Large Holiday Homes for get-togethers

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to enjoy a long weekend in Wales is to book a large cottage to share with family or friends. Whatever you are looking for – active or relaxed, in the mountains or by the sea – we have the perfect cottage for you.

 1) Ty’r Efail luxury holiday home

Set just back from the coast near the West Wales village of Cross Inn, this luxury family hideaway is tucked away in a small, private cul-de-sac and enjoys panoramic views from its spacious front and rear gardens. There are four bedrooms and plenty of communal space, including a large living room, lounge, extra-spacious kitchen with traditional oak table, or more formal dining room, with doors leading out to the rear garden. For a small fee, guests also have use of the swimming pool on the adjacent caravan park and the owners can provide a trampoline for the garden. The Blue Flag beach at New Quay is a two-minute drive away.

Things to do in the area:

Dolphin, porpoise and seal watching trips are on offer from New Quay with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Budding Bear Grylls can discover the lost arts of firemaking and outdoor survival in Cardigan Bay Active’s Bushcraft sessions. The pretty seaside village of Llangrannog is also close by with a dry ski slope, horse riding, golf and more.

Places to eat:

Llwynhelyg Farm Shop is a food lovers’ paradise which has won a host of awards for the quality and diversity of its produce, most of which is sourced from the locality. A regular in the Good Food Guide since it opened in 2002, The Harbour Master in Aberaeron is the place to sample seasonal Welsh food such as Welsh beef, locally landed lobster and spider crab. They’ve recently added a stone-fired pizza oven, which has proved a resounding hit with families.

 2) Gwyndy self-catering holiday

Grade II-listed and on the shores of Bala Lake, this house was once the home of O.M. Edwards – a Welsh academic and statesman who became Wales’ first Inspector for Schools – and Elinor Bennett, the internationally renowned harpist. Sleeping 10, it has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and dining room with large table and a wood burning stove. Thoughtfully restored by the current owner, the boot room has an area to hang laundry and wetsuits and safe secure storage for bikes. The downstairs sitting room has an open fire, comfy seating and stacks of books and DVDs. Feast on fabulous views from the large front and side gardens, which have barbecue facilities, an enclosed patio area with garden furniture and floodlighting. Guests love to walk or cycle the unspoiled peaceful lane from the house to the lake.

Things to do in the area:

At Bala Lake, largest natural lake in Wales, you can try sailing, canoeing, rafting and much more. The 14-mile circumference of the Lake is ideal for cycling and walking. The nearby National White Water Centre, offers white knuckle rafting. There are several good cycle and walking routes within a few miles of the house. The Bala Lake Railway offers a 9-mile journey alongside Bala Lake, said to be home to Teggie, Wales’s answer to Nessie, and on through the beautiful and natural Snowdonia National Park.

Places to eat:

The family-run Eagles Inn, a wonderful stone built building, even older than the village church, is a few minutes’ walk from the house, and boasts real ales, inglenook fireplace, beer garden, fine wines and superb restaurant. For a special dinner, Mawddach in Dolgellau offers contemporary cuisine using local produce, including lamb from the adjoining farm.