We all know Wales boasts a spectacular landscape, from the towering mountains of Snowdonia/Eryri down to the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula, offering up a wealth of incredible destinations for a UK holiday. If you’re a walker, you may want to trek the astounding Wales Coast Path; families will find a whole host of exciting days out for kids in Wales, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy epic outdoor adventures. However, to truly enjoy any break, it’s imperative that travellers find the ideal holiday base from which to explore this fantastic country.
In our collection of places to stay in Wales, you’ll discover a variety of hot tub hideaways and retreats with rural views. There are family-friendly escapes that every age will love, celebration houses for special events, and dog-friendly cottages so your canine companion can join in the fun. Read on to discover ten of our most-booked properties of 2022 or browse our full collection of cottages to rent in Wales by clicking the button below.
Our Wales cottages collection
1. Estuary View House Gower
Sleeps 8 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
Boasting a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool and a fabulous outdoor hot tub, no matter what time of year you visit this elegant country retreat, you can enjoy a relaxing soak or refreshing swim at this wonderful dog-friendly Welsh cottage. It’s a great size for a group getaway and is set on the edge of the exquisite Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with sandy beaches to discover and the bustling city of Swansea just 10 miles away, perfect for shopping days or dining out.
Why our guests love it:
“Absolutely brilliant week again. Third stay now and couldn't fault it. Still have that wow moment when you walk around the house even though you've been before; we didn't want to leave. Spotless, cosy, and so much to do, and the owner is brilliant. Can't wait for our next visit. 5 stars.” – Shan, 2022
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2. Heron Lodge
Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
In an enchanting position, set right on the banks of a river, Heron Lodge offers glass sliding doors onto scenic views and a charming outdoor seating space so guests can make the most of the fabulous setting. Go walking in the grounds, purchase a fishing permit for the lake or pop down to the on-site shop to pick up fresh local produce. The interior has been thoughtfully decorated too, making this rural lodge a real gem.
Why our guests love it:
“Fabulous lodge on a beautiful, peaceful farm. Excellent views all around. The lodge looks out over a small lake and is idyllic. The standard of equipment in the lodge is excellent and its layout is perfect for one or two couples and a dog. We will undoubtedly return.” – Michael, 2022
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3. Y Daflod
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
This wonderfully contemporary retreat boasts excellent features such as a built-in electric fire and a wood burner, French doors onto a balcony, a roof-light window, exposed stone walls, and a host of delightful furnishings. We haven’t even mentioned the hot tub, an unbeatable extra where you can unwind each evening, or the games barn that will ensure fun for everyone. It’s in a delightful location to discover Wales – you’ll be just half a mile from pretty Llannefydd village, 4 miles from exciting Open Door Adventure, and 20 miles from Zip World Fforest in Eryri/Snowdonia National Park.
Why our guests love it:
“Our family of eight adults, a young baby and dog had an amazing stay at this cottage. It is beautiful inside, lovely decor and well equipped, and very cosy in the evenings. The hot tub was a firm favourite with amazing views from it too. Would highly recommend staying here.” – Angela, 2022
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4. Jacks Barn
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
With idyllic country views all around, this endearing holiday escape is just the place for a little peace and quiet on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Brecon and Monmouth Canal passes nearby the cottage, while the Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum and the town of Abergavenny are both within 8 miles. This chic bolthole is full of charm and thoughtful decor, there’s a duck pond in the grounds and finally, a private hot tub is a welcome place to relax under starry skies.
Why our guests love it:
“WOW, what a perfect place. Jack's Barn is breathtakingly gorgeous with stunning views. Compact, cosy, and comfortable with everything you need. The grounds are fabulous. Huge and totally secure so the dogs had the best time running around and we could laze in the hot tub knowing they were safe. Jack's Barn is such a relaxing, peaceful place, we only left it for one walk and a trip to the supermarket. The owner is so friendly and helpful. We will definitely book again next year. Good for the soul!” – Janet, 2022
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5. Little Orchard Retreat
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Another Brecon Beacons gem, this time set between Crickhowell and Abergavenny, you could use Little Orchard Retreat as a base while you climb famed Sugar Loaf, or visit Ogof y Daren Cilau Cave and Clydach Gorge – all beauty spots within 3 miles. Back at the welcoming retreat, there are lovely grounds that lead down to a canal, a cushy and cosy interior, and a decked area with a hot tub. It’s the perfect place to stay for outdoor adventures.
Why our guests love it:
“Fantastic location – the view from the hot tub is stunning! We were absolutely left to our own devices and it was so peaceful and private. It's an easy drive into Abergavenny which is well worth a visit or three, with a surprising number of high-quality restaurants and plenty of things to do. We walked the canal towpath into Abergavenny too which is a beautiful flat walk. A couple of friendly pubs nearby, one of which serves food. We would return 100%.” – Stacey, 2022
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6. Strandways Court
Sleeps 2
Why we love it:
The fabulous sea view is a fantastic feature of this modern coastal retreat and can be taken in from seats on the balcony or while cosied up inside on the sofa. Sliding glass doors are perfect for opening up and letting the outside in on beautiful days, and sandy Saundersfoot Beach is just metres from your front door. Set out for morning sea swims or coastal walks and, due to its Pembrokeshire location, there are plenty of other places to visit such as colourful Tenby, 4 miles south.
Why our guests love it:
“OMG the view is to die for. Soooo relaxing hearing the waves, you don't need a TV but there is a great one if needed with Netflix. Washer/dryer also if needed; the bed was comfortable. Apartment very stylish with local art on the walls. Great balcony chairs and table to watch the people paddleboarding in the sea. Large fridge/freezer, towels, tea towel available – would definitely book again. The weather was during a heatwave.” – Janice, 2022
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7. Copses At Narberth Bridge
Sleeps 16 + 5 dogs
Why we love it:
Warm and welcoming, with handmade benches outside and farmhouse-style furniture inside, this West Wales cottage is a fantastic choice for a big group getaway in the idyllic countryside. A lovely conservatory provides a pretty place to sit and view the tall trees that encircle the property, while a grassy outdoor area ensures a place for children or dogs to race around. Oakwood Theme Park and pretty Saundersfoot Beach are lovely places to explore, while Narberth town is on the doorstep and just the place for shopping and eating out.
Why our guests love it:
“This property was ideal for our family of ten adults, one baby and two dogs. Six of the seven bedrooms had an en-suite and the kitchen had enough equipment to prepare all the meals we needed. The living room was spacious with plenty of sofas for all of us and more! Well located in a lovely town with a good choice of restaurants and shops. Great holiday!” – Sarah, 2022
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8. Swan Lodge
Sleeps 4
Why we love it:
Stylish, fashionable furnishings and a view directly onto the river ensure this countryside cabin is a serene place to get away from it all and unwind. Set on the same complex as Heron Lodge, this retreat offers all the same excellent on-site amenities including a fishing lake, farm shop and well-cared-for grounds. Set just over the Wales border, enjoy adventures into the Shropshire Hills or days out in Hereford (both within 20 miles) before retiring to this retreat to sit on the patio for a drink while the river winds past.
Why our guests love it:
“A beautiful lodge, very clean and extremely comfortable, and so peaceful overlooking the lake. The only sounds heard were the ducks and two lovely geese who liked to come onto the patio each day to say hello. The lodge has everything you could possibly need for a relaxing holiday. And on arrival, we were welcomed with a lovely picnic hamper full of goodies. We would certainly recommend Swan Lodge and would not hesitate to return if holidaying in Shropshire again.” – Julie, 2022
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9. Mountain Escape
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
Cosy up around the fire in the sitting room, the charming heart of this holiday home, or lounge in the elegant conservatory with views onto the quirky, steep garden area complete with pergola and lovely planting. Our favourite feature of this retreat has to be the outdoor bath, a unique experience to enjoy during your stay at Mountain Escape, while the local landscape is made up of the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia and the scenic Conwy coastline.
Why our guests love it:
“This cottage is an absolute gem – tiny from the outside but airy and spacious once inside. Superbly equipped and in the perfect location to visit the many gorgeous towns and villages in the area. A real home-from-home that we cannot recommend enough.” – Lynne, 2022
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10. Nyth Y Wennol
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
This pretty country cottage boasts beautiful areas throughout, so you may have trouble deciding where to spend your time. A bubbling hot tub with village and field views for miles, an open-plan ground-floor space with stylish comfy seating, and a bedroom boasting large rustic beams and a bathtub at the end of the bed are all delightful spaces that fight for your attention. This holiday cottage’s location right on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and 3 miles from Adventure Parc Snowdonia makes it a great getaway for explorers, adrenaline-seekers and walkers.
Why our guests love it:
“We had an absolutely wonderful week at Nyth Y Wennol. The most immaculate and comfortable holiday home we could have wished for. The hot tub was a really luxurious spa and such a treat every evening. The owners have taken such care to make your holiday perfect and we truly felt it was our home for the week. Definitely off-the-beaten track and ideal for those wanting a little peace and quiet away from a busy world but with so much to do nearby.” – Peter, 2022
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Enjoy a memorable holiday in Wales
Still searching for that perfect holiday cottage in Wales? We have a fantastic collection of accommodation ranging from large celebration houses right down to charming two-person retreats, with a variety of properties including townhouses, thatched cottages, stylish apartments, glamping yurts and shepherds' huts for you to browse through.
If you are still planning your trip to this beautiful country, discover more from our full collection of wonderful holiday homes in Wales...
Our Wales cottage collection