Bustling cities, rural wonderlands and dazzling beaches are just a few things that make Wales a must-see destination. Whether you’re itching for some outdoor adventures in the national parks, discovering the rich heritage in ancient castles or sunbathing on the rugged coastline, you’re in for a real treat!
Our luxury cottages in Wales are the perfect way to experience the region like a local and with many of our properties being dog-friendly, you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure!
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked cottages in Wales have this in spades. We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking lucury cottages that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Wales may be small but it’s certainly mighty. Nestled in southwest Great Britain, this geologically diverse country is an explorer’s dream. Maybe best known for its rugged coastlines and magnificent national parks, Wales and nature go hand in hand.
Snowdonia National Park draws in visitors from all over the world for its stunning landscapes offering wonderous hiking trails, lyrical lakes and glacial landforms. For the bravest among us, you can even take a train up to the peak of Mount Snowdon for some truly spectacular views!
But Wales also offers a rich cultural heritage built into the walls of traditional castles. From mysterious ruins to regal turrets, there’s so much history to be discovered. A day trip to the capital will treat you to 2000 years of history at the fascinating Cardiff Castle, showcasing medieval exteriors and jaw-dropping Gothic Revival interiors.
If a beach holiday is more up your street, you’ll be spoiled for choice across the country’s golden beaches. An underrated beach holiday destination, the British coast has so much to offer.
Unsurprisingly, the food in Wales is almost as hearty as the people. A firm favourite among visitors and locals alike is Welsh rarebit, consisting of toast topped with a melted cheddar cheese sauce and other ingredients including beer or ale, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard and paprika. It’s the perfect warming dish after a brisk winter’s walk along the coast!
And you couldn’t visit Wales without trying a traditional sweet treat. Welsh cakes are the perfect snack for an afternoon tea break, consisting of a scone-like cake made with currants, cinnamon and nutmeg. You’ll find them everywhere, especially in tea shops and cafes.
The people in Wales are famous for their incredible hospitality. You’ll never be far from a friendly chat and you can expect to feel welcomed anywhere you go!
Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, Wales
You don’t get much more family-friendly than Wales. Not only are the locals kind and welcoming but the scenery and activities are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.
Only a short train journey from London, you can reach Cardiff in under 2 hours, making it even more ideal for a trip with younger travellers.
Wales may not offer year-round sun but outdoor activities can be enjoyed in rain and shine! Most of our luxury cottages in Wales are geared towards families, many with an abundance of outdoor space for running around in. Home-from-home facilities make travelling with babies and young kids much easier; kitchens mean you can cook and eat at home, while washing machines are a practical addition for inevitable mishaps.
Mountainous landscapes and breath-taking national parks will provide hours of fun for the whole family. Try your hand at some rock climbing, go all out on the zipline or brave some abseiling while admiring the views. With smaller kids or babies, it’s equally as enjoyable to take a picnic while you sit surrounded by nature.
Festivals will hold older kid’s attention, including live music, food and drink and comedy. Try Hay Festival in Haye-on-Wye for a great day out, featuring a number of writers, comedians and musicians hosting talks and workshops.
Although the beaches in Wales are some of the best in the UK, many are still undiscovered by tourists, making them tranquil and unspoiled holiday spots. Secluded sandy beaches welcome sun and shelter from high winds, rock pools keep the little ones enthralled and the waves can be ideal for a range of watersports.
Many of our coastal cottages in Wales are situated within walking distance to the beach so you can enjoy the blissful waters with ease.
For a spot of surfing, Poppit Sands Beach will treat you to some wonderful waves. Or for a more relaxed day out with the family, head to Traeth Mawr for scenic walks and intriguing rock pools.
Porth Wen beach offers a pretty pebbly beach with rock pools and clear waters. The most exciting part of this beach is the Porth Wen Brickworks, the disused Victorian brickworks set behind the beach which has become a scheduled monument. Explore the ruins and take a peek back in time to Anglesey’s industrial heritage.
It may be relatively small but part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, it’s definitely beautiful. The picturesque village behind the beach offers a shop, café and pub – perfect for a spot of lunch after a long morning sunbathing.
This sandy expanse is backed with a promenade and dunes, perfect for those looking for walking routes away from the sand. There’s also a grassy area with picnic tables and facilities if you fancy staying for lunch.
A firm family favourite, this spacious beach is ideal for beach games and picnics. The 2-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by natural dunes and offers a range of walking trails and cycling routes.
Consisting of two beaches, a larger one and a smaller one more suited to families. Explore the rock pools and try your hand in crabbing or take a scenic walk down The Anglesey Coast path.
This sandy Blue Flag beach is north facing, allowing shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds and makes the perfect spot for windsurfing, kayaking and surfing. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path starts nearby so once you’ve had enough of the sea, you can enjoy walking trails with a view.
A more rural option, the larger waves make it popular among windsurfers and kayakers. Expect beautiful sands at low tide and a pebbly expanse at high tide. Quiet and peaceful, it’s a great hideaway from the crowds.
With its rolling hills, breathtaking views and glistening beaches, Wales is one the best options for an outdoor holiday in the UK. Hiking and outdoor activities are some of the most popular things to do in Wales, with many people visiting for the fresh air and gorgeous scenery. If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, you can try out windsurfing, abseiling or kayaking all over the country.
For those opting for a calmer holiday vibe, there’s more to Wales than just dazzling beaches. A rich heritage and cultural history fill this magnificent country, which can be experienced at the many castles it has to offer. But if castles aren’t your thing, Wales is also home to The Smallest House in Great Britain, which has become an intriguing tourist attraction in recent years.
This glorious national park consists of 823 square miles to discover. It showcases the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon, which you can gawp at from a distance or take a train to the top - both options are equally as awe-inspiring. Hiking routes and walking trails will keep you occupied for hours and the views will certainly not disappoint. Take a picnic and make a day of it!
This spectacular medieval castle makes a must-see day trip. Built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort, it’s brimming with history and is a winner with kids. Choose a guided tour for a truly fascinating experience.
Sitauated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales holds a 17-kilometre long cave system which is just waiting to be explored. Walking through the mysterious caves system will leave both adults and children speechless. It’s a natural wonder that really shouldn’t be missed!
This wild and rural island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the glorious flowers, coastline and abundance of nature. It’s also a Special Area of Conservation and a hotspot for many species of interesting birds, making it a great place to enjoy a spot of birdwatching.
The Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park is 5.5 mile long trail to discover four stunning waterfalls. This scenic route makes a very romantic day out or an unforgettable family adventure.
Largely visited by outdoor adventurers, Wales has an array of fascinating regions that not only offer beauty but also an abundance of charm. Starry skies and peaceful countryside make for a romantic escape while fun activities with keep the whole family happy.
Renowned for the array of beautiful national parks and outdoor adventures, North Wales is a perfect choice for active families and thrill-seekers. For sea lovers, Pembrokeshire will not only give you your beach fix but you’ll be able to devour some of the most delicious seafood on offer.
Many of our holiday homes in Wales are within walking distance to the local village but there are also many areas worth visiting further afield. Take a look at some of our favourite places to visit in Wales below.
Whether you’re travelling at peak-time or the depths of winter, Anglesey Island has so much to see all year round. The dramatic coastline has inspired many artists, red squirrel spotting at Newborough Forest is a hit with younger children and there’s even a Michelin Star restaurant for some real holiday indulgence.
This pretty region is a natural wonderland, offering hill walking, outdoor activities and waterfalls to top all waterfalls. The skies are so clear at night that it also makes a relaxing spot to stargaze. Get involved in local attractions such as museums, cathedrals and national parks.
Pembrokeshire makes the ideal place for families, offering the only coastal national park in Britain, a wonderful wildlife park to keep the kids enthused and the famous Green Bridge. Tastes of the sea are not to be missed, with seriously fresh and delicious seafood served widely around the area.
Home to three of Wales' five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Wales has so much to offer. From spectacular sea views and imposing castles, you’ll never be short of something to do. The large number of farms also makes it a great place to try world-renowned Welsh Black beef and salt marsh lamb!
Famous for the stunning Snowdonia National Park and, of course, Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia is a truly magnificent holiday base. From fishing boat trips, surfing and watersports to cycling routes and delicious places to eat, there’s plenty of things to choose from.
Not only will you be welcomed into a natural playground of walks and views, Ceredigion has a lovely arts centre if you somehow have enough of the great outdoors. There’s even a bridge that folklore suggests was created by the Devil himself!
If you want to get involved in local culture, Monmouthshire hosts various festivals of interest to adults and children alike, including Monmouth Music Festival. Take guided walks along the countryside, put your feet up in the local pub or discover some majestic castles.
Wales is only a short way from London and can even be reached within 2 hours. Travel to and from Wales is relatively cheap if booked in advance with trains running from London terminals, including London Paddington or London Euston. You can also opt to fly to Wales, with a plane journey taking only an hour from London to Cardiff Airport. Many airlines offer direct flights from England to Wales, including British Airways.
You can get around cities in Wales easily by bus or train, but rural areas are best explored by car or on foot. You can even rent bicycles and cycle around one of the many national parks for an active and enjoyable family day out.
The best way to get around more rural areas is by car. It’s also important to note many roads in rural areas can be narrow and winding so your journey may take slightly longer than expected. The good news is you’ll experience scenic routes and countryside views on many of your rural escapades. There are many car rental companies in Wales, including Avis and Enterprise.
You can get around Menorca by public transport, though it’s not as flexible or easy as having your own car. A reliable bus network connects the main towns and beaches in high season, though services elsewhere on the island are generally patchy.
The main bus companies serving Mahón and Ciutadella are TMSA and Autocares Torres, with Autos Fornells also running services from the capital. The bus between the two towns takes around an hour, or the express option shaves 15 minutes off this time.
Buy an Explore Wales pass at most staffed train stations to get free travel on regular trains and buses throughout your trip. If you’re only planning to do a lot of travelling on a certain day, you can usually buy day passes for buses at around £6 a day for unlimited use. This could save you more and will give you greater flexibility than buying multiple train fares.
