Holiday rentals in Wales

Wales is brimming with castles, which are scattered throughout the hills, standing guard on the coast, or sitting in deep valleys on riverbanks. From the ruins of Carreg Cennen to the towering walls of Caernarfon Castle and Pembroke Castle, you’ll struggle to miss one on your travels. Architectural treasures sit alongside boundless natural beauty, with thundering waterfalls and sweeping coastline aplenty. For an eagle-eye view of the north, head up the mountains of Snowdonia National Park — there’s even a train to the summit that serves up epic views from your seat.

St David’s in the southwest and Offa’s Dyke on the English border offer insights into Wales’ combative past, while Llangennith beach on the breathtaking Gower Peninsula is a laid-back surfer’s paradise. The capital Cardiff melds its trading heritage — the first ever million-pound cheque was signed at the city’s Coal Exchange — with a cosmopolitan vibe and Wales’ sporting heart in its national rugby and football stadiums.

Wales is at its best in the warmer summer months — this is when whale and dolphin sightings are most likely — but there’s a lot to be said for a chilly walk followed by a warming cup of artisan Welsh coffee beside a crackling fire in a holiday cottage. From early February to mid-March, the national sport is on everyone’s lips as a major rugby tournament takes over. Straddling the border with England, Hay-on-Wye hosts its annual literary festival in the spring, with authors and renowned speakers visiting from all over the world. The autumn months bring cooler temperatures and stunning foliage in the Brecon Beacons National Park, along with the popular Abergavenny Food Festival, which combines workshops with live demonstrations and a wide array of stalls run by artisan producers.

The Wales Coastal Path

Forming an unbroken path around the entire Welsh shoreline, the Wales Coastal Path spreads over 870 miles. From short stretches along rugged headland and pristine beaches to week-long adventures crossing multiple counties, sections of this extensive trail can be linked in with bus and train routes to create custom routes.

The Heart of Wales train route

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or like to see the world go by in comfort, the Heart of Wales line offers a rare route through the centre of the rolling Welsh landscape. With services running seven days a week, the line passes over two viaducts and takes in rushing rivers, dramatic mountains, and dense forest.

Mwnt Beach

Nestled in a secluded spot on the Ceredigion coast, Mwnt is a quiet cove beloved by families, hikers, and wildlife lovers. Within easy reach of Cardigan, a walk up the steps to the clifftop is rewarded with far-reaching views over the bay and a good chance of spotting pods of dolphins — a fixture on this part of the coast.