If you’re looking for a UK break with dramatic coastlines, rolling hills and charming villages, Wales holiday cottages are the perfect place to stay. The country’s rural and scenic beauty, from lush countryside to picturesque villages, makes it an ideal destination for peaceful escapes. Whether you want to hike Snowdonia’s mountains, relax on Pembrokeshire’s beaches or explore the peaceful Brecon Beacons, you’ll find that Wales is home to three national parks, offering some of the best natural attractions in the country. Wales holidays offer a wide variety of experiences, from seaside adventures to tranquil country retreats, ensuring there’s something for every kind of traveller.
With thousands of self-catering options to choose from, from romantic retreats to family-sized farmhouses, booking the right holiday cottage in Wales will make your Welsh break unforgettable. Choose holiday cottages for their flexibility, scenic locations, and the ability to tailor your stay to your preferred region or activity. Here’s our region-by-region guide to the best places to stay, what to see and the perfect cottage style for your trip.
Wales is a stunning holiday destination, where dramatic mountains meet a gorgeous coastline and every corner is steeped in history and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty of West Wales or the tranquil countryside, holiday cottages in Wales offer the perfect escape from everyday life. Imagine waking up to superb views, exploring hidden coves, or relaxing in a delightful house after a day of adventure. With a wide variety of holiday cottages in Wales to choose from—each with its own unique character, from charming stone cottages to contemporary retreats—you’ll find the ideal base for your next Welsh adventure. Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet or a springboard for exploring the country’s stunning landscapes, a Welsh cottage holiday promises comfort, flexibility, and unforgettable memories.
Piglet Cottage
Snowdonia National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, home to Wales’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and over 100 lakes. It’s perfect for hiking, climbing and scenic train rides. The coastline here is just as stunning, with resorts like Llandudno and Conwy’s medieval castle attracting visitors all year round. Betws-y-Coed is a charming village in North Wales, ideally located for exploring Snowdonia National Park, and many attractions are within easy reach of local holiday cottages.
Best for: Adventure holidays, mountain views and historic towns.
Cottage picks: Cosy log cabins with mountain views, dog-friendly farm cottages and romantic stone cottages for two. These cottages are ideal for groups of friends and provide ample space for guests to relax and enjoy their stay.
What is Snowdonia famous for? Snowdonia is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged peaks, glacial valleys, historic towns, and historic landmarks. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is famous for its 186-mile coastal path, dotted with sandy coves, wildlife-rich islands, historic castles along the Pembrokeshire coast, and colourful harbour towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot. In summer the beaches here rival those abroad for beauty. Cardigan Bay in West Wales is home to bustling seaside towns like Aberystwyth and Aberaeron, which are known for their vibrant atmosphere and stunning coastal views. Cardigan Bay is also a scenic highlight of the West Wales coast, known for its natural beauty and charming seaside towns.
Best for: Beach breaks, coastal walks and wildlife spotting.
Cottage picks: Seafront apartments, family-sized beach houses and a wide range of properties including luxury holiday cottages in Wales with hot tubs, many offering lovely views of the coastline and countryside.
What’s the most popular beach in Pembrokeshire? Barafundle Bay often tops the list for its golden sands and turquoise waters, but Tenby’s beaches are also a favourite for families.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a true paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors. This stunning region of Wales is renowned for its rolling hills, dramatic peaks, and tranquil lakes, making it the perfect setting for your next Welsh adventure. Whether you want to hike through breathtaking countryside, explore hidden waterfalls, or simply soak up the stunning views, the Brecon Beacons has it all. Holiday cottages in this area offer cosy comfort and a welcoming retreat after a day spent exploring. From peaceful valleys to wild moorland, the Brecon Beacons is a place where you can truly connect with nature and enjoy the best of Wales. Whether you’re planning a relaxing holiday or an action-packed escape, the Brecon Beacons is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best for: Nature escapes, walking holidays and stargazing.
Cottage picks: Converted barns, hillside cottages, remote hideaways for total peace, and cottages with a garden or enclosed garden for privacy and relaxation.
Why visit the Brecon Beacons?
This national park offers some of the best hiking in Wales, with scenic woods and forested areas ideal for walking and exploring, along with dark-sky reserves for stargazing, historic market towns and plenty of outdoor adventure activities.
This island off North Wales is connected to the mainland by two bridges and has a relaxed pace of life. Anglesey is a land of natural beauty, with beaches, coastal villages and attractions like Beaumaris Castle and South Stack Lighthouse.
Best for: Coastal escapes, family holidays and watersports.
Cottage picks: Beachfront bungalows, pet-friendly holiday homes and modern self-catering apartments, with secure booking options for peace of mind.
Is Anglesey worth visiting? Yes — Anglesey has a mix of sandy beaches, wildlife reserves and historic sites. It’s also a great spot for fresh seafood and locally made produce.
Just west of Swansea the Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its easy access from England, it’s a popular choice for visitors from across the border. It’s a hotspot for surfers, walkers and those who just want to laze on stunning beaches like Rhossili Bay.
Best for: Surfing, scenic beaches and coastal photography.
Cottage picks: Beach cottages with sea views, self-catering apartments near surf spots and romantic retreats for two.
What is Gower famous for? Gower is famous for its unspoilt beaches, dramatic cliffs and excellent surfing conditions. Rhossili Bay has been voted one of the best beaches in the world.
A lesser-known gem, Mid Wales has open landscapes, small market towns and a slower pace. The Cambrian Mountains are perfect for walking and wildlife watching. The River Wye and the Wye Valley are scenic highlights of the region, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Ceredigion is known for its unspoilt countryside and colourful coastal towns, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural charm.
Best for: Quiet countryside breaks, cycling and fishing.
Cottage picks: Riverside cottages, eco-friendly lodges and traditional stone houses.
What can you do in Mid Wales & Cambrian Mountains? Walking, birdwatching and exploring hidden waterfalls are popular. It’s also a great destination for scenic drives and photography.
If you like to combine city and countryside, South Wales delivers. Cardiff has culture, shopping and nightlife, while the Valleys are steeped in industrial history and rolling hills. South West Wales is rich in historical significance due to its many medieval castles, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. Plus, the region is close to some of Wales’s stunning national parks, offering easy access to mountain ranges, forests, and scenic landscapes.
Best for: Mixed itineraries, cultural breaks and short stays.
Cottage picks: Urban apartments, village cottages and family homes.
Is South Wales good for a holiday? Yes — you can enjoy beaches on the Glamorgan coast, mountain trails in the Valleys and city life in Cardiff all in one trip.
