Off The Beaten Track – Holiday In Wales!

Holidays in Wales are something to be treasured. We’re lucky to have such magical landscapes, with friendly locals and unique wildlife, flora and fauna to explore. We’d like to suggest some places to visit and activities to try in this stunning country. And, we have some accommodation options for you to consider too. So, let’s explore Wales and go off the beaten track!

Embrace The Seasons

Wales truly is a land for all seasons. In spring, plant life bursts into action and where better to experience the daffodils on St David’s Day, 1st March? How about the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden, a magnificent 80 acre listed garden full of historic and horticultural treasures in North Wales.

 

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You’ll also be able to experience the bluebells in April as the borders and woodlands turn blue. Explore further and you’ll notice the waterfalls of Wales are at their best in early spring.  The winter rain ensures a good cascade and great photo opportunities. Venture to Henrhyd Fall in the Brecon Beacons, which doubled for the entrance to the Batcave in The Dark Knight Rises.

During the summer, beaches and gardens are the obvious attractions. In fact, the vast expanses of sand and sea, coupled with the lush green gardens of summer could keep you entertained your entire holiday… but there is more to explore!

Autumn lends itself to deer rutting and autumn woodland walks. Walking in the Wye Valley should include a trip to Tintern Abbey where you’ll capture some magical light if you love photography.

 

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Winter brings magical peaceful walks along almost deserted beaches. You might find you’re alone as you saunter along the coastline. Totally tranquil, perfectly peaceful.  In fact, it’s worth holidaying in Wales in the winter months just to experience this!

Wildlife Paradise

While grey seals are year-round residents of the Welsh coast, consider visiting in the autumn, when you’ll see the pups among the large colonies on islands such as Bardsey and Skomer. Around 600 pups are born on Ramsey Island, marking one of the largest populations. Wildlife guides offer trips which are safe for you and not intrusive for the seals.  However, these are limited and should be booked in advance.

 

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But it’s not only seals you’ll spot at these locations. Puffins populate Skomer Island and make great photography subjects!

 

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Head to North Gower and the mouth of the Tywi, and you’ll see scores of estuary birds including oystercatcher, curlew and dunlin. You’re spoiled for choice on the wildlife front!

Beautiful Beaches

Wales is known for it’s beautiful and vast expanses of coastline, smaller bays and relatively under populated beaches. While it may get busier at peak times, it’s generally less busy than South West England.

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Take time to research before you book your break, because the coastline is long and varied. Above is Whitesands Bay.  Overlooked by the imposing craggy hill of Carn Llidi, this wide expanse of fine white sand curves toward the remote rocky headland of St David’s Head. The south end of the beach has some sheltered bays. It is known as being one of the best surfing beaches in the country.

Our tip for Welch beaches is to look into the type of beach you’d like to visit. Beaches like Whitesands Bay will be popular with watersports enthusiasts, so will get busier during summer.  However, they won’t feel overcrowded as the expanse of coastline is so big. There are also dog restrictions on many beaches. Whether you’re walking, surfing, rockpooling or photographing, there’s something for everyone. There are 45 Blue Flag beaches in Wales, denoting clean and safe beaches for all.

Dark Sky/Astro Photography

Your camera can capture so much more than the human eye can see. With the progression of camera technology, it has made this photography hobby accessible to all. You’ll benefit greatly from online tutorials until you’re confident enough to unleash your skills while on your Welsh holiday!

 

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You’ll need to choose somewhere with little light pollution, so we’d recommend looking up dark sky photography on Instagram to see where the best shots are taken. Additionally, consider attending one of the local sessions with a professional to get you started on the right track.

Mountain Exploring

We’re always keen to look at accessibility options for our activity suggestions, so we have been considering a driving tour of Snowdonia. Impossible… or so we thought! We actually discovered the On The Luce blog has only recently covered this very topic! We’d recommend it for the research and beautiful spots you’ll see along the way. Whether you’re passing through in a hurry, or you’re not able to explore on foot, this is the perfect option!

 

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Anglesey… Or The Tropics?!

It’s a good question! Anglesey’s landscape on a blue sky day could easily be confused for the tropics, or Ibiza or another such location with piercing blue seas and sky to match.

 

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We love following Gill Zinon’s adventures near her home, proving that Anglesey should be on everyone’s travel bucket list!

5 Star Accommodation in Wales

And finally, you will need somewhere to rest your weary head when visiting. We have 6 family owned, 5 star holiday parks to choose from. They all attain the highest levels of the AA/Tourist Board grading systems, so you’re safe in the knowledge you’ll be staying somewhere lovely!

On Anglesey, you’ll find Home Farm Caravan Park, situated in an elevated and secluded setting with views of farmland, the sea and the mountains of Snowdonia. It is close to several sandy beaches and coastal walks.

In Wrexham (North Wales), you’ll find the ever popular Plassey Leisure Park. Set in stunning grounds and commanding spectacular views across the Dee Valley, the park offers a range of quality pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

Heading back to Snowdonia, we have the coast of Cardigan Bay, where you’ll find Trawsdir Touring Caravan and Camping Park. Overlooking Cardigan Bay itself, you have the best of both worlds with views toward Snowdonia.

Further south and in West Wales, still on the Cardigan Bay coastline, we have Cenarth Falls Holiday Park in Ceredigion. This pretty, well kept park is situated on the edge of Cenarth village, famous for its game fishing on the River Teifi and the salmon leap waterfalls which are just a short stroll away.

Heading east, we make our way to Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park. This award winning park has excellent facilities and it set in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. Within walking distance of the ancient market town of Llandovery, there are a selection of pubs, supermarkets and cafes all within easy reach.

Finally, we head further inland to Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park toward the Shropshire Hills and close to the English border. This touring park is surrounded by Welsh countryside, offering visitors fantastic views and a relaxing, peaceful environment to unwind from the stresses of daily life.

 

Wishing you peaceful and safe travels in 2022, from everyone at Best of British!

 

 

 

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