NORTH WALES - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 743

photographs) of the staff, each eulogized with its own substantial poem and hung
proudly in the Servants' Hall.
Wrexham (2 miles south of the center off the A483, junction 3). & 01978/355314. www.nationaltrust.
org.uk/erddig. Admission house and gardens £9.35 adults, £4.70 children 5-16, £23 family; gardens and
outbuildings only £6.10 adults, £3.05 children, £15 family. House mid-Mar-Oct daily 12:30-4:30pm (free
tours also at 11:30am and noon); gardens and outbuildings Mar-Oct daily 11am-5:30pm, Nov-Dec daily
11am-4pm, Jan-mid-Feb Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Bus: 2 from Wrexham to Felin Puleston (6 min.) then walk
(1 mile) through park.
Where to Eat & Stay
The Hand at Llanarmon You'd be hard pressed to find a more peaceful
setting than the tiny village of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, in the upper reaches of the
unspoiled Ceiriog Valley, where the Hand has established itself as a first-rate eat-and-
stay destination for foodies and discerning walkers. All the hotel's simply decorated
units have some pleasant rustic touches, but Character Rooms, with bigger beds and
decor more in keeping with the traditions of this former coaching inn, are worth the
extra £20.
The restaurant's menu sticks largely to gastropub classics, but delivers them with
panache using the very best ingredients from local suppliers, including Ceiriog trout
and pies from McArdles of Chirk. Main courses range from £9 to £20.
Llanarmon DC, Ceiriog Valley, Llangollen LL20 7LD. www.thehandhotel.co.uk. & 01691/600666.
13 units. £90-£127 double. Rates include Welsh breakfast. MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar; Wi-Fi (free). In room: TV, hair dryer.
Tyddyn Llan Set on the fringe of the Berwyn Mountains, this elegant
manor with extensive private grounds has been converted into a restaurant along with
accommodations that successfully combines Georgian exclusivity with modern hos-
pitality. Rooms are traditionally and individually decorated, with leather seating and
period furniture.
The fine-dining, Michelin-starred restaurant usually features an inventive
menu stuffed with local ingredients such as Welsh Black beef, local organic pork, or
foraged ceps; the two-course menu costs £42 (£50 for three courses), and is open to
non-guests. Reservations are essential.
Llandrillo, Denbighshire LL21 0ST. www.tyddynllan.co.uk. & 01490/440264. Fax [phone]
units. £150-£240 double; £300 suite. Extra child bed £30. Rates include Welsh breakfast. MC, V. Free
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; babysitting; Wi-Fi (free). In room: TV/DVD, CD player, hair dryer,
movie library. Tyddyn Llan Bus: X94 from Wrexham (70 min.).

19