Looking for a holiday destination with a difference? Thenwhy not give Wales a try! The landof the ancient Britons is a compelling blend of epic scenery, rich history andadventure at every turn. St David is the patron saint of Wales so, tocelebrate St David’s Day on 1 March, we’ve put together a selection of our verybest listings west of the border for you to peruse.
From coastal lookouts to 19th century churchesand everything in between, we’ve got it covered. So take a look and discoveryour ideal Welsh break with a difference today.
Dydd gwyl dewi hapus!
TheSleepout at Sunny Lea: Meifod/Powys
This handmade wooden cabin in the heart of the Welshcountryside offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Wake up tospectacular views of the Vrynwy valley and relax in the evenings in front of awarming wood-burning stove. There’s also a nearby camp kitchen complete withpizza oven, gas burner and fire bowl. The surrounding countryside is ideal forwinding walks, bike rides and wildlife spotting. And nearby there’s downhillmountain bike run Revolution Bike Park, and the world-famous Zip World inSnowdonia.
StCurig’s Church: Capel Curig/Gwynedd
One of our most eye-catching properties in Wales, this 19thcentury church has been superbly converted to offer holidaymakers an epic StDavid’s Day break with a difference. A dazzling mosaic ceiling, large windows,and hand-carved four-poster beds complete the picture. And for those who like alittle extra, there’s a pool table, outdoor hot tub, grand piano, guitar, tabletennis table and more to keep you busy. The rugged charms of Snowdonia NationalPark are on your doorstep and there are nearby outdoor activities available tosuit everyone.
CosyUnder Canvas: Kington/Powys
Award-winning geodome glamping in the Welsh woodlands? Go onthen. This family-run spot offers visitors a choice of several different”domes”, each with their own private space, firepit and wood-fired hot tub. TheBlack Mountains, Brecon Beacons and River Wye are all close by, offering awealth of outdoor pursuits including swimming, walking, cycling, hiking,archery and canoeing. Or there’s Hay-on-Wye for those in the mood for a nightout.
WildMeadow Shepherd’s Hut and Meadow Cottage: Presteigne/Radnorshire
On the Welsh-English border sits Wild Meadow, a bucolicidyll featuring peerless views over the valley below. Choose from MeadowCottage or the Shepherd’s Hut. The former is hand-crafted from all naturalmaterials and powered by solar energy, for a property with impeccableeco-credentials. The latter is smaller in stature but sits in the same 3.5acres of meadow and orchards and shares the superb kitchen garden stocked fullof the freshest fruit and veg. It’s the perfect place to get away from it allthis St David’s Day.
ConvertedLookout: Mwnt/Ceredigion
If you’re after unparalleled views of the sea from your veryown coastal hideaway, then this is the place for you. Sleeping just two, thiscosy lookout features an unusual semi-circular kitchen and bedroom with floorto ceiling windows to maximise those stunning views. Bottlenose dolphins andporpoises play in the nearby bay. And there are picture postcard villages upand down the coast to visit. Cosy pubs and great local seafood complete thepicture for a St David’s getaway to remember.
HillfortTipis and Camping: Goodwick/Pembrokeshire
For an outdoor break with a difference, why not try thisexceptional campsite sitting above the rugged North Pembrokeshire coastline?Choose from bell tents, tipis or yurts to reconnect with nature in thisstunning location. Wildlife lovers will be in their element: the area’sfantastic for spotting puffins, razorbills, storm petrels, and buzzardsoverhead, and dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks in the sea below.Hot showers, phone charging points and a wood-fired hot tub make sure you’renever too far from home comforts.
LLancayoWindmill: Usk/Monmouthshire
This historic windmill dating all the way back to 1813 hasbeen beautifully converted to offer self-catering accommodating for 12 people acrossfive floors. It’s full of gorgeous features including a stunning stone-flooreddining room and elegant, sweeping staircase. The views from the top arespectacular, and if you’re looking for things to do out-and-about in thesurrounding Monmouthshire countryside, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There’seven Chepstow nearby for a day at the races.
BwthynGwyrdd Swedish Cabin: Drefach Felindre/Carmarthenshire
This beautiful cabin was imported all the way from Sweden tosit in eight acres of charming Welsh countryside. Relax in the open plansitting/dining room or exit the French doors to a large wooded decking area foral fresco drinks. Take in thespectacular panoramic valley views or explore the nearby woodland and orchardgarden. Anddon’t forget to say hello to the free-rangechickens, ducks and ponies in the nearby paddocks.
WestUsk Lighthouse: Newport/Gwent
Ever wanted to stay in a 180-year-old converted lighthouse?This St David’s Day could be your big chance. And they don’t come much morespectacular than West Usk, which overlooks the stunning Severn Estuary. It’s aspacious, elegantly converted B&B inside, featuring your choice offour-poster or even a waterbed. Continuing the theme there’s a hot tub outside,and a lovely chill-out area on the large roof terrace. Dr Who fans will lovethe replica TARDIS on the roof, and the Dalek in the entrance hall. You mighteven want to use West Usk as a base to explore the Dr Who Exhibition in nearbyCardiff.
TheCeridwen Centre: LLandysul/Carmarthenshire
Eco-friendly St David’s Day breaks don’t get much moreunusual than this one. Situated in picturesque Penybanc Farm, the CeridwenCentre offers visitors a huge amount of choice in quirky sleeping quarters -from a double decker bus to eco pods, farmhouse B&B to Middle East-inspiredyurts. All have impeccable green credentials. And there’s plenty to keep youbusy on the farm, including on-site art classes and beauty and holistic therapytreatments, as well as an eco-friendly hot tub.