Cottages in North Wales

• Character and comfort: North Wales cottages range from snug stone retreats to spacious family houses, many with hot tubs and welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In Snowdonia for the mountains, on the coast for beaches, or near the historic castle towns.
• What guests love: Mountain and sea views, cosy wood burners, dramatic scenery and a warm Welsh welcome.
• Best time to visit: Summer for beaches and hiking, autumn for colour, and cosy winters by the fire.
• Things to do: Climb Snowdon, explore the great castles, visit Portmeirion and relax on the beaches.

Cottages in North Wales make the most of its mountains and coast, from snug stone retreats in Snowdonia to spacious family houses near the beaches and castle towns. Many come with a cosy wood burner, a garden and space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a romantic bolthole or a base with room for a gathering, there is a self-catering cottage to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• A wood burner or open fire for cosy nights
• A garden or terrace with mountain or sea views
• A hot tub at many of the cottages with a hot tub
• Wi-Fi and parking, handy for exploring
• Beach cottages for a base right by the sea

Wherever you base yourself, a summit, a beach or a castle is never far away. Weighing up your options? You can also browse all holiday lettings across North Wales, log cabins and glamping, or look wider to Anglesey.

What are the best areas to stay in North Wales?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: Snowdonia is best for mountains, while the coast suits beaches. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking cottages in North Wales through Holidu often highlight the stunning mountain and coastal scenery, the comfort of a cosy cottage with a wood burner and the region's mighty castles. Many mention the beaches, the hiking and the friendly Welsh welcome, and return for the rare mix of dramatic Snowdonia peaks, beautiful coastline and rich history, all within a compact and easy-to-explore area.

A region of extraordinary variety, North Wales pairs the soaring peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri) with a spectacular coastline of sandy beaches, seaside resorts and rugged peninsulas. Crowned by some of Britain's mightiest medieval castles at Conwy and Caernarfon, and home to the whimsical village of Portmeirion, it blends adventure, history and natural beauty. Compact yet packed with things to see, and rich in Welsh culture and language, it makes a wonderful base for a cottage holiday.

🥗Where to eat in North Wales?

According to local reviews, Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno is one of the best rated restaurants in North Wales. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers the Wilson family recommend a waterside seafood restaurant by the Menai Strait: a lovely spot for fresh Welsh mussels and fish and chips with views across to Snowdonia.

1. Climb Snowdon
2. Explore the great castles
3. Visit Portmeirion
4. Relax on the beaches
5. Ride a heritage railway
6. Go wild at Zip World
7. Discover Llandudno and the Great Orme

1. Climb Snowdon

   The highest peak in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the crowning glory of Snowdonia National Park. Lace up your boots for one of the classic paths to the summit, or take the charming Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top in comfort. Either way, on a clear day you are rewarded with breathtaking views over mountains, lakes and coast. It is an unforgettable adventure and the highlight of any North Wales holiday.

2. Explore the great castles

   North Wales boasts some of the finest castles in Europe. The mighty fortresses of Conwy and Caernarfon, built by Edward I and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are astonishingly well preserved, with walls and towers to climb and walled towns to explore. Nearby Beaumaris and Harlech add to the collection. Steeped in history and drama, they make fascinating days out for all the family.

3. Visit Portmeirion

   One of North Wales's most unusual attractions, Portmeirion is a whimsical Italianate village set on a wooded estuary, created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Wander its colourful piazzas, domes and gardens, made famous by the cult television series The Prisoner, and enjoy the subtropical woodland walks and coastal views. Quirky, beautiful and utterly unique, it is a magical place to spend a few hours.

4. Relax on the beaches

   The North Wales coast is lined with beautiful beaches, from the long sands of Llandudno and Barmouth to the unspoilt coves of Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula. Build sandcastles, paddle in the sea and enjoy classic seaside fun, or seek out a quiet bay all to yourself. With the mountains often as a backdrop, the region's beaches offer some of the loveliest coastal scenery in Britain.

5. Ride a heritage railway

   North Wales is famous for its "great little trains", and a ride on a heritage railway is a delight. Steam through the mountains on the Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog, or take the Welsh Highland Railway beneath Snowdon itself. Winding past lakes, forests and dramatic peaks, these narrow-gauge lines offer a nostalgic and scenic way to see the landscape, and are a firm favourite with families and railway enthusiasts.

6. Go wild at Zip World

   For thrill-seekers, Zip World offers some of the most exciting adventures in Britain, set among the region's former slate quarries and forests. Fly headfirst on Velocity, one of the world's fastest zip lines, bounce through underground caverns on giant trampolines, or brave the treetop courses. Exhilarating and unforgettable, it is a brilliant way to experience the dramatic landscape of North Wales from a whole new angle.

7. Discover Llandudno and the Great Orme

   The elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno is the queen of the North Wales coast, with a grand curving promenade, a traditional pier and sweeping sandy beach. Above it rises the Great Orme, reached by a vintage tramway or cable car, offering superb views, a country park and roaming wild goats. Charming and full of seaside character, it is a wonderful place for a classic day by the sea.