Holidays in Wales
Wales is a world-class destination: rugged mountains, stunning sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, forest, hills, rolling farmland, pretty villages, bustling towns and a proud ancient heritage.
Throughout Wales, there's plenty of quality accommodation for all budgets, from cosy rural cottages and plush hotels to luxury campsites and bunk barns, plus an exciting range of activities, from terrific rambling options on scenic trails across rugged landscapes to coasteering on an adventure holiday and family wildlife discovery opportunities.
Wales has World-class Mountain Biking facilities at centres such as Coed y Brenin, Bike Park Wales and Antur Stiniog, as well as the 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path, which is the longest continuous path along a nation’s coastline.
>> For the Wales Year of Adventure 2016, we have produced a Guide to the 8 Protected Landscapes of Wales
#FindYourEpic
Pembrokeshire Sea Kayaking Holiday
Featured places to stay in Wales
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£75/night single. £105-£120 double/twin.
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From £83 per night
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from ££367.00 up to:£766.00 (based on two staying)
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Tipi- from £156 for 2 nights, Yurts - from £215 Extra nights £70.
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Double room £75.00 Kingsize Room £80.00
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From £76 per night
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Camping £10 - 20/night; B&B £75 -135; Yurt £70 - 110: Cottages £585 -...
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Featured Holidays in Wales
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£385 (based on 2 people sharing)
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£325 per person based on two people sharing
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From £455 pp (based on 2 people sharing)
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All inclusive weekend From £219 to £229 Mention Greentraveller when...
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£325 per person based on two people sharing
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From £575 for adults; £475 for under 16's Mention Greentraveller when...
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£575 including adventures, meals, 5 star eco lodge accommodation Mention...
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From £295 to £575 Mention Greentraveller when booking and get a free...
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Featured Articles on Wales
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Brecon Beacons Ambassadors
Here's an innovative scheme in the Brecon Beacons where local 'Ambassadors' provide visitors with a 'sense of place'. -
Greentraveller's Guide to Snowdonia National Park
As part of our celebration of the most beautiful, natural areas in the UK, we have just published a Greentraveller's Guide to Snowdonia National Park -
Greentraveller's Guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
As part of our celebration of the most beautiful, natural areas in the UK, we've published a Greentraveller Guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast National... -
Greentraveller's Guide to the Brecon Beacons
As part of our celebration of beautiful, natural spaces in the UK we've published our Greentraveller's Guide to the Brecon Beacons National Park,... -
Coed y Brenin Outdoor Centre, Wales
Holly visits the legendary mountain biking centre in the heart of Snowdonia, North Wales. -
Greentraveller's Guide to the Llŷn AONB
As part of our celebration of the most beautiful, natural areas in the UK, we've published a Greentraveller's Guide to the Llŷn Area of Outstanding...
How to travel by train and ferry to Wales
The major cities of South Wales can all be reached by train from London Paddington with First Great Western - to Newport it takes about 1hr 50 mins, Cardiff is about 2hrs and you can reach Swansea in just under 3hrs. For North Wales, travel from London Euston to Chester then take the Arriva Train to Bangor. For mid Wales (including the Brecon Beacons), take the Arriva train up from Newport to Abervagenny. If you wish to travel to Southwest Wales, travel to Newport, then take the train to Milford Haven.
The Cambrian Lines are two train lines that run through specatcular scenery in the heart of Mid Wales. The 'Main Line' runs from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 'Coast Line' (which splits off from the Main Line at Machynlleth) runs up the northern coast of Cardigan Bay from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
>> Book Train Tickets to Wales
An Arriva train passing by Aberdovey along the glorious coast of West Wales. Photo: Arriva trains
There are regular ferry services from Ireland (Dublin) to Holyhead (North Wales) and from Rosslare to Fishguard and Pembroke (both Southwest Wales). NB two services have recently been taken out of service: Cork to Swansea and Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead. For all operational services, see our detailed journey planner shows where to change, prices, timetables, journey times and how to book tickets.
Click on the link below for the following journeys:
- Ferry from Dublin, Ireland to Holyhead, North Wales
- Ferry from Rosslare, Ireland to Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales
- Ferry from Rosslare, Ireland to Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales
>> Book ferry tickets from Ireland to Wales
Irish Ferries runs a regular service from Dublin to Holyhead, North Wales. Photo: Irish Ferries
More places to stay in Wales
Pen Y Fedw, Monmouthshire
From £260
An interactive learning centre. Photo: National Trust Images/Gerallt Llewelyn
Porth y Swnt, National Trust Visitor Centre, Aberdaron, Llŷn
Llŷn is an area rich not only natural beauty but in culture and history, too, and the National Trust has created an interactive learning centre for those wanting to learn more about the area and get the most out of their visit. There's stacks on information on the peninsula and activity ideas for all ages. The centre is in the Aberdaron fishing village so there's plenty right here to explore, too, including the church that was the last stopping off point for pilgrims on the way to Bardsey Island. Porth y Swnt translates as the 'gateway to the sound'.
Photo: The Coalhouse
Coalhouse, Oxwich, Gower
Award-winning and praised to the heavens, the Coalhouse is pretty special, and its location rivals its food for attention. Right on the beach and with panoramic views of the coast, this lovingly restored building is now a seriously chic setting in which to showcase head chef Jake Keward's marvellous creations. Fish caught a stone's throw away and veggies from local kitchen gardens make for a menu full of agonising choices, although the hake, cockle and laverbread chowder is a definite highlight. A special night out, or for a taste of the Coalhouse pop in for their £20 three-course lunch menu.
Black Mountains Smokery Shop photo: Jo and Jonathan Carthew
Black Mountains Smokery
Black Mountains Smokery Shop is Jo and Jonathan Carthew’s gourmet food and hamper business. Based in Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons, they offer a UK wide mail order and gift service online or over the phone, as well as a lovely shop. Their award-winning smoked fish, meat and cheese, produced at the smokehouse, sourced with care from British suppliers are traditionally cured and naturally oak smoked. Delicious food delivered with friendly, reliable service. Don't miss a weekly Wednesday tour and tasting; an informative guided walk around the smokery including slicing demos, serving suggestions, sampling and a free product. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment on 01873 811566
Ring Tailed Lemur photo: Anna's Welsh Zoo
Anna’s Welsh Zoo at Manor House
Anna’s Welsh Zoo is set within 52 organic acres of Pembrokeshire Parkland and supports endangered species from all over the world, along with all the variety of British native wildlife. They specialise in close-up, immersive animal experiences and all the animals are maintained in spacious, natural enclosures. There are five unique animal walkthroughs where the visitor can get up close to many species. Open 10am – 6pm, 363 days a year. (winter opening hours vary - see website for details)
Season tickets are great value at just twice the price of standard entry!! Under 4’s go free…
Beside the River
Explore Wales with Welsh Road Trips
Explore Wales with Welsh Road Trips: Travel through wild and beautiful countryside by foot, rail, bike, car or electric car. Enjoy a 6 night break of dinner, bed and breakfast (2 nights at each premises: Lasswade Country House. The Old Vicarage in Dolfor and Westview Guest House) Sample local food and wine whilst staying in quality eco-friendly comfort.
Price: £625 per person full board Depart: 2 April – 30 October 2015
A wonderful position. Photo: Tremfan Hall
Tremfan Hall, Pwllheli, Llŷn
The lovely views of the Llŷn sea and Snowdonia mountains and the artfully arranged food will vie for your attention at Tremfan. What a position. Tremfan Hall prides itself on a big welcome and its wide range of food, from Sunday lunch specials, 2-course set price dinners and children's menu. You can stay here, too.
Green living. Photo: CAT
Centre for Alternative Technology
CAT is an internationally renowned visitor centre, research and residential centre, entirely powered solely by wind, solar and hydro technology. Covering all aspects of green living - from woodland management to renewal energy and environmental building - the centre runs courses on sustainable living, as well as educational programmes for schools and graduate training programmes. There are seven acres of interactive displays, and a shop and vegetarian restaurant on site. There are also two eco cabins on site – hot water is heated by the woodstove or solar panels, and wind and water turbines provide electricity.
Brynawel Guest House
Delightful bedrooms at this B&B are in keeping with the Georgian surrounds: some have cast-iron fireplaces, brass bedsteads and tie-backed curtains; the downstairs room has lovely wooden panelling and shutters. A short stroll away down a leafy lane is Glyn and Corina's own restaurant, Glan yr Afon, where breakfast and dinner are served.
Photo: Jim Ozanne for Wye Valley AONB
Wye Valley River Festival
Almost like a carnival that floats down the River Wye, from Hereford to Chepstow, the much-loved and very new festival takes place over two weeks from the end of April (April 29 - May 15, 2016). Andrew Blake from the Wye Valley AONB office says “We are celebrating nature, culture, landscape and life along the river with exciting arts and performances that illuminate myriad issues regarding water use, the health of our river environment and our connections to river citizens across the globe.”
© Crown Copyright (2012) Visit Wales
Pwllheli Markets
The market in Pwllheli, the main town of the Llŷn peninsula, was established over 600 years ago under a charter granted by Edward III in the 14th century. Today, organisers claim it to be one of the largest markets in the country. Held every Wednesday, rain or shine, this outdoor market sells everything from local produce to cheap clothes, cleaning products to plants. If you’re on a self-catering holiday, this is the place to come to stock up your larder (and your cleaning cupboard) at reasonable prices. During the summer, between May and September, there is a smaller market on Sundays, with more of an emphasis on crafts and local produce. On the first Saturday of the month there is a produce market at Sarn Village Hall.
Smart dining. Photo: Whitehall
Whitehall, Pwllheli, Llyn
Find hake with spinach covered in local Llyn cheese and served with tapenade and sauteed potatoes, Welsh sirloin steaks, burgers from the Edern butcher and, for the vegetarians, mushroom, asparagus and parmesan risotto with rocket and black truffle oil. There's a children's menu and Sunday lunch menu, too. Closed Monday.
More holidays in Wales
Walking Holiday along Offa's Dyke Path, Wales
From £550 p.p. (based on two sharing)
Long weekend classic road cycling in North Wales
£385 (based on 2 people sharing)
