The Oakeley Arms Hotel

The Oakeley Arms Hotel takes its name from the Oakeley family, especially William Oakeley, a respected landowner in the 18th and 19th centuries, known locally as "Oakeley Fawr" or Great Oakeley. The hotel's history is closely tied to Welsh heritage, beginning as a small inn for travelers along ancient routes. Originally known as the Tan y Bwlch Inn, parts of the building date back to the 1600s. It was built on land linked to the Tan-y-Bwlch Estate and acted as a resting stop for drovers and merchants traveling toward Harlech and Beddgelert. Its proximity to the estate's main house meant it quickly became part of the local community.

In the 18th century, the inn expanded under a local drover and became a hub. It hosted business meetings, served as a temporary courthouse, and even acted as a police station. The large coach house behind the hotel still stands, a reminder of its role in accommodating travelers and horses. Travel writer Thomas Pennant visited in 1778 and called it "a very neat small inn".

In the early 19th century, the inn grew to meet the needs of the rising number of tourists visiting Snowdonia, and a western wing was added. The Oakeley family had made their fortune from the slate industry, notably through the Oakeley Quarry, which became one of the largest underground slate mines in the world. Around the 1840s, the inn was renamed the Oakeley Arms, and by 1861, it was officially known as the Oakeley Arms Hotel.

In 1910, the hotel was sold at auction, ending its direct ties to the Oakeley family. During World War II, in 1940, it temporarily housed Cottesmore School after evacuation from Sussex. It was officially designated as a Grade II listed building in 1954, but by the 2000s, the building had fallen into serious disrepair. In 2003, Ann-Marie and Chris Vanstone took ownership of the Oakeley Arms and devoted themselves to careful restoration, preserving the hotel's history while upgrading its facilities to meet modern standards.

The Oakeley Arms Hotel sits solidly on its plot, a two-storey stone building with cellars built to last. The thick stone lintels above the doors and windows catch your eye first, a quiet sign of careful craftsmanship. Slate roofs stretch over the building with wide eaves, and neat chimneys rise above. The hotel forms an L-shape, with the main range facing the road. The sash windows are simple and balanced. Inside, the public rooms like the bar and assembly spaces feel practical yet welcoming.

The woodwork, stone details, and clear layout give the inn a quiet strength. The stonework, sash windows, L-shaped layout, and overhanging eaves are all classic examples of inns in North Wales. Walking through it today, you can see how it was made o be both useful and attractive, a rare surviving of traditional Welsh inn architecture.

The Oakeley Arms has a traditional bar and restaurant set in a historic building. The space includes cozy chairs, sofas, and open fires, creating a relaxed vibe. The menu offers traditional Welsh cuisine made from local produce. Ingredients such as Welsh lamb, Anglesey sea salt, Mario's ice cream, Cathryn Cariad chocolates, and Black-Bomber Cheddar feature regularly. Dishes are prepared using seasonal ingredients whenever possible.

It also houses a fully stocked bar and offers a range of Welsh ales, bitters, and ciders as well as local spirits including Aberfalls Welsh Gin and Penderyn whiskey. The bar menu includes home-cooked meals, daily specials, vegetarian options, and children's meals. A selection of wines and liqueurs is also available. Tea, coffee, and cake are served throughout the day. Sunday lunch is especially popular with locals and visitors, and the dining room tends to get busy, so reserving in advance is recommended during peak periods.

Opening hours:
Bar: 11:00 am until late (Monday to Sunday)
Food: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Sunday Lunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

For couples planning a wedding in Snowdonia, the Oakeley Arms provides a historic setting. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests, with a private function room for the main celebration and gardens that can be used for outdoor ceremonies or photographs. Weddings here include catering, with menus that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requests. Overnight accommodation is available for guests, allowing a comfortable stay without the need to travel elsewhere.

Overall, the Oakeley Arms gives couples flexibility. You can use the indoor room, the gardens, or a mix of both, depending on what works best. The setting adds a touch of scenery to your special day, so even simple moments feel connected to the local landscape.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Staying at the Oakeley also gives guests the option to slow down without leaving the hotel. In-room massage and Reiki treatments are available by appointment with a qualified therapist. Options include reflexology, hot stone massage, and Indian head massage, all offered in the comfort of your room.

Step outside, and you are immediately surrounded by Snowdonia's landscapes with mountains, forests, and coastlines all close by. The peaks here are impressive, and hikes up Snowdonia, Cadair Idris, Cnicht, or The Moelwyns give views that stretch across valleys, cliffs, and the coastline. If climbing isn't for you, the national park has hundreds of miles of footpaths, and local guides can help you pick routes straight from the hotel. Cyclists can take on Lon Las Cymru, a route from Anglesey to Cardiff that passes right by the hotel. Golfers have options, too, with courses nearby offering views of the coast or Cardigan Bay.

Families will find plenty to keep kids entertained. Zip World offers ziplines, trampolines, and forest rollercoasters, while the Ffestiniog Railway, one of the oldest independent railways, runs charming steam trains through scenic valleys. The Snowdonia Mountain Railway gives an easier route to the top of Snowdon, and Greenwood Forest Park has rides like the Green Dragon rollercoaster.

Nearby Llechwedd Slate Caverns show the tough life of 19th-century miners, and Edward I’s Castles, Harlech, Caernarfon, and Beaumaris, offer a glimpse into medieval Wales. Bodnant Gardens provide wide views across Snowdonia, and Portmeirion's unusual blend of Welsh and Italian architecture makes it a memorable stop. With adventure, history, and scenic spots so close at hand, the Oakeley Arms lets visitors explore Snowdonia in their own way.

The Oakeley Arms hosts a wide range of private events, from corporate meetings to training days, birthday gatherings, christenings, and funeral luncheons. The hotel offers a choice of spaces suited to different group sizes and needs. It also welcomes coach groups stopping for lunch or a short break, with generous parking for coaches and minibuses. With advance notice, the team can help accommodate specific requirements. For planning details, guests are encouraged to contact the team, who will assist with arrangements and setups.