Wales's 8 Most Laid-Back Towns
Wales is overflowing with nature’s marvels, rich wildlife and ancient castles with royal roots that have endured for over seven centuries. Betws-y-Coed’s Conwy Falls, a tumbling waterfall, is a sight to behold among ancient woodland; Hay-on-Wye’s lush meadow, The Warren, is home to otters and kingfisher. Conwy’s medieval fortress, Castell Conwy, completed in 1287 by King Edward I, looms protectively over the town, its battlements preserved. The carefree way of life is what the Welsh do best, but don’t underestimate the impact these remarkable Welsh towns will have on you.
Brecon
Brecon lies on the River Usk and is the gateway to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The grandeur of the park is quite something, featuring canals and serene valleys alongside dramatic peaks. Pick a stroll or hike that suits your abilities by viewing the grading systems for the walking routes, or explore with a local guide.
Rewind to 1093 at Brecon Castle, built by Norman nobleman Bernard de Neufmarché. Now known as the Castle of Brecon Hotel, it still stands strong, with the 13th-century great hall’s stone ruins intact. Feel a sense of history as you enjoy the modern tradition of a Sunday roast at the hotel, selecting a leg of lamb or roast sirloin of beef alongside roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding. Don’t miss the town center gem, Welsh Delights, which greets you with clotted cream fudge and plushies of the iconic Welsh red dragon.
Abergavenny
Abergavenny translates from Welsh as “Mouth of the River Gavenny” and lies close to the edge of the Black Mountains. One of its highest peaks, the Sugar Loaf, stands at 1,955 feet. You’ll pass plenty of sheep along the way and be rewarded with gorgeous hillside views at the top.
You may have watched “The Great British Bake Off”, and you can experience a taste of it at Abergavenny Baker. Join fellow cooking enthusiasts for a master class to learn new bread baking skills. There’s even a Great British Bread workshop. Leave with a new skill, a delicious loaf of bread, and a lovely travel memory. Just a short walk away is Abergavenny Museum, housed within the ruins of Abergavenny Castle. Here, you can explore recreations of a Victorian Welsh farmhouse kitchen, a saddler’s workshop, and an air raid shelter that captures the atmosphere of the Second World War.
Conwy
Conwy is situated in northwestern Wales and is known for Castell Conwy, a majestic medieval fortress built by King Edward I and his architect, Master James of St George, between 1283-1287. It still towers over the town after 700 years. The restored spiral staircases in its great towers allow you to walk an entire circuit around the fortress’ battlements and drink in breathtaking views.
Not to be missed is a quick visit to The Smallest House in Great Britain, a status confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records. Measuring a tiny 72 inches across, 122 inches high, and 120 inches deep, it conveniently sits close to Conwy Quay. So, it’s only fair that you jump, hop, or skip over for a walk by the water and grab an ice cream at Parisella’s of Conwy Kiosk. With delightful flavors such as black cherry amaretto and triple chocolate, you can’t go wrong.
Beaumaris
Beaumaris is derived from the Norman French words beau marais, meaning “beautiful marsh.” Before the town existed, this area was, in fact, marshland where the land met the sea. The beauty of this coastal town shines brightly and can be marvelled at from Beaumaris Pier, providing seafront views while seagulls and jackdaws circle overhead. Beaumaris Castle is another stunning landmark, a fortress of near-perfect symmetry considered “the greatest castle never built.” The distinctive squat shape tells of a dream that never quite came true, but the scale of its ambition and the splendor of its proportions make it an unfinished masterpiece.
For a foodie experience that does not disappoint, Beau’s Tea Rooms is a trusty option. Go for the Welsh high tea, consisting of a scone with jam and cream, Bara Brith, a traditional tea bread made with tea, dried fruits, and spices, paired with tea or coffee.
Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye, the “Town of Books,” is a haven for book worms and an ancient market town. Hay Market Day, a lively local market has been running for over 700 years and is held every Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm in the heart of town. The independent stalls include a range of products from cheese and hot food to gifts and flowers.
Book lovers rejoice, as Lion Street is full of bookstores. Murder & Mayhem is for all the R.L Stine and James Patterson fans, specializing in crime, thriller and horror novels. Richard Booth's Bookshop is a 3-storey nook full of new and used books, as well as a little coffee shop, perfect for curling up with a read and cup of joe. Step out onto the meadows and river after the book tour at The Warren, and spot the rabbits, otters and kingfishers mincing around.
Llandeilo
Llandeilo is within driving distance to Carmarthen Bay and nestled above the River Tywi, its trademark colorful houses rest above Llandeilo Bridge, which spans the river. It is well worth the steep hill walk to snap photos of the gorgeous houses and keep the dazzling memory alive well past your trip.
Feeling the burn in your legs and a tad famished after the uphill walk calls for a well-deserved brunch at Pitchfork & Provision. You’d be remiss not to try their full Pitchfork Breakfast, consisting of bacon, black pudding (a traditional blood sausage made from pork blood), house-baked beans and hash browns, eggs, and toast. This will give you the energy to flit around Dinefwr Park and visit Newton House, a manor house with exhibitions, and 12th-century Dinefwr Castle, once the seat of Lord Rhys, the powerful Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth, meaning the southern part of medieval Wales.
Aberaeron
Aberaeron is a slow-paced seaside town, with its coastal identity thriving throughout the community, and Aberaeron Harbour is one of the first places to dive into to experience it. Stroll along the harbor and pop into the local boutiques shoreside, namely Driftwood Designs Aberaeron. It is teeming with unique and reasonably priced cushions, stationery, accessories, and stunning lampshades. You’ll want one of everything.
A local favorite, The Hive is a non-negotiable for a meal. The fish and chips, crushed minted peas, and tartare sauce have your name on them, as does their world-famous honey ice cream. The mouthwatering choices are endless, whether it’s Honey Kinder Bueno, Honey Pistachio or Honey Rum & Raisin, so it may just end up being a triple scoop. Finish the day with a nice wee pint at Cadwgan Inn, a traditional pub with a beer garden. Situated harborside, you’re within walking distance of all these gems.
Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed is a scenic riverside mountain town resort with natural wonders at its doorstep. Conwy Falls is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), featuring a roaring waterfall that runs through the deep gorge of the River Conwy. You can get up close by walking through the ancient woodland and along the gorge, making a small payment to capture the full essence of this spectacular cascade.
Caffi Caban-Y-Pair is a great place to have a lunch break, with sandwiches, chips, and Welsh rarebit (a savory dish of seasoned cheese, beer, and toasted bread) available to devour. A blacksmith class may not be something you have ever thought to partake in, but at Royal Oak Forge, the 3 Hour Taster session allows you to create a unique item, be it a bottle opener, hooks, or cutlery, taught by an experienced smith. It makes for a cool souvenir to take home.
Let Wales Win You Over
The Welsh dragon sees you at Brecon’s Welsh Delights, the local souvenir store awash with the trademark cuddly companion and other quaint gifts, its battle-red body proudly displayed across the goods. The world is at your feet at Abergavenny’s Black Mountain, stepping onto its highest peak at Sugar Loaf. Warm locals and great conversation follow at Aberaeron’s traditional, pint-sized Cadwgan Inn, a welcoming pub. These mellow havens in Wales await your company. Go and join them; you’ll have a lush (wonderful) time.
