Palè Hall

Palé Hall is an AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux destination luxury country house hotel. Our acclaimed three rosette and Michelin green star fine dining restaurant features signature dishes from our own head chef, Gareth Stevenson.

Palé Hall is a destination for quiet retreat, comfort and culinary indulgence. Situated in the tranquil Dee valley this grand, historic, high Victorian mansion has an idyllic woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the river. The spectacular Snowdonia National Park is on our doorstep.

The hotel features eighteen luxurious, individually styled bedrooms with sumptuous décor, each with a beautifully appointed bathroom. In addition there are four charming garden suites situated within the estate grounds. Expect to enjoy exceptional standards of service in a friendly, informal and relaxing atmosphere.

Investing in the future
Sustainable and environmentally responsible; these are central principles that guide Palé Hall’s values, business and operational practice. Raising environmental awareness and impact reduction initiatives inform the hotel’s day to day operations at every level.

All of our heads of department are vigilant to new products, emerging techniques and innovations that might contribute to this goal. We are fortunate in having a clean, completely carbon-neutral source of electricity, produced from our own, on-site hydro-electric generating plant.

We recognise that sustainability also means operating in harmony with our location, which extends beyond the natural environment into positive engagement with local suppliers and community. We are always seeking ways to give back to the region and community around us.

Rooms & Suites
Browse our diverse range of 18 stylish bedrooms and 4 garden suites. Our online booking facility makes allocations by Room Type (Classic, Turret, Grand, Master, Superior & Barn). If, rather than a room type allocation, you wish to reserve a specific room please contact the hotel to confirm availability.

Garden Suite Fern
With themed décor inspired by the Welsh countryside, Fern is one of two delightful duplex suites created from a sympathetic restoration of Palé Hall’s original Victorian Coach House.

Downstairs there’s a stylish and comfortable sitting room with cosy electric stove fire. Full-height glass doors open onto a pretty courtyard garden with outdoor seating and tables.

This dog-friendly suite offers tea and coffee making facilities and a small fridge for the convenience of our guests. Upstairs an airy and spacious bedroom is furnished with a superking bed that can be twinned if preferred. The pristine ensuite bathroom features roll-top bath and walk-in shower.

Garden Suite Bracken
Taking inspiration for its themed décor from the Welsh countryside, Bracken is one of two delightful duplex suites created from a sympathetic restoration of the original Victorian Coach House.

The design incorporates a stylish and comfortable sitting room area with cosy electric stove fire, leading out to a pretty courtyard garden with outdoor seating and tables. This dog-friendly suite offers tea and coffee making facilities and a small fridge for the convenience of our guests.

The airy and spacious bedroom above is furnished with a superking bed that can be twinned if preferred. The accommodation is completed with a pristine ensuite bathroom featuring roll-top bath and walk-in shower.

Westminster Suite
Named after the Duke of Westminster who owned Palé Hall in the 1950s and 60s. Westminster is on the ground floor and has a private garden. Light airy décor lifts the spirits while the antique furniture exudes quality.

The bedroom has antique beds that can either be twinned or zipped to an Emperor-sized double, a French Oak wardrobe and antique dressing table. The room has been designed with no compromise on style and luxury.

The beds are of the correct height to facilitate wheelchair transfer and the wardrobe has a lowerable rail. The lounge has a double sofa bed making Westminster an idea family suite for four. Combine this with a luxury bathroom and a fully enclosed private garden. This suite is also dog-friendly.

Westminster has been designed with easy access in mind. The bathroom has discreet rails, a wet area with seating, as well as a roll-top slipper bath.

Caernarfon
Delightful garden-facing room with feature bateaux bath. Caernarfon is a beautiful garden facing room with views of the Berwyn mountains. Decorated in cool shades of cream and grey with a large chrome bateaux bath in the bedroom.

This is a luxuriously appointed room. It has a pale blue and silver bathroom incorporating a large walk-in shower. This room can be configured as either a double or twin upon request.

Fine dining at Palé Hall restaurant
Fine dining, and a commitment to quality and excellence, sits at the heart of what we do. We have been very fortunate in the appointment of Gareth Stevenson as our Head Chef.

Gareth was already experienced, capable and accomplished when he joined us, but since taking the helm at Palé Hall he has truly established his credentials as a rising star.

Like all great chefs Gareth’s food has evolved to become an expression of his own unique vision, creativity and skill, consistently winning praise and acclaim from our guests and reviewers alike. The exquisite creations that emerge from his kitchen form the culinary foundations of the Palé Hall experience.

Building relationships with local farmers, growers, fishermen, food producers and suppliers means that the menus at Palé Hall allow you to discover some of the finest food from our region, always fresh, seasonal, naturally delicious and, of course, responsibly, humanely and organically produced.

Private Dining

We can offer various options for private dining to suit most occasions. You can sit and plan your menu with our chef, pick your wines with our sommelier and allow our team to make that special occasion perfect.

Palé Hall tasting menu
Our fine dining offering is led by our 8-course tasting menu. Experience a sublime culinary journey. Enhance with an accompanying wine flight expertly chosen by our sommelier to complement each course.

Our Dining Options
Palé Hall restaurant is now a theatrical room with a Venetian theme. This room is for family dining where you can dine with your children of any ages from any of the menus, fine dining or bistro.

It can seat up to eighteen as a private dining space. With its crystal chandeliers and Venetian mirrors it’s a magical room. Dinner is served in here from 6.30pm until 9pm (with children until 8pm please).

The Henry Robertson Dining Room is our fine dining restaurant. It is a light and elegant room, and is where we serve afternoon tea and our tasting menu created by our Head Chef Gareth Stevenson. It can be booked for larger private functions and seats fifty comfortably in banquet style.

With its ornate plaster ceilings and marble fireplace this room was designed to impress and is the perfect place for a wedding buffet, a corporate lunch, or a large family gathering. Children are welcome in here for afternoon tea and those over 12 for evening dining.

The Henry Robertson serves Afternoon Tea 3.00-4.30pm and Dinner from 6.30pm. Booking is essential.

The Huntsman Bar & Bistro
Huntsman bars are original highly carved Victorian bars and were a notable brand. We have decided to maintain the name in honour of her heritage. The Huntsman Bar and Bistro is a relaxed space with a warm atmosphere. It offers an extensive bistro menu and is home to our casual dining offering.

The Huntsman is dog friendly (all dogs must be on a lead and well behaved). Children are welcome to eat here at lunchtime and up to 7.30pm.

Walk in guests are very welcome but it is highly advisable to book a table and please be aware that your table will be offered with a two hour booking slot after which we may require it for a later booking.

Afternoon Tea
Fine quality tea, scones with jam and cream, plus a stacked platter of cakes and sandwiches, served with vintage china, in the exceptional setting of a grand country house.

An afternoon tea at Palé Hall is a special treat and makes an ideal gift idea, a destination for a special occasion or celebration, or just for the sheer joy of it! Our afternoon teas are served daily from 3.00-4.30pm.

Country house wedding venue
We are licensed to perform civil ceremonies, as well as hosting your celebrations and accommodating you and your guests in our eighteen beautifully appointed bedrooms plus four Garden Suites.

With elegant and atmospheric interiors, delightful gardens and breathtaking views, Palé Hall’s setting alone will enhance your special day, at any time of the year.

Into the mix add our famously warm and welcoming hospitality together with the exceptional quality of the food from our AA 3-rosette kitchen and the perfect event is assured.

Corporate services
Palé Hall provides a luxurious and comfortable setting for smaller company meetings, corporate away-days, team building, rewards programme events, or press launches.

Enjoy exceptional food from our award-winning kitchen during the day and then, for your evening with us, discover the delights of our fine dining restaurant with a 3-course bespoke menu, complemented with an outstanding wine list.

Private dining can be arranged to suit your requirements, with a bespoke menu devised for you by our Head Chef Gareth Stevenson.

There are a wide range of activities available both on-site, including archery and falconry displays, while nearby Bala offers diverse experiences such as beginners’ sailing, white water rafting, go-karting or a variety of other adventurous pursuits.

All set amongst the magnificence of the Snowdonia national park landscape. We can eliminate any stress by planning and hosting your corporate meeting or event, creating a package tailored to fulfil your exact requirements.

North Wales destinations & activities
North Wales and the Snowdonia national park are renowned for the beauty and majesty of the landscape but there’s much else besides for the visitor to see and do in this region. Here are some of the destinations that are popular with Palé Hall’s guests.

Mount Snowdon
The jewel in the crown of the national park. With its famous rack-and-pinion railway service that climbs the 4.7 miles to the summit there are also many well-laid and established walking routes for the more actively inclined.

There is a café and visitor centre at the summit. The highest point in Wales, on a clear day you can enjoy truly breath-taking views across the landscape, with even the coast of Ireland being visible.

Coastal resorts
If you’re fond of sand dunes and salty air … There are many charming seaside towns with safe, sandy beaches that make for great days out. Notable destinations include Barmouth, Aberdovey, Harlech, Conwy and Llandudno, with many other wilder and more remote options along many miles of dramatic coastline.

Portmeirion
Unique and enchanting Italian-influenced architectural marvel beside the Afon Dwyryd estuary. Portmeirion is an entire village conceived and created from the singular vision of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis over a period of fifty years between 1925-1975. Globally famous as the location for ‘The Village’ in cult 1960s TV series ‘The Prisoner’.

Castles
Wales boasts an extraordinary number of historic buildings but perhaps none demonstrate the depth of its history so strikingly as its many castles. Venturing forth from Palé Hall you’re spoilt for choice with such exceptional examples as Harlech, Beaumaris, Conwy, Chirk, Caernarfon within easy reach.

Historic steam railways & canals
Palé Hall’s origins are closely entwined with the Victorian-era railway boom, the house built as a private residence by Sir Henry Robertson, the industrialist and railway entrepreneur responsible for much of north Wales’s C19th steam infrastructure. Palé Hall’s entrance portico depicts a steam locomotive in its fresco stonework.

Robertson was instrumental in creating the Dee Valley line, which now survives as one of the region’s best-preserved heritage lines: the Llangollen Steam Railway. This heritage steam society operates a daily service using spectacular working steam locomotives and historic rolling stock.

Llangollen station itself is a remarkably preserved time capsule, commanding a magnificent location beside the River Dee. An engaging experience for any visitor, it’s one that’s sure to delight any historic railway enthusiast.

Other destinations on north Wales’ rail and industrial heritage trail include the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland railway and the spectacular Chirk railway viaduct (another of Robertson’s engineering legacies) that sits parallel to Thomas Telford’s equally dramatic canal aqueduct. Another engineering marvel worth visiting is Telford’s magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site.

Bala Lake Railway
Operating a collection of narrow gauge steam trains (originally slate quarry locomotives) on 4.5 miles of track running directly alongside the lake shore, culminating in a charming period station at Llanuwchllyn.

The line itself was first installed in 1868, fell to the Beeching axe in 1965, but was reopened in 1972 by the Bala Lake Railway, an active volunteer group. A delightful, relaxing experience and a great way to see Bala Lake.

Bala Lake watersports
For those in search of active pursuits Bala Lake offers sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking.

And should you feel the need for an even more adventurous experience there’s also the Bala-based National White Water centre who provide canoeing and rafting experiences on the Tryweryn river’s challenging rapids.

Betwys-y-Coed
The picturesque charms of this village, nestling in a dramatic valley setting and astride the convergence of three rivers, have earned it the title of the gateway to Snowdonia. Sitting among deeply wooded valleys, with river walks and spectacular waterfalls, it’s clear why Betwys-y-Coed is such a draw and an enduringly popular destination; a must for any sightseeing tour. Great for shopping too, with gifts, crafts and local produce, as well as many cafés, restaurants and pubs.

Bodnant Garden
First established in 1874 and now under the stewardship of the National Trust, the 80 acre Bodnant Garden is a sublime destination, home to an extraordinary collection of plants and trees from around the world, together with some notable landscape and architectural features.

E-bike Hire
We can highly recommend E-bike Eryri for hire of electric bicycles. Located in the town of Bala, just three miles away, Ben can provide Ebikes for a great day’s adventure, and even better, he will bring the bikes to you.

North Wales has beautiful scenery and what better way to explore what the area has to offer than to do it on a bicycle? Better still, one with electric pedal assistance to help you on your way.

Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park
Continuing the active theme, mountain biking enthusiasts will relish the forest trails at this dedicated mountain bike facility. Waymarked trails cater for every experience level and there’s bike hire available on site too. There’s a café as well as adventure play areas for the kids.

Karting at Glan Y Gors circuit
The Glan Y Gors Park kart track is only a few miles from Palé Hall. This is a large, premier-class outdoor circuit that plays host to the British Karting Championships.

With their own fleet of Honda-powered Biz karts available to hire they offer arrive-and-drive sessions, available to all from age 9+, with no previous experience or additional equipment required to participate.

Zip world & Zip Fforest
Still seeking more excitement? Then you won’t go wrong with the ‘zip line capital of the world‘, including the world’s fastest and longest zip runs among other astonishing zip riding opportunities. Fly over quarries, through forests or even underground caverns. Plenty of adventures for the younger family members too.

Expertly guided tours
Discover the scenery, history and culture of north Wales. Relax and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of north Wales, travelling in comfort by luxurious executive mini-bus with driver.

Select from the suggested itineraries below for a memorable day experiencing the best of north Wales’s varied and spectacular landscape, charming towns and historic castles, and the region’s extraordinary industrial heritage.

The Best of North Wales
Starting at Palé Hall and heading to Barmouth before taking in the magnificent Barmouth to Harlech coastline with panoramic views across to Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. Into Harlech to visit to Harlech castle and perhaps lunch with views of coast, castle and Snowdon.

Then on to Portmeirion for a visit to the ornate village before driving up through Beddgelert/Nant Gwynant with its panoramic viewpoints of Snowdon. Return to Palé Hall via Betws Y Coed.

North Wales Castles
A tour focused upon history but also travelling through some of the most beautiful scenery North Wales has to offer. Palé Hall to Harlech Castle taking in the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and Cardigan Bay Coast.

Quick break for morning coffee before heading through the centre of Snowdonia to Caernarfon castle. Lunch in Caernarfon and then along the beautiful North Wales coastline passing the Menai Straight to Conwy castle. From Conwy back to Palé Hall via Betws Y Coed.

Hidden Gems of North Wales
Crossing the Mawddach Estuary via the 19th century wooden Penmaenpool Toll Bridge and on to the first stop at the secret Chapel in the Sand Dunes. (including one of the quietest beaches in North Wales with outstanding views across to Snowdonia.)

Then on to Harlech with some of the best views in North Wales. It’s then a short trip to our secret beach where the more energetic can take a walk across the estuary to the secret hot pools.

With views directly onto Portmeirion and Snowdon, this beach/estuary never gets more than 20 visitors even on a bank holiday. Head home via the scenic Dwryd Estuary and the little known rugged moorland road from Ffestiniog to Llyn Celyn.

Llangollen & North East Wales
Heading east up the beautiful Dee Valley to Chirk and the famous twin viaduct and aqueduct. Here Sir Henry’s viaduct carries his railway line over the Ceiriog Valley alongside Thomas Telford’s aqueduct.

We then head back west to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site where Thomas Telford’s most famous work of architecture carries the Llangollen Canal 128 feet over the River Dee.

Here you can walk over the highest canal-carrying aqueduct in the world (the brave can even paddle over in a Canadian canoe). Then we head off to Llangollen, the bustling little town where ‘’Wales welcomes the world’’.

Sir Henry was responsible for creating the Dee Valley railway line which now survives as one of Britain’s best preserved scenic heritage railway lines. The Dee Valley line has its base at Llangollen Station where you can take the 11 mile ride up the valley to Corwen and back.

You’ll have the afternoon free in Llangollen to do what you like. You could take a ride on the heritage railway, take a canal boat trip up the scenic Llangollen canal, go white water rafting on one of the best sections of white water in Britain, take a hike up to the 12th century Castell Dinas Bran that towers over the town or just take in the town’s shops, coffee culture and delightful natural setting.

Coarse angling & fly fishing experiences
Palé Hall is the perfect base for fishing enthusiasts, with this area of North Wales offering a wealth of opportunities for both the novice and experienced angler.

From coarse fishing on the great Bala Lake to fly fishing for wild brown trout on small mountain lakes and streams; it can all be experienced here in the beautiful Dee Valley.

The river Dee is renowned as one of the finest grayling rivers in Europe, having played host to several high profile international events in recent years. Both grayling and brown trout are regularly caught on the ‘Guided wild fly fishing’ packages that can be arranged.

Salmon and sea trout are also present in numbers on the river Dee and, at certain times of the year, offer great sport for the more accomplished angler.

We hold five season tickets for Bala & District Angling Association waters (Upper Dee, Bala Lake, Llyn Cwmprysor, River Tryweryn, Llafar, Llyn Maes y Clawdd). The best time of year for fishing is 1st March – 7th October, with August the best time for salmon and June great for grayling.

A local, knowledgeable guide can point you in the right direction and advise on your technique to ensure your best chances of success. Let us know your requirements and we’ll do our best to help you organise a truly memorable fishing experience.

North Wales Great Driving Routes
North Wales is famous for its dramatic, wild and rugged landscape. It’s also well-known for offering some of the most engaging driving roads in the British Isles. Though by no means an exhaustive list, below are some suggested routes for the keen driver to explore.

Whilst many of these roads are often quiet and relatively traffic-free that doesn’t mean they’re not policed. These routes include some challenging sections that can catch out the unwary. Please exercise caution, restraint, respect the speed limits and stay safe when driving in North Wales.

Route 1: Bala-to-Bala loop (approx. 60 miles)

Starting from Bala town begin on the A4212 before turning right onto the B4391. Follow the B4391 to Ffestiniog. From there join the A470 towards Blaenau Ffestiniog, following it north until it eventually joins the A5 (for Llangollen) at Bro Garmon.

Turn right and stay on the A5 towards Corwen. At Pont Corwen, take a sharp right turn onto the B4401 towards Llandrillo. Continue on the B4401 until finally turning left by The Bryntirion Inn and returning to the gates of Palé Hall.

Route 2: Palé Hall to Lake Vyrnwy (approx. 27 miles)

Not the quickest route to Lake Vyrnwy but an exceptionally scenic and entertaining drive. Turn right out of the gates of Palé Hall and then left at the T-junction, joining the B4391. You’re immediately into a series of challenging hairpins as the road climbs up out of the valley.

After crossing high, open heathland the road then clings to the edge of a spectacular valley, descending into the village of Llangynog. Continue to follow the B4391 to Llanfyllin where you turn right onto the B4393 towards Llanwyddyn (also sign-posted for Lake Vyrnwy).

At Lake Vyrnwy you can drive across the top of the impressive dam and follow the road as it loops around the lake (actually a reservoir) before re-tracing the route to return to Palé.

Route 3: Snowdonia lakes, valleys & mountains (approx. 53 miles)

This one is probably a full day out. Starting from Bala town take the A4212 and follow until it joins the A470 at Trawsfynydd. Continue on the A470 until it meets the A487 (towards Porthmadog). Continue on the A487 until taking a right turn (by the Oakeley Arms Hotel) onto the B4410.

Continue on the B4410 until it eventually meets the A498 at a T-junction – turn right onto the A498. Continue on the A498 (turning right after crossing the river at Beddgelert to stay on the A498).

After approximately 7.5 miles take a left turn onto the A4086 (signed for Caernarfon and Llanberis). The A4086 runs along the dramatic Pen-y-pass valley, eventually arriving in Caernarfon, a great destination in its own right, with one of Wales’s famous castles.

Route 4: The Horseshoe Pass (approx. 44 miles)

Starting from Palé Hall turn left out of the gates then right onto the B4401 to Corwen. At Pont Corwen turn right onto the A5 to Llangollen. At Llangollen turn left onto Castle Street, crossing the river bridge and then taking a left off the bridge onto the A542.

The road now begins a long ascent into the Horseshoe Pass, affording spectacular views. Passing the Ponderosa Café at the summit follow the road on down to the roundabout then take the first exit (left) onto the A5104.

This road briefly joins the A494 before returning you to the A5. Turn left onto the A5 (towards Corwen). Shortly after crossing the river take the right turn onto the B4401 (to Llandrillo) which will bring you back to Palé Hall.

Website: www.palehall.co.uk

Rooms: 22

Price: from 290 EUR per night