Wales is a passion of mine but this page is in no way affiliated with the official Visit Wales site but I do urge you to check out their site for more things to do and see in Wales. This page is a collection of the places I’ve enjoyed so far.
Aberystwyth – West Wales – Ceredigion
My favourite thing to do here is to saunter along the pier and up Constitution Hill, and if you’re feeling up to it, take advantage of the scenic coastal path to Clarach Bay and Beyond. Don’t forget a lunch stop at Baravin.
Aberdyfi – West Coast Wales – Gwynedd
This lovely little village is situated on the north side of the River Dyfi and has some wonderful coastline. Although I’ve only spent 24 hours here, I was besotted with long golden sands, clear and calm waters, and we spent the morning exploring the bandstand walk after breakfast at the oh so stylish Coast. If you’re looking for something a little different try Talyllyn Railway.
Beaumaris – Anglesey
A place of teenage memories for me. Also, home to a castle (a lot bigger than the one at Aberystwyth) and you’ve to pay to get in it’s but worth it. The little cove offers a place to squish your toes among the shingle, and in the summer you can take a boat over to Puffin Island. Back in the town, is a colorful little square filled with knick-knacks. Worth a day’s visit if you’re on the island. Oh and we loved to eat at Pier House Bistro – great customer service.
Betws y Coed – Conwy Valley
Home to my favorite dog-friendly, hot chocolate and ice cream place. See Swallow Falls here and the Fairy Glen. There many guided and signposted walks to take and it’s a hot spot for outdoor clothing and equipment. Venture just outside to Llyn Gwynant campsite which has excellent links to Snowdon.
Barmouth – North West Wales – Gwynedd
Probably the most touristy of places but I’ve got a soft spot for this place. I love to eat at the various restaurants including The Davy Jones Locker by the harbor as you can gaze at the mountain scenery. There’s an old-fashioned sweet shop here where you can help yourself! Bike or walk around the Mawddach estuary. From Barmouth, it’s easy to get to the likes of Harlech which has a castle and a lovely beach.
Bala – North East Wales – Gwynedd
Bala is best known for its Llyn Tegid and rightly so – take a day on your paddleboard, kayak or canoe and if you don’t own your own, there’s plenty of hire places. There are many campsites around the lake’s edges too.
Criccieth- North Wales – Cardigan Bay
We only passed through but there’s a long pebbly beach (not dog-friendly between May-Sept) which is nice to have an ice cream or two on. There’s also the dog-friendly Swn-y-Mor which does awesome pizzas and baguettes.
Chirk – North East Wales – Wrexham
Home to the famous Chirk aqueduct which you can walk, run, kayak, or even canal boat over, providing views of the beautiful Ceriog Valley. Chirk castle and gardens (worth a visit) owned by the National Trust is a great day for the family and you can even Segway here. I love the Caffi Wylfa for afternoon tea, slices of cake and pancakes but they also provide light lunches. Just up the road is the Cafe Bistro and tearoom which does excellent Italian-themed food and The BoatHouse is a little gem worth a visit (dog-friendly) Take a trip up the road to mountain bike at Llandegla forest and try out their cafe which boasts some man size portions!
Corwen
Between Llangollen and Bala, Corwen is small but worth a visit if you’re looking for some good walks with views of the Dee and the Clywdian range. This is the home of the Corwen Walking Festival every Septemeber.
Dolygaer, Brecon Beacons – South Wales
There’s an awesome activity center here which offers a range of outdoor activities, accommodation arrangements for adults and children. Pen Y Fan is not far from here either.
Devils Bridge, Ceredigion
Devil’s Bridge Falls is the perfect day out if you want to combine exercise (so many steps!) with stunning views. It only costs £1 entry in low season and just over £3 in high season – there are two walks to try out. The walk down to the Rheidol Gorge is steep but worth it.
Dolgellau – North West Wales – Gwynedd
This quaint little stone town is the perfect gateway to plenty of walks and is an ideal stop off if you’re walking the Pony Path on Cadair Idris and want to try some mountain biking at Coed Y Brenin
Dinas, Pwllheli, Llyn Peninsula
The little village is home to Wig Wam Holiday glamping site and completely recommended. From here you can take a tour of Abersoch, Pwhelli and my ultimate favorite Porthor (Whistling Sands)
Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire
Lawrenny is a small village that overlooks the Cleddau estuary, great for watersports enthusiasts! Why not walk the Landsker trail or visit The Big Retreat Wales, a yearly mind and body retreat. Lawrenny Quay boasts an award-winning tea room with exceptional home-made cakes.
Llangollen – North East Wales, Denbighshire
High up on the hill is Dinas Bran which is an excellent walk and provides spectacular views of the Welsh Valley. The canal towpath is worth a walk and in fact, you can visit Trevor and Chirk via it. Various outdoor activity centers in Llangollen hire out mountain bikes (be warned – hills are steep) and you can white water raft on the River Dee. My favourite place to eat is the Italian style Deeside cafe (you get a lot for your money and their homemade chips are the best).
Llanrhaeadr – ym-Mochnant – Powys
Perhaps best known for the stunning waterfall set between the Berwyn Mountains – it’s one of the 7 wonders of Wales and is incredible. There are various paths to help you get up to the top of the waterfall (dogs on leads). If you still want more adventure, ramble off into the surrounding moorlands and see where you end up! I love the cozy tea rooms and the guest house next to the waterfall, it even has a prayer/meditation lodge not many people know of!
Llanidloes – Powys
Llanidloes is a very Welsh market town with an amazing veggie cafe (and close to Aberystwyth). Here you can get to Hafren Forest and find the source of the River Severn! You can also travel to the scenic Llyn Clywedog – a haven for nature and perfect for a picnic and a paddleboard.
Penmaenpool – Edges of Snowdonia National Park
Honestly, it’s easy to drive through this little hamlet, about 3 miles from Dolgellau, on the south side of the River Mawddach. An awesome little stopover for the van, with toilets and £1 a night donation. The Geroge the third is only up the road, perfect stop off before and after tackling the Mawddach trail by foot or bike.
Welshpool – Powys
‘Where Wales begins’ so it’s known as it has close connections to the English borders. Welshpool is home to the magnificent Powys Castle and gardens (and many Peacocks) owned by the National Trust.The Montgomery Canal is a pleasant afternoon walk to do on a sunny day or why not take the steam train through the Banwy Valley. For garden lovers, The Dingle Nurseries or the Derwen is worth a look around. Fancy a day trip out then, Lake Vyrnwy is not that far – climb the waterfall, kayak in the reservoir or even visit the hotel and spa (recommended).