Top 8 vacations in Wales
Wales may be tiny, but it’s built for adventure. There are wild rivers to raft down, a wide network of trails for hiking, biking and horse riding, and a dramatic coastline for kayaking, surfing and watching out for dolphins, whales and seals. Our adventure vacations will put you at the heart of the action, but you’ll have time for contemplation, too: think nights under the stars, wild camping and moonlit walks along the beach. Keep reading to discover our top eight adventure vacations in Wales.
1. Family adventure vacation in Wales
Step away from the theme parks and family resorts – time spent learning new skills and connecting with nature is an even better bonding experience. Test your limits in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where there’s sea kayaking, horse riding and surfing on offer. At night, gather around the fire to toast marshmallows before returning to a low-carbon ecolodge that’s as comfortable as it is sustainable.
When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Family adventure vacation in Wales
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Read more: Wales travel guide and Family adventure vacations travel guide
Our top selling trip: Family adventure vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and Family adventure vacations travel guide
2. Coasteering
Don a wetsuit and helmet and spend a weekend jumping off cliffs, hiking coastal paths and clambering over rocks. Whatever the time of year, coasteering is an adventure activity to get the blood pumping and heart racing against an ocean backdrop and amidst marine wildlife. Hearty Welsh breakfasts will help keep energy levels high.When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Coasteering weekend in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and Short break adventure travel guide
3. Sea kayaking on the Pembrokeshire Coast
Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you should be short of adventure. A weekend break is just enough to cram in some sea kayaking along the Pembrokeshire coast, where you can see seals, sea stacks and even sunshine – sometimes, as you paddle. These breaks aren’t just for experienced kayakers. Total newbies are welcome and there are double kayaks for families.When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Pembrokeshire vacations
Read more: Sea kayaking in Pembrokeshire guide and Wales travel guide
4. Border to coast horse riding vacation
Set out on a small group riding expedition from England’s Wye Valley to the Welsh coast at the Dovey Estuary. Over the course of a week, you’ll follow 160km of trails, with nights spent in small locally run inns and hotels along the way. Experienced guides help you navigate unmarked trails that lead through hills and valleys, but you’ll be responsible for feeding, grooming and tacking your own horse throughout.
When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: Border to coast horse riding vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and Horse riding vacations travel guide
Our top selling trip: Border to coast horse riding vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and Horse riding vacations travel guide
5. Snowdonia activity vacation
Up for a challenge? Head to the mountains, forests and rivers of North Wales on an activity vacation that’ll get you out on a new adventure every day. You’ll work up a sweat with canyoning, coasteering, river bugging and a hike to the summit of Snowdon. And to really push yourself, there’s two days of packrafting, complete with an overnight wild camping experience.When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: Snowdonia activity vacation in Wales
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Read more: Snowdonia travel guide and Multi activity vacations travel guide
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6. Multi activity week in North Wales
Discover the landscapes of North Wales on a week that’s filled with big adventures. By day, you’ll explore the coastline and hillsides through hiking, boat trips, rafting and foraging. By night, you’ll stay in a locally run hotel and get the chance to go glamping in a bell tent under a sky full of blazing stars. And all in the excellent company of 6-15 fellow adventurers and an invaluable local guide.
When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: North Wales multi activity vacation
See all our trips: Snowdonia vacations
Read more: Snowdonia travel guide
Our top selling trip: North Wales multi activity vacation
See all our trips: Snowdonia vacations
Read more: Snowdonia travel guide
7. Fell running weekend
Runners, assemble! Welsh orienteering champion Tim Higginbottom leads a biannual training camp to help you develop your performance. Join a small group of fellow trail and fell runners in the beautiful North Wales countryside for a long weekend of runs, workshops and yoga – including plenty of tips and advice from Tim Higginbottom himself. You’ll come home energised and ready to work on your form.When to go: March and September
Our top selling trip: Fell running weekend in Wales
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Read more: Fitness vacations in Wales and Wales travel guide
8. Horse riding in the Wye Valley
Remote, gloriously green and yet easily accessible, the Wye Valley is well-suited to a short adventure break. You’ll spend four days riding remote trails over hills and through valleys, spending the nights in country inns and B&Bs, and learning about the region’s rich history as you trot. Experienced guides will help you navigate the trails and spin you a local legend or two.When to go: June to September
Our top selling trip: Wye Valley horse riding vacation in Wales
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Read more: Wales travel guide and Horse riding travel guide
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