Some of these places have deep roots in history, while others are more recent. But what they all have in common is that they have a story to tell - and you can spend the night.
So whether it's a holiday, a honeymoon or a short stay, you can enjoy a small slice of Welsh history at these inns, hotels and country houses.
Read more: 21 one-off places to stay in Wales for a truly memorable trip
1. Bodysgallen Hall and Spa, Llandudno
Remarkable inside and out, Bodysgallen Hall has a history that goes back hundreds of years. The oldest part of the house is believed to date from the late 13th century but it was during the 16th and 17th centuries that the house came to look like it still does today.
Inside, the feeling of having stepped back to post-Elizabethan times continues, with fireplaces, drawing rooms and coats of arms. Spacious bedrooms with huge beds look out through mullioned windows over stunning 18th century walled gardens.
If you fancy some pampering, there's a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa treatments available (as well as a gym for the more energetic).
The fine-dining restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes and serves everything from afternoon tea to Sunday lunches.
Visit: www.bodysgallen.com
2. Dolbelydr, Denbighshire
The Landmark Trust say Dolbelydr is to be treasured for two reasons. Not only is it a fine example of a 16th century, stone-built manor house but it was also where Henry Salesbury (1561-c 1605) wrote his Grammatica Britannica, published in 1593, which was one of the first attempts to impose formal grammar on the Welsh language.
The house declined in status until it was only accessible by walking on stilts across the nearby river before it was restored by the Landmark Trust.
Visit the website to book.
3. Pale Hall, Bala
Rich in history - Queen Victoria once stayed there - and standing on the edge of Snowdonia National Park the Grade II listed Palé Hall has been redeveloped by its new owners.
The house was built in 1871 by railway engineer, MP and landowner, Henry Robertson, who owned a substantial estate with shooting rights over the surrounding valley and hillsides.
Palé, which is Grade II* listed, replaced a manor house that stood on the site for several centuries.
There are 18 guest bedrooms and suites which have been transformed and individually designed with their own style and personal identity.
Their luxurious Churchill suite, [where Churchill himself stayed], is sure to dazzle guests with its four-poster bed, marble-lined bathroom, wood panels, vaulted ceiling, and stained glass roof lights.
This regal room is also dog-friendly if you want to spoil your dog with a swanky and historic stay near Snowdonia.
Visit: Pale Hall
4. Mansion House, Llansteffan
Beautiful Mansion House has a stellar reputation as a lush wedding venue in Carmarthenshire, but did you know this hotel also has a long history
Set in five acres of romantic hilltop gardens the Mansion House is located just minutes from the coastal village of Llansteffan and is a scenic spot for a historic weekend break in Carmarthenshire.
The mansion’s origins are Georgian and their website reports that it was built around 1820 but much of what you see today is the work of Victorian owner John Richards, a local dairy farmer who made his fortune from distributing milk from West Wales to England.
Many of the features he installed during his ownership remain intact – including an impressive stained glass window over an ornate staircase. Since the 1970s, the mansion and its five acres has been successfully run as a wedding, dining venue and hotel.
Visit: Mansion House
5. Y Beudy, Elan Valley
Optimum Dark Sky accommodation in the Elan Valley can be found at rustic Y Beudy, the lower part of Llannerch y Cawr Longhouse.
This rustic Grade II* longhouse dates right back to the 16th century and is a perfect, rural stargazing spot in the Cambrian Mountains.
Y Beudy would historically have been the livestock end of the Longhouse and as such a first floor was inserted in the late 16th or early 17th century.
The property also includes stunning authentic features such as cobbled and flagstone flooring, beamed ceilings, timber structuring and even bats in the roof space!
Guests should know that it's in a very remote location and is off-grid, using generator power, there is no phone signal or wifi at the property allowing you to truly get away from everything.
Visit: Y Beudy
6. Llanthony Hotel, Llanthony
The small country inn is located next to the Llanthony Priory which was built by Augustinian monks in the 12th century.
Sitting in the garden is like stepping back in time, situated at the foot of the Black Mountains in the Honddu Valley, far up the Vale of Ewyas.
The rooms are comfortable but basic and furnished in a manner suited to a 12th-century priory, including four poster or half tester beds. They have no en-suite facilities (in fact, no plumbing at all) but there are two fully fitted shower rooms situated on the first floor.
There's no TV or wi-fi so this is the perfect escape from the modern world - and who needs modern gadgets when you've got such stunning countryside to explore?
Visit the website to book.
7. Gliffaes Country House Hotel, Crickhowell
The Gliffaes’s long private drive takes you through an exceptional collection of over 100 specimen trees that set the scene for a restful, refined retreat.
Inside the late 19th-century house, there’s wood panelling and ornate mouldings, high ceilings and fireplaces, modern art and plump, creamy, comfy sofas. It's also a famous trout and salmon fishing hotel, with over a mile on the River Usk that flows alongside.
From rooms with stunning views of the gardens and arboretum to the four-poster bedroom, there is something for everyone at this luxury hotel.
In the fine dining restaurant, you can order dishes made with local seasonal produce, including afternoon tea.
Details:www.gliffaeshotel.com
8. Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire
Roch Castle was built by Norman knight Adam de Rupe in the second half of the 12th century, probably as one of the outer defences of 'Little England', or Landsker, the unmarked border which for centuries separated English and Welsh areas of Pembrokeshire.
Sitting high above the landscape offering panoramic views over St Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills, all six luxury bedrooms have views of the coast or countryside.
You can book Roch Castle, here.
9. Hotel Portmeirion, Porthmadog
Portmeirion village, located near Porthmadog, just outside the Snowdonia National Park boundaries, looks something out of a Fairytale.
This popular tourist village is found on the southern shoreline of Snowdonia where guests can experience the best of Welsh hospitality in a whimsical, Italian style setting.
Their flagship hotel, Hotel Portmeirion, has been expertly converted from an old Victorian villa into a chic stay.
it was opened in 1926 by village creator Clough Williams-Ellis to much fanfare. The hotel has undergone refurbishments over the years to modernise its style while retaining some of the original features.
The Grade II-listed hotel is also famous for being the place where English playwright Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in 1941.
Visit: www.portmeirion-village.com
10. West Blockhouse, Pembrokeshire
The West Blockhouse was built in 1854-7. This along with three other forts were built at the mouth of the haven: on Thorn Island, Stack Rock Island and Dale Point.
The Landmark Trust say it was intended that these forts’ artillery would de-mast any enemy ships before they reached the docks.
The West Blockhouse was to see more use in the 20th century during the two World Wars than in the 19th.
In WWI West Blockhouse Battery was designated a Counter Bombardment Battery although it never saw action.
The Landmark Trust explain: "In 1939 the battery was once again manned in earnest and German bombardment of Pembroke Dock began in July 1940, followed by the laying of aerial mines, increasingly effective despite the laying of a boom across the mouth of the haven.
"After the war, the fort was used for a while for Territorial Army exercises but finally closed formally in 1956. The fort remained in MOD ownership although the land around was sold."
Visit the website to book.
11. Monkton Old Hall, Pembrokeshire
The Old Hall dates from 1400 when it was probably the guest house of a small priory outside the walls of Pembroke.
The Landmark trust explains: "Hospitality was one of the requirements laid down in the Benedictine Rule, and in the days before inns became common, but when a surprising number of people in fact travelled, the monasteries were almost the only place where they could be sure of a night’s lodging."
Monkton Old Hall sleeps seven and prices can be found on the website.
Visit the website to book.
12. Clytha Castle, near Abergavenny
For William Jones, Clytha Castle, in Monmouthshire, was to become his personal sanctuary – a refuge from the pain associated with his wife’s death in 1787.
Jones lavished the same attention to detail on the castle’s interiors as he did the building itself – quality stone was brought from Bath travelling via barges and wagons.
The castle had been derelict before the Landmark Trust took over in 1973
Click here to book.
13. Hywel Sele Lodge near Dolgellau
The lodge forms part of the Nannau estate, which Hywel Sele owned.
He was the cousin of the last native Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr, and it was apparently on this land in 1404 that Hywel Sele attempted to shoot an arrow at his relative because he disagreed with his revolt against English rule. But Owain Glyndwr was saved by a coat of mail and he killed Hywel Sele.
The lodge itself is thought to have been built between 1794 and 1818 by Sir Robert Vaughan.
Visit the website to book.
14. The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny
The Skirrid Mountain Inn dates back to at least 1100 and convicts were hanged in its stairwell during its dark medieval past.
It features in Ye Olde Good Inn Guide, a handbook guide to Britain’s most historic watering holes and its author James Moore said the Skirrid Mountain Inn could be one of the oldest surviving pubs in Britain.
He said: “As well as being used as a jolly meeting place, it has a darker history. The pub was used as a courtroom where it is believed 200 convicts were executed by hanging over the stairwell."
It is also understood it was used by Owain Glyndwr as a rallying point for some of his men.
Visit: www.skirridmountaininn.co.uk
15. Maesyronnen Chapel, near Hay-on-Wye
While some minor alterations have been carried here, none have altered the basic rural character of the building.
The chapel is the oldest example of a nonconformist chapel and predates other examples by nearly 80 years.
The Landmark Trust say it was founded just after the Act of Toleration in 1689 but the use of the building as a place of religious worship harks back to an era when any suitable building was used for secret meetings.
The adjoining house was more than likely built during the 18th century and housed many tenants over the years.
Visit the website for more information.
16. Y Talbot, Tregaron
Dating back to the 17th century, it is infamous in Ceredigion for claiming to have a circus elephant buried in its grounds from 1848.
The owners say that in 1854, Wild Wales author George Borrow stayed there and noted the “warm welcome to English persons”.
In 1986, President Jimmy Carter also stayed there and returned two years later.
These days, the hotel has nine Superior bedrooms and suites that have been renovated to a very high standard and are full of character.
All rooms come with a range of amenities including WiFi, complimentary toiletries, flat-screen and tea and coffee making facilities.
Make sure to book a table at the Y Talbot hotel restaurant to enjoy delicious local dishes. The menu features a range of locally sourced fish, lamb, beef and cheese. Typical dishes include Cardigan Bay crab, Roast Welsh lamb rump and Y Talbot Welsh beef burger
Visit the website for more information.
17. Brown's Hotel, Laugharne
Built in 1752 as Laugharne’s cultivated upper town evolved, Browns’ worldwide reputation is founded on the inspirational role it played in the later life of Swansea poet Dylan Thomas.
Back in its 1950s heyday, it was allegedly one of Dylan Thomas's favourite Welsh watering holes when he lived in Laugharne. He apparently could often be seen at one of the tables, drinking, playing cards or jotting down notes.
Hollywood actors and rock stars, as well as poets, have also been known to enjoy a drink at Browns, with the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Mick Jagger both long-time admirers of the pub.
After closing for many years, the pub was revamped and reopened and is well known for serving a cracking roast dinner on a Sunday.
Click here for booking information.
18. Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Anglesey
Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn has been going since the 15th century.
A Grade II listed building, Cromwell’s General Mytton commandeered the inn during the English Civil War.
It also became one of Anglesey’s first legally recorded Quaker meeting houses during the 18th century.
The pub's history is reflected in its ancient timbers, antique furniture and artefacts, and apparently, Charles Dickens and Dr Samuel Johnson were two famous visitors.
Those running it say the sympathetic treatment of each guest bedroom has successfully retained the inn's character.
Click here for more information.
19. The Welsh Gatehouse near Chepstow
Built in the time of Edward I, this Grade II medieval hideaway with two towers has over 700 years of history within its walls and was extensively and sympathetically refurbished in 2008.
inside, you'll find an inviting open plan living space that includes a spiral stone staircase, oak floors and whitewashed walls. At night, you can ascend a set of stairs up to the mezzanine sleeping area, with a big cosy bed ensuring you can have a great night’s sleep at this historical place in Wales
Visit: welshgatehouse.com
20. Plas Uchaf, Denbighshire
Built in the late 14th century, the Landmark Trust say few houses of this age survive in Wales and the quality of work at Plas Uchaf is exceptional.
It probably began as the seat of the barons of Cymmer, and was known as Plas o Kymmer.
The hall is described as "surprisingly grand" by the trust and boasts a spere truss, two other moulded trusses, traces of a louvre, and wind and ridge braces – a roof of sophisticated carpentry.
Visit the website for more information.
21. The Old Rectory, Gower
The Old Rectory is in one of the most spectacular settings you could wish for, on a raised terrace in the landscape of Rhossili Bay.
The house dates from the 1850s with parts of the outbuildings possibly being medieval. The National Trust say in days gone by, the parson who lived here would have covered the parishes of Rhossili and Llangennith and The Old Rectory is exactly halfway between the two villages.
The bad news though is there is a pretty hefty waiting list and you can only book three-night stays four weeks in advance.
Visit the website for more information.
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