Cottages in Wales

• Cottages for every group: From cosy boltholes for two to spacious farmhouses with room for the whole gang, Welsh holiday cottages suit couples, families and dog owners, many with gardens and countryside views.
• Where to base yourself: Pembrokeshire and the Gower win for beaches, whilst North Wales and Snowdonia suit walkers chasing mountains and lakes.
• Top-rated stays: Our highest-scoring Welsh cottages earn near-perfect guest ratings, praised for their peaceful settings, warm welcomes and easy access to the coast.
• Where to eat: Wales rewards foodies with farm-to-table kitchens, fresh Welsh cheese and seafood landed along the Pembrokeshire and Gower coasts.
• Things to do: Walk in three national parks, tour medieval castles, ride the Snowdon railway and tick off the country's famously long-named village.

Welsh holiday cottages range from snug stone hideaways for couples to roomy farmhouses that sleep large groups, many with enclosed gardens, log burners and sweeping countryside or coastal views. If a cottage isn't quite right, the same regions also offer log cabins, holiday homes and cosy B&Bs, so there is something to suit every group size and budget. Most cottages come well equipped for a relaxed self-catering break, with popular features including:

• Cottages with hot tubs for unwinding after a day on the hills
• Enclosed gardens and barbecues, ideal for dog-friendly cottages and families
• Cottages with a pool for a splash whatever the Welsh weather
• Wood burners and open fires for cosy autumn and winter evenings
• Free Wi-Fi and well-stocked kitchens for easy self-catering

Whether you want coastal walks or quiet hills on the doorstep, there is a Welsh cottage to match.

What are the best areas to stay in Wales?

The best area depends on your plans: Pembrokeshire and the Gower for beaches, and Snowdonia for mountains. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise Welsh cottages for their peaceful settings, thoughtful hosts and easy access to the coast and countryside. Ratings sit high across the board, with many properties scoring 9.5+ out of 10. Cosy interiors, well-equipped kitchens and warm welcomes come up again and again, and dog owners especially appreciate how many cottages roll out the welcome mat for four-legged guests.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. The Boathouse - 10.0: A cosy waterside cottage for two in St Dogmaels, South Wales, loved for its tranquil setting and easy access to the Pembrokeshire coast.
2. Strand Cottage - direct beach access - 10.0: A spacious cottage for seven in Saundersfoot with direct beach access, sea views and a private yard; pet-friendly and ideal for larger family groups.
3. Mynydd Crwn Bach - 10.0: A peaceful rural cottage for four near Clynderwen in Pembrokeshire, praised for its quiet countryside location and comfortable, well-kept interiors.

Wales sits on the western side of Great Britain, bordering England to the east and ringed by the Irish Sea, with a coastline of over 1,300 kilometres and three national parks to explore. It offers plenty of culture and heritage, with its own unique language and remarkable castles. Visitors craving nature will be delighted by the rolling hills and valleys, the dramatic Black Mountains, and the windswept coastline.

🥗Where to eat in Wales?

Welsh lamb has rightfully earned an international reputation for its superb quality. The nation is also famous for its excellent cheeses, many of which you'll only be able to buy in specific local areas. To indulge in some fine local produce, try these dining recommendations from our travel experts:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Carys and Tom recommend Wright's Food Emporium near Llanarthne: this relaxed farm-shop kitchen sums up slow Welsh travel, with local cheeses, home baking and relaxed lunches well worth the detour.

1. Climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
2. Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast
3. Discover Caernarfon Castle
4. Hike the Brecon Beacons
5. Wander medieval Conwy
6. Taste Welsh food at the markets
7. Tick off Britain's longest place name

1. Climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

   Wales' highest peak rises in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, and reaching the summit is a real highlight. Confident walkers can tackle the dramatic Snowdon Horseshoe, whilst anyone short on time can ride the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top without the climb. On a clear day the views stretch across North Wales to the sea.

2. Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast

   Declared a national park in 1952, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only one in Britain made up mainly of coastline. Its beaches, sea cliffs and leafy trails are perfect for walking and enjoying quiet days by the sea. Follow stretches of the long-distance coast path, watching for seals and seabirds.

3. Discover Caernarfon Castle

   Of the many fortresses in Wales, Caernarfon Castle is among the most striking. It has withstood centuries of sieges since 1283 and remains one of the best-preserved forts in Europe. Wander its mighty towers and curtain walls, learn about its role in Welsh and British history, and enjoy views over the Menai Strait.

4. Hike the Brecon Beacons

   Just 50 kilometres from Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons spread across 1,350 square kilometres of moorland, rivers and waterfalls. The park offers walking routes for every level, from gentle riverside strolls to the climb up Pen y Fan, plus caves and an adventure park for active families. It is also a designated dark-sky reserve, so on clear nights you can swap the hiking boots for a blanket and some of the best stargazing in the UK.

5. Wander medieval Conwy

   In North Wales, the walled town of Conwy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around a 13th-century castle. Climb the ramparts for panoramic views over the colourful streets and the bay below, then stroll the narrow alleys and sample the local mussels for which the area is known.

6. Taste Welsh food at the markets

   Welsh cooking is all about fresh, local produce, and the markets are the best place to taste it. In the capital, Cardiff, try traditional Welsh rarebit around the Castle Quarter, where some cafés offer well over a hundred cheese-based dishes. Then head to Swansea Market, the largest indoor market in Wales, to browse stalls piled high with regional cheeses, cakes, cockles and laverbread.

7. Tick off Britain's longest place name

   For a quirky photo op, head to Anglesey and the village with the longest place name in Britain: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, all 58 letters of it. There's not a great deal to do once you arrive, but ticking it off your list and posing beside the famous station sign is a rite of passage on any Welsh holiday.