Did you know that there are almost 700 different types of seaweed to be found along the coast of the UK – that’s nearly two for every day of the week! And it’s true that you can eat seaweed for dinner – humans have been eating seaweed for centuries (like the Welsh delicacy of laverbread)…

Did you know that right here in Wales, we’re harbouring a world first! In 2012, the Wales Coast Path was opened, making Wales the first country in the world to have a walking route that follows every inch of its coastline. It’s possible to meander, wander and explore an incredible 870 miles of some of…

Afternoon Tea was once the realm of Victorian socialites, but it is recently enjoying a dazzling revival.  In the UK a staggering 165 million cups of good old tea are consumed every day. And we don’t stop at just tea for Britain is the home of the traditional Afternoon Tea, a delicious custom that dates…

“Not very long ago” goes the story of Ivor the Engine, “in the top left-hand corner of Wales, there was a railway. It wasn’t a very long railway or a very important railway, but it was called The Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited, and it was all there was.” Ivor the Engine was…

Hands up who loves a bargain in the January sales?! Of course, most of us do! But in this age of the super chain retailer and enormous online internet chains, there’s a slow movement to get back to supporting your local, high street shops. Supporting local shops helps to keep the high street alive –…

Regular blog readers will know how much we love a good walk around beautiful Snowdonia and North Wales here at the Oakeley Arms, but we are also very fond of a good chill on the sofa – especially when it comes to Christmas. Pass us the Quality Street! And if you’re wondering what on earth…

What better way to burn off the Christmas dinner calories than with a bracing Boxing Day walk? It’s that time of year, again; when the country collectively loosens its belt buckles and throws calorie caution to the winter wind. It’s easy to recall the stuffed and bloated feeling each Christmas after another over-sized plateful of…

Every year, thousands of Santas take to the streets to raise money for their favourite charity. Join us as we take part in one of the country’s annual Santa Fun Runs. You’d be forgiven for doing a double take at the sight of almost a thousand berry red Santas huffing, puffing, jogging, walking, ambling and running…

There’s not a lot that will inspire a festive feeling more than a fabulous Christmas Market, and there are dozens taking place up and down the Welsh coast this December. Christmas Markets are a real celebration of all things festive, where you’ll find stalls packed with unique gifts, tempting local produce, quirky winter clothing and…

Last week on the Oakeley blog we featured news of a brand new mountain bike trail that’s opening in Mid Wales, not far from us here at the Oakeley Arms. Well if you’d like to get out and explore Wales on two wheels but are wondering how to get the whole family involved, then read…