Darowen Barn

A hiker's paradise of pathways weaving amid caves and waterfalls, The Brecon Beacons National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of Wales. A 520-square-mile park with a set of striking the Black Mountains to the west and east, you’ll find wild ponies among the dramatic red sandstone peaks, along with lively market towns brimming with charm and friendly locals. Across the park and throughout the year there is a full programme of cultural events and unmissable star-gazing opportunities.

Wales is a small, mountainous peninsula to the west of England with just over 3 million people (less than a third of London!), yet more than 400 castles and three expansive national parks! With over 15 million visitors a year, there’s got to be something special that brings visitors back time after time!

Could it be the breath-taking scenery? The dazzling gardens? The easy-going and welcoming folk? Or even the heritage railways that never cease to pique one’s interest?

Our personal favourites are the three national parks: the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Snowdonia National Park and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Whether you’re into hill-walking, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, kayaking or climbing, or the rather more adventurous surfing, hang-gliding or even a go on the only four-person zip line in Europe, you’ll find your perfect spot amid the extraordinary natural landscapes of Wales’ most treasured parks.

With water to the north, south and east, Wales has rather more than its fair share of dramatic coastline, making for not only incredible scenery but also a superb beach holiday destination! The Pembrokeshire Peninsula which looks out over the Irish Sea promises rugged and steep limestone cliffs best enjoyed from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. Along the way, you will find enchanting villages, picturesque resort areas, idyllic fishing harbours, winding estuaries, and incredible, wide-open beaches.

The Wales Coast Path traces the country's entire length, taking in perfect sandcastle-beaches and striking mountain passes weaving through the wilderness. The immense geological diversity can be enjoyed along with the extensive network of paths, while for some jaw-dropping architectural beauty, Caernarfon Castle and Caerphilly Castle are just two of the many sublime castles. While the utterly cosmopolitan Cardiff is brimming with splendid castles, arcades, and historical buildings, making it the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country!

Only two hours from London, getting into Wales is easy! Cardiff Airport, or one of the London airports when visiting South Wales. Other cities served by international airports in England which offer reasonable access to parts of Wales include Bristol (for south Wales), Birmingham (for mid-Wales), Liverpool and Manchester (for north Wales). Along the coastlines the roads are excellent, and there is an extensive train service throughout the country.

Read more about Snowdonia

Welcome to Snowdonia, the wild, beautiful wonderland tucked away in northwest Wales! This place is a total jackpot for nature lovers, adventure junkies and anyone in desperate need of a serene escape. Covering a whopping 823 square miles, Snowdonia National Park is like a giant, nature-themed quilt with stunning landscapes stitched together and dotted with soaring mountain peaks, zen-inducing lakes and ancient forests. Oliver’s Travels properties sprinkled across this captivating landscape include charming cottages and characterful farmhouses that will make your heart sing and turn your weary body into a puddle of relaxation.

The pièce de résistance of Snowdonia is none other than Mount Snowdon itself, the heavyweight champ of Wales and England. Standing tall at 3,560 feet, this mountain boasts panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. Nature enthusiasts enjoy hikes from the leisurely Llanberis Path to the hardcore Crib Goch Ridge while thrill-seekers can zipwire until their hearts are content. If you are not feeling the leg workout, you can hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic ride that will have you reaching the summit in style. Bala Lake is a water sports haven with sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and leisurely boat trips on offer.

Betws-y-Coed, the "Gateway to Snowdonia," is a village straight out of a fairy tale surrounded by lush woodlands and waterfalls. It is the perfect launchpad for your Snowdonia adventures, complete with charming shops and pubs that practically beg you to pop in for a pint. For a touch of magic, Betws-y-Coed’s Fairy Glen is a secret fairy hideout with mystical gorges, bubbling cascades and rocks covered in fairy-approved moss. You can take a stroll, have a picnic and let the enchantment wash over you. History buffs should get ready to geek out in Conwy, a medieval town dominated by the epic Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that makes you think of a Game of Thrones set. You will wander through cobbled streets, explore castle nooks and soak in marvellous views. Portmeirion, a village straight out of an Italian daydream, courtesy of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis offers quirky buildings, subtropical gardens and spectacular views of the Dwyryd Estuary.

Snowdonia is a jackpot of nature wonders, historical stunners and villages straight out of fairy tales. Whether you are chasing mountain highs, lakeside tranquility or village enchantment, Snowdonia is amazing!

Wales
While the image of lush valleys and a laid-back lifestyle are right at the heart of a holiday in Wales, don’t think stunning landscapes and a bit of relaxation are the only thing on offer in this beautiful country. Don’t believe us?

Check out our Wales travel guide – it’s full of handy hints, travel ideas and great stuff for families and groups of friends to do.

Download our Wales Travel Guide >>