Hands up who loves a deliciously cold and smooth pint of cider? Even better if it’s locally produced and made with love! We’re big fans of cider here at the Oakeley Arms, and you’ll find some great choices of Welsh and craft cider available from the bar. The humble apple is a wonderful British icon,…

Today, the canals of Wales are ideal leisure spots, but it wasn’t always that way. The canals once provided crucial transport links for industry at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Join us this month as we discover the secrets of the canals of Wales.  When steam trains thundered into Wales in the early 19th century they…

The lighthouses scattered along the Welsh Coast aren’t only icons of coastal life; they have a long and fascinating history. The tall and elegant custodians of Britain’s shores that dot the coastline are unmistakable traditional coastal icons. The lighthouse holds a classic air of maritime magic to the many who admire them from a distance;…

It’s no coincidence that January is known as the most depressing month of the year….. Christmas is over, many people are feeling the financial effects of over-spending, the weather is cold and wet, the days are short and the long lazy days of summer and holidays seem like a lifetime away. But don’t worry, we’ve…

“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…

So, who here made some New Year’s resolutions this year? Eat less, move more, eat lentils, drink water, stop smoking, walk to work……….. all the usual? Well, there’s one remarkable Welshman who had a slightly different mission this year, and one that makes my resolution to eat more curly kale seem a little insignificant! Just…

Last week, the subject of our blog post was the wonderful RSPB charity, which is dedicated to looking after and conserving the country’s birds and wildlife. The charity is very well known for its work with the bird life of Britain, but did you know that they also look after many thousands of acres of…

Last week on the Oakeley blog, we featured the brilliant RPSB charity for birds and wildlife. Did you know that the RSPB manage several nature reserves in Wales? And here’s a walk around one of the local ones to us here at the Oakeley Arms. Enjoy this lovely Barmouth RSPB Walk – at the Mawddach…

Dotted along the Welsh Coast are several RSPB Nature Reserves. These important conservation areas provide safe habitats for a huge variety of birds, insects and wildlife.  The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is one of Britain’s most recognisable charities. For over 100 years it has worked tirelessly to protect, preserve and promote…

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 –…