Luxury Cottages in Wales

Wales Holidays

Wales is a captivating blend of ancient mystique and modern vibrancy. Enveloped by rugged coastlines and rolling hills, this land of myths and legends invites you to explore its enchanting castles, picturesque villages, and lush valleys. Stroll along the charming streets of Cardiff, where medieval heritage meets cosmopolitan allure, or hike the breathtaking trails of Snowdonia National Park. Wales’ rich cultural tapestry is woven with the lilting tones of its language, the spirited rhythms of its music, and the hearty flavors of its cuisine.

Whether you’re itching for some outdoor adventures in the national parks, discovering the rich heritage in ancient castles or sunbathing on the rugged coastline, you’re in for a real treat! From the serenity of its serene beaches to the thrill of its adventurous outdoors, Wales is a destination that promises to enchant, inspire, and leave you yearning for more. Discover the magic of Wales, where every corner tells a story.

Our luxury cottages in Wales are the perfect way to experience the region like a local and with many of our properties being dog-friendly, you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure!

Why visit?

The rural beauty is baffling. The views will leave you awestruck, and the tranquility will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Known as ‘the land of the song’, the locals are wonderfully friendly and it’s not unusual to enjoy a singsong at the pub on the weekend!
From great open spaces to intriguing cultural sites and museums, Wales is a very family-friendly destination.

Read the Wales Travel Guide

Why stay with us?

Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Wales. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.

Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.

Our Top Regions in Wales

Why Visit Wales?

Wales may be small but it’s certainly mighty. Nestled in southwest Great Britain, this geologically diverse country is an explorer’s dream. Maybe best known for its rugged coastlines and magnificent national parks, Wales and nature go hand in hand.

Snowdonia National Park draws in visitors from all over the world for its stunning landscapes offering wonderous hiking trails, lyrical lakes and glacial landforms. For the bravest among us, you can even take a train up to the peak of Mount Snowdon for some truly spectacular views!

But Wales also offers a rich cultural heritage built into the walls of traditional castles. From mysterious ruins to regal turrets, there’s so much history to be discovered. A day trip to the capital will treat you to 2000 years of history at the fascinating Cardiff Castle, showcasing medieval exteriors and jaw-dropping Gothic Revival interiors.

If a beach holiday is more up your street, you’ll be spoiled for choice across the country’s golden beaches. An underrated beach holiday destination, the British coast has so much to offer.

Food and drink in Wales

Unsurprisingly, the food in Wales is almost as hearty as the people. A firm favourite among visitors and locals alike is Welsh rarebit, consisting of toast topped with a melted cheddar cheese sauce and other ingredients including beer or ale, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, mustard and paprika. It’s the perfect warming dish after a brisk winter’s walk along the coast!

And you couldn’t visit Wales without trying a traditional sweet treat. Welsh cakes are the perfect snack for an afternoon tea break, consisting of a scone-like cake made with currants, cinnamon and nutmeg. You’ll find them everywhere, especially in tea shops and cafes.

Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, Wales

Family-Friendly

You don’t get much more family-friendly than Wales. Not only are the locals kind and welcoming but the scenery and activities are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.

Only a short train journey from London, you can reach Cardiff in under 2 hours, making it even more ideal for a trip with younger travellers.

Wales may not offer year-round sun but outdoor activities can be enjoyed in rain and shine! Most of our luxury cottages in Wales are geared towards families, many with an abundance of outdoor space for running around in. Home-from-home facilities make travelling with babies and young kids much easier; kitchens mean you can cook and eat at home, while washing machines are a practical addition for inevitable mishaps.

Mountainous landscapes and breath-taking national parks will provide hours of fun for the whole family. Try your hand at some rock climbing, go all out on the zipline or brave some abseiling while admiring the views. With smaller kids or babies, it’s equally as enjoyable to take a picnic while you sit surrounded by nature.

Festivals will hold older kid’s attention, including live music, food and drink and comedy. Try Hay Festival in Haye-on-Wye for a great day out, featuring a number of writers, comedians and musicians hosting talks and workshops.

Best time to go

The spring months of April through May are the best time to visit as the flowers will be in bloom, baby lambs cover the fields and Atlantic puffins flock to Skomer Island.
Summer offers the best weather but expect busy tourist spots and higher prices.
If you want to get in the spirit of the country’s favourite sport, you can catch The Six Nations rugby championship every year around February to March.
Looking for a Christmas retreat? Make the festive season extra special in a cosy cottage in the rural Welsh countryside.

Top tip

If you are traveling in more rural areas, we would recommend renting a car as local transport can be infrequent. Roads can be quite narrow and winding so give yourself plenty of time when travelling to your destination.
Visit the local pubs for some authentic Welsh food. Local beers and ciders are worth trying too!
Wales is a bilingual country so road signs may appear to be in Welsh but usually they will have an English translation.

Why it’s perfect for families

For babies

Under a two-hour train from London or a 4-hour drive, Wales is an ideal destination to visit with babies.

For kids

Get the kids out and about with fun activities, such as ziplining and rock climbing. Some of our luxury cottages even have heated pools to keep them entertained after a day out and about.

For teens

Anglesey Adventures offers activities such as kayaking and gorge scrambling around the country, including Snowdonia National Park.

What Oliver loves

The people in Wales are famous for their incredible hospitality. You’ll never be far from a friendly chat and you can expect to feel welcomed anywhere you go!

Best Beaches in Wales

Although the beaches in Wales are some of the best in the UK, many are still undiscovered by tourists, making them tranquil and unspoiled holiday spots. Secluded sandy beaches welcome sun and shelter from high winds, rock pools keep the little ones enthralled and the waves can be ideal for a range of watersports.

Many of our coastal cottages in Wales are situated within walking distance to the beach so you can enjoy the blissful waters with ease.

For a spot of surfing, Poppit Sands Beach will treat you to some wonderful waves. Or for a more relaxed day out with the family, head to Traeth Mawr for scenic walks and intriguing rock pools.

Tresaith Beach

It may be relatively small but part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, it’s definitely beautiful. The picturesque village behind the beach offers a shop, café and pub – perfect for a spot of lunch after a long morning sunbathing.

Prestatyn Barkby Beach

This sandy expanse is backed with a promenade and dunes, perfect for those looking for walking routes away from the sand. There’s also a grassy area with picnic tables and facilities if you fancy staying for lunch.

Tenby South Beach

A firm family favourite, this spacious beach is ideal for beach games and picnics. The 2-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by natural dunes and offers a range of walking trails and cycling routes.

Traeth Mawr, Cemaes

Consisting of two beaches, a larger one and a smaller one more suited to families. Explore the rock pools and try your hand in crabbing or take a scenic walk down The Anglesey Coast path.

Poppit Sands Beach

This sandy Blue Flag beach is north facing, allowing shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds and makes the perfect spot for windsurfing, kayaking and surfing. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path starts nearby so once you’ve had enough of the sea, you can enjoy walking trails with a view.

Neigwl Beach

A more rural option, the larger waves make it popular among windsurfers and kayakers. Expect beautiful sands at low tide and a pebbly expanse at high tide. Quiet and peaceful, it’s a great hideaway from the crowds.

Things to do in Wales

With its rolling hills, breathtaking views and glistening beaches, Wales is one the best options for an outdoor holiday in the UK. Hiking and outdoor activities are some of the most popular things to do in Wales, with many people visiting for the fresh air and gorgeous scenery. If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, you can try out windsurfing, abseiling or kayaking all over the country.

For those opting for a calmer holiday vibe, there’s more to Wales than just dazzling beaches. A rich heritage and cultural history fill this magnificent country, which can be experienced at the many castles it has to offer. But if castles aren’t your thing, Wales is also home to The Smallest House in Great Britain, which has become an intriguing tourist attraction in recent years.

Explore Snowdonia National Park

This glorious national park consists of 823 square miles to discover. It showcases the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon, which you can gawp at from a distance or take a train to the top – both options are equally as awe-inspiring. Hiking routes and walking trails will keep you occupied for hours and the views will certainly not disappoint. Take a picnic and make a day of it!

Step back in time at Cardiff Castle

This spectacular medieval castle makes a must-see day trip. Built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort, it’s brimming with history and is a winner with kids. Choose a guided tour for a truly fascinating experience.

Be amazed at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Sitauated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales holds a 17-kilometre long cave system which is just waiting to be explored. Walking through the mysterious caves system will leave both adults and children speechless. It’s a natural wonder that really shouldn’t be missed!

Get adventurous at Bardsey Island

This wild and rural island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the glorious flowers, coastline and abundance of nature. It’s also a Special Area of Conservation and a hotspot for many species of interesting birds, making it a great place to enjoy a spot of birdwatching.

Oliver's Hidden Gem

The Four Waterfalls Walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park is 5.5 mile long trail to discover four stunning waterfalls. This scenic route makes a very romantic day out or an unforgettable family adventure.

Extra inspiration on things to do

Oliver's Hidden Gem

Whether you’re travelling at peak-time or the depths of winter, Anglesey Island has so much to see all year round. The dramatic coastline has inspired many artists, red squirrel spotting at Newborough Forest is a hit with younger children and there’s even a Michelin Star restaurant for some real holiday indulgence.

Towns and Villages

Largely visited by outdoor adventurers, Wales has an array of fascinating regions that not only offer beauty but also an abundance of charm. Starry skies and peaceful countryside make for a romantic escape while fun activities with keep the whole family happy.

Renowned for the array of beautiful national parks and outdoor adventures, North Wales is a perfect choice for active families and thrill-seekers. For sea lovers, Pembrokeshire will not only give you your beach fix but you’ll be able to devour some of the most delicious seafood on offer.

Many of our holiday homes in Wales are within walking distance to the local village but there are also many areas worth visiting further afield. Take a look at some of our favourite places to visit in Wales below.

Brecon Beacons

This pretty region is a natural wonderland, offering hill walking, outdoor activities and waterfalls to top all waterfalls. The skies are so clear at night that it also makes a relaxing spot to stargaze. Get involved in local attractions such as museums, cathedrals and national parks.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire makes the ideal place for families, offering the only coastal national park in Britain, a wonderful wildlife park to keep the kids enthused and the famous Green Bridge. Tastes of the sea are not to be missed, with seriously fresh and delicious seafood served widely around the area.

North Wales

Home to three of Wales’ five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Wales has so much to offer. From spectacular sea views and imposing castles, you’ll never be short of something to do. The large number of farms also makes it a great place to try world-renowned Welsh Black beef and salt marsh lamb!

Snowdonia

Famous for the stunning Snowdonia National Park and, of course, Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia is a truly magnificent holiday base. From fishing boat trips, surfing and watersports to cycling routes and delicious places to eat, there’s plenty of things to choose from.

Ceredigion

Not only will you be welcomed into a natural playground of walks and views, Ceredigion has a lovely arts centre if you somehow have enough of the great outdoors. There’s even a bridge that folklore suggests was created by the Devil himself!

Monmouthshire

If you want to get involved in local culture, Monmouthshire hosts various festivals of interest to adults and children alike, including Monmouth Music Festival. Take guided walks along the countryside, put your feet up in the local pub or discover some majestic castles.

Top Tips

Rent a car for more rural areas. Even if you can walk to your local village, it’s best to have the flexibility to travel further afield.
We recommended exploring your local area as much as you can by foot! After all, it’s the best way to stumble across hidden gems.
If you need a taxi in rural areas, the local pub will usually have a number. In major cities, you can often find taxis outside train stations.

Getting there and around

Wales is only a short way from London and can even be reached within 2 hours. Travel to and from Wales is relatively cheap if booked in advance with trains running from London terminals, including London Paddington or London Euston. You can also opt to fly to Wales, with a plane journey taking only an hour from London to Cardiff Airport. Many airlines offer direct flights from England to Wales, including British Airways.

You can get around cities in Wales easily by bus or train, but rural areas are best explored by car or on foot. You can even rent bicycles and cycle around one of the many national parks for an active and enjoyable family day out.

By car

The best way to get around more rural areas is by car. It’s also important to note many roads in rural areas can be narrow and winding so your journey may take slightly longer than expected. The good news is you’ll experience scenic routes and countryside views on many of your rural escapades. There are many car rental companies in Wales, including Avis and Enterprise.

By public transport

You can get around Menorca by public transport, though it’s not as flexible or easy as having your own car. A reliable bus network connects the main towns and beaches in high season, though services elsewhere on the island are generally patchy.

The main bus companies serving Mahón and Ciutadella are TMSA and Autocares Torres, with Autos Fornells also running services from the capital. The bus between the two towns takes around an hour, or the express option shaves 15 minutes off this time.

Public transport

Buy an Explore Wales pass at most staffed train stations to get free travel on regular trains and buses throughout your trip. If you’re only planning to do a lot of travelling on a certain day, you can usually buy day passes for buses at around £6 a day for unlimited use. This could save you more and will give you greater flexibility than buying multiple train fares.

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