed by generous mains such as roasted Welsh sirloin of beef, roast duck leg, and a vegetable and nut roast, all served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. Desserts include classic comfort puddings like sticky toffee pudding and croissant bread and butter pudding, alongside lighter fruit options such as a spiced berry crumble tart. A selection of Welsh cheeses is also available for an additional supplement. The three-course Sunday lunch is priced at GBP 40 (USD 53.82) per person.

Château Rhianfa is a beautiful place to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful moments. Set within a French-style château on the Isle of Anglesey, the venue feels romantic and is ideal for both grand celebrations and smaller, more personal weddings. The château offers a choice of licensed rooms for ceremonies, each with its own atmosphere. The Banqueting Hall is perfect for a classic, fairy-tale wedding, while the Drawing Room suits a more intimate ceremony with historic details. The mature gardens also provide a lovely backdrop for photographs and relaxed moments throughout the day.

Wedding menus are created by the in-house chef and tailored to suit your celebration, with carefully selected wines to match. A trusted group of wedding suppliers works closely with the events team to support every detail, from décor to entertainment. Guests can enjoy an evening of music and dancing, then stay overnight at the château, keeping the experience smooth and stress-free. Château Rhianfa offers a range of wedding packages, including Lace, Satin, and Silk. With the guidance of the events team, each wedding is thoughtfully planned to create a day that feels well-organized and truly memorable.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Château Rhianfa is a perfect base for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can explore the château’s grounds, stroll along the private jetty, and enjoy the French-style architecture and historic charm. North Wales offers plenty of action, from kayaking, paddleboarding, coasteering, and zip-lining to mountain treks in Snowdonia (Eryri), including the Mountain Railway to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

Anglesey itself is full of scenic villages, coastline, and heritage sites. Nearby highlights include Beaumaris Castle, South Stack Lighthouse, Pant Du Vineyard, and the Anglesey Sea Zoo. Adventure seekers can try Zip World, Bounce Below, or take a spin at the Anglesey Race Circuit. For those wanting to explore further, bespoke guided tours with Celticos offer a chance to see North Wales and beyond, using Château Rhianfa as a convenient base. With activities ranging from scenic walks to adrenaline-fueled adventures, there’s something for every interest and pace.

During Christmas, Château Rhianfa hosts a full festive program. It features 3-course festive lunches prepared with local ingredients, seasonal afternoon teas with sandwiches, cakes, and optional champagne. On Christmas Eve, the château hosts cream tea and cake in the lounges, followed by a candlelit dinner with drinks, and midnight mass at nearby churches. Christmas Day includes a Welsh breakfast, a champagne toast with harp music, and a four-course festive lunch, with afternoon tea, games, and a casual buffet. Boxing Day features brunch, a seasonal buffet, and opportunities to explore the surrounding area or relax indoors, making the château a central hub for festive celebrations in North Wales.

Château Rhianfa is a great place to celebrate any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, christening, baby shower, hen or stag weekend, Christmas party, or even a fun private reunion. With beautiful spaces and gardens, it works for both small, intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. An events team is available to assist with details such as décor and menus. For corporate events, there are eight function rooms suitable for meetings, conferences, product launches, or private dinners, all equipped with WiFi and modern AV technology. They also offer team-building activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, zip-lining, and mountain excursions. For more details or to plan an event, it’s best to get in touch with the team directly.