9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Wales
The rich Celtic land of Wales boasts spectacular mountain ranges, such as the Bannau Brycheiniog and Snowdonia National Park, close to the market towns of Brecon and Machynlleth. Not to mention the equally beautiful sparkling bodies of water, such as Cardigan Bay, where Barmouth and Aberystwyth lie. Then there is the Carmarthen Bay, a little farther south, home to seaside retreats like Tenby. Against the backdrop of a strikingly diverse and magical landscape, Wales remains culturally rooted with a whimsical history full of legends, myths, and folklore. Make the most of a future trip to Wales with this list right here.
Aberystwyth
University town Aberystwyth is likely best known for Aberystwyth University, with an average of 6,000 current students and over 20 departments covering science and humanities courses. Aberystwyth is also known for being a Welsh coastal town at the central point of Cardigan Bay.
Walk, swim, or rollerblade at Aberystwyth Beach on Marine Terrace, and check out the seafront War Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives in both world wars. Just a few minutes away is Castell Aberystwyth, the remains of a 13th-century castle from the time of Edward I, still standing today, with a bardic circle of 13 stones erected for the 1916 Eisteddfod. Aberystwyth's main train station connects to other parts of Wales and England, but there is also the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Great Britain's longest electrical funicular railway on Constitution Hill. More able-bodied visitors can hike up or down the cliff, with mini golf and a vintage camera obscura at the top. This student-filled town is a great fit for young people and families to play and chill by the seaside.
Barmouth
The small beachside community of Barmouth is on the Afon Mawddach in north Wales, flowing out from the Mawddach Estuary, which is more inland. Barmouth is also a part of Cardigan Bay. Dog-friendly Barmouth Beach is great for beachcombing, fishing, and walks along the Barmouth Pier at the southeast side overlooking the Mawddach Estuary. And the National Trust's Dinas Oleu offers an amazing viewpoint of Barmouth Bay, as well as a hiking trail to the top for views. Dinas Oleu was granted to the National Trust in the late 19th century by affluent landowner Fanny Talbot, and visitors can still enjoy it over 100 years after the land was secured. This spot is the final resting place of a former local Frenchman, gardener Auguste Guyard, who was connected to Victorian-era polymath John Ruskin and to Fanny Talbot.
Of course, there is also Snowdonia National Park, only about a 40-minute drive away, where the approximately 3,000-foot summit of Yr Wyddfa can be reached by foot in about six to eight hours round-trip. However, it is an incredibly strenuous climb. Hikers will be rewarded with the amazing views at the top. This small beach town offers great sightseeing for summit seekers who want to relax by the sea after their trek.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
On the doorstep of Snowdonia National Park is Blaenau Ffestiniog, a village once renowned for slate quarrying and now known for its excellent outdoor recreation and small-town vibes. Blaenau Ffestiniog has a fairly built-up downtown area, with highlights such as the historical Rawson Square and The Bridge Cafe for tea or ice cream.
A little way out of town, visitors can follow a Blaenau Ffestiniog walking route from High Street onto the Slate Trail for a steep climb and views, or head to nearby Cwmorthin Waterfall in Tanygrisiau. More experienced hikers may appreciate reaching the misty Welsh waterfalls in the countryside. Then there's Zip World Llechwedd, located in a former quarry, which is fun for families and thrill seekers alike. Bring the kids for a game of underground golf, or jump on a giant trampoline net. Alternatively, do a deep mine tour with a unique subterranean train ride, zip line out by Snowdonia National Park, or do a cavernous adventure course. There are also self-guided tours available at Sygun Copper Mine in Beddgelert, a little over half an hour's drive from Blaenau Ffestiniog, for learning about the mining history in north Wales. Although smaller in size, this tiny mining village has plenty of options for adventure and recreation.
Brecon
The majestic mountains of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park surround the market town of Brecon, about 42 miles north of Wales' capital city, Cardiff. Brecon's market in the spacious Market Hall is open every week, featuring vendors such as fishmongers, grocers, carpet sellers, and more. Just across the bridge over the River Honddu is The Castle of Brecon Hotel, a fine establishment for accommodation and dining, next to the ancient, tattered ruins of Brecon Castle. Off Ship Street is The Foundry, a popular bar and restaurant with a music venue that hosts open mics every Thursday evening. There are also workspaces available upstairs.
For those wanting to know more about the area, check out the all-in-one library, art gallery, and museum that is in a 19th-century Greek-inspired building called Y Gaer. Visitors can walk along the path around the River Usk. Brecon is well worth visiting for its photogenic peaks and valleys, as well as its community-oriented spaces and historic monuments.
Burry Port
Burry Port sits on the River Loughor, which flows into Carmarthen Bay. Once a significant coal-exporting dock, Burry Port is now a popular seaside destination. Iconic Burry Port Lighthouse is a landmark that stands out with its red-and-white structure, situated next to the Burry Port Marina, where ocean strolls can be taken along both the western and eastern sections of Burry Port Beach. Be sure to go to Pembrey Ski and Activity Centre to the west of Burry Port, too. Ski lessons on dry slopes are available, and group lessons for those over the age of five. Exciting tubing is also available, but note the minimum age of 6 for this activity. In town, just north of the Pembrey & Burry Port train station, is the Amelia Earhart Monument. This monument is dedicated to pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who made an emergency landing here in Burry Port in 1928 when her flight was redirected from her original landing location in Southampton, England, due to heavy fog and low fuel.
Those with an interest in history will appreciate this small port town and enjoy its maritime charm and recreational opportunities.
Hay-on-Wye
Known as the town of books, this market town in Powys, right on the border of Wales and England, will appeal to bookworms and artistic folks.
Hay-on-Wye has its annual Hay Festival, a large event usually in late spring, bringing in speakers and visitors from all over the United Kingdom. Past speakers have included former US President Bill Clinton in 2001, author and actor Stephen Fry in recent years, and many more. Norman structure Hay Castle has occasional tours around lunchtime and interesting, creative exhibitions that spark curiosity and discussion. The castle itself has an intriguing, legendary history and is purported to have been built sometime in the late 12th century.
The scenic area, The Warren, is great for swimming and for admiring the River Wye in all its glory, especially in warmer weather. This riverside location is also close to the affordable, pet-friendly Radnors End Campsite, with electric hook-ups and a coin-operated tumble dryer. Hay-on-Wye is a town of knowledge and creativity, as well as a place of natural beauty.
Llandudno
Formerly a major copper-mining hub, Llandudno on the north coast of Wales is now a summertime holiday destination, and has been since the Victorian era. Go for a two-mile walk along the Llandudno Promenade paved pedestrian path with views of Llandudno Bay and limestone landmark Great Orme in the distance. Watch for diving seagulls on the Llandudno Pier, the longest pier in Wales, where small gift shops cater to local Welsh tourism. There is also a viewing telescope for a closer look at Llandudno Bay, and the big Ferris wheel for even better views.
Great Orme Country Park offers cable cars, multiple trails with views of the coastal surroundings, ancient mines, and much more for a fun, adventure-filled day out. Great for families and those who are more active, this area also connects up with the Wales Coastal Path. Llandudno is the perfect summer getaway, retaining its timeless oceanfront charm and historical and geological significance.
Machynlleth
Machynlleth is a Welsh market town roughly halfway between the waters of Cardigan Bay and the more rugged peaks of the mountains at Snowdonia National Park.
About 10 minutes north of Machynlleth, King Arthur's Labyrinth is a popular attraction, especially for families, where the underground Labyrinth and an outdoor maze can be navigated while learning about the Welsh legends. Group and school visits are also possible, although dogs are not allowed underground. The on-site Corris Café has multiple dietary options.
Machynlleth's very own Museum of Modern Art has seven halls with creative exhibitions and also hosts live events in a concert hall, which used to be a chapel. To the south of town is a green space with a pond, an Owain Glyndŵr Memorial Stone, a playground, and ancient Roman steps, great for an afternoon spent exploring. Machynlleth pays tribute to Wales's folklore and old stories, and is certainly a town worth not skipping past.
Tenby
One of the most recognizable areas in this series, Tenby, has a magnetic allure as a seaside destination, with brightly painted houses around Tenby Harbor that are worth a photo op for social media. Tenby Castle and the preserved Tenby Town Walls offer historical and architectural insights into the town's past. The 12th-century Tenby Castle, built by the Normans, juts out on Castle Hill with the Prince Albert Memorial, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, and the little Castle Beach for sunbathing and picnicking. There are some relatively easy paths around the land that Tenby Castle stands on, although a bit steep, going down to Castle Beach or back into the town center.
There is plenty of beauty to appreciate in Tenby, and the slower pace of this south Wales town on the Carmarthen Bay will take visitors into its leisurely lifestyle and educate them about its ancient history.
Be Charmed By Wales Today
The magic of Wales and its small towns and villages, like Barmouth and Brecon, will speak to the right people searching for tightly-knit communities that offer the peace and calm of the mountains or the sea, or in some cases, both. Go to Snowdonia National Park for a day trip from some of these locations, or have a much-needed rest by the Carmarthen Bay. These areas all feature curious architectural structures, histories woven into Wales's ancient past, and breathtaking natural scenery. Choose a town from this list and maybe see what it is like for yourself.
