Vast, sandy beaches, towering clifftops and snowy mountains can all be discovered on self-catering holidays in West Wales. Running from Harlech in the north to St David's in the south, this unspoiled region's rugged coast is scattered with ancient ruins, fishing villages, and charming seaside resorts. West Wales is a paradise for outdoor pursuits, whether you want to hike to the summit of a mountain or surf world-class waves at remote beaches. Wherever your holiday cottage in West Wales is located, you will discover breathtaking scenery around every corner, as well as Wales' unique culture and hospitality. At the northern edge of West Wales, Snowdonia National Park covers more than 800 square miles, with lakes, mountains and rugged countryside dotted with remote villages. The park is popular among hikers and famous for Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain.
At the western edge of the park, where it meets the coast, the laidback resort of Harlech overlooks Tremadog Bay. Harlech Castle stands on a precarious-looking rock, above the waves. Holiday cottages in West Wales are popular among visitors planning to hike to Cader Idris's summit, one of the country's most spectacular walks. Nearby, the market town of Dolgellau has distinctive, dark-stoned architecture and a variety of independent shops. The surrounding hills, fields and woods are home to peaceful villages such as Dinas Mawddwy, which lies on a riverbank with a couple of traditional pubs.
Further west, Barmouth lies on the Mawdach estuary, and has been a much-loved destination for swimming and sunbathing since the railway arrived in 1867. It is the perfect place to go crabbing, ride a donkey or build a sandcastle. Inland, wildlife-watching, hiking, and mountain biking can be enjoyed on the Coed y Brenin Forest Park's wooded trails.
South of Barmouth, the coast is rugged and remote, with clifftop walks and sweeping bays to discover, as well as a scattering of idyllic villages such as Fairbourne, Tonfanau and Aberdyfi. Inland, Machynlleth is a market town in the Dyfi Valley, with various family-run businesses in its historic centre. From here, the scenic A487 runs southward, providing easy access to many stunning beaches and clifftop walks. This stretch of the coast is home to several pretty villages, many of which make excellent bases for self-catering holidays in West Wales, such as Borth, which has a golf course, a zoo, and a glorious beach. The ancient market town of Aberystwyth lies in the heart of West Wales, in Ceredigion. Thanks to its university, it is a bustling place with plenty of good places to eat and drink. Its attractions include several beaches, a Victorian camera obscura, and the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway, which takes a captivating inland route to Devil's Bridge. Walking at least a small stretch of the 60-mile Ceredigion Coast Path is highly recommended, with far-reaching views and more dolphin sightings than anywhere else in the UK. For many visitors staying in holiday cottages in West Wales, the town is the fastest way to reach their destination, with excellent road and public transport links to Cardiff and London.
South of Aberystwyth, the coast is remote, with pebbly bays and quiet villages such as Chancery Llanddeiniol, and Llanrhystud. Aberaeron is a charming town with elegant seafront and views across Cardigan Bay. A long-established favourite for self-catering holidays in West Wales, it has a working harbour, an ancient stone bridge over the river, and a variety of cafes, restaurants and pubs. New Quay is another traditional resort and fishing town, and Aberporth is a laidback village overlooking a sandy bay. Fishguard is a coastal town with some great places to eat and ferries to Ireland. St David's compact city lies at the southwestern edge of West Wales, with some of the region's most impressive historic architecture.
A beach in Tenby on the West Coast of Wales.
