Breathtaking scenery, local flavours and Welsh charm – discover the ultimate short break in Wales

“‘Hwyl’ - the feeling of joy and fun - captures the essence of Welsh hospitality. With their warm welcome, or Croeso, you’ll experience a true sense of happiness when visiting.

Beyond this, epic scenery, historic ruins and characterful towns are aplenty in Wales.

There’s something magical about arriving in Wales. It’s not just the rolling green hills or the wild lengths of coastline that seemingly go on forever. But, the unmistakable warmth of the Welsh hospitality that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Book a short break to Wales and experience that feeling for yourself. Seek a weekend city break, explore the iconic landscapes of one of the three National Parks or enjoy a brisk coastal walk followed by a Michelin-starred feast.

Iconic landscapes in Wales

Wales is shaped by nature and nowhere wears the changing seasons more beautifully.

Discover the breathtaking Gower Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of Wales’ most cherished coastal treasures. At its western tip lies Rhossili, recently showcased in the BBC TV series The Guest and winner of numerous travel awards for its sweeping golden sands and dramatic cliffs. Overlooking the iconic Worm’s Head, Rhossili Bay offers miles of pristine beach perfect for walking, surfing or simply soaking up the panoramic views. The Wales Coast Path winds its way along this stunning stretch and it’s just waiting for you to explore its wildflower-covered headlands, hidden coves and wildlife-rich landscapes.

Head to diverse Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), where its shimmering slate mountains, gold-sand beaches and adventure activities, make for the perfect weekend getaway.

Harlech Beach, a long sandy stretch and overlooked by Harlech Castle, is great for long walks, bird-watching or simply relaxing away from crowds. Backed by the Morfa Harlech dune, part of the area is designated as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

From Harlech you can enjoy a coastal and cultural journey northwards. Travelling along the Cambrian Coast, you’ll arrive at Portmeirion, a charming Italianate village of pastel façades, colonnades and ornamental gardens tucked into the Welsh coastline. Its central piazza, quirky sculptures and the woodland garden The Gwyllt give it a theatrical air.

Nearby Minffordd Station is a great hub for exploration: both the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and the Cambrian Coast line pass through here. Hop on board a vintage steam or heritage train to Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog and beyond.

Aberdyfi Beach - a thriving little harbour resort in Aberdyfi toward the southern part of the Eryri coastline - is a perfect sandy beach. You can enjoy crab fishing from the jetty, scenic boat trips run from the harbour, sailing and kayaking - all with great views of Cardigan Bay.

The National Park itself has 1,497 miles of approved paths that provide countless opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the park’s sheer beauty. Crisp, clear autumn days are ideal for a mountain walk - and the sense of achievement as you summit Yr Wyddfa is pure ‘Hwyl’.

While Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), is renowned for its mountain ranges, waterfalls, market towns and incredible dark skies. From September to March, you can expect to see a staggering 3,000 twinkling stars here. One of the best sites is Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales. Up to 150 shooting stars an hour can be seen during December’s Geminids meteor shower, followed by the Quadrantids in January.

As the crowds thin after the summer rush, you’ll feel as though you have the parks to yourselves.

Coastal adventures

Nature lovers will love visiting Wales’ best wildlife hotspots. Explore The Coastal Way, an 180-mile path, which runs the entire length of Cardigan Bay, stretching from the Llŷn Peninsula in the north to the region of St Davids in the south. Along the way, discover colourful fishing villages, majestic castles, secluded coves and truly gorgeous beaches. Try to spot playful dolphins, porpoises and grey seals.

Wherever you are in Wales you’re likely not far away from a mobile sauna. Dotted along the Wales Coast Path, these wood-fired retreats offer the perfect contrast to a brisk beach walk or refreshing dip. Step inside Sawna Bach on Anglesey’s Porth Tyn Tywyn, where you can steam away surrounded by mountain vistas. Alternate between the heat of the sauna and a refreshing sea dip or outdoor shower.

Further south, Ty Sawna at Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula lets you gaze out across the sweeping sands through its curved panoramic window. While Pembrokeshire’s Hwyl Outdoor Sauna and Wildwater Sauna bring a touch of Scandi to the rugged Welsh coast. Wherever you are and whichever you choose, these inviting mobile saunas capture the essence of Wales.

Explore Wales’ lively towns and cities

The modern, compact capital city Cardiff is rapidly becoming a go-to city-break location. It's easy to get to - thanks to great train and bus links. Visit Cardiff Castle, explore the modern waterfront of Cardiff Bay or catch a show at the Wales Millennium Centre.

The vibrant riverside city of Newport is up-and-coming. Stroll along the scenic Riverfront, explore Roman ruins at Caerleon Baths and Fortress or pop by Newport Market and sample delicious dishes from local independent street food traders at their Food Court.

The charming market town of Abergavenny is often called the Gateway to Wales - and it just so happens Visit Wales is currently running a prize draw for a luxury 2-night stay for two at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny (see below for details). Wander through its historic streets, browse the traditional market and step back in time at Abergavenny Castle and Museum. Food lovers rejoice! It has a reputation as a culinary hotspot, especially during the renowned Abergavenny Food Festival (September).

Castles and culture in Wales

Wales is known world over for high density of castles with over 400 castles in its borders, more per square mile than anywhere else in Europe.

Explore the perfectly preserved walls of Conwy or the majestic fortress of Caernarfon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the romantic ruins of Carreg Cennen, perched dramatically on a limestone crag, or the atmospheric Llansteffan Castle, overlooking the sandy shores of Carmarthen Bay.

Festivals in Wales

Hwyl is never more alive than when Wales is celebrating and their calendar is jam-packed with lively festivals.

The 2025 Other Voices Cardigan festival (30 October 30th - 1 November), features over 80 performances across various venues in Cardigan, including headline acts such as Gruff Rhys, WestSide Cowboy and Ye Vagabonds. While Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland transforms the capital into a sparkling festive playground with ice skating, seasonal food and glowing lights throughout November to January.

Even literary lovers can find their tribe: the Hay Festival (May) is hosting an additional ‘winter weekend’ (26-30 November 2025), drawing writers and thinkers from across the globe. Past attendees include Michael Sheen, Michael Morpurgo and Stephen Fry.

Delicious dining in Wales

A Welsh welcome wouldn’t be complete without something delicious to share. A trip to Wales should definitely carry a waistband warning as the local produce is absolutely delicious – think Welsh Black beef and cheeses like the creamy Perl Wen and crumbly Caerphilly with a lemony tang.

Enjoy a hearty bowl of cawl, a traditional lamb/beef and root vegetable stew, or indulge in Welsh rarebit, a decadent rich twist on cheese on toast. In coastal villages, you can't not tuck into freshly caught seafood: think mussels from the Menai Strait or cockles from the Gower Peninsula. For a sweet treat, try Bara Brith - a fruit loaf delicious when paired with Welsh salted butter - or delicate Welsh cake.

Warm welcomes are common across Wales but especially so The Angel in Abergavenny. Awarded their AA two rosettes in 2024, you’re in for a memorable dining experience that involves the freshest and finest ingredients. They also have a bakery, which offers a delicious selection of breads, pastries and cakes.

Wales has several exceptional MICHELIN-star restaurants. From Ynyshir in Machynlleth to Gorse in Cardiff, there’s incredible restaurants to explore across the country.

The craft drinks scene is thriving in Wales, too. Sip a small-batch gin in Hensol Castle Distillery (just outside of Cardiff), raise a glass of locally brewed ale at Felinfoel Brewery (Llanelli) or sample award-winning whisky at the Penderyn distillery (Bannau Brycheiniog ).

Or simply find a pub with a roaring fire and linger after a day exploring in the fresh Welsh air.

Explore the language

The Welsh language (Cymraeg) is spoken proudly across Wales.

Try a few words during your break - ‘helo’ (hello), “diolch” (thank you) and “croeso” (you’re welcome) - and you’ll get smiles all around.

Getting there

One of the joys of visiting Wales is just how easy it is to reach, making it ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways. From London, Birmingham, or Manchester, you can be deep in the heart of the Welsh countryside within a few hours by train or car.

Cosy B&Bs, boutique hotels, treehouse escapes and sustainable eco lodges dot the Welsh landscape, offering a base for every kind of traveller.

For more general information on holidays in Wales, visit visitwales.com.

Win a stay

Visit Wales is currently running a prize draw to win a £500 voucher for a 2-night (B&B) stay for two people to The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny, including dinner from the prix fixe menu on one night. Head to visitwales.com to enter.

Terms and conditions

Prize draw administrated by Visit Wales, open to UK residents over 18 years old, closes 17:00 (BST/GMT) on 23 November 2025. Prize voucher valid for 6 months from date notification. See full terms and conditions.