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Welsh Holidays.
The Welsh seaside towns named amongst the best in Britain for a getaway
The UK's coastal towns are currently having a renaissance with so many people deciding to choose to holiday in the UK rather than the challenge of going overseas during a pandemic.
And these newly UK-based holiday makers are discovering what many people already know; the country has some wonderful seaside towns to choose from for an amazing getaway, from a long weekend to weeks away at a seaside hotspot, using it as a base to explore the surrounding area.
Now Time Out have compiled a list of 17 seaside towns they consider to be 'the best and the coolest' in the UK for a getaway based on beautiful beaches, surrounding area, eating out experiences and the thriving culture that surround so many of these characterful coastal towns.
Of this hotly debated list of 17 seaside towns as holiday and short-break destinations, Nefyn in Gwynedd and Aberaeron in Ceredigion are the only Welsh places to make the list.
These two Welsh towns on the list are worthy additions but surely towns like Mumbles, Tenby, Abedyfi and Laugharne are strong contenders to push some of the English and Scottish places off the list? Or maybe we're just biased.
Aberaeron, Ceredigion
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Aberaeron
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Aberaeron
The pretty, pastel painted, period properties welcome you to the town located between Aberystwyth to the north and New Quay to the south.
Much of the town was designed and built in the 1800s and the result is a wealth of gorgeous, brightly painted, Regency buildings that give the town a grand and distinctive look and a harbour full of boats that is, along with its beaches, the central and main spot to linger.
The quaint coastal spot is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Ceredigion coastline, from sweeping sands to the quiet and remote coves that secretly pepper the coastline.
© Western Mail Dusk at the harbour in Aberaeron
© Harbourmaster Hotel Harbourmaster in Aberaeron
According to Time Out, this most picturesque of Welsh harbour towns is not only a fabulous place to explore the beautiful beaches and rolling countryside nearby, it's also one of the best places in Europe to go dolphin spotting.
Boat trips from nearby New Quay regularly head off into the sea to search for pods of bottlenose dolphins.
But the town itself is worthy of a large chunk of any visitor's time during a getaway to the Cardigan Bay coast.
Of course, there's a stroll around the streets gazing at the beautiful buildings, but the town has numerous independent arts and crafts shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants to compete for your time and holiday spending money.
Time Out says: "Aberaeron's harbourside is ringed with beautiful Georgian houses – like especially radiant gems on a fairly everyday necklace.
"The town is foodie central but perhaps best known for its honey ice cream, the most delicious of which you'll find at restaurant The Hive, but it's also a prime spot for seafood and afternoon tea and cake – making it the ideal pitstop on your way up the Wales Coast Path."
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Picture perfect painted properties
© Google map Street scenes of Aberaeron from Google map
Beaches: The town has a variety of beaches and shores to explore within walking distance of the centre of town that are more suitable for ramblers, fishing, sea activities and bird watchers according to website The Beach Guide, although South Beach reveals a sandy shore at low tide.
But the closest beach with sweeping sands ideal for families and sand castles is probably Llangrannog Beach about 10 miles away.
Places to stay: A number of those gorgeous Georgian gems are properties in the town where you can stay, including the instantly recognisable blue Harbourmaster Hotel and red Castle Hotel.
© Unique Homestay Florin House
There are many pretty and comfortable guest houses in and around the town, and glamping opportunities in the surrounding countryside, but you can also rent properties including the rather grand Victorian country home called Florin House, that can sleep up to 14 guests just outside the town.
Places to eat: The Cellar is a multi award-winning restaurant and considered by many to be one of the town's top-rated restaurants, featuring local seafood dishes as well as views over the harbour from its sun terrace.
But the town has ample variety to suit most tastes and pockets, from cafes boasting homemade cafes such as McCowans Vintage Cafe, to must-have ice cream and much more at The Hive, to classic food and seafood specialities at the Harbourmaster, The Stubborn Duckling and the New Celtic Restaurant.
Places to visit on your getaway: The National Trust owned Georgian manor house Llanerchaeron was transformed by celebrated architect John Nash, famed for his design for the façade of Buckingham Palace.
Thanks to Nash, the property went from a small farmhouse to an elegant period villa that stands today; and it's barely changed over the last 200 years since, and can boast total self-sufficiency.
The Moody Cow Farm Shop and Welsh Bistro is worth the short trip down the coast road, and you can stay in a caravan or gypsy caravan there too, owned and run by an inspirational couple with a compelling story, find out more about that here.
© The Moody Cow, Bargoed farm, near Aberaeron Chris and Geraint Thomas running the Moody Cow farm shop and bistro, caravan park
The UK's coastal towns are currently having a renaissance with so many people deciding to choose to holiday in the UK rather than the challenge of going overseas during a pandemic.
And these newly UK-based holiday makers are discovering what many people already know; the country has some wonderful seaside towns to choose from for an amazing getaway, from a long weekend to weeks away at a seaside hotspot, using it as a base to explore the surrounding area.
Now Time Out have compiled a list of 17 seaside towns they consider to be 'the best and the coolest' in the UK for a getaway based on beautiful beaches, surrounding area, eating out experiences and the thriving culture that surround so many of these characterful coastal towns.
Of this hotly debated list of 17 seaside towns as holiday and short-break destinations, Nefyn in Gwynedd and Aberaeron in Ceredigion are the only Welsh places to make the list.
These two Welsh towns on the list are worthy additions but surely towns like Mumbles, Tenby, Abedyfi and Laugharne are strong contenders to push some of the English and Scottish places off the list? Or maybe we're just biased.
Aberaeron, Ceredigion
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Aberaeron
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Aberaeron
The pretty, pastel painted, period properties welcome you to the town located between Aberystwyth to the north and New Quay to the south.
Much of the town was designed and built in the 1800s and the result is a wealth of gorgeous, brightly painted, Regency buildings that give the town a grand and distinctive look and a harbour full of boats that is, along with its beaches, the central and main spot to linger.
The quaint coastal spot is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Ceredigion coastline, from sweeping sands to the quiet and remote coves that secretly pepper the coastline.
© Western Mail Dusk at the harbour in Aberaeron
© Harbourmaster Hotel Harbourmaster in Aberaeron
According to Time Out, this most picturesque of Welsh harbour towns is not only a fabulous place to explore the beautiful beaches and rolling countryside nearby, it's also one of the best places in Europe to go dolphin spotting.
Boat trips from nearby New Quay regularly head off into the sea to search for pods of bottlenose dolphins.
But the town itself is worthy of a large chunk of any visitor's time during a getaway to the Cardigan Bay coast.
Of course, there's a stroll around the streets gazing at the beautiful buildings, but the town has numerous independent arts and crafts shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants to compete for your time and holiday spending money.
Time Out says: "Aberaeron's harbourside is ringed with beautiful Georgian houses – like especially radiant gems on a fairly everyday necklace.
"The town is foodie central but perhaps best known for its honey ice cream, the most delicious of which you'll find at restaurant The Hive, but it's also a prime spot for seafood and afternoon tea and cake – making it the ideal pitstop on your way up the Wales Coast Path."
© Morgan & Davies, Aberaeron / rightmove Picture perfect painted properties
© Google map Street scenes of Aberaeron from Google map
Beaches: The town has a variety of beaches and shores to explore within walking distance of the centre of town that are more suitable for ramblers, fishing, sea activities and bird watchers according to website The Beach Guide, although South Beach reveals a sandy shore at low tide.
But the closest beach with sweeping sands ideal for families and sand castles is probably Llangrannog Beach about 10 miles away.
Places to stay: A number of those gorgeous Georgian gems are properties in the town where you can stay, including the instantly recognisable blue Harbourmaster Hotel and red Castle Hotel.
© Unique Homestay Florin House
There are many pretty and comfortable guest houses in and around the town, and glamping opportunities in the surrounding countryside, but you can also rent properties including the rather grand Victorian country home called Florin House, that can sleep up to 14 guests just outside the town.
Places to eat: The Cellar is a multi award-winning restaurant and considered by many to be one of the town's top-rated restaurants, featuring local seafood dishes as well as views over the harbour from its sun terrace.
But the town has ample variety to suit most tastes and pockets, from cafes boasting homemade cafes such as McCowans Vintage Cafe, to must-have ice cream and much more at The Hive, to classic food and seafood specialities at the Harbourmaster, The Stubborn Duckling and the New Celtic Restaurant.
Places to visit on your getaway: The National Trust owned Georgian manor house Llanerchaeron was transformed by celebrated architect John Nash, famed for his design for the façade of Buckingham Palace.
Thanks to Nash, the property went from a small farmhouse to an elegant period villa that stands today; and it's barely changed over the last 200 years since, and can boast total self-sufficiency.
The Moody Cow Farm Shop and Welsh Bistro is worth the short trip down the coast road, and you can stay in a caravan or gypsy caravan there too, owned and run by an inspirational couple with a compelling story, find out more about that here.
© The Moody Cow, Bargoed farm, near Aberaeron Chris and Geraint Thomas running the Moody Cow farm shop and bistro, caravan park
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Further afield, but still under an hour in the car, is the spectacular 200 hectare Hafod Estate offering stunning picturesque walks amongst its beautiful grounds.
Still less than 60 minutes away is also the Silver Mountain Experience at Ponterwyd offering adventure underground and Vale of Rheidol Railway offering mesmerising scenery above ground.
Nefyn, Gwynedd
© Daily Post Wales A view from Morfa Nefyn towards the mountain and Gyrn Goch and Capel Uchaf
In the top left corner of the Welsh coast is a stunning peninsula within the county of Gwynedd that is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Surrounded by the sparkling clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, if a holiday abroad is based on quiet sandy beaches, luxury and intriguing places to visit then this area of Wales is a perfect UK equivalent, apart from maybe the weather.
There are remains of Iron Age Forts, magnificent castles and islands to discover, sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of cute coastal villages and historic sites to visit.
© Getty Images View looking across bay towards Morfa Nefyn from PorthDinllaen, Lleyn peninsula, Gwynedd, North Wales.
© Daily Post Wales 14th Hole at Nefyn Golf Club
Nefyn and its immediate neighbour Morfa Nefyn is a popular and pretty coastal location for many holiday makers to use as a base to explore the peninsula, Snowdonia and the north Wales coast.
The local area has much to offer as well as the pretty beaches, including Llŷn Maritime Museum and Nefyn's headland golf course, and the lure of the coastal path as the best way to explore the surrounding coastline.
Time Out says : "Nefyn is a small town and community that stretches out to nearby Edern and Morfa Nefyn. The main draw here is the Morfa beach – a sandy stretch complete with pretty pub and whitewashed cottages.
"The town itself is a brilliant base for hikers with their sights set on nearby Snowdonia."
Beaches: Of course Nefyn has gorgeous beach options, from the Morfa Nefyn stretch of sandy shore from Nefyn headland around the bay to Porthdinllaen.
Porth Dinllaen, Morfa Nefyn
But the area has a range of beautiful beaches to explore, from family and dog-friendly spots to a surfer's paradise, and many of them are not as crowded as some of their counterparts further south in Pembrokeshire and on Gower Peninsula.
Llanbedrog beach is now owned by the National Trust and stretches for over a mile, Porth Neigwl beach is also known as ****'s Mouth and with quality waves is popular with surfers and water activity enthusiasts.
Abersoch Beach is known for its soft sand and colourful beach huts and is popular with families. Porth Oer beach is also known as Whistling Sands as bizarrely the sand actually whistles under your feet as you walk, so a good choice for the family to explore.
Places to stay: The local area has an array of cosy, comfortable and charming places to stay, including Ednyfed Apartment, Ty Isa cottage and Gwesty Nanhoron Arms Hotel, all in and around Nefyn.
Nearby there are a myriad of cottages to hire, glamping and camping opportunities, B&Bs such as Yr Hen Felin, The Old Mill and further afield the rural retreats of Tan-y-Chapel Hideaway near Ceidio and Llyn Shepherd's Hut near Penrhos.
Hotel Portmeirion
For another unique bed for the night, Hotel Portmeirion is a Grade II listed former Victorian villa converted into a hotel in 1925 by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the famous architect who created Portmeirion.
Places to eat: For food with sea views and just stumbling distance along the sand, try the Ty Coch Inn right next to the beach in the fishing village of Porthdinllaen, with sea views guaranteed.
In and around Nefyn there are a variety of eateries that offer a range of grub including Caffi Ni in Nefyn and a visit to and tour of the Nefyn based brewers Cwrw Llyn is worth considering if you love local craft beer.
Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen on the Llyn Peninsula
Cwrw Llyn craft brewery at Nefyn
Further afield in Portmeirion one of the most popular places to eat according to Trip Advisor ratings is Tremfan Hall Restaurant in Llanbedrog. The hotel offers an a la carte dining menu as well as a bistro menu 'to go'.
For a bite to eat at the beach The Little Tea Rooms at Mickey's Boat Yard is a popular choice, serving home baked cakes and meals on the patio overlooking Machroes Beach towards Abersoch.
Other TripAdvisor recommended places to eat include Buffers at Pwllheli Station and Castle Fish Chips in Criccieth.
Places to visit on your getaway: On the southern coast of the peninsula the magical ruin of Criccieth Castle stands proudly on top of a rocky headland overlooking the village and beach.
Wander further south down the coast and Harlech Castle is waiting to impress you. Designated a World Heritage Site, this castle has experienced many sieges and battles, and was once the centre of power of Owain Glyndwr, Prince of Wales.
Harlech Castle
There are many intriguing ancient sites to visit in the region but maybe one of the most popular is Tre'r Ceiri hill fort near Trefor on the northern coast.
The fort is said to be one of the best and most complete Iron Age hill forts in Britain, where the remains of gateways, ramparts and round houses can still be seen.
For an adrenaline rush try the Dragon Raiders Activity Park featuring a paintball park and segway adventures and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.
View of Portmeirion with Snowdon beyond from across Dwyryd Estuary
A getaway to Nefyn would arguably not be complete without a visit to the incredible village of Portmeirion, the unique and pretty Italian-style village built on the Welsh coastline.
It might be like visiting a small seaside town in Italy but it's much better than that; it's in Wales.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/tripideas/the-welsh-seaside-towns-named-amongst-the-best-in-britain-for-a-getaway/ar-AANQNJx?ocid=msedgntp
Most overrated? Tenby. I don't mind Welsh people looking down on us English. But Tenby seemed full of English people trying to do the same.
Place I have never been, but would love to go? The Lleyn (or Llyn) peninsula-looks magical.
I live in South Wales.
Have worked quite a bit in West Wales.
Havent been to North Wales that much.
They dont have the most popular Welsh accent up there.
North Wales is rumoured to have more Scousers living there, than Welsh people.
I think the overall attitude towards English people has probably improved in my lifetime.
I can recall the days when I sold double glazing, that people requested doors without letter boxes in their holiday homes, in order to make it more difficult to burn them down.
Lots of English people retire to Wales, as houses are much cheaper.
So they can sell their house in England, buy one in Wales, and have a lump left over to retire on.
There are many beautiful parts of the UK, but as everyone says as far as holidays are concerned, if only we had some decent weather.
1. Snowdon Summit
What better place for spectacular, mountainous views than on the highest mountain in Wales - Snowdon [Yr Wyddfa]. It's one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in Wales and is hugely popular with visitors.
This majestic mountain stands at 1,085 metres and is a part of a range of dramatic of jagged peaks in the Snowdonia National Park. Once you've reached the summit, you'll be treated to views as far as Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and Ireland on a clear day.
There are six main routes to the summit Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path. It's important to plan properly for your summit attempt and make sure you are properly prepared and have the appropriate clothing and footwear. The weather can change rapidly in wales, so it's always good to plan ahead!
2. Bala Lake
3. Diving Board, Fan Y Big
4. Portmeirion
You might recognise this distinctive village from the popular, cult classic 1960s television programme The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan, as Portmeirion was used extensively as the location backdrop for the 17 episode series.
5. Castell Coch
6. The Green Bridge
Spectacular viewpoints in Pembrokeshire, then you must visit the Green Bridge of Wales. It's a naturally formed limestone archway that stands over the sea on the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline.
This geological formation has surprisingly stood the test of time and is a draw for visitors and hikers along the Pembrokeshire Coast path.
It's a perfect place for epic coastal views and enviable snaps, so make sure to bring your camera along with you. If you are planning a visit, be aware that the road to the Stack Rocks passes through an army tank range and is closed at certain times.
7. The Wye Valley
The Wye Valley, stretching along the border of England and Wales, is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and for good reason too. It's the perfect place for scenic views and short walks that showcase the UK's lovely rural charms. There are plenty of viewpoints along the valley that offer sweeping views of the valley and the winding River Wye.
Keen hikers might want to Opt for the Wye Valley Walk, a long-distance national trail that follows the course of the River Wye. There are lots of places to stop along the way to admire the view, have a picnic or take a few snaps.
On this trail, you can choose various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes – or opt for a full walking holiday and do the lot. One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the Chepstow to Tintern Abbey section for lush views of the countryside and the medieval abbey.
8. Worm's Head
9. South Stack Lighthouse
If you enjoy lighthouses and the coastal views of turbulent waves crashing on the rocks below, then South Stack Lighthouse is another beautiful view in Wales that you shouldn’t miss.
This small island off the north-west coast of Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales is so picturesque, it looks like something out of a children’s storybook. South stack lighthouse was built in 1809 to warn ships of the dangerous rocks below in the rough seas, it's fully operational and has been since its construction over 200 years ago.
It's also said to be a bit of a spooky spot in Anglesey. According to legend, South Stack lighthouse, on Anglesey, is haunted by the ghost of assistant lighthouse keeper Jack Jones.
The legend goes that when one of the greatest storms hit the Anglesey coast, wrecking 200 ships, including the famous Royal Charter the wind caused rocks to fly about and crash t the ground. Apparently, Jack Jones was on his way down to the lighthouse when a gust of wind broke a rock off the cliffs above and struck him on the head.
He managed to drag himself over the bridge but was found outside the door the next day, very badly hurt. He died a fortnight later from his injuries and is said to haunt the lighthouse to this day
10. Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Enjoy captivating coastal scenery and 300 million-year-old fossils all along the striking Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan. There are a number of secluded bays, rock beds, lighthouses and unique formations to look at along this coastline as well as plenty of viewpoints.
There are even remnants of geological history that you can spot as you stroll along. Pick up a free geology leaflet from the Heritage Coast Centre and learn more about the historic remnants of the Carboniferous, Triassic and Jurassic periods.
Kids will love hunting for fossilised seashells and ammonites in the rocks and dipping their toes in the bracing waves that lap the rocky shorelines.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/tripideas/10-gorgeous-views-in-wales-that-prove-it-s-the-best-place-in-the-uk/ar-AANWb4n?ocid=msedgntp
There is also a very good reason for the fact that you have to pay on The Severn Bridge to get into Wales, while crossing into England is free.
Yes Rhyl has more Scouse Manc and Stokie accents than any other but once you get into the more secluded areas the locals are great folk and I've never had a problem with being English. Although that may say more about my attitude to them which is always one of respect, a willingness to learn about Welsh customs, history and tradition and an acceptance of the historical subjugation of the Country and its people.
Yes there's always the odd nobhead but you get them anywhere. From experience West Walians always seem more hostile than their Northern or Southern counterparts but again that's usually down to the attitude of the visiting English.
I've experienced far worse Parochialism in Cornwall, Kent, Essex and East Yorkshire than I ever have in Wales.
There we go. Wales. It's better than you think.