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Holidays in Wales
An enchanted land of mountains and deep caves
Another installment of our Great British Outdoors series, today we’re dreaming of Wales. This legendary land of King Arthur offers plenty for the outdoor adventurer, from the icy peaks and lush river valleys of Snowdonia/Eryri to the golden beaches and blue lagoons of Pembrokeshire. In this wild and beautiful landscape, you can stumble upon hidden villages, fascinating natural landmarks, resplendent castles, and a vast array of wildlife.
Three national parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty blanket this Celtic realm, linked together by national trails, steam railways and the Wales Coast Path. It’s the perfect place to don your hiking boots, hop on your bike or pull on a wetsuit to experience some of the UK’s most celebrated natural beauty spots. So, whether you’re strolling along the white sands of the Llŷn Peninsula, whitewater rafting in the Brecon Beacons, or delving deep underground amongst the dazzling stalactites of Dan yr Ogof caves, you can make special memories to last a lifetime in one of our holiday cottages in Wales.
Best places to stay
Coastal Wales
White-sand beaches and craggy cliffs
With Gower’s wide sandy shore, Pembrokeshire's quirky seaside resorts (there are some particularly lovely beaches around St Davids) and the rugged Anglesey coast, not to mention the glorious coast of Cardigan Bay, there’s no shortage of remarkable destinations to discover on a seaside holiday in Wales. Get to know our pick of Wales’ impressive beaches on your getaway, or find eateries and places to stay right on the seafront. Listen to the waves crash on your doorstep, breathe fresh sea air and take in vibrant sunsets as the sun dips below the horizon. One of the best ways to discover the Wales coast is by foot, so ensure you strike out along the Wales Coast Path to discover hidden beaches, legendary castles and peaceful towns.
Wales' best beaches
Dog-friendly Wales
Explore this legendary landscape
A puppy’s paradise, this country has a wide variety of landscapes for unforgettable dog walking opportunities – from mountain trails to coastal routes for four-legged and two-legged ramblers to uncover together. Country pubs, castle ruins and nature reserves are all top places for dog-friendly days out and Wales has many beautiful beaches that welcome dogs for days by the sea. Pick out a wide, sandy spot for exhilarating games of fetch or a secret, magical cove that you and the pup could investigate during your Wales adventure.
The dog-friendly guide to Wales
National Parks
Hear the call of the great outdoors
Wales is blessed with three national parks – Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast – all with their own unique characters. Climb mountainous heights, delve into deep valleys or plunge into the sea on a visit to one of Wales’ national parks – whichever you choose, you’ll be astounded by the unspoilt landscapes on offer.
Wales' national parks
Activities
King of the castles
An explorer’s paradise and a nature lover’s idyll, Wales is a natural playground for those who appreciate the great outdoors. One day you could be soaring through the sky on Europe’s longest zipline or plunging from towering cliff faces into the rolling sea, while the next you could be sailing amongst dolphins or climbing behind cascading waterfalls. If there’s an outdoor activity on your bucket list, the chances are, Wales can oblige.
Those who appreciate some fresh air and an invigorating walk will be spoilt for choice with the myriad of scenic trails on offer. Discover deep forests and crystal-clear lakes on the Offa’s Dyke Path or challenge yourself to a bracing climb up one of Wales’ mighty mountains such as Snowdon in North Wales or Pen y Fan in South Wales. Alternatively, to spot puffins, seals and basking sharks, try one of the many routes along the Wales Coast Path or hop on a boat to reach the wildlife trails on Skomer, Caldey or Ramsey islands.
If sun, sea and sand appeal, then there is a fine assortment of beaches in Wales, sweeping across the country’s 1,370 miles of coastline: Rhossili Beach, Barafundle Bay, and Rhosneigr Beach are all beautiful choices where you can enjoy exciting water sports or a spot of sunbathing. Then there are the country’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, an abundance of ancient monuments and over 600 castles to seek out - you could visit a different one every day for a year and still not see them all!
Outdoor activities in Wales
Food and drink
Welsh cakes, cawl and cockles
All that fresh air and stunning scenery really works up an appetite. Luckily, Wales is a foodie’s dream, boasting the most flavoursome dishes created with local ingredients sourced from the land and sea. The plumpest cockles and mussels, the most revered lamb in the world, and the heartiest of soups and stews await weary explorers after a day in the great Welsh outdoors.
It would be remiss to visit Wales and not sample some of its great food traditions which stretch back centuries. One of the most popular delicacies for those with a sweet tooth is the Welsh cake, and with its sweet, sugary coating, these baked slices of heaven make the perfect little treat to carry in your backpack on a long walk. If you like these, we also recommend trying some Bara Brith - a delicious tea loaf best served with lashings of salted Welsh butter.
If you fancy something a little more wholesome after your adventures, you could tuck into a plate of Welsh rarebit, a true comfort food - essentially the world’s finest cheese on toast. Or you could dig into a warm bowl of Welsh cawl, a traditional soup accompanied by a hunk of buttered bread. For an extra-special treat, why not book a table at one of Wales’ Michelin-starred restaurants and order some iconic melt-in-the-mouth Welsh lamb?
Alternatively, you could sample all these culinary wonders by visiting one of Wales’ many farmers’ markets and food festivals which you’ll find scattered across the country throughout the year.
Wales food and drink guide
Where to stay
Mountain hideaways and seaside sanctuaries
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed break in the countryside or a relaxing coastal getaway where you can wake to the sounds of the sea, you’re sure to find the perfect place to experience the great outdoors within our collection of holiday cottages in Wales.
Choose one of our North Wales cottages to base yourself amidst the peaks of Snowdonia and the rugged coastal scenery of the Isle of Anglesey. Discover winding coastal paths along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with a stay in our West Wales cottages or pick one of our South Wales cottages to explore the white-sand beaches of Carmarthenshire and the Gower Peninsula. Alternatively, head inland among the waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons and the winding rivers of the Wye Valley and make yourself at home in one of our cosy Mid Wales cottages. If you fancy a more cosmopolitan experience, we also have a great choice of holiday homes in Cardiff, Swansea and Aberystwyth, where you’ll find a host of entertainment for all ages.
Wherever you choose to stay in Wales, our self-catering accommodation promises a holiday full of special memories and plenty of space to make your own. Celebrate milestone occasions in one of our cottages in Wales with hot tubs, bring all your friends and family to one of our large properties, or escape with your loved one to one of our romantic hideaways. Our family-friendly cottages are perfect for enjoying the wealth of Welsh attractions on offer, while our dog-friendly retreats are a tail-wagging choice for canine companions.
All Wales cottages
