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Autumn in Wales is spectacular. The landscape’s parks, mountains and forests are brimming with striking golden colours so what better time to explore the beaches, hiking trails and heritage sites – all of which are pleasantly quiet at this time of year. There’s plenty to immerse yourself in this season, so here are a few reasons to pack a bag and experience everything that glorious Cymru has to offer.
Places of outstanding natural beauty are plentiful in Wales and there are many well-known spots that spring to mind. However, dig a little deeper and you’ll find lots more stunning destinations steeped in history and renowned for their glorious natural beauty such as the timeless Wye Valley and the breath-taking Elan Valley based in the rugged Cambrian Mountains. Autumn also offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the seasonal splendour and diversity of the beautiful public gardens in Wales.
Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, Bodnant Garden spans 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy, looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia peaks. The gardens provide a stunning autumnal backdrop to the Carneddau mountains and are an absolute delight for the senses, with a canopy of crimson and gold autumn leaves. Other stunning gardens to explore during autumn include Aberglasney Gardens set in the Tywi valley in Carmarthenshire — where you can explore over 10 acres of gardens. You can also visit the breathtaking National Botanic Garden of Wales in the Towy Valley or Dyffryn Gardens near the village of Dyffryn and St. Nicholas.
It's certainly not hard to find superb scenery during autumn in Wales, so what better reason to lace up your walking boots and explore the coast, mountains and valleys — you’ll find inspirational landscapes around every corner.
Hafod Uchtryd is 12 miles southeast of Aberystwyth and combines forests, rocky gorges and spectacular views of the Welsh countryside. Thomas Johnes (1748-1816) built a house on the remote grounds of Hafod with the intention of displaying its natural beauties with circuit walks allowing the visitor to enjoy a succession of views and experiences. Hafod Estate still offers walking trails to its visitors to this very day.
Other scenic walking destinations include Wye Valley, known for its exceptional beauty and incredible waterways. Another is the Wales Coast Path, an uninterrupted route along the national coastline which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The path covers an 870-mile voyage spanning the Gower, Pembrokeshire, the Cambrian Coast, and the Llŷn Peninsula. Walkers will find countless beaches, estuaries and woodlands to explore along the way.
From restaurants and cafés to delis and farmer's markets, Wales is the place to enjoy a 'gwledd' (feast) of amazing food and drink. The coastline provides the best of fresh fish from Pembrokeshire, mussels from Bangor, and Anglesey oysters — you’ll be spoilt for choice. Cheese lovers will also be delighted to find some of the finest varieties from Welsh producers such as the famous Caerphilly, Tintern, Y Fenni and the likes of Black Bomber and Perl Las.
Perhaps you’re keen to try some Welsh culinary classics such as laverbread or 'bara lawr’ (the ‘Welshman's caviar’ according to Richard Burton) or perhaps a warm and hearty bowl of cawl? Welsh food and drink have never been so varied, and Wales is home to plenty of farmers’ markets, artisan producers, food festivals and award-winning restaurants. With so much to choose from, the only issue is deciding where and what to eat first! Wales is also known for its independent breweries and vineyards, you can even go on a tipple tour to find the best wine, gin, whisky and ale on offer.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway at a boutique hotel or a peaceful escape in a luxury glamping pod — you’ll find a wealth of exciting places to stay scattered across the country. Perhaps you fancy being treated like royalty and sleeping in a meticulously restored castle or Gothic chateau. Wherever you choose to stay, make sure you step outside for some adventure too!
Wales is the perfect place for an activity break whether you’re travelling solo or in a pair, there are plenty of activities on offer to suit everyone. Maybe you like the idea of an exhilarating white water rafting ride or perhaps a peaceful evening of stargazing (the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons are idyllic spots to experience some of the darkest skies). One thing is for certain and that is there is plenty to discover in Wales this Autumn.