What are the Different Types of Holiday Accommodation in Wales?

If you’re planning a fabulous Welsh getaway, you’re in luck. The country has an abundance of fantastic places to stay, including five-star bed and breakfasts, cosy holiday cottages and rural glamping sites. There’s something to suit every budget and personality, so your dream holiday is only a few clicks away!

Want to know more about the different types of holiday accommodation in Wales? Keep reading as we share some of the best options. We’ll also run through the pros and cons of each, depending on what you want to get out of your trip.

Types of holiday accommodation in Wales

Whether you want to sleep under the stars in Snowdonia or explore dog-friendly holiday cottages in Anglesey, Wales has something for everyone. You’re never far from a fabulous venue with local tourist attractions, luxurious amenities and spectacular views.

If you need a little help deciding, check out our Welsh Travel Directory. We’ve curated a library of top-rated venues, including:

• Bed and breakfasts
• Hotels
• Holiday cottages
• Farm stays
• Caravans
• Camping
• Glamping

Bed and breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are perfect if you want a home away from home. Usually, they’re more intimate and quaint than hotels, nestled within picturesque countryside settings. From ye-olde pubs and guest houses to stately manor homes, you can find countless unique properties to put you up for the night.

On top of this, you’ll meet plenty of brand-new friends. Thanks to the smaller venues, you’ll mingle with other guests over breakfast or share a few well-deserved nightcaps before bed. If you’re a solo adventurer, you’ll love exchanging travel tips with like-minded individuals.

While B&Bs rarely have luxury spas or gyms, you’ll find amazing local attractions nearby. Most hosts know the area inside out, having lived there for several years. You can ask them everything from restaurant recommendations to the best hidden gems, and they’ll provide a comprehensive list of suggestions.

Pros:

• Often cheaper than hotels
• Great for solo travellers
• Breakfast included
• Expert local advice

Cons:

• Standard amenities
• Some shared facilities (sometimes bathrooms)
• Can feel too personal
• Smaller rooms aren’t usually suitable for families

Holiday cottages

Holiday cottages embody the wildness of camping without the threat of bad weather. If you’re hunting for types of holiday accommodation that offer the best of both worlds, your search stops here.

Many properties are nestled within the glorious Welsh countryside, a stone’s throw away from winding walking trails and iconic wildlife. You’ll find self-catering log cabins in Snowdonia – ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even better, luxury cottages with hot tubs and private decking areas.

Above all else, holiday cottages allow you to explore the local area at your own pace. There are no set breakfast times or eager tour guides ready to pounce. Simply wake up when you want, throw out your to-dos and relish some peace and quiet. On the other hand, if you don’t want to cook and like organised fun, you might want to browse other options.

Pros:

• Countryside and beach settings
• Peaceful and private
• Unique character properties
• Often include hot tubs

Cons:

• Self-catering
• No room or cleaning service
• No guaranteed extras, like hair dryers or clothes hangers
• Transport links can be unreliable

Hotels

Many people searching for holiday accommodation in Wales want a list of the best hotels, and there are tonnes on offer. You’ll find pretty coastal locations overlooking the country’s most stunning beaches and luxurious spa venues. There’s nothing better than a relaxing foot massage after a long day of exploring the fells!

Staying in a Welsh hotel is the obvious choice for most holiday-goers. There tends to be better amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. Moreover, there’s a wider selection of rooms to accommodate every group size. Wherever you go, your comfort and privacy will be the top priorities. What more could you want?

On the flip side, you’ll probably pay more for the privilege. Hotels in prime locations like Cardiff, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Bay can be expensive, especially if you bring the whole family. Plus, expect it to get busy during peak seasons.

Pros:

• Clean and comfortable rooms
• Privacy and security
• Better amenities
• Often in the best locations

Cons:

• Can be pricey
• Crowded in peak seasons
• Less personalised experience
• Chain hotels can lack character

Caravans

Moving away from traditional holiday accommodation in Wales, it’s time to introduce the humble caravan. Motor homes encourage you to experience nature without compromising your creature comforts. Inside, you’ll have everything you need to cook, clean and snooze. Outside, you’ll be cocooned by jaw-dropping scenery and soothing bird song.

There are different caravan holidays to choose from, including touring caravan parks and static year-round sites. We suggest doing your research beforehand so you know whether you can simply roll up or need to book in advance.

Additionally, some parks offer more than others. Family-friendly sites often have swimming pools, live music, sports activities and discos. Perhaps, you’re craving something a little quieter? Not to worry – there are equally brilliant adult-only options for romantic getaways. Either way, reconnecting with nature will leave you recharged and renewed.

Pros:

• Touring caravans let you visit multiple locations in one trip
• Standard amenities, including laundry and shower rooms
• Perfect for adventurous kids and dogs
• Let’s you reconnect with nature

Cons:

• Some sites don’t accept touring caravans
• Many parks aren’t open all year round
• Can lack facilities, such as local shops
• Often minimal public transport links

Farm stays

Farm stays invite you to experience Wales in all its rugged glory. There are hundreds of establishments bordered by lush meadows, rolling hills and unspoilt woodland. You don’t have to travel far to discover exciting wildlife and adventure activities. Rural Wales boasts some of the best hiking and cycling around!

Farm stays are the ideal choice for busy family holidays. The charismatic properties often have several bedrooms, bathrooms and communal living quarters. Most importantly, you’ll also enjoy untouched green space. Cook al fresco in the summer on the BBQ or watch the kids rough and tumble in the hay. Some venues are dog-friendly, but it’s a good idea to check before booking.

While heading to the country offers unbeatable peace of mind, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. The internet connection can sometimes be sketchy, and you probably won’t find bars, clubs and restaurants around the corner.

Pros:

• Plenty of outside space
• Large family-friendly properties
• Often dog-friendly too
• Adventure activities nearby

Cons:

• Can feel a bit too remote
• Poor internet connection
• Animals might wake you up early
• Older kids and teens might get bored

Glamping

We can’t run through the different types of holiday accommodation in Wales without mentioning everyone’s favourite – glamping. These luxurious sites have everything you need for an ultra-indulgent stay, even though you’ll be out in the sticks!

Glamping promotes better wellbeing by combining nature with luxurious amenities. Bell tents and safari tents often have well-stocked kitchens, stylish bathrooms, homey log burners and private hot tubs. You can even find treetop glamping, where you’ll live off the grid amongst remote woodlands, streams and mountain ranges.

Unlike camping, glamping caters for modern-day life. You’ll probably have a good internet connection – not to mention on-site amenities. The cherry on top? You don’t have to worry about the weather because the mammoth yurt-like tents are completely waterproof.

Pros:

• Comfortable yet remote
• Unique locations and properties
• Suitable for large groups
• Good on-site facilities

Cons:

• Can be quite expensive
• Not always dog-friendly
• Crowded in peak seasons
• Popular, so limited booking availability

Camping

What could be more thrilling than heading off the beaten track for an unforgettable camping holiday? Alongside being an inexpensive way to drink in the country’s iconic scenery, camping boasts a treasure chest of mindfulness benefits. There’s nothing more meditative than slowing down and immersing yourself in nature.

Soaking up vitamin D with a coastal camping holiday is one option. After your morning coffee and croissant, enjoy the short walk to the local beach. Here, you can swim, surf and practise other exciting water sports.

Wild camping is another possibility if you don’t mind sacrificing basic facilities. However, you’ll need permission from the landowner before you pitch up.

Pros

• Cheap way to explore Wales
• Freedom to move around
• Being outside reduces stress
• Sense of camaraderie

Cons:

• Weather dependent
• Some sites don’t offer electric pitches
• Often poor internet connection
• Shared facilities and lack of privacy

So, which is best for you?

Choosing holiday accommodation in Wales is personal. It depends on your budget, preferences and travel companions. You wouldn’t want to take a young baby camping or blow your entire budget on one night’s stay in a boutique hotel!

Hotel vs bed and breakfast

Hotels and B&Bs have a few things in common. Both deliver unparalleled comfort and have fully furnished bedrooms, bathrooms and lounge areas. Your room will probably include a booklet of the best surrounding activities and attractions. However, B&B owners are more accessible and can personalise the experience.

We’d say the most important determining factor are the facilities. Hotels have private bathrooms, but you may have to share in B&Bs. Hotels often have onsite restaurants, spas and gyms, whereas B&Bs encourage you to get out and explore the local area.

Still struggling to decide? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I happy to travel for evening meals?
• Do I mind sharing some facilities, such as bathrooms?
• Do I want to meet and make friends with other travellers?

Cottage vs hotel

Like B&Bs, holiday cottages are more homey and intimate than hotels. Plus, they’re usually located outside bustling cities and towns. Popular tourist destinations include Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley.

While cottages are perfect for intrepid explorers, you might miss some of your favourite creature comforts. You won’t always find fresh towels, dressing gowns or complimentary biscuits waiting for you. Cleaners usually only come before and after you’ve left, so prepare to do the dishes and take the bins out!

Still struggling to decide? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I want to stay in the countryside or the city?
• Am I happy being left to my own devices?
• Do I value complimentary extras?

Cottage vs lodge

What’s the difference between a cottage and a lodge? You’re more likely to find lodges on static caravan parks or luxury glamping sites, and they have slightly fewer facilities. Despite this, they can be brilliantly romantic. Many feature log burners, hot tubs and outside areas where you can enjoy a glass of vino or two.

You might be best sticking to a cottage if you’re planning a family holiday. Usually, there’s more communal space and bedrooms to keep everyone from stepping on each other’s toes.

Still struggling to decide? Ask yourself the following questions:

• How much space do I need?
• Do I want to be secluded or with other people?
• Do I mind sharing facilities with a campsite?

Caravan vs camping

If you love being in the great outdoors, you might be weighing up whether to stay in a caravan or tent. Obviously, weather is the key issue here. Thanks to the mountainous terrain, Wales experiences consistent rainfall throughout the year. The highest average totals are recorded in the central upland spine from Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons.

If you don’t mind a little drizzle, nothing beats camping. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with yourself, others and nature. You’ll create memories that last a lifetime while toasting marshmallows and cosying up around the campfire.

Caravans provide more protection against the wind and rain. Plus, touring motor homes are easy to pack up and move on if you want to travel across the country.

Still struggling to decide? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I mind bad weather?
• Do I have camping equipment?
• Do I want to roam freely?

Book your Welsh adventure today

Now we’ve run through the different types of holiday accommodation in Wales, it’s time to find your dream B&B, hotel or campsite. Our Welsh Travel Directory lists the top-rated places to stay across the country, from the frosty peaks of Snowdonia to the sprawling cities of Cardiff, Bangor and Swansea.