Craig y Nos Castle Hotel

This castle makes a fantastic venue for parties, and get-togethers throughout the year. Craig Y Nos is a unique location for any event, with magnificent opportunities for walks and stunning views over the Country Park, the River Tawe and our own listed gardens.

Craig y Nos Castle has excellent conference, wedding and banqueting facilities catering for small parties of five or ten up to larger gatherings of two hundred. All the comforts of the castle are offered together with a friendly service that will realise your every expectation for a successful event.

Relax by a real log fire in the Patti Bar in the evenings. By day there is loads to do including pony trekking, caving, walking, mountain biking etc.

Accommodation

The Atrium Block, which sleeps up to 42 people, adjoins the castle and has been refurbished to create 21 quality en-suite rooms.

The Nurses Block, can now be booked as an exclusive self catering Apartment, with all mod cons and plenty of room, an area for you and family to rest and play Prices for the whole Nurses Block.

The castle has many diverse guest rooms, including the Music Room with huge Sky television, huge Billiard Room and the quiet, peaceful Patti Bar with real log fire.

History

Craig Y Nos Castle was once the home of the world famous Soprano Madame Adelina Patti, who felt she had found the home of her dreams amid the calm isolation of this beautiful valley. For fifty years she entertained the rich and famous of the era including many of the crowned Kings and Queens of Europe. The castle's name alone strikes a romantic note and in rough translation means 'Rock of the Night'. Edward VII visited Craig-Y-Nos when he was still the Prince of Wales. For 25 years Adelina Patti sang by private invitation for Queen Victoria.

The Grade One listed theatre at the Castle is modeled on the Bayreuth Opera House. Originally designed as a private auditorium where Madame Patti would enthrall all who came to hear her sing, the theatre can seat up to 150 guests.

Recent Guest Comments: "Thanks for the great tour. Our first castle experience and one we'll never forget. Your genuine spirit is lovely. We will definitely be spreading the word - Best of luck with your restorations." Also "Two nights of great hospitality and wonderful surroundings. Very welcoming staff and generous company from Martin and Dave in front of a warm fire. Thoroughly enjoyed the discussions about the history"

Area information

The National Showcaves for Wales, half a mile from Craig-y-Nos Castle - there are many miles of natural limestone caverns under the mountains on both sides of the valley at Craig-y-Nos. Half a mile to the North-West of Craig-y-Nos Castle lies the National Showcave Centre for Wales.

Cefn-yr-Erw Primate Sanctuary, 3 miles - takes in and cares for unwanted primates. These may come from zoos, research labs and other sources, which are no longer prepared, or are unable, to continue caring for them.

Henrhyd falls are a pleasant three mile walk from Craig-y-Nos Castle, on the stream known as Nant Llech at Coelbren in the Swansea Valley. They tumble 90 feet (28 metres) into a steep sided valley which leads the stream to its confluence with the river Tawe at Abercrave.

Local attractions

Brecon - former county town of Brecknockshire, and an important regional centre, Brecon has a long history. It has a castle, a cathedral and an olde-world charm which visitors enjoy. The lovely river Usk flows through the town and there is a promenade with boating and playing fields along the river bank. The town of Brecon is synonymous with the Brecon Beacons, impressive mountains which dominate the local landscape. These give name to the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area specially designated for its outstanding natural beauty. The town is also now famous for its annual Jazz Festival. Brecon Jazz is an annual event and every August people come from all over the World to enjoy three days of non-stop jazz.

Hay-on-Wye, 38 Miles - the little town of Hay (from the Norman French Haie - hedge or enclosure) on the banks of the River Wye is worth a visit even if you are not looking for old books. This is one of the few places in Britain comparatively untouched by the 20th century. Motor traffic is low since most visitors park on the outskirts and enjoy walking the narrow streets and exploring the ancient architecture. Practically every shop is devoted to books and I've found the proprietors to be friendly and helpful. You don't have to be looking for rare first editions, there are plenty of shops where you can pick up reasonably priced modern books. The slightly ruinous Hay Castle dominates the town and has a large old book department of its own. The town also boasts some interesting antique and print shops.

Catering

We are currently refurbishing the Blue Bar to create an a la carte restaurant in the cellar. This is separate from the main function rooms. Until this room is ready, for a wider choice of food and a la carte meals, we actively recommend customers to book a meal at any of our local 'Fab Four': The Gwyn Arms (half a mile), the Penycae Inn (newly opened, smart restaurant, 1 mile), Abercrave Inn (restaurant standard, 2 miles) and The Ancient Briton (pub bar meals, good ale - one and a half miles). Until the cellar restaurant opens, our evening meals are served either in the Nicolini Bar or in the Patti Bar or on busy nights, in the main function room. You can sit round a real log fire which is lit in winter or on cool summer evenings. On Fridays and Saturdays the castle often has private functions on so the Patti Bar and function room are booked out and instead evening meals will be served in the Nicolini Bar or the Blue Bar.