March 20th is the annual International Day of Happiness. Since 2012 this day has been celebrated across the world to remind people to be happy, spread happiness and share happiness, in order to create a happier world! Experts have long known that personal happiness contributes to greater well-being, life satisfaction and even life expectancy. But surprisingly,…

So, there we were, happily munching our way through our “5-a-day”, and secretly enjoying an excuse to chomp on something – albeit an apple or pear, or if we’re feeling really exciting, some red grapes. And not even the kids have spotted the hidden veggies in their favourite pasta sauce. And then they change the…

The Penderyn Whisky Distillery, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales is finally putting Welsh whisky back on the map. It is the only distillery in Wales, and the unique taste of the whisky that is produced there is certainly holding its own against its better known Scottish and Irish cousins. Just…

As Storm Doris (read our previous blog post for the reasons behind the UK’s interesting storm names!) is hitting the UK towards the end of this week, coastal regions being particularly at risk – we take a closer look at how to stay safe in a storm (apart from not going out and hiding under…

Happy New Year to all our lovely blog readers! We hope you had a wonderful festive time. To celebrate the beginning of 2017, which is the Year of Legends in our lovely little country, today we’ll explore one of the most wonderful legends in Wales – the tale of Cantre’r Gwaelod (which literally translates as…

Hands up who loves a Christmas pud? And who can leave it and leave it and leave it thank you very much, none of that for me…. In an age of chocolate caramel middle-melting puddings and pistachio and chilli cakes, the Christmas pudding isn’t exactly fashionable, but it is timeless. Love it or hate it,…

It is a tale of mystery and intrigue; of passion and adultery; of balancing national peace with courageous morals and of the search for a cure for all ills and eternal happiness. You would be forgiven for thinking that these are the ingredients of a modern story, but with the small addition of a wise…

Today on the Oakeley blog we’re continuing our journey through the legends of Wales, with a look at one of the most legendary tales and characters of all time – the story of the Welsh Dragon, or yr Ddraig Goch. These days, the dragon is used to identify all sorts of Welsh things – from our…

For those of us that are counting, there are just 17 little days left until Christmas Day. 17! Are you organised and calm, or are you running around like a headless chicken? Or should that be turkey? Because over the festive period the UK will be chomping their way through 10 million turkeys, with 76%…

Our regular blog readers will know that we love a good walk here at the Oakeley Arms, and we truly believe that right here in the heart of Snowdonia, there’s no better place for an amble, walk, stroll, hike, hill climb or mountain trek. Walkers can choose from glorious coastal scenery, wide open beaches, mighty…