Sarah P
10 February 2021
We love this time of year because the hope and promise of bank holidays and long weekends hang in the air and, in our eyes, they’re fair game for holidays! The question is, how do you spend a weekend in Wales?
With a whole country to explore, you’re probably wondering where to spend your precious few days of freedom. To help you decide on where and how to spend your long weekend, we have a few ideas to suit everyone from adrenaline junkies and foodies to literary lovers and culture seekers.
Take a road trip along the western coast of Wales
When you only have a few days, but you want to take in the sights and relax at the same time, hop in the car and take a road trip! Starting in the pretty coastal village of Fishguard, drive along the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion coast, stopping off at all the main towns, villages, and beaches along the way. Grab a coffee in the ancient town of Cardigan, soak up the sun on the beach at Aberporth, head to New Quay to see the vibrant harbour and join a Cardigan Bay dolphin spotting trip, pop into Aberaeron for ice cream and head on up Aberystwyth, an excellent spot for some retail therapy before you journey back down the coast.
If you have a bit more time to spare, it is possible to follow this road along the west coast from Wales through Snowdonia and across to Anglesey. We’ve written about this Wales road trip and five others in our guide to the best road trips in Wales.
Where to stay: Bwthyn Clyd – sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Getting there: Fishguard is within three hours of Cardiff, Hereford and Bristol
Get lost in the bookstores of Hay-on-Wye
Book lovers will adore the literary capital of Hay-on-Wye. Renowned for its endless bookshops and annual literary festival, the quirky town attracts readers, storytellers, authors and celebrities from all over the world. If browsing dusty shelves and getting lost in the corners of old shops appeals to you, then a short break in Hay-on-Wye sounds like the perfect weekend break in Wales. Aside from bookshops, you’ll find a wealth of eclectic shops and art galleries, delicious pubs, cosy cafes, and a whole host of outdoor adventures in the surrounding area to enjoy too! We’ve written about the top 10 things to do in Hay-on-Wye which will be sure to fill your weekend away with a variety of activities.
Where to stay: Larchwood Bothy - sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Getting here: Within 2 hours of Bristol and Birmingham, and 3 hours of Reading and Liverpool.
Discover countless cultural gems in the Golden Valley
Hidden away between the Wye Valley and the Welsh Borders at the foot of the Black Mountains, Hereford’s idyllic Golden Valley not only offers lush rural landscape but a wealth of history and heritage too. A weekend away in Wales is the perfect opportunity to hop across the border and learn the myths and legends of Arthur’s Stone, stumble across hidden gems on long cross-country walks or pay a visit to one of the most important historic houses in the UK, Kentchurch Court. Thought to have got its name as the ‘Golden Valley’ over some confusion the word Dore, the moniker offers the perfect description of such a beautiful location. We’ve written about the 8 top things to do in the Golden Valley.
Where to stay: Castle Farm – sleeps 8
Getting there: Within 2 hours of Cardiff, Birmingham and Bristol and 3 hours of Reading.
Get the adrenaline pumping in Eryri / Snowdonia National Park
If you’re up for an adventure weekend in Wales, then we can’t think of anywhere better than Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. Having built a reputation for outdoor adventure, the national park plays host to a plethora of outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind attractions. To really get the adrenaline pumping, the unique Zip World attraction, which is home to the fastest zip line in the world, will ensure your weekend break in North Wales is unforgettable.
With the time you have left, you could take on one of the countless hiking opportunities in Snowdonia or choose from activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting or wild swimming! We’ve written a complete guide to activities in Snowdonia to inspire an action-packed Snowdonia weekend break.
Where to stay: Plas Meirion – sleeps 6
Getting there: Snowdonia National Park is within 3 hours of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham
Chase waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
The beautiful Brecon Beacons is perfect for both romantic weekend breaks and time away with the family. Known as ‘waterfall country’, one of our favourite things to do in this area is go in search of dramatic waterfalls, dotted through picturesque mountains and valleys. Each with their own stories of myths and legend, chasing these mesmerising Brecon Beacon waterfalls can be a truly special activity for both couples and families. Discover the magic of the breathtaking Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wales, or learn of Welsh legends and stories of the devil at Mynach Falls, in the heart of Devil’s Bridge.
Often hidden away off the beaten track, nature trails and walking routes will take you through breathtaking scenery, giving you the chance to see many of the changing landscapes of the Brecon Beacons during your weekend away in Wales. We’ve written about the most magical waterfalls in Wales, so check out the guide to pick which waterfalls you’re going after.
Where to stay: Sycamore Barn – sleeps 4
Getting there: Within 2 hours of Cardiff, Bristol and Hereford, and 3 hours of Birmingham and Reading
Go surfing in Pembrokeshire
The captivating Pembrokeshire coast draws surfers from far and wide to its vast open beaches and secret hidden coves such as Freshwater East and Manorbier. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or you want to try a new skill during your weekend away in Wales, Pembrokeshire is a fantastic destination, complete with plenty of surf schools and equipment hire. Keen surfers will love the thought of catching the early morning waves before re-fuelling on croissants and hot coffee from a flask, or heading down at sunset to make the most of golden hour! If you find yourself with some time to explore out of the water, drive along the coast and grab a fish and chips tea from Tenby or take a walk along the Wales Coast Path and see if you can spot seals or dolphins. Before you go, read the rule of surf in Wales and discover the best spots to go wildlife watching.
Where to stay: Seaesta Cottage Broad Haven Beach – sleeps 8
Getting there: The Pembrokeshire coast is within 3 hours of Cardiff, Hereford, and Gloucester
Explore the delights of the Wye Valley
The striking Wye Valley bends its way along the border between Wales and England, sitting at the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within it, a treasure trove of historical, cultural and truly beautiful sights await. Step back in time at the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey, cycle along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, get a true close up of the natural beauty of the valley, and head off along the Wye Valley Walk. The 136-mile route, which meanders through gorges, woodland meadows, and remote uplands, can be split into manageable sections to suit all abilities. It's the perfect route whether you’re a cross-country hiker, a family with the kids in tow or you just fancy a short stroll to blow away the cobwebs. Discover more of the best things to do in the Wye Valley in our guide.
Where to stay: Wye At Ty Gwyn - sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Getting there: The Wye Valley is within 1 hour of Bristol and Bath, 2 hours of Exeter and Birmingham, and 3 hours of London, Liverpool and Manchester
Indulge in one of our weekend breaks in Wales with hot tubs…
After a long week of work, does anything sound more appealing than popping open a bottle of prosecco and sinking in between the bubbles of a sumptuous hot tub? If you only have a couple of days to spare and hope to feel completely relaxed by the end of it, a weekend break in Wales with a hot tub will certainly set you on the right lines. Perfect for couples, romantic weekend breaks in Wales with a hot tub are the perfect way to spend some time together, especially if your busy work schedules send you each in opposite directions. We have plenty of cottages with hot tubs, from those that are set against the backdrop of mountain scenery to private indoor hot tubs for all weather. Fall in love with some of our favourite hot tub breaks in Wales, handpicked by us.
Where to stay: Craig Y Nos – sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Book a weekend break in Wales
We hope these ideas have inspired your weekend break in Wales and helped narrow down exactly how to spend a few days away. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate adventure, a quiet weekend break exploring pretty villages and towns in Wales, or you intend to spend most of the time simply relaxing, our delightful cottages and glamping escapes for weekend breaks in Wales are sure to tick all the right boxes.
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.