Wales Calling - Our Wales Guide for 2018
Published: Tuesday 2nd Jan 2018
Written by: Lisa Jones
2018 is here and Wales is calling! And at Best of Wales we're here to help you with our area guide of Wales. So whether you're looking for a holiday by the sea or time to explore the countryside, read on and we'll help you find your perfect holiday location.
Anglesey
The Isle of Anglesey is Wales' largest island and a place where you can relax and explore. With a range of award winning beaches, you are never far from a beautiful sandy beach, so whether you're looking for watersports, family days out or long relaxing days on a secluded beach, you will be spoilt for choice.
Attractions on Anglesey include Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens (a National Trust site), Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey Sea Zoo, Adventure Boat Trips on the Menai Strait, a walk along the Wales Coast Path and a visit to Llanddwyn Island - the island of Wales' Patron Saint of Lovers. Also a visit to Anglesey cant go without a visit to the famous Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch or browsing the other villages or towns on offer. Search our Anglesey holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park is home to the highest mountain in Wales, with Snowdon standing at 3,560ft. Challenge yourself to hike to the summit via a number of different routes or take the scenic train to the top from Llanberis. The area is also home to the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe at Zip World Velocity, a world first inland surf lagoon, and some of the best mountain biking in the world at Antur Stiniog and Coed y Brenin, so definitely an area for the adrenaline junky in you.
Explore the wonderful towns and villages such as Betws y Coed, Beddgelert, Llanberis and sample some Welsh food and culture while you visit. If heritage is what you're after, how about a visit to Caernarfon castle or a trip on the steam trains of Bala, Llanberis or Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Search our Snowdonia holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
North Wales Coast
Coastal North Wales is a great place to base yourself to explore the coast and mountains of Wales. With the beautiful coast of the Llyn Peninsula and the spectacular backdrop of Snowdonia looking over you, to the coastal towns of Barmouth, Tywyn and Conwy there's plenty for you to explore on your visit to the area.
Among the things that should not be missed while exploring are Portmeirion's Italianate village with its Welsh architectural extravagance and private beach; Bodnant Garden and Harlech, Cricieth, Conwy or Penrhyn's castles. Not to forget the charming coastal villages of the Llyn Peninsula including Abersoch and Aberdaron and maybe even a trip to Bardesy Island? Search our North Wales Coast holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
North Wales Borderlands
Visit the North Wales Borderlands and you'll have so much to explore including Pontycysyllte Aqueduct's World Heritage Site along the Llangollen Canal and discovering the outstanding natural beauty of the Clwydian Range first hand. Ancient castles and Offa's Dyke, the 1200 year old boundary between Wales and England are also waiting to be explored.
For heritage and culture head to Bodelwyddan Castle or the Llangollen Railway and for thrill seekers try your hand at some excellent mountain biking trails at One Planet Adventure Coed Llandegla or the natural trails of the Clwydian Range. For a more relaxing holiday, try out some world class golf courses, spend a day at the races or simply enjoy the lovely little restaurants and pubs with fresh local food. Search our North Wales Borderlands holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons
Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons are an outdoor enthusiasts dream, with the well known summit of Pen y Fan in the heart of the Brecon Beacons to the less explored and equally amazing Cambrian Mountains. With enough walking to keep you busy for weeks you'll be able to explore a new area and new view each day of your holiday. As well as walking the area is well know for other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, gorge walking and more.
The area is also well known for its clear dark skies so a great opportunity to experience some first class stargazing. Explore the fabulous village and towns of the area as well as driving through some amazing scenery on the way. Also head to some great family attractions such as Dan yr Ogof Showcaves, Elan Valley, Llangorse Multi Activity Centre and King Arthur's Labrinth. Search our Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
West Wales
A great mix of coast and country for the West Wales counties of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. Dolphin spotting boat trips in New Quay and a walk along the Cardigan Bay section of the Wales Coast Path is a must, or exploring the beaches of Ynys Las, Borth and New Quay. Cycle the country lanes by road bike or head to Nant yr Arian for some off road mountain biking fun or head on the Vale of Rheidol Railway to the famous village of Devil's Bridge.
Explore the area's rich Welsh heritage, culture and language. From ancient castles such as Llansteffan, Kidwelly and Castell Carreg Cennen to the town of Laugharne where Dylan Thomas "got off the bus and never got on again" and from Aberystwyth Arts Centre to watching the Scarlets in their home town of Llanelli, to the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Ffos Las Racecourse. Search our West Wales holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
Pembrokeshire
Britain's only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is an area known for it's spectacular coastal scenery. Head out on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and be treated to views of hidden coves and beaches along the way. Some spectacular beaches to visit include Broadhaven, Marloes Sands, Freshwater East and Tenby and enjoy watersports, walking, and family fun time. A boat trip to one of the many islands off the coast is also a must do, and head to Caldey Island or Skomer for a sightseeing adventure.
Visit St David's, the Uk's smallest city and explore the town and cathedral. Or head to the wonderful towns and villages including Narberth, Tenby and Saundersfoot. And for the whole family why not head to Oakwood theme park, Folly Farm or the Blue Lagoon. Search our Pembrokeshire holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
South Wales
South Wales boasts the idyllic and award-winning Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rural charm of the Vale of Glamorgan, and the undulating hills and dramatic scenery of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. In addition to the beautiful scenery and coastline, South Wales consists of two important cities - our vibrant, world-renowned capital, Cardiff and our bustling, thriving second city, Swansea.
Explore Cardiff's medieval castle, its National Museum of Wales, the iconic Principality Stadium, home to our world-famous rugby team, its fashionable bay, and its vibrant shopping centre. Swansea and its enchanting Gower Coastline is well worth a visit. Swansea itself, is a vibrant, university city with its pretty marina, bustling city centre, and exciting night-life. It is also the birthplace of one of our most famous literary heroes, Dylan Thomas. Visit the Dylan Thomas Centre to find out more about this giant among writers. Search our South Wales holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
South Wales Borderland
South Wales Borderlands includes the beautiful Wye Valley and Vale of Usk, and is home to the highest number of castles per square mile in Britain. Explore everything from Roman amphitheatres in Caerleon to food festivals in Abergavenny, to world-famous literary festivals in Hay-on-Wye to a day out at Chepstow Races.
For those of you more interested in history, a wealth of historical monuments beckons which include the hauntingly beautiful Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley, the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales. A few miles away in the small country village of Raglan, its castle of the same name rises majestically in the distance. Search our South Wales holiday cottages and start planning your stay.
So let us help you plan your 2018 holiday by searching online, calling us on 01650 511101 or by filling in our enquiry form.
