Country Cottage Holidays in Mid Wales
Lots of people who wish to enjoy memorable moments with loved ones head towards Mid Wales for country cottage holidays. From relaxing and enjoying the beautiful landscape to exploring sightseeing attractions, there is lots to see and do during a self catering cottage break in Mid Wales.
What to see and do on a cottage holiday in Mid Wales
The one thing that captures your attention, and sometimes hearts, in Mid Wales is its amazing natural attractions. Nature’s best gift is the spectacular landscape, which includes a stunning coastline and attractive countryside. The diverse scenery, along with the remoteness of the destination, offers a pleasant change from the hectic life that many are accustomed to in the city. Extending from Dolgellau inland to Machynlleth to Cardigan, the spectacular coastline of Mid Wales has many beautiful beaches, estuaries and coves, just waiting to be discovered. Taking a self catering holiday can be a great opportunity to explore this part of Mid Wales and have a relaxing break or action packed trip, depending on your preference.
Tourists visit the appealing harbour towns, the Aberdyfi and Aberaeron, as well as the spectacular resorts of Barmouth and New Quay. Besides, Cardigan Bay offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in shopping and activities like surfing, fishing, sailing and more. Or if you simply wish to take it easy you can just relax at the beach and spend quality time with friends or family.
Mid Wales boasts several natural treasures, such as the Cors Caron Nature Reserve, Elan Valley and Rhayader. During a country cottage break, many head for the Parc Natur Penglais in Aberystwyth, with its many trees and nature walks. Inhabited by varied flora and fauna, the RSPB reserve Carngafallt is also popular among those who enjoy being in a naturally beautiful environment.
Among the numerous attractions that you can visit during a country cottages holiday, the Brecon Beacons is probably the most popular. The Brecon Beacons is one of three National Parks in Wales, which offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire country. The Y Beiddin and the hillforts in the Welsh Marches, Pen Dinas, Ffridd Faldwyn and Pen Crug are also popular with visitors.
Every town in Mid Wales has a unique story to tell. Machynlleth tells about the unusual gift that Viscount Castlereagh got from his father in 1873, which was the Clock Tower. The beautiful town of Hay on Wye is known for books, festivals and hospitality.
Whilst taking a self catering holiday you may wish to visit the small seaside town of Aberystwyth, where there is a locomotive ride, starting at the Constitution Hill Railway. The ride takes tourists to the summit, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of Cardigan Bay. From the Bay, you can head towards the picturesque seaside resort of New Quay, which has many sandy beaches where you can enjoy seaside walks or simply relax.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is one of the most popular attractions. It is home to the world’s largest single-span glasshouse as well as several lakes and ponds. Another thing that attracts tourists enjoying a country cottage stay in Mid Wales is the mighty castles, such as Brecon Castle and Builth Castle. Among the numerous other castles dotted across the destination, the magnificent Powis Castle is the most impressive. This fortress has the distinction of being Wales’ only castle to have remained occupied throughout its existence.
There are many other places to explore such as Medieval Abbeys and Monasteries. Bearing testimony to the interesting past, the Brecon Abbey, Cwmhir Abbey and Valle Crucis are worth visiting. There are also numerous prehistoric sites in Mid Wales, such as Cerrig Duon (Maen Mawr), Four Stones, Harold's Stone Row and Nant Tarw. The Pedwar Maen, Pen Y Beacon, Rhos Y Beddau and Trecastle Mountain (Y Pigwyn) are also visited by many.
The historic country houses in Mid Wales, provide a glimpse into the past and attract many. Judge's Lodgings, Pencerrig, Trewern Hall, Ty Mawr and the 19th century Ty'N-y-Coed Uchaf are popular. In order to learn more about the history and culture of Mid Wales, you may wish to visit the museums and galleries that house numerous artefacts.
Powysland Museum, Brecknock Museum, Radnorshire Museum, Llanidloes Market Hall Museum and Newtown Textile Museum are names of a few of the popular museums. There is also the National Cycling Museum, The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh and the Owain Glyndwr Centre.
There are numerous Roman sites to visit whilst taking a self catering break like Brecon Gaer Roman Fort, Pigwyn Roman Marching Camps and Sarn Helen Roman Road. There are also a number churches and religious places such as Brecon Cathedral, St Cewydd Church and St Mauritius, which is amongst the smallest churches in Wales.
And let’s not forget the many beautiful gardens in this part of Wales. There are lush green gardens such as Bryan's Ground Garden, Vaynor Park Gardens and The Dingle to visit.
If you are visiting Mid Wales on a family self catering break, you may want to drop in to one of the adventure or theme parks such as Dinosaur Park in Tenby, Blue Lagoon Waterpark and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. There are also a number of interesting events and festivals that take place in mid Wales such as the Brecon Jazz Festival and Presteigne Festival of Music and Arts. And for those who like a bit of the action, there are numerous activities to take part in such as water sports, walking and mountain biking, among others.
With so many things to do and see in Mid Wales on a country cottage holiday, your break can be as jam packed or relaxed as you like.