The prettiest places in Wales

Home to picturesque Portmeirion, colourful Tenby and a vibrant capital, Wales has a huge range of outrageously pretty places for you to take a look at.

Discover Wales’ prettiest places, captivating castles, historic homes and fascinating natural landmarks. From cool Cardiff city to the peaks and adventure sports of Eryri / Snowdonia, we’ve picked out some of the prettiest places to enjoy a staycation in Wales. 

Be it quirky glamping in Wales, a romantic getaway, dog-friendly stays or a family retreat, enjoy memorable Wales holidays with a stay in one of our hand-picked cottages. Discover our full collection of holiday cottages in Wales by clicking the button below.

Holiday cottages in Wales

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Pretty places in Wales that will take your breath away

Brecon Beacons, South Wales

One of the prettiest places in South Wales to visit, the Brecon Beacons is an enchanting place to vacation with plenty of quirky places to stay - just take a look at our Brecon Beacons glamping breaks. 

The Brecon Beacons are well-loved by walkers, cave explorers and mountaineers who love to explore this vast region with its majestic mountains and deep wooded valleys.

You can also enjoy the dazzlingly clear night sky with a spot of stargazing here as the Brecon Beacons is one of few places in the world to have been granted Dark Sky Reserve status. 

You’ll find even more inspiration in our complete guide to the Brecon Beacons.

Brecon Beacon cottages

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales

Known as the UK’s only coastal national park, Pembrokeshire is a real treat for the eyes. An artist’s favourite due to its unique light and magical scenes, you’ll be sure to capture your own memorable moments on a Pembrokeshire holiday. 

Spend days on award-winning golden sandy beaches or explore the wonderful wildlife on some of this colourful county’s inspiring islands. 

Experience breathtaking views, wild water sports, captivating castles, miles of glorious coastal path, oh-so-pretty towns and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

You’ll find even more inspiration for days out here in our guide to the top things to do in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire cottages

Snowdonia / Eryri National Park, North Wales

One of the prettiest places in North Wales to visit, Snowdonia / Eryri National Park is bursting with visual delights and top-rated attractions.

Eryri's / Snowdonia’s extraordinary national park, with its unique and diverse landscape and activities, is also home to Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. 

Enjoy the enchanting mix of rural mountain scenes and picture-perfect Eryri / Snowdonia beaches along with lots of quaint villages and towns. Eryri / Snowdonia is a truly magical place to explore.

You’ll find even more inspiration for exciting days out in our complete guide to Eryri / Snowdonia. 

Eryri / Snowdonia cottages

Lake Vyrnwy, Mid Wales

Lake Vyrnwy is just such a magical location. Misty mountains embrace the beautiful lake which offers up scenery reminiscent of the Alps. 

The lake is large: 5 miles long and half a mile wide! It’s a fantastically pretty place to visit for twitchers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts and fishing fanatics.

Be still and observe the wonderful scenery and birds. With the perfect setting for wildlife, Lake Vyrnwy is an internationally important nature reserve for precious wildlife and habitats. 

The prettiest villages in Wales to visit

Aberdyfi / Aberdovey, North Wales

One of the prettiest villages in North Wales, Aberdyfi / Aberdovey is a lovely waterside town overlooking captivating Cardigan Bay.

This peaceful village is home to bobbing boats, wild water sports and intriguing marine life that thrives in bustling Cardigan Bay. Enjoy these special scenes from one of our Cardigan Bay cottages.

Hugged by some pretty amazing natural backdrops, Aberdyfi / Aberdovey is tucked in between Eryri's / Snowdonia’s pretty peaks and the glistening waters of Cardigan Bay.

Aberdyfi / Aberdovey cottages

Rhossili, South Wales

Perched on the tip of the gorgeous Gower Peninsula, Rhossili is set within the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK!

Rhossili Bay is home to miles of gorgeous golden sands and is an idyllic spot for coast walks, water sports and dramatic panoramic views.

Here, you’ll also easily spot the iconic Worms Head. This jutting serpentine-shaped tidal island peaks above the seabed, taking its name from an Old English word for dragon!

Saundersfoot, West Wales

Saundersfoot is a peaceful seaside resort and can be found within the striking Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. 

The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path starts (or ends) in nearby Amroth where you’ll have spectacular views of pretty coastal Saundersfoot in the distance. 

Saundersfoot is also a diner's delight with a great mix of places to eat and drink, from stylish restaurants to cosy traditional pubs.

Holiday cottages in Saundersfoot

Devil’s Bridge, Mid Wales

Devil's Bridge, on the western edge of the captivating Cambrian Mountains, is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and narrow gauge steam railway. 

Two streams dramatically descend into a deep wooded gorge and set the scene for one of Wales’ prettiest natural attractions. Three stone bridges built on top of one another make quite the sight! 

The village is at the head of the Rheidol Valley, and Pen Pumlumon Fawr, the highest peak in Mid Wales, is nearby. A great spot for magical forest and mountain walks.

Mid Wales holiday cottages

The prettiest towns in Wales to explore

Tenby, West Wales

This pretty seaside town has been a family holiday favourite since the Victorian era!

Tenby has plenty to offer those looking for a traditional seaside break. Experience fresh coastal air, beautiful blue sea, pastel properties, and a vibrant town centre. 

Spend days exploring the bountiful local gift shops and incredible ice cream parlours or relax on one of Tenby’s four golden sandy beaches. 

You’ll be sure to have your fill at one of the many fantastic places to eat in gorgeous Tenby. 

Tenby cottages

Hay-on-Wye, Mid Wales

A book lover's paradise, Hay-on-Wye is packed with endless bookshops and plenty of pretty places to hide away and enjoy a good read.

Hay is also a pretty market town on the River Wye, packed with pretty fronted shops and curious collectables. There’s also a remarkable castle and divine dining options. 

Venture outdoors and enjoy a hike up Hay Bluff, along Offa's Dyke, or get out on the water and explore the River Wye by canoe.

You’ll find out even more about this book lover's paradise in our guide to the top things to do in Hay-on-Wye.

Hay-on-Wye cottages

Llandudno, North Wales

This striking seaside resort had been delighting guests since the 1800s. Enjoying fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture, pretty Llandudno doesn’t disappoint. 

Discover dramatic headlands, brilliant beaches, Punch and Judy shows, a medieval castle, beautiful countryside, and traditional seaside attractions.

Framed by a pair of dramatic headlands and home to a classic Victorian pier, lovely Llandudno makes for a truly memorable holiday in Wales. 

Abergavenny, South Wales

Set between multiple hills with some of Wales’ most beautiful countryside on its doorstep, Abergavenny is a glistening gem of a place. 

A charming market town with plenty to offer, Abergavenny is packed with medieval architecture, wonderful shops and vintage finds. 

A foodie favourite, Abergavenny is also a delicious hit and is one of the country’s top dining destinations.  

You’ll find out even more about this bewitching market town in our guide to the top things to do in Abergavenny.

Abergavenny cottages

The prettiest cities in Wales for memorable breaks

Cardiff, South Wales

Wales’ capital doesn't disappoint. Bountiful in pleasant parks, cobbled arcades, independent diners and exciting events, there are plenty of visual treats to be enjoyed.  

Take in the pleasant cityscape including the spikes of the iconic stadium, the glow of the Wales Millennium Centre and the vibrancy and eateries of Cardiff Bay.

Discover Cardiff’s fairytale woodland castle with its gorgeous golden interiors or head to the heart of the city to Cardiff Castle, a Victorian Gothic fantasy palace!

Bangor, North Wales

Steeped in history, this cathedral city is the oldest in Wales. Beautiful Bangor offers breathtaking views due to its picturesque backdrop overlooking the Menai Strait.

The Grade ll-listed Garth Pier with its pretty Victorian kiosks offers fantastic views towards the Menai Bridge, the Isle of Anglesey and the magnificent Eryri / Snowdonia mountains. 

Experience the beauty of Bangor Cathedral, the oldest cathedral foundation in Britain. The former Bishop’s Palace is now home to the fascinating Storiel museum and gallery.

St Davids, West Wales

This pretty city is the smallest in Britain with a lot to offer. A historic place, home to cute cafes, beautiful boutiques and gorgeous galleries.

Dine overlooking the splendid cathedral before heading into the city to explore the independent shops and boutiques. 

Discover more visual landscape delights at Oriel y Parc Gallery which exhibits amazing art and artefacts from the collection of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.

Find all these pretty Welsh places on this handy map

Discover Wales’ prettiest places for yourself

After reflecting on these pretty places in Wales, we hope you'll feel inspired to find a delightful holiday cottage to retreat to! 

From quirky glamping in Wales to cosy escapes, dog-friendly stays and family retreats, enjoy a memorable holiday in Wales with a stay in one of our countryside cottages.  

Just click the button below to explore our full Wales cottage collection, or take a look at our pick of our top cottages in Wales.

Wales holiday cottages