With endless breathtaking landscapes, burgeoning cultural festivals and plenty of options for families and couples alike, Wales tops our staycation bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a half term escape, city break or last minute adventure, here are five Welsh holiday ideas to book this autumn.
Book A Holiday In Wales This Autumn
5 Autumn Holiday Ideas In Wales
Llandudno
Wales’ largest seaside town retains its Victorian charm today, with a history dating back to the Stone Age. Perched on the Wales Coast Path, Llandudno really flourished after the arrival of the railway in 1858, and this period of expansion is clear today in its wide streets, iconic promenade, and well-preserved architecture.
One historical Llandudno visitor was Alice Liddell, the young girl best known for inspiring Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland; she spent her childhood summers exploring Llandudno’s tranquil West Shore, and little ones today can explore a Wonderland themed sculpture trail in her memory.
It’s the perfect spot for a family staycation, with wide sandy beaches and a plethora of day trips on the doorstep, from Anglesey to Eryri. Conwy Castle is less than a 10 minute drive away – with dramatic coastal views on the approach along Conwy Road and a scenic town ready to explore – while day trips into Eryri and up to the summit are similarly easy to achieve, with the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway running daily until 27 October 2024.
Where To Stay: Bodysgallen Hall
Two miles from the pretty Victorian town sits Bodysgallen Hall, a luxurious hotel and spa nestled amid 200 acres of parkland, woodland and formal gardens, approached by a driveway winding through meadows. With just 15 bedrooms in the main house and 16 cottage suites scattered across the grounds, Bodysgallen is an instant home-from-home – luxurious yet equipped with all the creature comforts, with the added benefit of a sumptuous spa and impressive views across to Conwy Castle and Eryri, both of which can be explored with ease.
Portmeirion
For a longer drive that’s certainly worth the effort, venture to Portmeirion, a unique and colourful folly village designed and built by Sir Clough Wlliams-Ellis from 1925 to 1975, inspired by his love of the Mediterranean. Intrigued? We’ve teamed up with Visit Wales to offer one lucky reader a two night escape in Portmeirion, including a three course dinner both nights and a full Welsh breakfast both mornings. Find out more and enter the competition here.
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Bookshop in Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye
Book lovers will certainly have heard of Hay-on-Wye – aka Y Gelli Gandryll in Welsh – the UK’s very own town of books and annual host of Hay Festival, Winter Weekend and HowTheLightGetsIn. A lovely market town, Hay is home to a whopping 20 independent bookshops – including one in a former church – despite its population of 2,000 people. But there’s more to Hay than its literary connections. A stone’s throw from the town centre, find historical Hay Castle and explore the neolithic burial site, Arthur’s Stone. Nestled on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), Hay is also an ideal base for outdoor activities, from hiking the Wye Valley Walk or Offa’s Dyke Path to cycling, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more.
By the Wye
Where To Stay: By The Wye
Sitting right on the riverside, By the Wye blends tranquil nature with all the luxuries of a boutique hotel, and is the perfect base from which to explore everything Hay has to offer. With treetop glamping pods fuelled by solar energy and eco-generators, you’ll sleep immersed in woodland, and be rewarded with sightings of an abundance of wildlife, including badgers, foxes, otters and a plethora of birds. But don’t worry: all of the tents are fully equipped with hot running water, flushing toilets, power showers, wood burners and thoughtfully decorated bedrooms. Best of all, if you’d like to combine Hay’s nature and literature, By the Wye hosts occasional book retreats, featuring exclusive events, workshops and tours run by local booksellers.
Eglwys St Giles Church, Wrexham
Wrexham & Llangollen
Wrexham is all over the headlines thanks to Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney snapping up the football team, but it’s always been a great city break destination for sports lovers. Dating back to 1864, Wrexham AFC is the UK’s third oldest football club, while the city’s Racecourse is thought to be the oldest international stadium in the world. Meanwhile, the historic town – which was awarded city status in 2022 – is home to Tŷ Pawb (Everybody’s House), a vibrant community marketplace featuring independent businesses and exhibitions, the XPLORE! Science Discovery Festival, the vibrant Independent Quarter, and an annual music conference, FOCUS Wales, come May. Combine the city with a staycation in Llangollen, and you’ve got the best of both worlds: under a 30 minute drive away, fin the riverside town featuring rolling hills, independent boutiques, cafes and eateries, and the dramatic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Berwyn Station, River Dee, Denbighshire
Where To Stay: Tyddyn Llan
Located right in the Vale of Edeyrnion, Tyddyn Llan is an elegant Georgian restaurant with rooms, featuring 12 stylish bedrooms and buckets of charm: think period furniture and antiques paired tastefully with luxurious ensuite bathrooms. Food (and the selection of circa 200 wines) is the main event here, but the location is also second to none on the edge of Eryri with easy access to Wrexham and Chester as well as Liverpool and Manchester further afield. It’s the ideal choice for a tranquil village escape, and by home time, you’ll be well used to saying bore da and prynhawn da as you pass by the locals.
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth
Right in the middle of Wales’ west coast is Aberystwyth, a colourful coastal town brimming with distinctive contemporary culture as well as plenty of history and breathtaking natural landscapes thanks to its location at the confluence of the River Ystwyth and Cardigan Bay. A university town, there’s a youthful atmosphere in this ancient city, which has roots stretching back to the Roman era. This history can be explored at the National Library of Wales, or the 13th century Aberystwyth Castle, which is afforded stunning views of the coastline.
If great views are a draw for you, don’t miss the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Britain’s longest electric funicular railway which whisks you up to Constitution Hill and culminates with panoramic views of Cardigan Bay. Or if you’re more intrigued in the city’s modern legacy, a trip to the award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre is a must: Wales’s largest arts centre, it features a wide-ranging programme across disciplines, including dance, music, and visual arts. Visit in October for the sixth annual Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, and you’ve got all the makings of a perfect city break for culture vultures.
Served by the Cambrian Mainline, Aberystwyth is also a great base for adventures by train: snag a window seat to absorb idyllic countryside scenery, passing through rugged mountain terrain and small market towns, World Heritage Sites and ancient castles, and stopping in towns such as Welshpool, Newtown, Caersws and Machynlleth. Or there’s the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which offers scenic steam train rides to Devil’s Bridge, where visitors can explore beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.
Hafod Estate
Where To Stay: Hafod
Balance the city break with some countryside escapism at Hafod, a bar and brasserie with just 15 rooms, nestled in the countryside and only a 20 minute drive from Aberystwyth. Located steps away from the world-famous Devil’s Bridge waterfalls, Hafod is a great destination for foodies to sit back, unwind and refuel after a long day of explorations. And such explorations on the doorstep span everything from steam trains to cycle rides, dark skies to falconry experiences.
Book A Holiday In Wales This Autumn
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
Wales’ most south westerly county has bountiful experiences to offer, with cities to explore (including the UK’s smallest city, St Davids), coastlines to tread, and natural paths to hike. As for the latter, a must-walk is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, featuring stunning vistas and opportunities to spot the likes of seals, dolphins and seabirds. Meanwhile, history lovers should pay a trip to Pembroke Castle, birthplace of King Henry VII and a well-maintained structure dating back to 1093. For foodies and culture vultures, time your visit with one of Pembrokeshire’s festivals, from the Tenby Arts Festival to St Davids Food Festival featuring authentic local delicacies. If you fancy trying your hand at surfing, now is the time: Outer Reef Surf School is run by professional surf coach Dean Gough, who has experience in coaching the GB team – or the more faint of heart can try stand up paddle boarding, coasteering or kayaking.
Twr-y-Felin Hotel
Where To Stay: Twr y Felin Hotel
Go on, treat yourself: this luxurious hotel is home to 39 ensuite bedrooms – including two suites and two accessible rooms – all furnished with luxurious textiles, handcrafted furniture and bespoke artwork. Located on the edge of St Davids, most of Twr y Felin‘s bedroom windows frame delightful views of the Pembrokeshire landscape, coastline and the small city – and you’ll be ushered inside with the team’s Croeso Cynnes Cymreig (a warm Welsh welcome). With a 3 AA Rosette restaurant downstairs, it’s the perfect choice for an intimate, romantic getaway – though children are very welcome if it’s a family escape you are looking for. From here, enjoy the ancient city of St Davids, dine on local seafood, meat and dairy products, and explore the countless local beaches – perfect for relaxing the body and clearing the mind. With woodland, islands, and deep valleys all right on the doorstep, a visit to Twr y Felin is sure to stir the hwyl for nature within you.
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Learn more about these autumn adventures and discover more Welsh staycation ideas at visitwales.com
