Reasons To Visit Wales this Autumn
Reasons To Visit Wales this Autumn
Wales is beautiful in any season, but in autumn with the leaves falling and the nights drawing in, there is something particularly magical about a visit. We think Wales is an idyllic location for an autumn break, and Best of British holiday parks provide the perfect base from which to explore the scenery on offer. Our independent and family run parks offer a range of glamping, camping and touring pitches to choose from for your staycation in Wales this year. Many also have a selection of luxury holiday homes and cosy lodges, where you can enjoy relaxing evenings after adventuring in the day. Here are 8 reasons to visit Wales this Autumn.
Beautiful gardens
Bodnant Garden, Colwyn Bay, North Wales
The National Trust call Bodnant Garden a jewel in the crown of the National Trust in Wales. Located in Colwyn Bay, the Winter Garden is of particular note and provides interest out of season, so it’s a great place to visit in autumn as it wakes up for a winter showing! The Winter Garden is completely flat and accessible to all. Bodnant Garden as a whole is full of autumn colour as the leaves start to change to hues of red, orange, yellow and russet. Now open by appointment, you can book a timed slot by visiting on the National Trust website.
View this post on Instagram
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
The National Botanic Garden of Wales opened in 2000, making it the first botanic garden to be created in the new millennium. It is the most visited garden in Wales and has received a multitude of accolades. The garden contains over 8,000 different plant varieties and is spread across 560 acres of beautiful countryside. There are a range of themed gardens, it is home to the world’s largest single-spanned greenhouse and there is a fabulous display of Mediterranean plants within it. Set in wonderful parkland, it really is a gem if you love horticulture!
View this post on Instagram
Wonderful beaches
Wales has the most incredible coastline and you will be spoilt for choice when selecting a beach to visit. In autumn, don your winter hat, warm boots and brace yourself for a breezy stroll to take in the clean air and the beautiful views. Here are a couple of suggestions.
The Gower Peninsula
Not far from Swansea, the Gower peninsula was designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Surrounded by woodlands and cliffs and circled by beautiful beaches, the peninsula is a haven for tourists. Whether you’re walking, surfing, sun worshipping or birdwatching, you will love the peace and tranquility the peninsula provides. Social distancing won’t be an issue on this 70 square mile space!
View this post on Instagram
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
If you love movies, this is the beach for you, having featured in movies including Harry Potter and Robin Hood. A rugged and wild beach, it is one of the best surfing spots in Wales. However, it’s also backed by dunes and wetlands, so if you’re hoping to see wildlife, chances are you’ll see a selection here.
View this post on Instagram
Fantastic food
Wales is home to some wonderful eateries, so we have two tips for you this autumn.
Ynyshir
If you’re looking for Michelin-starred wonderment, Ynyshir restaurant is the place for you. An opportunity to taste the food from the kitchen of Gareth Ward, a familiar sight on TV who has developed quite the following! We’ve chosen his restaurant for the flora and fauna in the gardens, which will be an autumnal treat with the colouring of the trees. The 1,000 acre Ynys-Hir RSPB nature reserve with its range of habitats is on the doorstep, making the whole area a haven for wildlife.
View this post on Instagram
Lligwy Beach Cafe, Anglesey
We know that Michelin-starred dining isn’t for everyone and it’s the ultimate treat, so how about one of the best reviewed beach cafes in Wales instead? After a walk on this fabulous east coast beach of Anglesey, you’ll need to warm up and get a bite to eat. Dogs are allowed so you can take your furry companion with you for a re-fuel!
View this post on Instagram
Walking
You truly are spoilt for choice if you’re planning a walking holiday in Wales. Here are two spots that include options for all abilities.
Brecon Beacons
The ultimate walking location in Wales, there are walks available for every ability. You don’t have to be climbing the paths, you can take a leisurely stroll too. The highest mountain range in southern Britain, serious walkers head for the twin summits of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du. If you’re looking for something a little more sedate, there are other areas to explore. The Brecon Beacons website provides a selection of walking routes for all abilities.
View this post on Instagram
Worm’s Head, Rhossili, Gower
Rhossili Bay contains a sandy beach, which is three miles long and is backed with sand dunes. At the south end of the bay is a small tidal island called Worm’s Head, comprising the ‘Inner’ and ‘Outer’ Head. You can only reach Worm’s Head at low tide, so be sure to be aware of this when you start your walk! It is an easy 1 mile walk from the beach. You’ll see the remains of an iron age fort on your walk too, you might also see shipwrecks at low tide so be sure to take your binoculars.
View this post on Instagram
The ultimate National Park
The ultimate in adventure is Snowdonia! It is situated on the west coast and covers 823 square miles of incredible landscapes. It is home to the largest mountain in England Wales and the largest natural lake in Wales. There are a variety of walks available, ranging from ‘Hard Strenuous Walks’ to ‘Access For All Walks’. This means mountain life is accessible for all. You can even use the railway! Whichever option you choose, don’t forget to stop and take in the scenery.
View this post on Instagram
Wildlife
Welsh Mountain Zoo, North Wales
The Welsh Mountain Zoo in North Wales is welcoming visitors once again. Another day out in the fresh air, it is open every day but Christmas day so it will be ready for your autumn visit. The zoo is the oldest zoo in Wales and is set in a breathtaking landscape, occupying almost 40 acres of lush green landscape overlooking Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. The zoo is home to 140 species including big cats, primates and even some flamingos. There is also a small farm for children, so that even the youngest visitors get to take part in the zoo experience.
View this post on Instagram
Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
If you’d like to see wildlife in their natural habitat, the puffins and grey seals on Skomer Island are worth a visit. Less than half a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, the island is one of the best spots to view these animals in the UK, in their own environment. Between September and November you can see the seals and their pups on the beaches and in caves around the islands. Boat trips run til 31st October and are the best way to view the the wildlife.
Castles
No holiday in Wales is complete without a visit to a castle. There are so many to choose from, but here are a couple of options!
Powis Castle
Firstly, Powis Castle and Garden is perfect for anyone who loves both history and gardens. The castle is medieval, a fortress and country mansion in Welshpool, Powys. The garden contains Italian terraces, incredible yew hedges and large borders. A National Trust property, you can use your membership to visit for free.
View this post on Instagram
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle is famous across the globe for being one of the greatest buildings of the middle ages. A fortress-palace, it is grouped with Edward I’s other castles as a World Heritage Site. Its unique position on the banks of the River Seiont make for a spectacular sight as you approach. Prince Charles’ investiture ceremony was held at the castle, so it boasts a rich heritage of pomp and ceremony.
View this post on Instagram
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
You need no introduction to the longest village name in Wales! Set in Anglesey, the train station is a famous landmark for having your photo taken. At the time of writing, trains don’t stop at the station, but you can still go to the station and have a photo with that infamous sign!
View this post on Instagram
We hope these suggestions of what to do in Wales come in handy. Best of British have a number of parks in Wales and they are all ready and waiting to welcome you!
Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park, Powys
Home Farm Caravan Park, Isle of Anglesey
Trawsdir Caravan and Camping Park, Gwynedd
