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Guidance on planning a holiday to Wales
Thinking about holidaying in Wales? It's a great place for families, solo travellers and couples. Check out the package holidays to Wales available from HolidayPirates and the various flights to Wales you can book from other parts of the
Why is a trip to Wales worth booking?
If you have never travelled to Wales before or spent time in the principality, then you should definitely consider it as a getaway destination. For one thing, Wales is very accessible from most of the UK. It has direct ferry services to Belfast from Holyhead, while travellers from Scotland and northern England can reach it by road. South Wales is easily reached from the rest of the country via the M4 motorway, which links London to Wales directly.
Beyond its convenience as a holiday destination for Brits, Wales has a natural allure. The country is full of interesting sites and often amazing scenery. From charming rural villages to more bustling urban centres, Wales has a lot to offer. Unlike other parts of the UK that are popular with tourists, such as the Lake District, for example, Wales is quite tranquil. Of course, it does get busier in the high season, which coincides with the British school holidays in late July and August. That said, you can still often find a rural bolthole where you'll be able to enjoy peace and quiet.
It is also worth mentioning that Welsh hospitality is a big plus point. Any trip to Wales involving overnight stays in hotels will typically mean accessing clean, well-run establishments. Food and drink prices are similar to the rest of the UK, but there are some local delicacies worth seeking out, too. Welsh lamb, laverbread, bara brith and Welsh rarebit are all delicious local foodstuffs.
Tips on planning travel to Wales
Many people planning a trip to Wales will drive there. This is particularly so for holidays in South Wales because of its motorway links via the Severn Road Bridge. Mid-Wales is less accessible, and the roads can become jammed with tourist and local traffic. Getting around North Wales by road can often take longer than expected because of the winding mountain roads. That said, having your own car or hiring one if you have booked flights to Wales is handy for exploring.
Birmingham New Street offers many train services to Mid-Wales. If you want to get to North Wales, you can use this hub as a departure point. However, the far north of Wales is also accessible from Crewe Junction, which is well worth considering instead. The London to Wales train service departs from Paddington, but seats are often booked well in advance. Services are frequent, and the journey from London to Wales takes around two hours or a bit more to reach Cardiff.
Cardiff has the only international airport of any size in Wales. Direct flights to Wales from within the UK are available. Services run from Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow. This is worth knowing if you are touring the British Isles and want to make sure you include a trip to Wales as part of it.
Comparing North and South Wales for holidays
North Wales holidays
North Wales is the home of Snowdonia National Park. Covering much of the region, it contains the principality's highest peak, Mount Snowdon, which is much-visited by tourists. There are also numerous other mountains that anyone interested in hiking holidays will enjoy. Many of them are much less busy than Snowdon and, therefore, all the more enjoyable to explore.
The Llyn Peninsula and the island of Anglesey are both tourist hotspots in the north. In this area, you will find many castles that date back to medieval times. Good ones to seek out are Harlech Castle, Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle. In addition, North Wales has Llandudno, a charming Victorian seaside town beloved by families.
South Wales holidays
In South Wales, you can access the Brecon Beacons. This mountain range may not be as high as Snowdonia, but it offers impressive moments nonetheless. Look for a holiday based in Brecon if you are interested in exploring its many trails and circular hikes.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a highlight of the south. It has a large number of pubs, bars and restaurants. It also boasts the best shopping district in the whole of Wales. The Gower Peninsula is another place worth visiting during a holiday in South Wales. This remarkable stretch of coastline has an international reputation and is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Rhossili Bay, situated on the peninsula, is often listed among the best beaches in the world.
Are last-minute deals for Welsh holidays available?
Last-minute bookings can be made for holidays to Wales. Look for Mid-Wales destinations if you want a bargain since they get booked up less quickly than Snowdonia and South Wales. Vary your accommodation options, too. Sometimes bargains can be found if you opt for chalet or glamping stays.
What child-friendly things to do are there in Wales?
Ziplining, coasteering and hiking are popular activities in Wales, especially among teenagers. If you have younger ones, then book a Wales holiday close to the sea where the beach can be accessed easily. On rainy days, Cardiff Castle is worth visiting since it is an interactive museum geared up for kids. The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways is also worth a family visit if you're in North Wales.
FAQs about Wales holidays
Q: Is Wales cheap or expensive?
A: Wales is a more affordable holiday destination than other parts of the UK. However, during the high season, accommodation rates can be just as costly as in other parts of the mainland British Isles. When booking a cheap trip to Wales, avoid the school summer holidays.
Q: Why should tourists come to Wales?
A: Wales is perhaps best known as a holiday destination because of its dramatic landscape and natural beauty. West Wales has sweeping beaches, while South Wales offers a rugged coastline. North Wales is the home of Snowdonia, a spectacular area of national parkland that is popular with visitors from across the globe.
Q: Can you spend English money in Wales?
A: Yes, Wales uses the same currency as the rest of the UK. You do not have to convert banknotes issued by either the Bank of England or the Bank of Scotland to purchase items in Wales. They're both forms of legal tender.
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