Our Favourite Days Out in West Wales
Croeso i Gorllewin Cymru, welcome to West Wales, one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the UK. With its stunning coastline and lush countryside, there’s a lot to explore here, and it’s the perfect place for visitors who love the great outdoors.
West Wales takes in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, sweeping down from the Victorian seaside resort of Aberystwyth towards Swansea Bay and the gorgeous Gower Peninsula.
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite things to do in West Wales.
The beautiful West Wales coastline
If you’re looking for a seaside holiday, look no further: West Wales has some of the best beaches in the UK. Try Newgale Beach or Freshwater West for surf or Tenby North for a swim. Broad Haven is a good beach for a day out with the kids, while Three Cliffs Bay welcomes four-pawed family members all year round. Motoring fans might want to make a pilgrimage to Pendine Sands, where Malcom Campbell and the Bluebird set the World Land Speed Record in 1925.
The dramatic coastline is dotted with charming seaside towns, such as Tenby, Cardigan and New Quay (the latter is probably the inspiration for Llareggub in Under Milk Wood. These pretty places make excellent pit stops if you’re hiking along West Wales’ well-walked coastal paths. Explore the stunning coast at Stackpole (National Trust) or take the boat from St Justinians across to Ramsey Island (RSPB).
If you’re looking for a luxurious coastal holiday cottage with wonderful sea views, Millstone Cottage near Aberporth is perfect.
Historic visitor attractions
From Iron Age settlements in the Preseli Hills to medieval forts along the coast, West Wales has a rich historic legacy.
Wales is well-known for its castles and you could easily visit a different castle every day, just in this one area. Try the castles at Pembroke, Carmarthen and Cardigan, or walk the incredibly well-preserved town walls at Tenby. Llansteffan Castle is free to visit and welcomes dogs (there’s also some great walking around the pretty village and estuary). Look out for events at Carew Castle, or at least visit their inviting courtyard tea room.
St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire is a must-visit historic site in West Wales, and you’re welcome to attend services there as well as explore the fascinating medieval building. Pretty riverside St David’s is the smallest city in Britain, with a population of under 2,000.
We have a choice of holiday cottages in lovely St David’s itself, including Bwthyn Lil, which has views from its garden across to the Cathedral.
Family days out in West Wales
If you’re in West Wales with the kids, there’s a great choice of family days out. As well as the fabulous family-friendly beaches, there’s Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, which is Wales’ largest theme park and a great way to entertain everyone for the day. Folly Farm (also in Pembrokeshire) combines its farm with a zoo and a vintage fairground, set in 120 acres.
If your family loves adventure, try coasteering, an adrenaline-fuelled way of exploring the coast, which actually began in Pembrokeshire. You can also learn to surf, try your hand at various water sports, or take a llama for their walkies (yes, really) in Clunderwen.
Crofty is one of a collection of luxury family-friendly cottages near Tenby, which has a fun children’s playground (and a sauna for the grown-ups).
Walking in West Wales
West Wales is a fantastic destination for a walking holiday, and many of our cottages have wonderful walks right from their doorsteps. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path stretches for 186 miles, taking you through a range of different coastal terrains and as you’d expect, featuring stunning scenery. Wherever you’re staying in West Wales, you’ll be just a short drive or even walk from this beautiful walking trail.
Inland, there are the Preseli Hills (or Mountains, depending on whom you ask). Try the 8-mile Golden Trail, an ancient pathway that takes you along the spine of the hills. Look out for Bronze Age and Iron Age remains as you walk and stop for a pint at the legendary Bessie’s. For incredible views across to Eryri and Ireland, head up Foel Eryr. If you prefer gentler terrain, the lowlands of South Pembrokeshire are lush and beautiful.
Ty Coch (Red House) is a recently converted barn, which makes the perfect base for both coastal and hill walking.
Stay in West Wales: explore our luxury holiday cottages
This year, make it a resolution to explore this lovely part of the country. West Wales is a relatively undiscovered holiday destination and its many beaches and wild interior landscape make it easy to escape the crowds here. We have a collection of welcoming holiday cottages in West Wales, all in stunning locations.
