Mum says she 'found UK's best beach' in North Wales after moving from England

North Wales Live

5 days ago

A mother who abandoned the"predictability" of English city living to reconnect with her Welsh countryside heritage has revealed the one scenic location in the nation that continues to take her breath away.
Enfys Maloney, 40, had been residing in a modest terraced property in Bedford since 2018 before purchasing an expansive farm and traditional smallholding within Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia) in Wales. It's here where she now enjoys a vastly different existence alongside her husband, Rick, and their two young daughters.
Discussing the relocation, the travel enthusiast revealed to Wales Online: "One of the reasons we came back to Snowdonia is because there's nowhere more beautiful in the world really. We have the beautiful coast, the beautiful beaches and the mountains are just breathtaking."
Yet, when highlighting one particular North Wales destination she would suggest to visitors, she continued: "It is absolutely beautiful to have that rugged rural life but there is another beauty spot here that is often missed and it is a bit of a rare find and a bit of a hidden gem – and that is Portmeirion.
"North Wales is home to some of the best beaches, sights and hidden gems in the UK. I left England, moved back to rural Wales, and found beaches better than anywhere else I found in the UK."
The Italian-inspired Portmeirion Village was actually the brainchild of her architect great grandfather, Clough Williams-Ellis, and it was recently ranked the 13th most vibrant destination globally, surpassing renowned spots across Portugal and Spain.
A survey conducted by consumer group Which? also ranked it as the third best coastal destination in the UK.
The location boasts vibrant and unique architecture, self-catering cottages, a spa, cafés, restaurants, gift shops and a castle.
Enfys explained its appeal: "It is just along the coast nestled between the sea and the mountains and it has a castle, it has the woodlands, it has beautiful beaches, a stunning hotel, you can stay in the accommodation in the hotel, or in the castle, or the village itself, or a self-catering with a hot tub overlooking these beautiful views.
"If I was coming to North Wales I wouldn't want to miss this destination."
Her top tip for visitors is to book a lunch at Castell Deurdraeth, which grants free access to the village. She noted that this is the most cost-effective option as the price of lunch and an entry ticket are roughly equivalent.
She further added: "It is completely child friendly, and then (after lunch) go and explore the woods and there are some incredible trees, like incredible trees, that you can go and look at. There is also a Chinese lake with a beautiful red bridge over it.
"The destination really caters for families and couples who want to go on holiday."
However, Enfys did mention one caveat - it's a dog-free area. But she reassured that there is motor home parking available for campers wishing to visit.
In addition to being perfect for tourists seeking a European atmosphere without the need to board a plane, Enfys utilises Portmeirion Village for business retreats through her company, Sales Training With Enfys.
Portia Jones, a travel writer for Wales Online, recently spent a night at the Portmeirion Hotel. She penned: "Strolling around, it feels like each building has its own personality; some are playful, with bright facades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm.
"This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls."