Penlan

Penlan sits in quiet woodland in an elevated position just above Beddgelert, a short walk from the village centre yet wonderfully private. Affectionately known as ‘Rupert Bear’s Cottage’ — the illustrator of the Rupert Bear stories lived here from 1956 to 1986 — it remains a charming, characterful base for a family of five and their dog in the Snowdonia National Park.

A detached woodland cottage with a storybook past

This detached cottage has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five, with a comfortable sitting room, a well-equipped kitchen and that lovely elevated woodland setting just three hundred metres from the heart of Beddgelert. It is a real favourite — the high guest-review count speaks for a cottage people come back to again and again — combining genuine character with a peaceful, private spot above the village.

Characterful and dog-friendly

With its storybook history, woodland setting and welcome for a dog, Penlan is a lovely base for a family who want privacy and character close to one of the prettiest villages in Wales. The short downhill walk into Beddgelert means everything is easily reached on foot.

At a glance

• Sleeps 5 — two bedrooms
• Detached, in elevated woodland above the village
• Only 0.3 miles from the centre of Beddgelert
• Dog-friendly; WiFi; well-reviewed
• The former home of Rupert Bear’s illustrator

Where it is

Beddgelert is one of the prettiest villages in Wales, set where two rivers meet beneath the mountains, and Penlan sits in woodland just above it, a short downhill walk from the centre. You can browse more places to stay across the area on our Snowdonia accommodation page.

Things to do nearby

From Penlan you can walk down into Beddgelert in minutes and pick up the riverside paths to Gelert’s Grave and the National Trust’s Aberglaslyn Pass. The village is a hub for the Welsh Highland Railway, a short drive from the Sygun Copper Mine, and the quiet southern approaches to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) start nearby at Nantgwynant. Children love the steam trains and the legend of the faithful hound Gelert; grown-ups love the pubs and the scenery. Porthmadog’s beaches are around twenty minutes away.

Who it suits

With its storybook past, woodland setting and welcome for a dog, Penlan suits families who want a characterful, private base just above Beddgelert. Children will love the Rupert Bear connection and the steam trains, while walkers appreciate being so close to the village and the mountain paths.

Good to know

The elevated woodland setting gives real privacy and birdsong, yet the heart of Beddgelert is just a short downhill walk away. The cottage’s storybook history and high guest-review count make it a much-loved choice, so booking ahead is wise. The two bedrooms and comfortable sitting room suit a family of five well, and the woodland setting offers privacy and birdsong just minutes from the village pubs and the steam railway. Booking is handled by Sykes Holiday Cottages — use the Book button on this page for live availability and the latest prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does it sleep? Five, in two bedrooms.

Are dogs allowed? Yes — Penlan is dog-friendly.

Is it far from the village? No — about a third of a mile, a short downhill walk.

What is the storybook connection? It was the home of the Rupert Bear illustrator from 1956 to 1986.

What is nearby? Gelert’s Grave, the Aberglaslyn Pass, the Welsh Highland Railway and Snowdon.

Penlan is a charming, dog-friendly choice for a family break above Beddgelert. Booking is handled by Sykes Holiday Cottages — use the Book button for live availability and the latest prices.