Laura Mackenzie
01 July 2022
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

Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons, South Wales
One of the prettiest places in South Wales to visit, the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons is an enchanting place to vacation with plenty of quirky places to stay - just take a look at our Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons glamping breaks.
The Bannau Brycheiniog / 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 Bannau Brycheiniog / 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 Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons.
Highlights
- Brecon Mountain Railway - a vintage steam train with incredible mountain views
- Pen-y-Fan - the highest peak in South Wales
- Horse riding - discover over 600 miles of beautiful bridle paths and tracks
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.
Highlights:
- St Davids - the smallest city in Britain
- Barafundle Bay - a world-renowned, breathtakingly pretty beach
- The Blue Lagoon - a turquoise flooded slate quarry, popular with coasteerers and divers
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.
Highlights:
- Bird watching - The RSPB manages part of the reserve
- Walking - there are some very pretty walking trails around the lake
- Cycling - take a pleasant, easy ride around this lovely lake
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.
Highlights:
- Golfing - tee off in style between sandy dunes and the Cambrian Mountains
- Water sports - the waterside location is perfect for sailing, fishing and water sports
- Talyllyn Railway - a pretty steam train that transports you from coast to country
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!
Highlights:
- Surfing - this is a great spot for surfers and benefits from the Atlantic swell
- Rhossili Gallery - offering a lovely collection of gifts and quality sea-themed jewellery
- Gower Coast Path - enjoy the vast Rhossili views from this amazing coastal path
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.
Highlights:
- Coppet Hall - a beautiful golden sandy beach rivalling tropical counterparts
- Saundersfoot Harbour - a beautiful bustling harbour with fantastic sea views, and a National Events Deck which houses a life-size Coastal Schooner!
- Water sports - sheltered Saundersfoot bay can be an ideal spot for paddleboarding and sailing
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.
Highlights:
- Tenby beaches - there are four beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy
- Caldey Island - take an exciting boat trip to this idyllic place
- Iconic colourful waterfront houses - well worth a memorable selfie
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.
Highlights:
- Hay Festival - authors, poets, and writers gather every year for this literary feast
- Hay Castle - a brilliant centre for arts, literature and learning
- Canoeing - glide along the beautiful River 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!
Highlights:
- Castell Coch - a fairytale woodland castle with beautiful ornate interiors
- Cardiff Bay - a diverse waterfront with a mix of attractions and vibrant eateries
- Roath Park - an idyllic spot with a lovely boating lake, cafe, rose gardens, botanic garden and classic Victorian atmosphere

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.
Highlights:
- Garth Pier - this is the second longest pier in Wales and has breathtaking views
- Puffin Island - pufflings ahoy! Sail around this incredible island, home to an array of beautiful sea birds
- Penrhyn Castle - a fantasy neo-Norman castle with elaborate and alluring architecture

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.
Highlights:
- St Davids Cathedral - a peaceful place of pilgrimage
- Whitesands - a vast golden beach overlooked by striking Carn Llidi hill
- Boat trips - adventure to beautiful Pembrokeshire islands from here
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
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.