If you’re looking for a family holiday with a difference you may not have to travel as far as you think. Wales is a great location for staycations with several accommodation options available in Wales, holiday cottages being one of the best options because it gives your family privacy as well as providing that lovely, homely feel.
So why Wales, out of all the places you can go to? Simple- Wales is full of great adventure options that will create lasting family memories.
Wales is often known for the spectacular Snowdonia National Park that offers some fantastic walking trails that is highly recommended, but if walking is not your thing, why not try something a little different and visit the world’s first inland surf lagoon? Surf Snowdonia is suited to a wide range of ages and abilities making it a fantastic and family-friendly option for a great day out. There are daily surf lessons if this is the first time your children are taking their hand to surfing. If you guys are already lovers of the waves then there is a freesurfing option for beginner through to advanced surfers.
Other water sports you can try in Wales include paddleboarding and coasteering. Coasteering was first invented in Wales, and it involves navigating your way around a coastline by cliff-jumping, swimming, scrambling and climbing. This activity is exceptionally thrilling but it will also give you the opportunity to view the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline from a different perspective. Coasteering is suitable for children from the ages of eight upwards, so this is a great option if you have older children. Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, involves standing up on a flat bottom board and paddling with an oar and is a more tranquil way to take in the fantastic coastal views Wales has to offer.
If these don’t catch your fancy you could try canoeing, where you can glide across picturesque lakes and rivers that Wales have to offer. One option that is highly recommended is the Llyn Padarn, in the Snowdonia National Park. Take in the breathtaking views under the shadow of the old slate mines that you may recognise from the Tomb Raider II film.
St David’s is a great option for families that are passionate about wildlife. You can take a boat trip out to Ramsey Island and look out to spot the Atlantic seals, birds, dolphins and whales that are around those parts. Whilst hearing all about the shipwrecks as you go through the caves and rock gorges with the Voyage of Discovery.
If you prefer to see wildlife while your feet are on solid ground you could visit Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire, a zoo that houses over 50 species! Treat your kids to giraffe or penguin feeding experiences, so they can get up close to the animals they love. The experiences include tours and chats with the zookeepers that look after these animals every day.
If your children are into magic, why not visit the Shell Cottage? This quirky little cottage, overlooking a spectacular beach, was specifically created to star in one of the Harry Potter films. Your kids are bound to be amazed to see this in real life!
If you find yourself falling in love with the Welsh beaches, your family should try pony-trekking at the Gower Peninsula. The Parc Le Breos Riding Centre will take riders of all abilities out on leisurely trips to enjoy the breath-taking views of limestone cliffs and open moorland. They provide trips that are great for beginners and are suitable for children from the ages of ten, upwards.
With plenty of adventure to be had in Wales, a staycation may be a better option than going abroad to get the family holiday of a lifetime!
