Wales has more self-catering holiday cottages per square mile than any other part of Britain. From a renovated stone farmhouse in the Brecon Beacons to a sea-view cottage on the Llŷn Peninsula, the range is exceptional.

This guide covers every region, every cottage type, and what each area offers — so you can find the right base before you book.

Holiday Cottages in North Wales: Mountains, Castles and Sea

North Wales has the highest concentration of holiday cottages in Wales. The combination of Eryri (Snowdonia), the Llŷn Peninsula, and the Anglesey coastline makes it the most diverse region for self-catering accommodation.

Eryri (Snowdonia): Stone-built cottages and converted farmhouses in the mountain valleys. Villages like Beddgelert (LL55 4UY), Betws-y-Coed (LL24 0AH), and Llanberis (LL55 4TY) have the strongest concentration. Expect slate floors, log burners, and views up to the ridgelines. Best for walkers, cyclists, and families who want outdoor activity on the doorstep.

Llŷn Peninsula: Coastal cottages along one of the most unspoilt coastlines in Britain. The peninsula has no major towns — Pwllheli (LL53 5HB) is the largest at 4,000 people. Most cottages are converted farm buildings or purpose-built. The best sea views are from the south-facing ridge between Abersoch and Aberdaron. Good for couples and smaller families who want peace and beach access.

Anglesey: The island has 130+ miles of coastline and a wide range of cottage types — from working farm stays to modern coastal lodges. Beaumaris (LL58 8AP) and the Menai Strait villages have the most character. Llanfairpwll area has the best transport links. Good for families with young children — the beaches are sheltered and safe.

Conwy Valley and North Coast: Victorian and Edwardian terraced cottages in Llandudno and Conwy, and rural cottages in the Conwy Valley. Most are within 30 minutes of the castle sites.

Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire: The Best Coastal Stays

Pembrokeshire is the second most popular region in Wales for holiday cottages. The National Park covers the majority of the coastline — which keeps development controlled and the landscape exceptional.

Around Tyddewi (St Davids): The most popular area in Pembrokeshire for self-catering. Cottages in and around St Davids (SA62 6RH) put you within 20 minutes of Whitesands Bay, Caerfai Bay, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The village itself has a strong food scene despite its size — three good restaurants within 5 minutes on foot.

Tenby and South Pembrokeshire: Georgian townhouse conversions in Tenby (SA70 7AJ) and rural farm cottages in the hinterland. The beaches — North Beach, South Beach, Castle Beach — are all within walking distance of the town centre. Most popular with families in summer.

Newport and North Pembrokeshire: Quieter and less visited than the south. Newport (SA42 0QS) is a good base for the Preseli Hills and the northern stretch of the Coast Path. Farm cottages and converted barns are the main accommodation type here.

Pembrokeshire tip: The best coastal cottages book up 6–12 months in advance for July and August. If you want to stay near St Davids or Tenby in peak season, book early or look for last-minute cancellations.

Holiday Cottages in the Brecon Beacons: Walking and Waterfalls

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park has excellent self-catering options for walkers and families. The park covers 520 square miles — from the Black Mountains in the east to the Black Mountain in the west.

Brecon and surroundings: The market town of Brecon (LD3 7AD) is the best base for the central Beacons. Cottages in the town and within a 10-mile radius put you within easy reach of Pen y Fan, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, and the waterfall country of Pontneddfechan.

The Black Mountains: Farm cottages and converted barns in the Usk valley, Crickhowell (NP8 1BW), and Hay-on-Wye (HR3 5AE) area. This is the most rural corner of the park — expect no mobile signal in some valleys. Perfect for a genuine digital detox.

Abergavenny area: The best food town in South Wales, with a growing number of quality cottages nearby. The Sugarloaf mountain rises directly above the town. Closer to the M50 and M4 than any other part of the park — the shortest drive from England into mountain Wales.

Holiday Cottages in Ceredigion and West Wales

Ceredigion’s 60-mile coastline — running from Cardigan in the south to Aberystwyth in the north — is one of the least-developed in Wales. Dolphins are resident in Cardigan Bay year-round. Cottages here offer the best wildlife-watching of any Welsh region.

Around New Quay (Cei Newydd): The bottlenose dolphin capital of Wales. New Quay (SA45 9PS) is a harbour village of 800 people with a cluster of good self-catering options on the hillside above the bay. Boat trips to see the resident dolphin pod run from the harbour — approximately £15 adults. Best season for dolphins: May to October.

Aberaeron: The most architecturally distinctive small town in Wales — a planned Georgian harbour town built in one burst of construction from 1807. Cottages in and around Aberaeron (SA46 0BA) are within easy reach of both the coast and Aberystwyth. Good base for mid-length Ceredigion stays.

Carmarthenshire: The least-visited county in Wales for tourism but increasingly popular for cottage holidays. Laugharne (SA33 4SD) — where Dylan Thomas lived and is buried — has a small number of cottages with estuary views. The Tywi valley has larger farm properties well-suited to group bookings.

Cottage Types: What to Look For When Booking

Converted stone farmhouses: The most characterful and widely available type in rural Wales. Slate floors, exposed beams, thick walls, often with outbuildings. Range from 2-bedroom to 8+ for larger groups. Most have log burners — essential in autumn and winter.

Coastal cottages: Sea-view and cliff-top properties in Pembrokeshire, Llŷn, and Ceredigion. Premium prices for sea views — expect to pay 30–50% more for a front-facing coastal position versus an equivalent inland property. Some coastal cottages have private beach access.

Hot tub cottages: Wales has a strong market for hot tub-equipped properties — particularly in Eryri, the Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire. Usually converted barns or lodges with outdoor decking. Very popular for short winter breaks and romantic getaways. Book early.

Dog-friendly cottages: Wales is one of the most dog-friendly holiday destinations in Britain. Most HolidayCottages.co.uk properties in Wales accept dogs. Properties near beaches are the most sought-after — coastal Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have the widest range. Confirm seasonal dog restrictions on specific beaches before you book.

Large group cottages: Wales has an excellent stock of large properties for family reunions and group getaways — converted manor houses, farmsteads with multiple buildings, and lodges sleeping 12–20. Mid Wales and Ceredigion have the highest concentration of large properties with available land for activities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Holiday Cottages Wales

Where are the best holiday cottages in Wales?

Pembrokeshire and North Wales (Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula) consistently produce the most-booked and highest-rated cottage holidays in Wales. Ceredigion is the best choice for wildlife and an unspoilt coastline without summer crowds. The Brecon Beacons are the best for walking-focused breaks within easy reach of England.

When is the best time to rent a holiday cottage in Wales?

May, June, and September offer the best value and conditions for most Welsh regions. July and August are peak season — higher prices and limited availability, especially in Pembrokeshire and North Wales. October is excellent for autumn colour in Eryri and the Brecon Beacons. Winter and early spring offer the lowest prices but some coastal cottages close November to March.

Are holiday cottages in Wales dog-friendly?

Most are — Wales has one of the highest rates of dog-friendly self-catering accommodation in Britain. The majority of properties listed on HolidayCottages.co.uk in Wales accept dogs. Always confirm directly with the property about any restrictions, breed limitations, or per-dog charges before booking.

How far in advance should I book a cottage in Wales?

For July and August in Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia, and the Llŷn Peninsula: book 6–12 months in advance for the best properties. For shoulder season (May, June, September, October): 2–4 months is usually sufficient. Last-minute availability does exist year-round — cancellations create openings even in peak weeks — but choice is limited.

Read next:

Glamping in Wales

Farm Stays in Wales

Hot Tub Cottages in Wales

All Wales Destinations