The first time my husband suggested using our summer holiday to visit family in Wales, I have to confess I agreed somewhat begrudgingly. This was our chance to go abroad – to explore new cultures, soak up exciting experiences, swim in azure oceans, feel the warmth of sunshine on our skin, not trudge along the M4 to a far-flung corner of the UK for a staycation.
Three years and several trips later, I have never been happier to admit how completely and utterly wrong I was. Put simply, Wales has rocketed to the top of my list of favourite places and I now use every half term or long weekend to sneak in extra trips there, on top of more substantial visits. Here are just a few of the reasons Cymru has captured my heart…
The warm welcome
This year is officially the Year of Croeso (Welsh for ‘welcome’) but it’s safe to say you’ll find this friendly approach to visitors whenever you travel west of the border. It’s a philosophy that permeates every interaction – everyone, whether natives or people who have adopted Wales as their home, wants to share their beautiful country with you, from its culture and language to its spectacular landscapes and delicious food and drink. And this year, in celebration of this ‘croeso’, there’s a host of hwyl*-filled events to get involved in too – as well as the chance to win a £500 Welsh Rarebits Collection voucher** to put towards your trip!
(*a deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment)
The genuinely breathtaking scenery
My husband’s family live in Pembrokeshire and I’ll take on anyone who argues there is a better coastline anywhere in the world. From dramatic clifftop walks banked by lush green meadows to the miles of soft, sandy beaches perfect for swimming, surfing and building sandcastles, it is the perfect place to reset mind, body and soul.
But Pembrokeshire doesn’t have the monopoly – the Wales Coast Path runs almost the entire distance of the country, from Chepstow, Monmouthshire, in the south to the Flintshire border with Chester in the north. Specialist tour groups, such as Celtic Trails Walking Tours, can help you plan your trip, from accommodation and transfers to a detailed walking guide. If you prefer to stay put in one area and explore, there is an array of places to stay. Properties range from cosy self-catering cottages like the pretty Vale View Coach House in Prestatyn, ideal for families, to luxurious hotels like the beautiful St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot – made for couples in need of a romantic escape.
The culinary delights
Whether it’s sweet treats like my favourite MamGu welsh cakes (the perfect walkers' snack) to freshly caught cockles or locally brewed beer, each part of Wales seems to offer a different delicacy. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample along the way but if good cuisine is your thing, then it’s worth a special trip to one of the many festivals celebrating all things edible.
At the Glamorgan-based Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival, taking place over the May bank-holiday weekend, you can try everything from cheeses and ciders to heritage-breed beef and soft-shelled crabs. Further north, in August, you’ll find the Mold Food & Drink Festival, where you can grab a piping hot pie (among other delights) made by men from Wrexham’s Berwyn Prison.
The adrenalin rush
Wales may conjure up images of gently rolling hills covered in grazing sheep, or sleepy villages with quaint high streets. While you’ll certainly find both here (and, personally, I can’t think of a nicer way to spend an afternoon than a hillside stroll followed by afternoon tea in a cosy cafe), there is also more than enough to attract those in search of something more active.
A weekend spent mountain biking in Eryri National Park – formally Snowdonia – is honestly one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had, and opportunities abound for adventurous riders. The Marin Trail, for example, contains big climbs to get the heart pumping, then spectacular views at the top to reward you for your hard work. This national park is also a hiker’s paradise, with the country’s highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon), attracting walkers keen to master the climb up to the top.
And, of course, the coast offers all sorts of activities, from surfing to caving and orienteering. Whatever you’re into, there’s something to fit the bill here.
The rich culture
Aside from the natural attractions of the landscape, this is also an ideal destination for those wanting a cultural escape from busy city life. From my in-laws’ base alone, we are spoilt for ways to pass the time. There’s the magnificent cathedral of St Davids, whose presence makes this little town officially Britain’s smallest city, an authentic woollen mill down the road in Solva, which still uses traditional methods, as well as the pretty towns of Tenby and Newport to explore.
Literary types can take the Dylan Thomas trail around Swansea Bay, while a constant programme of music festivals around the country – including the brilliant Boia Festival in St David’s, which has been headlined by Gaz Coombes and The Zutons in recent years – is a draw for music fans. Not to mention the wealth of grand castles, ancient monuments and historic houses.
In short, if you’ve never yet discovered Wales and all it has to offer, I urge you to pay it a visit. I reckon once you've been, you'll never want to go abroad again.
Plan your trip at visitwales.com and enter now for your chance to win a Rarebits Collection Voucher worth £500** to put towards your great Welsh getaway.
**The prize draw is open to UK residents over the age of 18 years and closes at 5pm on 2nd March 2025. Winner notified by 10th March 2025. Prize voucher valid for 24 months from date of notification. See full terms and conditions.
