If you are planning a short U.K. break this summer here are some of my suggestions for the best small towns to stay in Wales. From the stunning mountains of Snowdonia in the north to the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline Wales has some of the best scenery in the U.K.

Wales has a distinct character.   Many visitors are suprised to learn that the tongue-twisting Welsh language is still quite widely spoken especially in the north. You will find road signs in both languages.

There are  traditional Welsh dishes. Welsh cakes which are delicious when eaten warm are a flat scone traditionally made on a bakestone. Bara brith (litteraly mottled bread) is a Welsh fruit loaf. Cawl which is traditionally prepared the day before is a meat and vegetable stew. Welsh Rarebit has nothing to do with rabbits, it is cheese on toast.

Many visitors choose to stay in the capital Cardiff which is a large bustling city and well worth a visit. Nearly half of Wales population lives in or near the cities of Cardiff and Newport. But if you would like to explore further afield or just enjoy a peaceful countryside holiday why not stay in a small town instead. It is easy to book a hotel online with a site like ebooking.com

If you prefer a self catering holiday a Gemma at a little bit social  has a lot of useful advice on what to expect and how to book your accommodation.

Here are seven suggestions of my favourite small towns to stay in Wales.

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a historic university town with over 7,000 students in term time. It is popular with young people and has more than fifty pubs. There are lots of independent shops and an abundance of food options for all tastes and budgets. Veggies and Vegans are well catered for. You can work off all that lovely food by strolling up Pen Dinas hill the site of an iron age hill fort. Take a trip on the Aberystwyth cliff railway or visit the National library of Wales.

Bangor

Bangor in North Wales is another small university town. In term time students make up a lot of the population. It is an ideal centre for exploring the Isle of Anglesey or the nearby towns of Caernarvon and Conway with their enormous 12th century castles. You can also hike into the mountains of Snowdonia. The highest mountain is Snowdon at 1085 metres. Don’t worry if you are not feeling very energetic you can catch a train to the top. The nearby Penryn castle was built by an immensely rich slate baron. The Menai Bridge which connects Bangor to Anglesey is a wonderful sight when it is lit up at night.

Brecon

Brecon in mid-Wales is the gateway to the Brecon Beacons a range of low hills that are popular with walkers. Mid Wales is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the U.K. There are more sheep than people. Brecon

is known for the Brecon jazz festival, its independent shops and cafes. Its 11th-century cathedral was founded as a Benedictine priory.  The town also has strong army connections with a military museum and the barracks of the 160th (Wales brigade.) It is also home to the Gurkha Company (Mandalay) and we noticed several Nepalese restaurants. You can explore the Brecon canal by boat or walk or cycle along the tow path.

Chepstow

Chepstow is often seen as the gateway to Wales. it is just across the Severn Bridge from Bristol. It combines the best of ancient and modern Wales. The enormous Norman castle which overlooks the River Wye was built by William the Conqueror and is the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. Chepstow means market place in old English and it is still a great place for shoppers. The Welsh National takes place each December. Chepstow racecourse runs race days throughout the year as well as hosting live music and entertainment.

A short trip up the Wye Valley takes you to Tintern the site of a romantic ruined Cistercian abbey. The nearby Offa’s dyke which according to legend was built by the Mercian king Offa is an earth boundary which follows the border between England and Wales.

Llandudno

Llandudno is a popular seaside resort with a 2,300 ft old fashioned pier jutting into the sea. It is nestled between the Little Orme and Great Orme headlands. The Victorian and Edwardian seafront is full of small shops and restaurants. You can also find a newer side to Llandudno with the Oriel Mostyn Art Gallery and Venue Cymru theatre and entertainment complex.

The Great Orme tramway built in 1802 climbs 600 feet to the summit of the headland. Visitors can find rare flora and even a herd of Kashmiri goats on Great Orme. The more adventurous visitor can take a cable car to the top.

The hop on hop off bus is also a good option for sightseeing. #affiliate link

Swansea

Swansea is a great family friendly destination with miles of beaches covered in golden sand. It is a green city with parks and nature reserves. The National waterfront museum celebrates the industry and maritime history of Wales. Exhibits date back to the time when Wales supplied the world with coal and steel. Mumbles on the west side of Swansea bay has a great selection of restaurants and independent shops. You should try the extra fresh sea food. Take a trip along the Gower Peninsula to find some more great beaches. The poet Dylan Thomas and actress Catherine Zeta Jones grew up nearby.

Tenby

Tenby is a former fishing harbour on Carmarthen bay. Visitors love the blue flag sandy beaches. and the largely intact town walls. However it is best known for the brightly painted waterfront cottages. Tenby’s welsh name is Tinbych-y-pyscol (little fortress of the fish) and you should head out on a mackerel fishing trip. Just 20 minutes by boat is the holy island of Caldey. it is run by a community of Cistercian monks and is a good place to relax. Tenby has three further beaches, North Beach, South Beach and Castle Beach. You can also walk along part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Saundersfoot.

For more suggestions of things to do in the area I recommend this post by a fellow blogger

Wales is pint sized. It is the smallest of the U.K’s four countries but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty charm and an abundance of things to see and do. You can climb a Welsh mountain, relax on a beautiful sandy beach or take a stroll along one of the scenic coastal paths. Wales has several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you are up for a challenge grab your boots and head for the hills. The top gear team are often filmed driving round the country roads and if you enjoy quiet roads with steep corners and sharp bends give it a go.

Wales truly offers something for everyone. Visit and find a small town in Wales to stay in and you will find cosy pubs and friendly locals. Visitwales.com the Welsh tourist board has more information to help you plan your holiday.

Croeso y cymru – welcome to Wales.