Plas Dinas Country House

Plas Dinas is a Welsh country estate first established in the 17th century, later acquired by the Armstrong-Jones family and inherited in 1899 by Sir Robert Jones. Robert renamed himself Armstrong-Jones and passed the estate to his son Ronald. Ronald subsequently also had a son whom he named Antony. The estate became linked to the British Royal family when Antony was married in 1960 to Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Antony, now the Earl of Snowdon, had a reputation for being a skilled photographer, and many of his works line the hotel's spaces to this day.

Though their happiness lasted for several years, the couple divorced and the property fell to neglect. It was leased as a nursing home during the 1980s and subsequently converted into a country house hotel sometime in the 1990s. Daniel and Annie Perks acquired the hotel in 2019 and have devoted their time and effort into restoring and maintaining Plas Dinas. It was also under their leadership that the hotel was awarded Two AA Rosettes and Five AA Gold Stars, one of the most coveted distinctions in British hospitality.

Plas Dinas is protected as a Grade II historic property, boasting many heritage features dating back to its origins as a 17th-century country house, including a gritstone plaque dated 1653. The exterior combines painted rubble stone walls and slate roofs, typical of Welsh country houses. Complementing these are additions from later eras, like gabled dormers and a full-length slate veranda on the ground floor.

For the interiors, Plas Dinas presents a blend of historic and modernized spaces. The early 17th-century core retains original timber features in the cellar and attic. The large stone fireplace in the Gun Room is also a centerpiece of the hotel's heritage aspects, taking up an entire west wall. Though many interior elements have been updated over time, the house retains its distinct aristocratic charm with the lavishly stylish antique fixtures and furniture.

The Gunroom will be the focal point of dining during your stay at Plas Dinas. Led by Head Chef Daniel ap Geraint, guests can look forward to carefully formulated menus that change monthly based on seasonal ingredients. Dinner is typically served in set sittings in the evening and features seasonal dishes with distinct choices across choice courses. Despite only opening under new ownership in 2019, The Gunroom has achieved much these past few years. Its most notable accomplishments include two AA Rosettes and winning The AA's 2024 Notable Wine List Award. The restaurant was also added to the Michelin Guide in 2022.

Aside from dining, guests should also not miss out on the Afternoon Tea. The service comes in two choices: the Signature Afternoon Tea or the Snowdon’s Afternoon Tea. The light bites that accompany your tea consist of finger sandwiches, sweet treats, cakes, featuring ingredients adjusted for seasonality. The Snowdon option adds a little extra savory snacks, primarily the Anglesey goat's cheese tart and the beef short rib bonbon.

Opening hours:
Dinner: 6 pm - 8 pm
Afternoon Tea: Tuesday to Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm

Take your wedding to the beautiful Welsh countryside by celebrating it at Plas Dinas. The hotel operates as a licensed venue for civil ceremonies, providing options for both indoor and outdoor vows. You can choose between an indoor venue for smaller gatherings or outside on the garden grounds under a gazebo.

The hotel is available year-round, although options are understandably more limited in colder months. Despite this, you'll have plenty of flexibility in customizing your event. Your dedicated planner will assist in getting every detail right for your big day. In addition to the ceremony itself, celebrations and receptions can be held across the estate’s outdoor spaces and within marquees. Access to the gardens and lawns is included for photographs and post-ceremony gatherings.

Here are the main venues available:

Drawing Room - The indoor licensed venue, mainly available for licensed civil ceremonies.
Capacity: 50 guests

Gazebo - Available for outdoor ceremonies during fair weather.
Capacity: 100 guests

Marquee - Outdoor covered venue that can be set up for large galas.
Capacity: 160 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Much like the rest of Britian, Wales is a magical land of beautiful countryside and scenic coasts, dotted by dramatic castles that were home to nobles and royalty. The region around Plas Dinas shares those same characteristics, granting guests plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion.

Parc Glynllifon is an old estate with gardens and woodlands open to hikers and trekkers, while the manor is often used as a venue for events. If you're more into military history, the Airworld Aviation Museum is a former RAF base that was converted into a showcase of military aircraft. The town of Caernarfon is home to several cultural sites, particularly ruins of dating back to the Roman Era. It's also home to Caernarfon Castle, which is included in the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region is the Snowdonia National Park, which has parts protected within the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales.

Bring your company or family along with you to Plas Dinas Country House and enjoy the Caernarfon countryside together. The hotel offers various venues and facilities that can accommodate a slew of private or corporate events, ranging from meetings, business gatherings, small celebrations, and private dining. Choose from the available indoor venues, which can be customized for layout and decor. Larger occasions can extend outdoors on the lawns inside marquees. If you want to make a fancy entrance, you can even hire a helicopter to take you to the estate.

Here are a few of the venues available:

The Gunroom – The dining hall of the hotel can be booked for gatherings and banquets.
Capacity: 14 guests

The Drawing Room - Usually used for pre-dinner canapes and drinks, the room can also host formal gatherings.
Capacity: 50 guests

Marquee - Massive outdoor covered venue with plenty of space.
Capacity: 120 guests