Wales is a fantastic family holiday destination with three National Parks and beautiful Blue Flag beaches. There’s actually so much to see and do it’s difficult to cram it all into one break, so perhaps deciding the style of holiday and accommodation is your best starting point.
Country Cottages
Country cottages in Wales are the most relaxing of getaways for busy families in peaceful, picturesque locations like the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. When booking a country cottage for your family, first research the local walking/cycling trails and attractions you can all enjoy together. For example in North Wales you may like to base yourself near Zip World in Blaenau Ffestiniog where you can try the epic ‘Bounce Below‘, a unique subterranean playground.
Tyn Y Coed, Brecon Beacons National Park
- 3 Bedroom Cottage
- Sky TV, wood burner and outdoor hot tub
- Close to Dan-yr-Ogof caves and Llangorse Activity Centre
Holiday Homes
A perfect option for families who like staying in a ‘Home from Home’. I’d recommend looking up Lets in seaside towns and villages like Tenby, Llandudno and The Mumbles in Swansea. Not only is there plenty to enjoy in these towns, they are also close to some of Britain’s best beaches (Barafundle and Rhossili) and enchanting castles (Caernarfon and Pembroke).
- Sleeps up to 8
- Sea views across Swansea Bay
- Near Mumbles High Street, Oystermouth Castle and Gower’s famous beaches
Narrowboats
Gently cruising along canals is perhaps one of finest ways to explore the scenery and quaint villages in Wales. Taking charge of a narrowboat may seem daunting, but businesses like Beacon Park Boats provide you with DVDs beforehand so you can learn. You could also opt to remain moored and simply enjoy the cosy conveniences and novelty of a narrowboat holiday.
Beacon Park Boats, Monmouthshire
- Luxury style accommodation
- Canal length is 36 miles with 6 locks
- Dog friendly
Hotels
Hotels are perhaps the first style of accommodation you’ll research when exploring places to stay. Though I like budget friendly and central-based chains like Premier Inn, I’d also look up nearby alternatives that could offer a more authentic experience. For example The Swan at Hay is a 18th century listed building with charming decor and summer gardens for BBQs.
- 19 refurbished country-style rooms
- In the famous ‘booktown’ of Hay-on-Wye
- On the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park
Holiday Resorts
If you’re after a break that doesn’t involve the need to travel around much, a Holiday Resort would be an excellent idea because of the on-site facilities and activities. One of the most popular is Bluestone in West Wales with free range outdoor adventures like archery, zip wires and kayaking.
Also in Newport is The Celtic Manor Resort with a vast golf course (hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup), woodland walks, treetop rope courses and a beauty spa.
Bluestone Wales, Pembrokeshire National Park
- Clean and modern lodges accommodating up to 16
- Nature trails and adventure centres
- Close to Oakwood Theme Park and Folly Farm
Caravan Parks
Location and quality is perhaps a high priority when looking up caravan parks in Wales – and fortunately there’s some lovely options to choose from. I’d recommend Trecco Bay (in the Vale of Glamorgan) and Lydstep Beach Village in Pembrokeshire. I frequently visit Trecco Bay in the summer for the beautiful beach and on-site facilities.
- On-site shops and eateries
- Well kept, smart accommodation
- Indoor waterpark and amusements
Camping Pods and Popups
Arthur’s Cave by Miller Kendrick Architects
It’s no longer purely for outdoorsy types who’ll embrace the rain and cold nights under a canvas, Wales also has some of the best ‘glamping’ options including yurts, camping pods and even tree houses. For camping pods, look up family-friendly parks like Tyddyn Goronwy and Cwmcoedog Farm.
Over summer 2017, Epic Retreats in Wales will be popping up in three locations, the Llŷn Peninsula, South Snowdonia and West Wales. These luxurious boutique hotels will offer unrivalled views of some of Wales’s most iconic landscapes. Check out their website for more information and to book.
Image supplied by Living Room
Living Room Treehouse, Mid Wales
- Luxury quality
- Insulated with wood-burning stove
- Near Machynlleth and Snowdonia National Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Wales, visit my travel page by clicking here and follow me on social media for my next adventure.
For further holiday inspiration, I’ve teamed up again with a cool sponsor, Avis car hire, to share active holiday ideas on the Welsh Coastline on their blog.
All opinions are my own.
