Sarah Christopher
04 February 2025
West Wales is a haven for those seeking a holiday in a destination that’s steeped in natural beauty, with charming towns and a rich history. From the best beaches to dramatic coastlines and hidden coves to rolling hills and quaint villages, a break in West Wales offers something for every type of traveller.
For couples, groups and multi-generational stays, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more appealing destination. There are so many wonderful things to do in West Wales – and with beaches, historic houses and many other establishments being dog friendly too, why not bring the entire family along?
To help you make your holiday plans, we’ve put together a handy guide to the top 10 destinations to consider when searching for the perfect spot for your self-catered holiday cottage in West Wales.
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Tenby
The vibrant seaside town of Tenby sits along the Pembrokeshire coast and is famed for its award-winning beaches, colourful harbourside houses and the town’s ancient parameter walls. The ideal destination for a relaxing coastal break, spend afternoons wandering around the independent shops and boutiques before indulging in fresh seafood at one of the harbourside cafes.
Brought along the whole family? Take a stroll along the golden sands at Castle Beach (dog restrictions apply May–September) or plan a beach day with your bucket and spade to hand; this gorgeous stretch of coast is ideal for a sea dip or paddle in the clear shallows. Tenby offers a wealth of holiday cottage options and is perfect for families or couples seeking a seaside escape.
Top things to do:
- Visit a holy island: Less than a mile from Tenby’s coastline lies Caldey Island, this scenic spot with its secret coves and sandy beaches should feature on your holiday bucket list.
- Hit the beaches: From popular North Beach to the enormous stretch of sands at Tenby South Beach, you’re spoilt for choice with Castle, Harbour and Penally Beach too.
- Get historical: Visit the Tudor Merchant's house for a fascinating day out for all.
This picturesque harbour town sits nestled in a horseshoe bay just south of Tenby. Saundersfoot is a small yet popular seaside resort known for its Blue Flag-awarded beaches, family-friendly atmosphere and the abundance of water sports opportunities it offers.
Visiting families can explore the rock pools at low tide, whilst those with older children, groups or couples might want to try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply relax on the golden sands. There are also a number of walking routes to explore directly from the beach, great to experience with your canine companion.
Top things to do:
- Take a wildlife boat trip: Spot local wildlife and learn more about the area's maritime heritage during a scenic Saundersfoot Sea Safari.
- Visit the heritage centre: Spread across two locations, the Saundersfoot Heritage Centre delves into the significance of the local area and its rich maritime history.
- Eat fish and chips by the sea: What better way to end the day than with fresh fish and chips along the harbour?
Aberystwyth
Studded into the centre of Cardigan Bay, you’ll find the attractive Victorian resort town of Aberystwyth, known for its historic pier, traditional trams and lively holiday atmosphere. Surrounded by the spectacular Cambrian Mountains, there’s plenty of scope to rove with Rover should you be up for a walkie or a few. Climb to the top of Constitution Hill and witness the majestic peaks from another angle whilst taking in views across the awesome sweep of the bay.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Aberystwyth Castle; the ancient ruins which date back to Norman times loom over South Beach. This location is also a fantastic base for a stay at the seaside, or perhaps you’d enjoy a relaxing walk along the historic promenade that’s lined with entertainments such as cafes, ice cream stalls and even traditional pony rides.
Top things to do:
- Take a trip on a funicular tram: Travel by train on the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway to witness the most spectacular vistas across 26 peaks and the beautiful West Wales coast.
- Visit a treasure trove of stories: The National Library of Wales holds the nation's treasures, stories and history books, with a café and shop on site too.
- Go shopping: Discover an array of independent shops and boutiques, including high-end clothing shops, antiques and craft stores.
St Davids
Britain’s smallest city is a historic haven, with the magnificent St Davids Cathedral, the ruins of the Bishop's Palace, and its quaint cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cafes. Nestled within the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, where you can hike along the rugged coastline to explore dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and sandy beaches.
Back inland, the magnificent St Davids Cathedral is a towering testament to the city's religious heritage, but beyond this, the city also boasts a modern, vibrant community with a thriving independent scene. Wander through the charming streets and discover a delightful array of boutique shops offering unique gifts and local crafts – Welsh cafe culture at its best – warm and welcoming.
Top things to do:
- Visit the cathedral: St David’s Cathedral is open to the general public 10am–4.30pm Monday–Saturday; enjoy a tour of the chapels or browse the bookshop and sit in the café for a quiet cuppa.
- Go to Whitesands Bay: Enjoy this beautiful, curved sandy bay set amongst spectacular craggy cliffs.
- Visit Oriel y Parc: The Oriel y Parc National Park and Discovery Centre offers a plethora of events throughout the year, perfect for all the family.
Aberaeron
Awarded ‘Britain's Best Small Seaside Town’ on several occasions, Aberaeron is a picture-perfect gem on the Ceredigion coastline. Admire the colourful Georgian architecture lining the harbour, indulge in some local Welsh cakes at a charming tea room, or delve into the independent shops to find one-off treasures.
Explore the surrounding countryside, which offers breathtaking landscapes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, like kayaking, hiking and golf. The stunning Ceredigion coastline features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and hidden coves, whilst inland you can discover charming villages and the warm hospitality of the thriving local community.
Top things to do:
- Go crabbing in the harbour: Grab a bucket, fishing line and bait from one of the local stores and enjoy an evening of crabbing with the kids – they’ll be thrilled by this simple activity.
- Visit a Georgian Villa: A day trip to the stunning Llanerchaeron, owned by the National Trust is a must when visiting the area.
- Enjoy a sweet treat: Angelato is the destination for dessert, this family-run artisan ice cream shop offers every kind of delicious sweet treat you could possibly imagine.
Broad Haven
Tucked along the Pembrokeshire coast, Broad Haven offers visitors a haven of tranquillity; this beautiful stretch of the Welsh coast boasts golden sands, dramatic cliffs and excellent surfing conditions. Explore the rock pools at low tide, go for a coastal hike, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the scenery. At low tide, you'll find two hidden gems: The Settlands and Little Haven, both fantastic family-friendly beaches for building sandcastles.
Walkers can enjoy a ramble along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which offers beautiful views – ideal if you’ve brought the dog along for a holiday too – and you can reward yourselves with a fish and chip supper along the waterfront after. It’s a fantastic location for a peaceful and traditional seaside break.
Top things to do:
- Visit the beaches: You’re spoilt for choice here, as there are a number of beaches to choose from; Broad Haven, Settlands and Little Haven are popular beaches with families.
- Enjoy a wild swim: Want to experience the thrill of a wild swim but don’t know where (or how) to start? Wild Swim Wales offers coaching across the Pembrokeshire coast.
- Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: The national trail is over 186 miles long, covering an array of spectacular scenery. Perfect for walkies with your canine companion.
Cardigan Bay
A holiday in Cardigan Bay offers an appealing mix of history and adventure, with its blend of charming coastal towns, opportunities for wildlife spotting and a wealth of outdoor activities. Those looking for water-based entertainment can enjoy the breadth of the 65-mile coast which looks out across the Irish Sea; ideal for boat trips, water sports, or for a simple paddle at one of the many brilliant beaches.
Keen walkers can explore the beautiful rugged coastline that looms over breathtaking sweeps of sandy bays; there are plenty of scenic paths to choose from, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Many of these coastal routes are dog friendly too, allowing you to explore the stunning scenery with your canine companion in tow.
Top things to do:
- Spot dolphins: New Quay is a popular starting point for boat trips where you can often see playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Visit Cardigan Castle: Explore this Norman fortress, with its towers, gardens, and the fascinating museum within.
- Explore the Welsh Wildlife Centre: The Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the UK, with regular sightings of kingfisher, otter and wading birds.
Narberth
Narberth is a charming market town known for its independent shops, vibrant atmosphere and accessibility to stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal base for a West Wales holiday. From here you can enjoy all the delights of Cardigan Bay and the water-based activities it’s famed for, as well as being perfectly placed within a pretty town that’s always bustling with its own busy events calendar.
Narberth town has expanded around the historic castle – a ruined Norman fortress – with Edwardian and Georgian buildings lining the high street, their colourful painted facades adding to the town’s pretty chocolate-box aesthetic. Indulge in a delicious meal at a local pub, or visit the weekly farmers' market to sample the best regional produce.
Top things to do:
- Visit the zoo: Experience life at the barn, explore the zoo or simply stay and play on a day out at Folly Farm, ideal for a young family.
- Ride a rollercoaster: Visit Wales’s largest theme park, Oakwood, for adrenaline-fuelled experiences like roller coasters and fairground rides.
- Enjoy the local produce: Take a trip to the weekly farmers' market which takes place at The Queens Hall, every Friday 9.30am–3pm.
Pembroke
This historic town, which sits on a tidal estuary, is steeped in medieval charm and is a treasure trove of ancient tales and picturesque scenery. The magnificent Pembroke Castle dominates its landscape; once a formidable fortress that witnessed centuries of Welsh history.
Beyond the castle, Pembroke town begs to be explored; meander through its labyrinth of ancient cobbled streets now lined with independent shops and unique boutiques. Soak up the town's historic atmosphere as you browse for local crafts, antiques and tasty handmade treats. Or, for a different perspective, take a boat trip along the estuary and admire the town's medieval architecture from the water.
Top things to do:
- Have fun on the water: Visit Paddle West for family-friendly boating adventures, including canoe tours and castle row boats.
- Visit a castle: The imposing, medieval Pembroke Castle offers free guided tours throughout the day.
- Challenge yourself: For those wanting to try board-based activities like surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, Outer Reef Surf School have you sorted.
Solva
A picture-postcard fishing village, tucked away in a secluded cove along the Pembrokeshire coast, it features a pretty harbour filled with colourful boats, narrow lanes lined with art galleries and cafes and coastal paths with breathtaking views. Nature lovers will be captivated by Solva's beautiful surroundings, with the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passing through the village.
Spend lazy afternoons watching the gentle ebb and flow of the tide, or embark on a boat trip to explore the surrounding coastline. On land, you can enjoy a taste of the local lifestyle by visiting the village's bustling market to sample fresh produce, or to discover local crafts and other goodies.
Top things to do:
- Visit a working mill: A warm welcome awaits visitors at the Solva Woollen Mill, where you'll find Welsh weavers and designers of British wool runners and rugs.
- Have a pint over looking the water: The Harbour Inn is an atmospheric traditional inn with a pretty beer garden.
- Eat freshly caught fish: Grab a takeaway with a difference from Mrs Will the Fish – locally caught and prepared crab, lobsters and fish platters.
Map of the best places to stay in West Wales
Here is our map of our best places to stay in West Wales.
Holiday cottages in West Wales
Our collection of West Wales holiday cottages offers the ideal base for your adventure. Choose from spacious family-friendly rural retreats, or romantic cottages by the sea boasting breathtaking views. Many of our cottages welcome your furry friends too, ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, West Wales is a fantastic choice for your next holiday.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.