Holiday homes & rentals in West Wales

West Wales, a land of valleys, rugged coastline, and pretty towns, is one of the most picturesque areas of the United Kingdom. Spend a few days here and you’ll fall in love with this beautiful part of the world, which includes the counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

West Wales holiday cottages allow you to discover the lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage that make this an ideal holiday destination. Book one of the area's charming coastal cottages and you’ll be able to visit historic castles, walk along the beach at the UK’s only coastal National Park, and even visit the UK’s smallest city, St. Davids. With so much nature and so many attractions waiting to be explored, you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay in a West Wales holiday cottage.

How to get to West Wales

There are trains to West Wales from all major cities in the UK, but it's a large and rural region, so you might find it easiest to travel to your holiday accommodation by car. Having your own set of wheels will also give you the freedom to visit the more remote attractions in West Wales.

Weather in West Wales

The weather in West Wales is best thought of as unpredictable. You might well find glorious sunny days during spring and summer, but it’s also possible that those days will be interrupted by rain showers. Rain can be heavy in Wales, so pack accordingly! And look on the bright side - the cooler weather can actually be beneficial for many of the activities on offer, such as hiking and cycling along the stunning coast.

What to do in West Wales

Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or the traditional villages that dot the beautiful landscape, you’ll find plenty to entertain you while you're staying in your West Wales holiday cottage.

Start your trip by reconnecting with nature at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest, which is a beautiful space to get out and enjoy a long hike, bike ride, run, or even horse ride. The great thing is that all of these come with outstanding views of the Cambrian Mountains or Cardigan Bay. You may also catch a glimpse of the most common bird of prey in Wales, the Red Kite.

Discover the area’s varied history by visiting St Davids Cathedral, the site of which dates back to 589 A.D. The present building was built around 1180 A.D. and is very well preserved. The cathedral is located in St Davids, which, as mentioned above, is the smallest city in the UK. While there, take a walk up to Solva, a small and pleasant harbour town located just three miles away along the coastal path.

In Pembroke, you can see one of the best-preserved castles in the UK. Pembroke Castle was built between the 11th and 13th centuries, though it has recently undergone significant restoration work. The castle’s location on the edge of a river makes it particularly picturesque, while inside, visitors can explore the labyrinth of corridors and rooms, and also take a look at exhibitions detailing just what life was like during the castle’s heyday.

Head anywhere along the coast and you’ll find something worth visiting. The West Wales coastline is stunningly beautiful, featuring some of the best sand and clearest waters you'll find anywhere in the UK. There are plenty of coastal cottages available in the region, so you can stay right by the beach and enjoy the stunning ocean views!

Water sports, scenery, and fun seaside towns like Aberystwyth will all be highlights of your stay in a West Wales holiday letting.

West Wales with children

West Wales' coastal holiday cottages make for the perfect relaxing family holiday - and there's plenty to keep the kidgs entertained. Take them down to Folly Farm, a zoo with more than 50 species of animals, where they can get up close and personal with the Madagascan fossa, Kenyan bongo and African elephant, among others.

Experience an exhilarating afternoon of role play at Battlefield Live Pembrokeshire - and find out who is the bravest and most valiant member of your family.

What part of West Wales to visit

West Wales is largely rural and has an array of captivating natural attractions to visit. The glimmering waterfalls of Devil’s Bridge are a must-see feature. To get there, take a train from Aberystwyth and marvel at the lush terrain as the train meanders through the valleys. At the Bridge, ramble in and out of the waterfall, a beautiful spot for photography.

The best way to tour west Wales is to explore its coastline. Hop onto a train from Machynlleth and head to Aberdyfi, a journey through the Cambrian coastal route. Visit the charming fishing villages as you enjoy the idyllic landscapes that make West Wales such a scenic holiday destination.

If you’re a fan of hiking, then pack your boots and plan a trip to Snowdonia National Park. Explore this craggy landscape of hills and deep valleys as you enjoy the stunning views along the lakeside rambles and picturesque river walks. Stop at the Mawddach estuary and savour the beautiful scenery of this 17km stretch of water.

Wind up your holiday in West Wales by visiting Portmeirion, a beautiful Italian-style village along the Welsh coast. Wander around and see its remarkable architecture, alluring gardens, and bewitching views. Its coastal cottages and subtropical gardens have made it an ideal destination for stylish and elegant weddings.

What to see in West Wales: Castles, beaches, and rolling hills

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

One of the best family destinations in Wales, Folly Farm has an old-fashioned fairground, indoor play centre, outdoor parks, and a zoo with lions, elephants, and camels.

Cilgerran Castle

This beautifully located medieval castle overlooking the River Teifi boasts unique architecture, with two round towers instead of the usual keep.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

Take the 12-mile trip from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge in an authentic 1902 steam train. You can enjoy some of the most stunning views of the Rheidol Valley.

Borth Animalarium

Just 7 miles from Aberystwyth, this zoo was founded as a refuge for unwanted exotic pets and surplus zoo animals. With monkeys, wallabies, and bats amongst its residents, the zoo supports conservation and education.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Take an underground tour through the only known Roman gold mine in Wales. The centre also offers educational exhibitions and the chance to pan for gold.

Frequently Asked Questions