If you are considering Wales for a holiday, you won’t regret it. For a small country, Wales has a number of areas perfect for a holiday, and visitors are spoilt for choice. So, to help you decide, in this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Wales for a holiday in 2023.
Wales is a land of stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Wales has something for everyone. We are passionate about all Wales has to offer.
Read on to discover more!
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park is the perfect holiday spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, tranquil valleys, and sparkling lakes, it’s the perfect destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. A popular walk is the iconic Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. There are a number of marked trails up Pen y Fan, suitable for people with different levels of walking experience. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views – you can truly see for miles. Other popular holiday activities in the Brecon Beacons include horse riding, fishing, and canoeing. And if you’re looking for a break from outdoor pursuits, you’ll find charming towns, too. Try the picturesque market town of Brecon or visit Hay-on-Wye, known across the world for its bookshops and literary festival.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is an excellent choice for a holiday. Located in North Wales, it is of course most famous for Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales and England. Those wanting to climb the 1,085m peak can choose from six different routes which have varying levels of difficulty. The National Park offers a range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing and kayaking. For seasoned and experienced hikers, a popular route is the Snowdon Horseshoe, taking you up and over several peaks and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For a more relaxed experience, take a scenic train ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway or visit one of the many picturesque villages such as Betws-y-Coed or Beddgelert where you can enjoy some good Welsh hospitality.
North Wales
North Wales is a beautiful and fascinating region with plenty of attractions to suit every holidaymaker. An enduringly popular choice is Llandudno, a classic Victorian-era seaside resort with a long promenade, charming pier, and stunning views of the Great Orme (a fantastic walk or ride on the Tramway). For history buffs, the walled town of Conwy is a must-visit, with its medieval castle and well-preserved town walls (find out more in our previous post The Best Castles to Visit in North Wales this Autumn and Winter. And for thrill and adventure seekers, there’s Zip World in Bethesda, where you can experience the world’s fastest zip line or bounce on Europe’s longest underground trampoline. You’ll find plenty of other ideas for places to visit in North Wales in our other blogs.
The Gower Peninsula
If you’re looking for a beach holiday, the Gower Peninsula must be a top contender. Located close to Swansea in South Wales, the Gower boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and indeed the world. For instance, check out almost 5km of golden sand at Rhossili Bay, the wild beauty of Three Cliffs Bay, and surfers, paddleboarders and kayakers must visit Caswell Bay. Wildlife is in abundance in the Gower with a large number of varieties of birds, and even the chance to spot seals and dolphins.
Anglesey
Anglesey is a beautiful island off the north-west coast of Wales, renowned for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and ancient monuments. A few years ago, Anglesey was famously home to Prince William when he worked in the area as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot. One of the most popular attractions on Anglesey is Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe. Other must-visits are South Stack Lighthouse, a boat trip on the Menai Strait, a visit to Plas Newydd and a walk along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Pembrokeshire
Last but not least, we have Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a stunning stretch of coastline in West Wales. The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, including Barafundle Bay, Freshwater West which featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and where Dobby’s Grave remains, and Tenby South Beach. You’ll also find a variety of wildlife in Pembrokeshire, including seals, dolphins, and porpoises. A walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a must-do, offering stunning views of the coastline and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Pembrokeshire offers plenty of attractions too with several castles, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, the iconic seaside resort of Tenby and the UK’s smallest city, St David’s
Don’t delay, book a holiday to Wales today!
Wales is a fantastic destination for a holiday in 2023, offering an unmatchable range of attractions and activities to suit every family. From the rolling hills of Brecon Beacons and mountains of Snowdonia to the stunning coastline of the Gower, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, there’s plenty for everyone in Wales. So why not start planning your trip today and discover all that this beautiful country has to offer?
