Treat your loved one to a break away in Wales

Though only a few hours away by car from many of England’s major cities and just a short flight from Scotland and Ireland, Wales is often overlooked by those looking for an idyllic destination for a short break away. With its own rich history, spectacular scenery, sweeping coastlines and vibrant cultural life, Wales has something for everyone, whether its mountain-climbing in Snowdonia, watching the rugby in Cardiff or exploring one of the principality’s many castles and historic buildings.



Wales contains a breathtaking range of natural scenery for a small country, encompassing beautiful beaches on the west and south coasts, the spectacular mountains of Snowdonia in the north-west and the Brecon Beacons in the south and the lakes and forests of the Welsh interior. Snowdonia is, of course, one of Britain’s most famous national parks, attracting over 6 million people every year who come to enjoy the wonderfully scenic surroundings, the bracing mountain air and to see plant and animal species that can’t be found anywhere else in the UK. The Pembrokeshire coast in the south-east of the country is another popular destination and is home to beautiful beaches, hidden coves and the seaside resort of Tenby, with its historic medieval walls.

Indeed, towns like Tenby are a reminder of Wales’ rich past, which brings millions of visitors to the country every year. Wales is perhaps most famous for its castles, of which there are more than 600 scattered all over the principality. Among the most famous of these are Conwy Castle on the north coast with its towering fortifications and forbidding and Caernarfon Castle in Gwynned, supposedly inspired by the walls of Constantinople. Both date back to the thirteenth century and were constructed by Edward I. Closer to the present day, Wales’ rich industrial history also draws many visitors and reminds us that it is not so long since the area was one of the world’s biggest producers of coal.



Wales is also famous for its sporting pedigree, of which it is intensely proud. Cardiff is the spiritual home of Welsh rugby and the location of the Millennium Stadium which plays host to all of the country's home Six Nations rugby games. The atmosphere inside the stadium has to be experienced to be believed and makes the city well worth visiting in the spring. Thankfully the Welsh capital is well provisioned for accommodation and many hotels in Cardiff are located near the Millennium Stadium and the heart of the city, ideally placed for both rugby fans and those using the city as a base to explore the rest of the principality.



With its historic monuments and amazing scenery, Wales often feels like a world apart and is the ideal destination for a break away. With fantastic road, rail and air links to England and the rest of the UK, it is easy to get to a great choice for those looking to escape the bustle of the big cities, whether for a weekend or a whole week.