Plas Efenechtyd Cottage B&B

Marilyn & Dave made us feel welcome straight away, and their knowledge of Northern Wales and beyond was brilliant. The cottage and its grounds are gorgeous, kept in immaculate shape, with easy parking for two or three cars. Inside it's clean, well cared for and decorated with real taste. Breakfast was a treat: we tried the salmon cakes as well as the traditional choices, and the homemade bread and preserves were outstanding. We stayed over the Easter Bank Holiday in 2019. Thank you, Marilyn & Dave. Booking direct through the cottage website is an option, and honestly, it's worth twice the asking price.

The breakfast alone left us full and happy until mid-afternoon, with local eggs and smallgoods alongside homemade bread and preserves. We also found the rooms well appointed, and the hosts were friendly and full of useful tips about the area. The setting is scenic too. I'd happily recommend staying here.

Ruthin was somewhere we'd never been, so we booked after a quick look on Airbnb. Even the Friday drive up the M6 and M54 felt worth it once we arrived. Marilyn and Dave greeted us at the gate, and little lights led through the garden to a front door surrounded by fragrant wisteria. The bird box outside had a webcam, so we could follow a family of blue tits. Their chicks looked close to fledging by the time our short visit ended, and we hoped they were enjoying the place as much as we were. The morning light through the rooms' shared corridor also brought out lovely views and lots of birds. We made good use of our hosts' local suggestions, visiting Ruthin's craft centre, gaol and artist trail, and finding some good places to eat. There was plenty to do, and hunting for the rooftop figures was especially fun. Breakfast was generous and tasty, with eggs from Marilyn and Dave's hens, fish cakes, plenty of buttered toast, and homemade jams and marmalade. We liked the preserves enough to buy some to take home, and the smell of fresh bread had drawn us downstairs in the first place. Our rooms were in a separate wing with their own corridor to the landing. They were spacious, spotless and decorated in a tasteful boutique style with calming colours and lovely fabrics. The bed in our room was large and comfortable. We booked a separate room for our 12-year-old son, who was delighted with his big bed, en-suite, hot chocolate and homemade cookies.

I was only in the area for work, but North Wales is a beautiful, scenic part of the country.