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Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain landscape at dawn

Visit Wales

The Country That Has It All

Your complete 2026 guide to Wales — 600+ castles, 41 Blue Flag beaches and 2,400+ personally-inspected holiday cottages from £299 a week.

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Wales packs 600+ castles, three National Parks, 41 Blue Flag beaches and 870 miles of unbroken coastline into a country the size of New Jersey.

Whether you are planning a family beach holiday in Pembrokeshire, a romantic cottage break in Eryri (Snowdonia) or a weekend exploring Cardiff’s food scene, this guide covers everything you need to book it. Wales.org brings you handpicked holiday cottages, experience days from £12, and honest guides written by people who live here.

Fresh for 2026

What’s New in Wales This Year

Five reasons 2026 is the year to visit Wales — from Hollywood-backed football museums to direct flights from Canada.

Heritage

Caerphilly Castle Reopens

The largest castle in Wales returns with immersive digital exhibits in the Great Hall — one of over 600 castles you can visit across the country.

Opening June

Wrexham Football Museum

Celebrating the Hollywood-backed rise of the world’s third-oldest football club. Combined with TyPawb Arts Centre, it makes Wrexham one of North East Wales’ hottest city breaks.

22 May 2026

Direct Flights From Toronto

WestJet’s new transatlantic service opens Cardiff and the South Wales coast to North American visitors for the first time.

Stargazing

Elan Valley Planetarium

Already home to one of the world’s best dark-sky reserves, Mid Wales now has a dedicated planetarium and upgraded visitor centre.

UNESCO

Aberystwyth — City of Literature

The Cardigan Bay university town joins a global UNESCO network alongside the Ceredigion coast and National Library of Wales.

Bucket list

Six Nations at the Principality

Tickets remain for Wales’s 2026 home fixtures — one of the greatest atmospheres in world sport, worth planning a Cardiff weekend around.

Practical

Plan Your Trip to Wales

Getting Here

Cardiff Airport for Europe and (from May 2026) Toronto. Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester airports are all within 90 minutes of the border. Direct trains from London Paddington to Cardiff take 2 hours.

Getting Around

A car gives you the most flexibility. The Explore Wales rail pass offers unlimited train travel, and the Great Little Trains of Wales discount card covers heritage steam railways across the country.

Best Time to Visit

May–June and September offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak for beaches. Winter is ideal for cosy cottage breaks and stargazing in the Elan Valley.

Budget Tips

Many top attractions are free — including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans and every beach. A Cadw membership unlocks hundreds of heritage sites. Midweek bookings save 30–50%.

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Wales?
Wales is a year-round destination. May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days for beaches and outdoor activities, while autumn and winter are ideal for cosy cottage breaks, stargazing and experiencing Welsh culture without the crowds. The shoulder months of May, June and September often provide the best combination of good weather and lower prices.
What is Wales best known for?
Wales is famous for its 600+ castles (more per square mile than anywhere in Europe), three National Parks (Eryri/Snowdonia, Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast), 870 miles of coastline, 41 Blue Flag beaches, and rich cultural traditions including the Welsh language, rugby and the National Eisteddfod festival.
How many days do you need in Wales?
A long weekend of 3–4 days is enough to explore one region such as Pembrokeshire or Snowdonia. For a comprehensive trip covering North, South and West Wales, plan for 7–10 days. Many visitors return multiple times to experience different regions and seasons.
Where should I stay in Wales?
Wales offers holiday cottages, spa hotels, glamping pods, campsites, farm stays and castle hotels. Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire are the most popular areas for holiday cottages, while Cardiff and Swansea offer city breaks. Most visitors choose self-catering cottages for flexibility and value, with prices starting from £299 per week.
Can I fly to Wales from outside the UK?
Yes. Cardiff Airport serves international destinations, and from May 2026, WestJet launches a new direct Toronto-to-Cardiff route. Bristol Airport and Manchester Airport are also convenient gateways, both within 90 minutes of the Welsh border.
How much does a week in Wales cost?
Self-catering holiday cottages in Wales start from around £299 per week for a small property outside peak season. A mid-range cottage for a family of four typically costs £600–£1,000 per week in summer. Many of the best attractions — including National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans and all 41 Blue Flag beaches — are free to visit.
Are dog-friendly cottages available in Wales?
Yes — hundreds of our 2,400+ personally inspected holiday cottages in Wales welcome dogs. Popular dog-friendly areas include Pembrokeshire (for coastal walks), Snowdonia (for mountain hikes) and the Gower Peninsula (for dog-friendly beaches). Filter by “dog friendly” when searching the cottage widget at the top of this page.

Your 2026 Wales Holiday Awaits

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Local

Guides written by Wales lovers — covering every region, from Anglesey to the Gower.

Trusted

Honest recommendations from independent writers. Bookings handled by trusted UK cottage partners with thousands of verified reviews.

Current

Updated regularly with 2026 prices, opening times and new attractions. Last updated April 2026.

Summer 2026 cottages filling fast

Holiday Cottages from £299/week

Search 2,400+ personally inspected properties across Wales

Where in Wales?
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Duration
Adults
Children
4.8/5 Trustpilot
Secure booking
Personally inspected