Of course, you know by now that we think there are loads and loads of brilliant things about the beautiful area where we live and work. Stunning Snowdonia has some of the country’s finest mountains, most beautiful scenery and best beaches…. and that’s to name but a few of the fabulous things you’ll find here.

But, as a bit of fun this Thursday morning, we thought we’d see if we can find out what else Snowdonia is famous for. Or should that be….. WHO else?! After a bit of snooping we found loads of famous people of Snowdonia (or pretty close to!) ….. we think you’ll recognise some of these names and faces!

• Britain’s most brilliant astrologer Russell Grant lives a stone’s throw from us here at the Oakeley Arms
• Welsh opera singer Bryn Terfel was born and raised near Caernarfon

• Lawrence of Arabia (T.E.Lawrence) was born in Tremadog
• Pop singer Duffy grew up on the edge of Snowdonia on the Llyn Peninsula

• One of the 20th century’s most famous architects, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis lived and worked here. His most famous “project” was the village of Portmeirion
• Contestant on the 2005 series of X-Factor, Chico Slimani lived in Llanystumdwy near Criccieth, for a while
• Britain’s last Liberal Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, also grew up in Llanystumdwy. His family home there is now a museum
• Bryn Fon, a Welsh actor and pop star was born, and still lives, near Caernarfon.
• Not quite Snowdonia, but TV personality Carol Vorderman moved to Prestatyn as a baby
• World War I poet and national hero Hedd Wyn
• The footballer Wayne Hennessey was born in Bangor.

And there must be something in the lovely island air of Anglesey, because a huge number of famous faces were born and bred there. TV presenter and singer Aled Jones grew up there, as did radio broadcaster Hywel Gwynfryn. Comedienne Dawn French was born there and musician “Lemmy” from band Motorhead moved there as a child. Sir Kyffin Williams the painter was raised there, as was the lead singer of the Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys. Conservative politician Iain Duncan-Smith went to school on Anglesey and Hollywood actress Naomi Watts grew up there too. And let’s not forget that it was the home of Prince William and his wife Kate for a few years while William served in the RAF at Valley.

So, we thank goodness for the clean air, the mountain water and the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia that have inspired these famous faces over the years. We wonder how many more Snowdonia celebs we’ll see in the future!