Large Holiday Homes for get-togethers

Accommodation, Attractions, Eating out

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to enjoy a long weekend in Wales is to book a large cottage to share with family or friends. Whatever you are looking for – active or relaxed, in the mountains or by the sea – we have the perfect cottage for you.

1) Ty’r Efail luxury holiday home Set just back from the coast near the West Wales village of Cross Inn, this luxury family hideaway is tucked away in a small, private cul-de-sac and enjoys panoramic views from its spacious front and rear gardens. There are four bedrooms and plenty of communal space, including a large living room, lounge, extra-spacious kitchen with traditional oak table, or more formal dining room, with doors leading out to the rear garden. For a small fee, guests also have use of the swimming pool on the adjacent caravan park and the owners can provide a trampoline for the garden. The Blue Flag beach at New Quay is a two-minute drive away.

Things to do in the area:

Dolphin, porpoise and seal watching trips are on offer from New Quay with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Budding Bear Grylls can discover the lost arts of firemaking and outdoor survival in Cardigan Bay Active’s Bushcraft sessions. The pretty seaside village of Llangrannog is also close by with a dry ski slope, horse riding, golf and more.

Places to eat:

Llwynhelyg Farm Shop is a food lovers’ paradise which has won a host of awards for the quality and diversity of its produce, most of which is sourced from the locality. A regular in the Good Food Guide since it opened in 2002, The Harbour Master in Aberaeron is the place to sample seasonal Welsh food such as Welsh beef, locally landed lobster and spider crab. They’ve recently added a stone-fired pizza oven, which has proved a resounding hit with families.

2) Yr Hen Efail holiday cottage Quirky rustic charm is what’s on offer at this beautiful grade-II listed building, once the village smithy. There are four bedrooms, each decorated in a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces with whitewashed walls and beamed ceilings. The lounge/dining area gets top billing here – with its large open beamed ceilings and stone fireplace with woodburner stove, it’s the place to enjoy relaxed family dinners or together time. The owners have put plenty of thought into creating a comfortable home-from-home vibe by providing a selection of old fashioned board games, toys and an enormous television with DVD library. There are sun-trap patios at the back and the front of the cottage, as well as garden furniture and a gas barbeque.

Things to do in the area:

Beaches, castles, railways, museums and more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at are all within easy reach of the cottage. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a must for children and adults alike. Head here for fun interactive displays and activities on sustainability, renewable energies and organic living. The Centre overlooks the Snowdonia National Park so it’s worth going just to stand in awe at the scenery. Nearby Artists Valley is a scenic spot for picnics, or splashing about in the various waterfalls and pools. It’s a Mecca for Led Zeppelin fans as it’s where lead singer Robert Plant lives when he is not in America.

Places to eat:

Stock up on local produce, including organic fruit, vegetables and cheese, at Machynlleth farmers’ market, held every Wednesday. It has been going on for over seven centuries and remains a lively affair. The Quarry Wholefood Shop & Café in Machynlleth is an award-winning and popular vegetarian/vegan café, using some organic ingredients. (The Quarry Café, 13 & 27 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8EB, 01654 702624). The Michelin-starred Ynyshir Hall in Machynlleth is one of Wales’ most sought-after places to enjoy fine cuisine. It uses the wealth of superb fresh local produce, sourced from within a couple of miles of the property, including Cardigan Bay seafood, wild salmon and game and tender-sweet Welsh Mountain lamb.

3) Llys Cefn Sidan group accommodation A short walk from the long sandy beach of Cefn Sidan, this wonderfully light and airy three-storey holiday home has five bedrooms and a vast living area, with football table and a pool table. Outside, there’s a patio with a large garden table and chairs and an enclosed garden with lots of safe place for very young children to play. Country parks, cycle paths and a dry ski slope are close by, and Swansea, The Gower or the Brecon Beacons are under an hour’s drive. There are several good pubs and restaurants within walking distance.

Things to do in the area:

The Millennium Coastal Path and several country walks are all nearby, so don’t forget to pack your walking shoes and bikes. (The house has secure bike storage.) With so much of the route being smooth and traffic free, the Path is exceptionally child friendly. There are many castles to explore, including Kidwelly, Llansteffan, Carreg Cennen and Dryslwyn.  Being so close to the coast there is an abundance of sea based activities including canoeing, kayaking, surfing and kitesurfing. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre just south-east of Llanelli in Penclacwydd, offers a good day out for families with a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Take a trip up the tower for a 360-degree-view of the Loughor Estuary.

Places to eat:

Try Hurrens Inn on the Estuary in Loughor, around twenty minutes’ drive away, for modern but unpretentious fine dining. It’s a little on the small side so won’t suit very large groups but a good choice if you want to slip away on your own. Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club has a relaxed bar and brasserie with plenty of choice for everyone.

4) Gwyndy self-catering holiday Grade II-listed and on the shores of Bala Lake, this house was once the home of O.M. Edwards – a Welsh academic and statesman who became Wales’ first Inspector for Schools – and Elinor Bennett, the internationally renowned harpist. Sleeping 10, it has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and dining room with large table and a woodburning stove. Thoughtfully restored by the currrent owner, the boot room has an area to hang laundry and wetsuits and safe secure storage for bikes. The downstairs sitting room has an open fire, comfy seating and stacks of books and DVDs. Feast on fabulous views from the large front and side gardens, which have barbecue facilities, an enclosed patio area with garden furniture and floodlighting. Guests love to walk or cycle the unspoiled peaceful lane from the house to the lake.

Things to do in the area:

At Bala Lake, largest natural lake in Wales, you can try sailing, canoeing, rafting and much more. The 14-mile circumference of the Lake is ideal for cycling and walking. The nearby National White Water Centre, offers white knuckle rafting. There are several good cycle and walking routes within a few miles of the house. The Bala Lake Railway offers a 9-mile journey alongside Bala Lake, said to be home to Teggie, Wales’s answer to Nessie, and on through the beautiful and natural Snowdonia National Park.

Places to eat:

The family-run Eagles Inn, a wonderful stone built building, even older than the village church, is a few minutes’ walk from the house, and boasts real ales, inglenook fireplace, beer garden, fine wines and superb restaurant. For a special dinner, Mawddach in Dolgellau offers contemporary cuisine using local produce, including lamb from the adjoining farm.

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