Witchingham B&B: Holyhead's BEST Kept Secret (Stunning Views!)
Witchingham B&B: Holyhead's BEST Kept Secret? Don't Tell EVERYONE! (Plus, My Surprisingly Deep Dive)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Witchingham B&B in Holyhead, and I'm still processing the experience. "Best Kept Secret" they whisper, and after my visit, I'm tempted to agree… though I’m also tempted to shout it from the rooftops, which, by the way, you can see from the ridiculously stunning views. So, how does a B&B earn this kind of hype? Let's break it down, shall we? And trust me, I've broken it down. This is gonna be a long one. Strap in.
First Impressions & "Holy Cow, Those Views!"
Honestly, the website photos don't do the location justice. The views. Oh. My. Word. You're practically perched on a cliff, ready to leap into the Irish Sea. I swear, I spent a good hour on the terrace, just… breathing. It was like my lungs were getting a deep clean. (Terrace – check!) The initial check-in was smooth as butter (thank goodness for Contactless check-in/out these days, I'm a complete germaphobe!), and immediately I was struck by… well, the view. Okay, I said that already. But it deserves repeating. Seriously.
The Accessibility Maze (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Steps)
Now, I need to be upfront: I am a fully able-bodied, step-climbing maniac. So, for me, the stairs were merely a minor inconvenience. But for anyone with mobility issues, Witchingham presents some challenges. There's an Elevator! (PHEW!), but the Facilities for disabled guests are… not explicitly detailed. So, call ahead and inquire because that's ESSENTIAL. (Accessibility – needs more research, but at least there's an elevator.)
The Rooms: Cozy Comfort & Wi-Fi Woes (Sort Of)
My room? Delightful. It was one of the Non-smoking rooms (thank heavens!), cleaned spotless, with what appeared to be Anti-viral cleaning products and a Room sanitization opt-out available. The little things, you know? Like a Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and Complimentary tea after a long day of sea air and exploring. I loved the Blackout curtains – finally, a good night's sleep! Then, the Wi-Fi [free] - it was hit or miss. The signal was, as they say, "variable." I almost had a meltdown, but hey, I survived! (Wi-Fi [free] – kinda, but you might need a data backup plan. And by the way, I could easily use the Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless that they mention!)
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly, But Not Always)
The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid affair. The cooked items weren't amazing, but the other options were decent. I do wish they had an Asian breakfast or something similar to give it a bit more flair. They have Breakfast takeaway service which is an important benefit. There is a Bar, and the menu is pretty varied. (Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast service, Bar – check!)
The Spa: A Missed Opportunity (For Me At Least)
Right. Now, I love a good spa. Witchingham does claim to have some Spa facilities, like a Pool with view and Sauna. I was HYPED. Unfortunately (and this is where the rambling begins), it was closed during my stay. Devastating! I was picturing myself, gloriously relaxed, with a Body wrap and a Massage. Instead, I got… well, I got to look at the view. Which, again, is amazing, but not the same as a body wrap.
Cleanliness & Safety: Is it Safe to Breathe?
YES. Absolutely. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol – they took it seriously. It felt genuinely clean and safe without being clinical. It's like they know what's up in the world.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: The Sea's The Limit?
Holyhead itself is a great place to explore, and Witchingham is in a perfect location. I spent my days doing some Things to do, and then spent my evenings trying to Ways to relax. There's a Fitness center (Gym/fitness). Which, obviously, I didn’t use either (I'm on vacation, people!).
Services and Conveniences: Little Luxuries
From a Concierge to Daily housekeeping, they really have thought of everything. The Luggage storage was a lifesaver.
For The Kids: Babysitting? Maybe?
They have Babysitting service, and I'd probably get a sense of security using it with the amount of effort they go to with their Safety/security feature(s).
The Verdict:
Witchingham B&B is a gem. The views are genuinely breathtaking. The rooms are comfortable. The staff are lovely. The location is ideal for exploring Holyhead and beyond. Okay so maybe everything isn't perfect. But the moments of perfection do pop up.
Bottom line: It's a seriously good place to stay. Just make sure to call ahead and check about the spa situation, and pack a good book for when the Wi-Fi inevitably decides to take a nap. And for heaven's sake, don't tell everyone about it. We want to keep this gem a secret for a little while longer!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Annyeong, Noeul Buan-gun: South Korea's Best Kept Secret!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, TripAdvisor-approved itinerary. This is a WITCHINGHAM B&B (Holyhead, UK) experience, unfiltered, and likely riddled with typos. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival & The Cliffhanger (Literally)
14:00 - Arrive at Holyhead, feel that sea breeze smack you in the face. (Or maybe… it was just a gust? Hard to say. My hair's already a mess, perfect start.) The train journey was a saga of lukewarm coffee and a toddler who really enjoyed kicking the back of my seat. (Little monster, but I survived.) I swear I saw a sheep wearing a raincoat from the window, but maybe that was the caffeine talking.
14:30 - Witchingham B&B Check-In: Okay, first impressions: the B&B is charming, in a "slightly-faded-glory-but-with-buckets-of-character" kind of way. Think floral wallpaper from the 80s and a lingering scent of… well, it's not bad. Just… unique. Met the owner, Brenda. Brenda is a force of nature. She's got a voice that could cut glass and eyes that miss nothing. "Right, dear," she booms, "room 2. Best view in the house!" She wasn't wrong, about the view at least. We're practically perched on the edge of a cliff. I’m not kidding.
15:00 - Unpack, and Breathe. Room 2. The "best view" is, yes, absolutely breathtaking. Cliffs, crashing waves, seagulls squawking like they're personally offended by my presence. This whole landscape is like a wild, unruly painting. The room… it’s clean. Mostly. There’s a small spider in the corner. I've named him "Clifford." Now I guess it's time to get over it.
16:00 - The Cliff Walk (Attempt #1): Brenda, bless her heart, insisted on a walk along the coastal path. "Fresh air'll do you good, dear!" Started off strong. The path is windy; I felt like a ship sailing on a choppy sea. The views are stupendous; the sea a deep, inky blue. Then, disaster. I tripped. Pure clumsiness. No major injuries, just some embarrassment, a bruised ego, and a muddy knee. My pristine hiking boots are now… not. Gave up, wimped out, and retreated to the B&B. Brenda gave me a knowing look as I told her what happened.
18:00 - Drinks at The Harbour Front Pub: A quick pint (or was it two?) down by the harbor. Felt the salt air, watching the boats bobbing. The pub food? Let's just say it was solid. Hearty. Basic. The kind of meal your grandmother would make. The locals were friendly, though. One guy, Dave, kept trying to tell me about his prize-winning turnips? (I think?)
20:00 - Dinner at Witchingham B&B: Brenda's cooking – traditional British fare. Chicken. Roasted potatoes. Gravy that could have set the world on fire. It was surprisingly good, really. And the conversation… Brenda revealed a secret about a ghost who haunts her own bedroom. I'm going to sleep well tonight, you know?
22:00 - Collapse into bed: Bed and the sea breeze has lulled me into a peaceful slumber. Wait, what was that creak? Oh, right… cliffside living. Goodnight.
Day 2: The Lighthouse and a Fishy Situation
08:00 - Wake up, Breakfast: Full English. Brenda’s secret? The bacon is divine. The eggs are… well, the eggs are eggs. There's a whole argument about whether the toast should be white or brown, with Brenda taking a firm stance on the superiority of white bread.
09:00 - South Stack Lighthouse: This is the main event! The lighthouse! The views! Driving out there took forever, but the views from the top of the cliffs are just INSANE. I nearly blew off the edge a few times with the wind. The lighthouse itself is majestic, a solid white sentinel against the churning sea. The climb up the spiral staircase? Brutal. I was panting like a dog! I felt like I was going to die, but the view at the top? Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Felt a very strong "spiritual moment".
11:00 - Back down the stairs: Why is going down harder than going up? My knees are screaming. And I swear, I could smell the sea salt in my hair until I showered.
12:00 - Lunch (or, The Fishy Incident): Decided to try a fish and chip shop Brenda recommended. It was a charming, if slightly rickety, place right on the harbor. I ordered cod and chips. Beautifully battered, crispy fries. Then, tragedy. A rogue seagull swooped down and snatched my fish right out of my hands! Literally. Gone. Vanished. I was left covered in grease and mortified. The staff felt so bad, they gave me extra chips and a sympathetic smile. I, in turn, started an internal war against all seagulls everywhere.
13:00 - Attempted Recovery: Stuck to the chips to avoid further avian attacks and sulked.
14:00 - Exploring Holyhead: A bit of a wander: Walked around the town. It's… small. A bit windswept. Got a few souvenirs (a fridge magnet, of course) and, as I was leaving the gift shop, nearly ran into Dave from the pub and his prize-winning turnips! (Again!)
16:00 - Tea and reflection (at the B&B): Back at the B&B. Just… needed tea. And to process the fish attack. Brenda, predictably, chuckled. Turns out, it happens all the time. “Those gulls are brazen, dear. Brazen.”
17:00 - The Cliff Walk (Attempt #2): I was not going to be defeated by a mere fall! I’ll be damned if I'm going to be stuck in that room all day. This time, I took it slower. I brought a friend, my trusty walking stick. The wind tried to knock me over again, but I stood my ground! I breathed, took in the view. Pure bliss. And I didn't fall this time!
19:00 - Dinner at Witchingham B&B: This time, it was Brenda's famous Shepherd's Pie. (It's an absolute mountain of food. I think I've gained three pounds.) We were talking about the sea, the weather, the ghost, and the seagulls. As the night ended, I felt a sense of warmth I did not realize I had.
21:00 - Bedtime: I'm wrecked, happy, and full. And ready for the ghost to visit, if she so chooses.
Day 3: Departure (and a Promise)
08:00 - Breakfast: More full English! And this time, absolutely no seagulls in sight.
09:00 - Farewell: Said goodbye to Brenda with a hug. I really liked her. The B&B is like stepping back in time, in the best way.
10:00 - Train: Goodbye, Holyhead. You were wild. You were wonderful. You were… well, slightly damp. But I'll be back. I have to see if Dave ever won that prize. And I need to conquer that cliff-walk again, and maybe find the ghost and the perfect fish and chips shop.
Witchingham B&B: Holyhead's BEST Kept Secret (or is it?) - A Seriously Unofficial FAQ
So, Witchingham B&B...is it REALLY that good? I mean, "BEST KEPT SECRET" sounds a bit much, doesn't it?
Okay, look, I'm putting it out there: yeah, *maybe*. But here’s the thing: the "best kept secret" bit? Probably true. Finding Witchingham felt like stumbling upon a pot of gold at the end of a particularly windy, sheep-populated lane. Honestly, the drive *up* the hill nearly gave me a coronary. (My car, not me! I’m good, thanks for asking.) The views though... oh, the views. Spectacular. Especially with a cuppa in hand. I swear, I spent a solid hour just *staring* out the breakfast room window, utterly mesmerized by the sea. And yes, it *is* a bit of a trek up there, but trust me, the payoff is immense. I'd get lost on purpose on a road trip to get those views again.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy? Are the hosts going to judge my questionable fashion choices? (Asking for a friend...ahem.)
Stuffy? Absolutely not! The hosts (I won't name names, but let's just say they're lovely) are the genuine article. They’re friendly, welcoming, and they clearly *love* their B&B. They have this effortless way of making you feel instantly at home. And your fashion? Honestly, they’ve seen worse (I’m guessing, based on my own slightly-too-loud floral shirt that day. Regrets, I have a few...). It's a relaxed, easy atmosphere. Think cozy, not clinical. Definitely not like one of those places you spend the whole time worrying about spilling your Earl Grey on the antique rug. Phew!
The VIEW! Seriously, are they as good as everyone says? Or is it just Instagram hype?
Okay, let's talk about the views. And yes, they're worth the all caps. I'm the first to roll my eyes at Instagram hyperbole, but the photos *don't even do it justice*. Seriously. I spent so much time glued to the window, I think I might need a chiropractor. (That's a joke. Maybe.) You've got sea, sky, boats bobbing around… and on a clear day? Magic. I swear, I saw a rainbow AND a dolphin. I wanted to pinch myself, but I had both hands full of scone. (Priorities, people!) Pure, unadulterated, *breathtaking* magic. The kind that makes you stop breathing for a moment of appreciative wonder. That’s the **real** hype right there.
What about the breakfast? Is it a full English fry-up extravaganza, or something more… continental? (I need my bacon, people.)
Oh, the breakfast. Brace yourselves. It's GOOD. Very, very good. They do the full English, and they *do it right*. Perfectly cooked bacon (crispy, not floppy!), eggs how you like them (I went for over easy, and they *nailed* it!), sausages that actually taste like sausage, and toast you can *actually* butter without it crumbling. Honestly, I've had breakfasts at hotels that were supposed to be "high-end" which weren't half as good as this. There were other options, too – cereals, fruit, the works. But, really, who goes to Wales and doesn't indulge in the bacon? I'm just saying, it would be a crime. A *culinary* crime. A crime against bacon-kind.
Are the rooms comfortable? Nicely decorated? Is it all a bit 'fusty' like some B&Bs?
Comfortable? Yes! Nicely decorated? Absolutely. "Fusty?" HELL NO. (Sorry, my excitement got the better of me there.) The rooms are clean, well-appointed, and feel loved. It's clear the owners have put in a lot of care and effort. They're not overly fussy or pretentious, just comfortable and inviting. I think my room had a proper, real, old-fashioned bed, and the pillows were *divine*. (I may or may not have tried to sneak one home. Don't judge me!) Plus, the fact that I had amazing sea views from my window? That’s a winner, right there. It's a home away from home, but cleaner, brighter, and with infinitely better views than my actual home.
Okay, I'm in! But what if something goes wrong? What if the toilet doesn't flush, or the Wi-Fi is terrible? (Important questions!)
Okay, here's the disclaimer: I can't guarantee perfection. Life rarely is. And yes, the Wi-Fi is fine, but you're not there to stare at a screen, are you? (Go, look at the sea!) In my personal experience, everything worked like a charm. No toilet troubles. Shower was hot. The only "problem" was the aforementioned temptation to steal a pillow. I'm being honest here. If something *did* go wrong, I have a feeling the hosts would sort it out immediately. They seem like that kind of people. They're the type who would probably bake you a cake if you complained. (I might have to test that theory next time, for research purposes, obviously.)
Is there anything…bad about Witchingham? Be honest!
Alright, okay, deep breath. Here's the honest truth: the only *potential* downside... and this is me being *extremely* picky... is the location. It's a *bit* out of the way, but I'm being really honest, it is still close to everything. You are on an island, after all. It's not a problem for me, because the peacefulness is part of the charm. The views from that hill are worth the extra few minutes’ drive. And that's it, my friend. That's the extent of my constructive criticism. I'm reaching, I really am. I'm grasping at straws, because honestly, I LOVED it!
Would you go back?
Would I go back? Oh. My. God. YES. In a heartbeat. I'm practically plotting my return as we speak. I'm already picturing that breakfast, that view, that feeling of utter tranquility. Witchingham isn't just a B&B; it's an experience. It’s a reason to drive to Holyhead, even if you don’t *need* to be there. It’s a little piece of heaven on earth, and it’Sleep Stop Guide
