Wales is a beautiful country with dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and medieval castles. With plenty of interesting places to explore – from the historic Glamorgan to the brick making town of Cwmbran and the beautiful mountains and glacial landforms of Snowdonia, Wales has something to offer for everyone.
Whether you’re travelling to Wales on your own, with your partner, or with the kids, you are guaranteed to enjoy your time here.
To help you plan your trip, here are some of the top places to stay in Wales.
Glamorgan
Located west of Cardiff, Glamorgan is the most industrialised and populous Welsh county. While visitors often overlook Glamorgan, it’s home to pretty villages, rolling green countryside, and a spectacular coastline. It’s a great place to visit any time of the year and offers tons of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Despite being populated, people are often surprised at how quiet Glamorgan is. It has many unspoilt places, especially when you explore the great outdoors. Here, you can swim, relax, or even visit atmospheric pubs. If you’re into walking, there are many great scenic walks suitable for all abilities. The Wales Coast Path, a scenic hiking trail that winds its way at about 50 miles of coastline, offers sparkling seaside views. Inland, you will find that some routes will take you through glacial valleys, pretty villages, and ancient forests.
Consider staying above a Welsh pub for a truly relaxing way to spend your holiday in Glamorgan. The Heathcock, which is more famous for its pub, offers charming en suite guest rooms upstairs where you can spend the night.
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, ranging from hidden coves to traditional seaside resorts. It is also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which protects the spectacular southwest coastline of Wales and offers many areas of outstanding beauty. Pembrokeshire is a great place for family breaks, offering a wide range of fun outdoor and water sports activities, from kayaking to windsurfing and coasteering.
As you explore Pembrokeshire, you’ll find that history has left its mark through ancient monuments, majestic castles, and quirky museums. Since it’s a haven for walkers, you’ll find plenty of scenic walking trails, including the long-distance Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and public footpaths crisscrossing the countryside. Those who are into biking will find plenty of several off-road cycling routes. For the more experienced cyclists, they can conquer the Celtic Cycle Trail starting at Fishguard and crossing the county all the way to Swansea.
You will have various options when it comes to the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire. For nature lovers who prefer a more unique accommodation option, consider glamping. If you look around, you’ll find plenty of excellent glamping sites in Pembrokeshire.
Cwmbran
Cwmbran is one of the largest urban areas in Wales and the location of a Cistercian Abbey, established in 1179 by Hywel, the Lord of Carleon. Now known as the Llantarnum Abbey, it’s home to a large community of the Sisters of St Joseph and currently operates as a retreat house.
Since a New Town was incepted, Cwmbran has transformed into one of the top shopping destinations in South Wales, attracting shoppers to its pedestrianised town centre. You’ll also find several supermarkets, a movie house, and several pubs and restaurants in the town centre. The town also offers plenty of facilities for sports and other leisure activities, including stadiums and several athletics clubs.
Although most visitors would come to Cwmbran on a day trip, there are many accommodation options for those who prefer to stay overnight or even for several days. The town has plenty of self-catering cottages and B&Bs. But for the more adventurous types, staying at a campsite surrounded by the great outdoors would be a great idea.
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is located in the northwest part of Wales, stretching from the Irish Sea in the west towards the mountainous area of Snowdonia in the east. It encompasses the Cambrian coast and the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula, with charming seaside resorts and idyllic beaches. Venture inland, and you’ll find Snowdonia National Park.
Bangor, a University City and one of Britain’s oldest dioceses, is a great place to explore. It’s dominated by Bangor Mountain and is home to a beautiful Victorian pier and excellent shopping and dining facilities. To the east, you’ll find the Penrhyn Castle, an extravagant example of 19th-century neo-gothic architecture featuring a fascinating interior.
A short distance inland, you’ll find Llanberis, a popular base for walkers and those intending to climb Mount Snowdonia. From Llanberis, take the train from Snowdon Mountain Railway, going to the summit of Snowdon and back. Meanwhile, Padarn Country Park offers plenty of scenic walks, beautiful lakes, and other attractions, including the National Slate Museum.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia offers an incredible combination of stunning coast and majestic mountains. You can come here for a relaxing coastal break and stay in a beautiful cottage by the beach or hide away in a secluded cabin in the forest. The scenery is superb, and you can come here for lazy fun under the sun or indulge in thrilling outdoor fun.
For nature-inspired adventures, visit the Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Activities include surfing on an inland surf lagoon, rock climbing, and ziplining. You’ll find a new Hilton Hotel in the area, but if you prefer a unique place to stay, you can opt for the chic glamping pods.
For the most thrilling activity, conquer the peak of Mount Snowdon. At 1,085 metres, it’s the highest mountain in Wales and famous for its challenging hiking trails. Explore ancient castles and medieval sites for a taste of history. The Conwy Castle, a medieval castle built for King Edward I in 1283, is one of the best surviving medieval castles in Europe. The Caernarfon Castle is also worth checking out. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle was built to be an imposing symbol of English rule in Wales.
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