8 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Wales

Wales is world-renowned for its music and folklore and its gorgeous medieval castles, with over a hundred castles still standing today. When touring its small towns, you'll frequently encounter these majestic structures, many of which have accompanying museums or are preserved heritage attractions. Even the towns themselves have architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as pubs and shops with roots in those periods. It is a place any history-lover can appreciate exploring, because what better place to learn about history than seeing it firsthand and chatting with locals in a pub from the 1700s? In these towns, you'll unplug from daily stress as you wander historic streets, glimpse ancient ruins, and connect with locals.

Here are 8 tiny off-grid towns in Wales to consider travelling to!

Abergavenny

Often called the "gateway to Wales," Abergavenny sits in the shadow of Sugar Loaf Mountain, a great spot to hike and get a view of the town. The town itself is bustling, with lots of shops, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants, such as The Gaff and The Walnut Tree. If you’ve come for the history, you need to check out the Abergavenny Castle, which dates back to Norman times in the eleventh century, and the Abergavenny Museum to learn about this cozy town. You can also take in some modern culture and watch an Abergavenny RFC (rugby union) or Abergavenny FC (soccer) match.

And depending on what time of year you are there, Abergavenny is home to two different yearly festivals: the Abergavenny Writing Festival in April and the Food Festival in September. If you are lucky enough to be in town during either of these events, you are in for an authentic Welsh culture treat.

Aberystwyth

One of the best things to do when you first get to Aberystwyth is to take the cliff railway up Constitution Hill so you can get a view of the entire city from over 300 feet above sea level. You can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the Cambrain Mountain tops through one of the Largest Camera Obscuras in the world, with its massive 14-inch lens. There are also some historic castle ruins you can see from up there, or if you prefer, you can visit the Aberystwyth castle ruins to see them up close and personal.

If you really want to learn about Welsh culture, you need to meet some locals. With over 50 pubs and clubs in town, including the long-standing Ship and Castle pub, and the Pier Pressure club (the largest nightclub in town), Aberystwyth is the perfect place to break the ice with a few drinks and start making friends. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet the right people and your vacation could become a staycation.

Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells is the administrative centre of Powys. The nickname for the town is "Dod," and it is known by travelers as a spa town since the 18th century, making it the ultimate place for relaxation. There was even a legend centuries ago that if you drank the water at the spa, it could heal almost anything. Spas to consider visiting are the Metropole Hotel Spa and the Hotel Commodore, both of which you can stay at for the night. Another fun thing to do is hang out at Llandrindod Wells Lake Park. This 13-acre lake has a cool dragon statue in the middle of it, and it’s a great spot to fish, paddle boat, or go bird watching.

If you want to learn a bit of history, the National Cycle Museum and the Radnorshire Museum are great stops. And if you need something for the kids on a rainy day, Quackers Indoor Play Centre is a great option to keep them busy.

Llanrwst

Exploring castles and forests like a medieval mage? Like many towns in Wales, Llanrwst has a castle, the Gwydir Castle, which is an awesome stop, but it also has one of the largest forests in the country nearby: the Gwydir Forest. It truly is an adventure you can explore on foot, mountain bike, or by renting Gravity Wheelers, a motorized scooter. Feel your childhood dreams of being a knight on a quest come true as you zoom down the 15-mile Gwindir Mawr Trail.

There are also events throughout the year, like the Llanrwst Rural Show, held in August, and plenty of pubs to absorb culture, such as the Pen-y-Bryn and the Red Lion. Llanrwst is also home to a local soccer team, Llanrwst United FC. Their games are a gathering hub of locals, so if you are in town while they are playing, be sure to be there.

Burry Port

Burry Port’s biggest claim to fame is that it was the first place Amelia Earhart landed when she came to Europe. As such, they have a memorial dedicated to her with the lush Amelia Earhart Gardens nearby, which is a popular tourist attraction.

The harbour itself is the spot where she and her crew made their famous landing, and there you can take a picture of the lighthouse, another popular attraction. And since Burry Port is a coastal town, that means one thing: beaches. Spend the day at Cefn Sidan Beach or cycling near the shore at Millennial Coastal Park. You can end the day by spending a night at the famous Ashburham Hotel, featuring the Ash Bar and Grill.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

Let’s start with the obvious: the name of this town is ridiculously long and hard to pronounce, and that alone attracts tourists who want to say they've been there. Roughly 200,000 people a year flock to this small town that is home to approximately 3,000 residents.

One of the main attractions is the Llanfairpwl Railroad Station. Most people call this town the shortened Llanfairpwl (for obvious reasons), but at the railroad station, you will see the much-photographed plaque of the town's full name. Another site to see is the Lord Nelson Memorial Statue, which you can view up close when you walk the Anglesey Coastal Path. The Marquess of Anglesey’s Column is another heritage site that was shut down in 2014 but has been reopened and now has a visitor centre and cafe.

Haverfordwest

Forget watching Batman’s origin story on the big screen; why not visit his hometown? Haverfordwest is the birthplace of Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale, who played Batman on the big screen, among a number of other unforgettable roles. It’s home to a castle, the Haverfordwest Castle, which has a cool, eerie jail beside it that you can also step inside. There are also several other castles nearby, such as Picton Castle, which features a stunning garden.

For relaxation, there are the Little Haven Beach and the Broad Haven Beach, and tons of spots to drink and eat, thanks to the diverse food scene. You can enjoy almost everything from traditional Welsh Pub food to Indian food. The Bristol Trader, a pub with history dating back to the 1700s, and Bella Roma Restaurant and Pizzeria, with its highly reviewed food, are worth mentioning.

And if you are looking for something for the kids, check out the Creative Cafe, where they can learn pottery and painting. The Secret Owl Garden is another fantastic kid-friendly attraction that puts you up close and personal with some beautiful birds. Even without kids, this place is a blast for adults and will add a unique edge to your trip.

New Quay

Wales is the proud motherland of one of the most famous poets of all time: Dylan Thomas. And while New Quay isn’t his birthplace, he called this town home for a year, and any visitors will see that even decades later, this small town takes pride in being home to this great writer. You can walk the Dylan Thomas Trail, which runs through the town and is marked by plaques (trail markers) that tell stories of why each spot is associated with him.

Another great attraction is the activities on Cardigan Bay, the largest bay in all of Wales. Enjoy the saltwater breeze as you fish or partake in one of their popular dolphin watching boating trips. As for food and merriment, there are lots of pubs, cafes, and restaurants, including Gingero’s Coastal Coffee, The Lime Crab, and The Black Lion. Straight from the harbour to your plate, you know you can look forward to some fresh seafood here.

Explore The Land of Song and Castles

The reason people are drawn to Wales is that it has a culture steeped in history, with beautiful backdrops of castles along rolling hills and mountains. Being there takes you back to a simpler time, allowing you to escape from modern-day pressure: even if it’s only temporarily. These small towns are oozing with artistry and song, strong traditions held up proudly by their residents to this day. Travellers, visitors, or anyone relocating to Wales should make it their mission to explore at least a few of these small towns and discover what Wales has to offer.