Croeso I Gymru: Where To Stay in Wales, the Land of Dragons

With its epic mountains, sensational coastline and undulating countryside, Wales is a storybook-like land steeped in legend and history. In fact, we won’t blame you for thinking you’ve just stepped into a set of the Lord of the Rings. With a wealth of adventures to be had, choosing somewhere to stay can prove to be quite difficult. Luckily, the travel experts at Plum Guide have all there is to know about this verdant corner of the United Kingdom. If you’re planning a getaway here, take a look at our guide about where to stay in Wales.

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With 300 kilometres of magnificent coastline, Pembrokeshire is the perfect destination for a holiday by the sea. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery, including gorgeous beaches and stunning coastal walks. Hike the entire length of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (this can take up to two weeks, so maybe just a section of it), cliff jump, swell ride and rock hop your way along the coast on a coasteering adventure (wrapped up warm in a wetsuit, of course), or go wildlife watching on Skomer Island. The puffins are the star of the show, but you’ll also be able to see owls, seals and porpoises.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, you’re spoilt for choice. There are plenty of places around Pembrokeshire to use as a base, from seaside towns like Tenby and Saundersfoot to more tranquil areas like St Davids or Fishguard. The town of Cardigan, while technically located in the county of Ceredigion, is just across the border from Pembrokeshire and is packed with things to do, be it walks in the Teifi Valley to music events in the summer. Meanwhile, the town of Newport (not to be confused with the city, also in Wales) offers walks up Carningli Mountain and less strenuous strolls around the estuary and beach.

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If you’re wondering where to stay in Wales for a city break, head to the buzzing capital of Cardiff. While it’s packed with thrilling attractions for all ages and interests, no visit to the city is complete without seeing Cardiff Castle, a magnificent fortress where you can explore dazzling interiors and unwind in the grounds.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. The National Museum is home to a huge collection of contemporary art and natural history exhibits, and the Wales Millenium Centre offers theatre, music and art performances. Alternatively, delve into the world of science at Techniquest, or for sports fans, take a tour of (or catch a game at) the Principality Stadium.

Cardiff has plenty of neighbourhoods to use as a base. Whether you choose to be surrounded by the action in the city centre, relax with waterfront views in Cardiff Bay or enjoy an alternative vibe in trendy Roath or Pontcanna, there’s no shortage of places to stay.

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Way back in 1956, the Gower Peninsula was named the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It still lives up to the hype, where pristine beaches are surrounded by rolling hills and dense woods. There are several picturesque shores to choose from. Rhossili regularly scoops up awards as one of the best beaches in the world, while Caswell and Langland are perfect for families. A must-see landmark is Worms Head, a rocky promontory that extends into Rhossili Bay. It's only available to hike when the tide is out, so be sure to check the times before embarking. Otherwise, you'll end up like the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who, as a boy, was famously stranded overnight after being trapped by the tide.

You can also pick up the pace with a visit to Swansea, which sits on the edge of the Gower. Spend the day exploring the National Waterfront Museum, walking along the Maritime Quarter and seeing the flower-filled Clyne Gardens. Don't miss a visit to the Swansea Indoor Market. It's the largest of its kind in Wales, with over 100 stalls to browse. Sample local delicacies like cockles and laverbread, which you’ll discover, isn’t actually bread at all. Make sure to try a Welsh cake or ten, too.

To enjoy a classic seaside break, the village of Mumbles is just a short drive from Swansea and the Gower. Found on the west side of Swansea Bay, hang out at the Mumbles Pier and Arcade, a picture-perfect spot to have fish and chips and try your luck at the amusement arcade. Other places worth staying are Oxwich, Newton, Bishopston and the rural community of Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton.

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Carmarthenshire is an idyllic part of Wales best suited for those seeking a getaway in nature. With its big open skies and stunning natural beauty, there are plenty of activities to get you out and about.

An unmissable attraction is the National Botanic Garden of Wales, spread across 560 acres of countryside and home to over 8,000 plant varieties. For some seaside fun, spend time on the golden beaches of Llansteffan – you can also join the long-distance Wales Coast Path from the village. If you prefer to get around on two wheels, Pembrey Country Park has sandy beaches and woodlands which you can roam through by bike. For a unique experience, pop on a hard hat and explore the Dolaucothi Gold Mines which date back to the Roman era. As well as guided tours, there’s also the opportunity to try gold panning for yourself.

Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford are the three largest towns in the county, but you’ll also find smaller market towns and villages like Llandeilo and Laugharne for a quieter escape.

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If you’re searching for where to stay in Wales with a mix of coast and countryside, Ceredigion is the place to be. On the southern part of the coast are secluded spots like Mwnt, Aberporth, Lochtyn, Cwmtydu, Penbryn and Tresaith – all offering stunning beaches and coastal walks. For a fun family day out, take a boat tour on Cardigan Bay to see bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and Atlantic grey seals.

Away from the coast, the best way to explore Ceredigion’s scenic countryside is on a vintage steam train. Hop aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge in Pontarfynach, journeying through open fields, woodland and breathtaking mountain scenery along the way.

From vibrant market towns like Tregaron, Lampeter, Llandysul and Cenarth, to coastal towns like Cardigan, New Quay and Aberaeron, Ceredigion has a huge choice of spots to use as a base. The cultural capital of West Wales, Aberystwyth, is a fantastic place to stay with a rich culture and heritage, as well as independent shops and delicious food and drink.

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Despite its modest size, the town of Conwy is bursting with things to do. Its crowning glory is Conwy Castle, a majestic piece of architecture dating back to 1283. Take a walk around the castle walls and climb to the top of the towers for far-reaching views over the town, coast and countryside.

Stroll down the High Street and pop into its many independent shops, cafes and pubs. This is also where you’ll find Plas Mawr, a handsome Elizabethan townhouse where you can see how wealthy merchant Robert Wynn once lived. From the centre of town, make your way down to Conwy Marina to visit the town’s quirkiest attraction. The Quay House, better known as the smallest house in Great Britain, measures only 3.05 metres by 1.83 metres – squeeze in to experience what it would’ve been like to live here (thankfully, our Plum Guide homes are a little more spacious than that).

Conwy also offers plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature. The RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve is a great spot for leisurely walks and birdwatching, but if you fancy something a little more challenging, hike up Conwy Mountain for fantastic views.

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Located in northwest Wales, Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park and the Llyn Peninsula, a windswept Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with broad beaches, pretty coves and dramatic cliffs. There are plenty of adventures to be had in Gwynedd, from kayaking and rafting down the River Tryweryn to visiting ancient castles and venturing deep underground to the slate mines. No keen walker will want to miss climbing Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. There are several trails of varying difficulty, but you can also catch the Snowdon Mountain Railway up to the top for a more leisurely ride.

Speaking of railways, there’s no way you can miss a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway. This vintage train provides one of the most exciting days out in Wales, taking you on a journey from Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, snaking its way through lush forests, serene pastures and glittering lakes.

When it comes to where to stay in Gwynedd, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Stay by the sea in places like Porthdinllaen, Porthmadog and Caernarfon, or be surrounded by countryside in towns and villages like Dolgellau, Beddgelert and Bala. You also can't miss Harlech Castle, a Grade I-listed fortress overlooking the sea.

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The largest county in Wales, Powys is known for its rolling green landscapes and rugged mountains. It’s predominantly rural, providing the perfect destination for a tranquil escape in nature. It’s also where you’ll find the Brecon Beacons National Park, a haven for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and horse riding.

For an unforgettable experience, wrap up warm and head out for some stargazing. The national park holds an International Dark Sky Reserve status, and some of the best spots to admire the night sky include the Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lakes and the Pontsticill Reservoir. As well as unspoilt nature, Powys also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The county is dotted with Roman remains and ancient fortresses like Powis Castle, perched high on a rock and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The county town of Brecon is a great place to stay with its Georgian architecture, traditional market and the Brecon Jazz Festival in early August. Another town worth a visit is Hay-on-Wye, fondly referred to as the ‘Town of Books’ thanks to its large number of bookshops.

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Discover our hand-picked homes in Wales.