Family holiday in Wales recommendations

[reallybusymummy]

We live in the West Midlands and thought we might try the Welsh coast next year. We've long enjoyed north Devon and northumberland coastal towns and villages and would like to do similar in Wales. We'd like to be within 20-30 minutes of a beach and with our UK weather being so changeable National Trust/Castles/days out within 45-60 minutes drive.

North or South Wales recommendations gratefully received. We'd be looking to rent a self catering holiday house/cottage.

Many thanks in advance

We always go on holiday to South Pembrokeshire which we totally adore.

This year it seemed lots of other people had the same idea (beaches a bit busier) but it was still fab.

Brill beaches and walks. Lots of castles round there (Pembroke, Carew, etc) tho not a lot of National Trust. Loads and loads of SC flats and houses, take your pick from town centre, countryside, sea views, farmhouse etc etc.

I spent every summer holiday from the age of 7 until I was 14 in Cei Bach, which is a tiny hamlet between Aberaeron and New Quay on the mid-west coast. Cei Bach beach is beautiful- sand and rock pools. Aberaeron has the best fish and chip shop ever and also there's a little café on the harbour that sells honey ice-cream. Up the coast aways is Aberystwyth which is a bigger town and has the Vale of Rhiedol railway (steam train) to Devil's Bridge, which is absolutely stunning. There's a lot to do in the general area- the Silver Lead mine springs to mind as well as castles, beautiful scenery and beaches and lots else.

I loved it so much I drag everyone back regularly!

From the midlands I would be tempted to stay Harlech way, lovely beaches, castles, walks etc. depends what your into really. For somewhere I bit more busy you could try Llandudno / Conwy area.

just back from a wonderful week on the gower peninsula - castles, fantastic beaches, lots of child friendly attractions and nice walks near country pubs.

Shodan I might just cry with happiness! That takes me back :)

Many happy childhood summer holidays spent in Cei Bach in the 1970s including the glorious summer of 1976.

We had a little touring van and parked in the site on top of the cliffs by the static park.

Go there!

OOOH hatsy I have been looking at Gower - any recommendations as to where to stay?

OP - we stayed in Cilcennin a couple of years ago, similar part of the world to where Shodan is describing - did Devil's Bridge, Aberaeron etc. The beaches were absolutely stunning. Did boats trips from New Quay (lots of whale watching - saw diddly squat though - went to a quiet beach later in the day, were just having a picnic on the beach and a pod of dolphins came within about 10 feet from where we were - cue very excited children). We were camping though so can't recommend cottages etc but its really a lovely part of the coast.

Theas18! We probably played together on the beach! 1976 was the second year we had the cottage (on the little windy road you probably drove down to the campsite!)

Definitely go to the mid west coast, op. Truly the stuff that good memories are made of.

You can walk round the beaches at low tide from Cei Bach to New Quay too.

(Sorry- now happily drifting off down memory lane)

Broad Haven is lovely. Little Haven even more so! In fact that whole area.

We stayed in New Quay a few years ago. Very pretty beach.

My bro keeps going on about the Lleyn peninsula - he lives near Ruthin and says Lleyn is perfect!

We've just had a week in Cwmtydu, it's beautiful, stony beach but with a separate freshwater pool on the beach for kids to play in, and a lovely little ice cream shop! It wasn't far from New Quay, which was lovely, but where we were staying the was literally nothing but what I've described above, with a small number of residential and holiday cottages.

Mandy21 - for Gower depends whether you want to be rural or nearer to life. Try www.homefromhome.com Fab people with loads of holiday properties on their books. If you prefer camping try Nicholston Farm or Hill End. I love the area around Langland, Caswell & Mumbles (am biased as i live there!) fab beaches but walking distance (if dc's old enough) to boutique shops, restaurants of all shapes and sizes, village castle with various activities and lots of summer events - try www.swanseabayfestival.co.uk

Thank you!

We love Prmbrokeshire too. Some gorgeous beaches around Cardigan - Poppit Sands. Pen Bryn, Mwnt are all lovely. St Dogmael's has the best fish and chip shop ever.

Weather seems to be better than most of Wales as well.

You won't find many National Trust properties though they look after much of the coast.

Cadw are the organisation who own a lot of the castles and you might be best off having at look at what they've got.

Got back from camping in Tenby. Absolutely loved it, such a great atmosphere
Lots to do - oakwood, folly farm, blue lagoon swimming pool, castle galore, boat trips, beaches, etc

West Wales is beautiful, the town of Tenby is well worth a visit with beautiful local beaches, the coastal path and plenty to see and do.

I am so touched by both the great ideas, detail and the memories shared. I am writing it all down to start the search for next years hols. I am so grateful for you all sharing your knowledge and experiences. Thank you xx