Ffin y Parc Country House & Gallery

The luminous café alone at Ffin y Parc is worth a detour from the A5. The stately manor house sits splendidly in 14 acres of gardens overlooking Snowdonia National Park. Previously used by the council it has been rescued and restored to its former glory by owners Ralph and Roland, who have a passion for 20th-century contemporary art. The gallery has changing exhibitions, including works by the finest Welsh artists, but there’s art in every room here.

Mind suitably nourished, head to the café for sustenance. The menu is simple – sandwiches, quiches, salads and daily specials – the coffee great and homemade cakes widely lauded. There are slouchy leather chairs in the adjoining room, warmed by a log burner with the refined feel of a gentlemen’s club, where you are invited to sit and ruminate on the paintings over your coffee. In the halcyon days of summer you can settle at one of the tables on the lawn to make the most of those glorious views; if the weather is inclement enjoy the Conwy valley panorama from the large airy conservatory.