From country cottage escapes to quaint narrowboat breaks, this is a list of beautiful places to stay in Wales – many of which take advantage of the three National Parks and numerous Blue Flag beaches Wales has to offer.
This list features properties (marked with a *) Explore With Ed was invited to review and/or film in the past, all opinions are my own.
Country Cottages in Brecon Beacons
For an escape to the country, book a charming cottage in rural Wales that overlooks the gorgeous green valleys of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. Tyn Y Coed cottage* near Sennybridge and Brecon is a characterful Grade II listed property that has three bedrooms, a hot tub and log fire. Nearby is Dan-yr-Ogof caves and the Llangorse Activity Centre, plus an abundance of nature trails and walks across an area known as the Waterfall Country.
Seaside Holiday Homes in the Gower
A seaside holiday home in the Wales is a perfect option for visitors who like staying in a ‘Home from Home’, with an added sea view. Promenade View* in the village-like Mumbles area of Swansea sits right beside the coastal path for walks right across Swansea bay. It’s also a great base for visiting the stunning beaches around the Gower Peninsula, including Rhossili that you may have seen pop up in lists of best beaches. Promenade View is also around the corner from Mumbles high street that gives guests a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes to try without having to drive.
AD: Top photography spots in Wrexham (collaboration with This Is Wrexham)
Narrowboat canal holidays in Wales
Gently navigating the canals is perhaps one of most relaxing ways to explore the scenery and quaint towns and villages dotted around Wales. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal near Llangollen is a World Heritage Site, the aqueduct is a significantly important structure in the history of British civil engineering and its low edges gives the illusion that you’re floating high above the valley. You can hire a boat for a day to cross the aqueduct or stay on a narrowboat.
Beacon Park Boats* near the lovely market town of Abergavenny have a collection of luxurious five star narrowboats that are dog friendly. The Monmouthshire and Brecon canal has 6 locks and is 35 miles long.
Further reading: A narrowboat break with Beacon Park Boats
Luxury Hotel Breaks in Wales
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa* is located between the seaside town of Llandudno and the historic fortified town of Conwy. Bodysgallen is a grand 17th century property with pretty gardens in 200 acres of land, plus an onsite spa for a relaxing break. From Bodysgallen you can explore famous Welsh castles like Conwy and Caernarfon, as well as taking a ride on the Llandudno tramway.
The 18th century Nanteos Manor* is in a secluded spot beneath a dense woodland near Aberystwyth town in mid Wales. The grand interiors make a delightful setting for a traditional Afternoon Tea or gourmet dinner – complete with a cheese board and selection of wines.
Related: A luxury break in Aberystwyth, Wales
The Swan at Hay* is a four-star Georgian hotel, pub and restaurant located in the book town of Hay-on-Wye, an area mostly known for the annual Hay festival. With the Brecon Beacons National Park on its doorstep and lying just on the border, it’s one of the more convenient places to stay in Wales for travellers coming to and from England.
Holiday Resorts in Wales
Dotted across the gentle slopes of Pembrokeshire’s green countryside are the wooden alpine-like lodges of Bluestone Holiday Resort*. The on-site facilities and leisure centres are perfect for families, with plenty of free-range outdoor adventures like archery and zip wires too. If you’d like to explore the local area, you won’t be disappointed by the options available – next door is Oakwood Theme Park and a short drive away is Folly Farm and chocolate box towns and villages like Narberth and Tenby.
In Newport (only minutes from the Severn Bridge Crossing) is The Celtic Manor Resort*, one of the finest places to stay in Wales (and indeed, the whole of Britain) for golf lovers – their impressive course has even hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup! The Resort also offers fishing holidays, luxury spa breaks and seasonal events and exhibitions like the polo and Celebrity Cup golf tournament.
Caravan Parks & Camping Sites in Wales
Trecco Bay holiday park has caravans and lodges with beach access and on-site leisure centre facilities that are popular with young families, including an indoor waterpark, amusements and bowling. Similarly Lydstep Beach in Pembrokeshire has a pebble beach, heated indoor pool and access to local water sports like kayaking in the sea. Kiln Park has 107 level pitches with a dedicated area for tents.
Glamping spots in Wales
Glamping in Wales is an emerging trend for those who like the simplicity and eco-friendliness of camping, but desire home comforts and a touch of luxury. With so much unspoilt countryside in Wales, it’s an ideal destination to immerse yourself in nature from a yurt, camping pod or tree house. Places to stay in Wales for glamping include 68 Degrees West in the Brecon Beacons which has beautiful panoramic views across to Pen-y-fan, Southern Britain’s highest peak that you can enjoy from your own hot tub and glamping pod.
Related: A trip to Henrhyd Waterfall – the tallest in South Wales
Image above supplied by Living Room – a treehouse in Mid Wales