Best Places to Stay in Wales for Families Who Love the Outdoors (2025 Guide)

Where to Eat, Sleep, Hike, and Explore in the Wild Heart of the UK

Wales is a haven for families who love the outdoors, and after living there for six years running an outdoor activity centre (and sneaking off on plenty of mini-staycations), we got to know its wild corners, scenic trails, and quirky hidden gems like the back of our hand.

If you don’t mind a little rain in exchange for breathtaking countryside, epic hikes, waterfall swims, and family-friendly adventure, Wales might just be the perfect next holiday. And better yet—it’s budget-friendly, packed with personality, and often overlooked.

Here’s everything we’ve learned from years of adventuring in Wales—including where to stay, what to do, and the best family-friendly places to eat, sleep, and explore.

Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

For: Hikers, waterfall hunters, cavers, and gorge walkers

The Brecon Beacons are an outdoor playground for adventurous families. Home to dramatic ridgelines, ancient caves, and tumbling waterfalls, it’s ideal if your kids love clambering over rocks, getting muddy, and feeling like explorers.

Best Adventures

• Four Waterfalls Walk – a must-do hike near Ystradfellte, where you can walk behind a waterfall
  
• Pen y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales (but doable for energetic kids)
  
• Porth yr Ogof Caves – perfect for beginner caving adventures
  
• Gorge Walking in the Mellte Valley – think climbing, sliding, and leaping into river pools

Where to Stay

• YHA Brecon Beacons – rustic, family-friendly, budget-friendly
  
• Garwnant, Brecon Beacons Cabins – Forest Holidays – The most amazing accommodation, perfect for adventurous families, amazing surroundings with all of the luxuries you need to relax (definitely our favourite)
  
• Coach and Horses Inn – cosy inn with superb food for parents who want a bit of luxury

Where to Eat

• The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell – historic pub with hearty local dishes
  
• The Old Barn Tea Room – cake and coffee heaven after a hike
  
• The Honey Café – casual, friendly, with great kid options
  

Pembrokeshire

For: Coastal path hikes, sea cliff climbing, glamping, and beach days

This National Park is packed with seaside charm, medieval towns, and jaw-dropping coastlines. It’s also home to the UK’s only coastal National Park and one of the best places to try family-friendly sea cliff climbing.

Best Adventures

• Pembrokeshire Coastal Path – world-class views, seals, sea birds, and adventure vibes
  
• Barafundle Bay – golden sands and turquoise waters (like Cornwall without the crowds)
  
• Coasteering at Abereiddy – cliff jumping, swimming and climbing along the rugged coast
  
• Explore Tenby or St Davids – both are bursting with character

Where to Stay

• Unique Rental Tents – glamping with your own kitchen, luxury tents under the stars
  
• Farmhouse B&B Family Stay – spacious, scenic, and great for families
  
• Twr y Felin Hotel – For those with a bigger budget, an arty boutique stay in Britain’s smallest city

Where to Eat

• The Shed Bistro (Porthgain) – epic seafood in a tiny fishing village
  
• Grub Kitchen – award-winning eco-eats with edible insect options for brave kids!
  
• Loafley Bakery (Tenby) – pick up fresh pastries and beach picnic supplies

The Gower Peninsula

For: Coastal walks, little towns, mining history, and our all-time favourite hike

The Gower was the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why. Rolling green fields meet dramatic cliffs, with secret beaches and storybook villages dotted throughout.

Best Adventures

• Worm’s Head Walk (pictured above) – a dramatic tidal causeway to a sea-dragon-shaped island (time it right!)
  
• Three Cliffs Bay – great for family walks and views
  
• Cefn Bryn Ridge Walk – wild ponies and big skies
  
• Explore Mumbles & Rhossili – colourful shops and incredible views
  

Where to Stay

• Clyne Farm Centre – family-friendly cottages with riding and activities onsite
  
• Route 47 Glamping Bell Tents – mountain views, outdoor fireplace and games room.
  
• The King’s Head, Llangennith – pub stay with great surfy vibes. My husband booked this as a mini surprise getaway, and we had an amazing, relaxing stay (before we had children), but we still remember the delicious breakfast.

Where to Eat

• The Bay Bistro (Rhossili) – unbeatable views with your cuppa
  
• Verdi’s in Mumbles – Italian ice cream and sea views
  
• The King’s Head (again) – great pub grub with huge portions

Snowdonia (Eryri)

For: Mountains, castles, wild swimming, and affordable adventures

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a bucket-list hike, but there’s so much more to this vast national park. Think glacial lakes, ancient woodland walks, and thrilling zip lines.

Best Adventures

• Hike Cadair Idris – stunning and often quieter than Snowdon
  
• Llyn Idwal Family Walk – gentle, beautiful, and full of wildlife
  
• Zip World – the fastest zip line in the world, suitable for older kids
  
• Harlech Castle & Beach – combine history and sandy fun

Where to Stay

• YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass – walk out the door and start hiking, the main car park can get so busy, it’s amazing to be right on the track to start.
  
• Hafod Bunkhouse Llanberis – A fairly new property offering great value family accommodation with many activities close by.
  
• Tyn-y-Coed Inn– ideal base for hikers

Where to Eat

• Pete’s Eats (Llanberis) – legendary among climbers for good reason
  
• Caffi Gwynant – incredible views, cakes, and post-hike refuels
  
• The Tea Room at Tu Hwnt i’r Bont – ivy-covered Welsh charm
  

Mid Wales

For: Wild peace, forest hikes, and getting off the grid

Often overlooked, Mid Wales is where you can truly unplug. It’s also one of the most affordable places to holiday in the UK, with rivers, forests, and mountains on your doorstep.

Best Adventures

• Elan Valley Trails – tranquil reservoir walks and bike rides
  
• Devil’s Bridge Falls – dramatic and mystical
  
• Clywedog Dam and Hafren Forest – picnic, hike, swim
  
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian – red kite feeding and brilliant bike trails
  

Where to Stay

• Bythynnod Aderyn Cottages – remote and magical, we rented this cottage as a group of friends with our children and had the most amazing weekend.
  
• Tynycornel Hotel – stay by a lake in the mountains, located below Eryri national park, so not quite mid Wales, but almost, and it is beautiful!
  
• Llanerch Inn– This is such a fabulously Welsh place with good family rooms with everything you need; however, not the most luxurious, but we love that and felt at home here with our family.

Where to Eat

• Y Blas in Machynlleth – friendly café with homemade Welsh cakes
  
• Penrhos Arms – good food and a great base for exploring
  
• The Hafod Hotel – near Devil’s Bridge, with a rich Victorian history
  

Why Choose Wales for Your Next Family Adventure?

If you’re craving adventure without breaking the bank, Wales offers the perfect balance of wild landscapes, charming places to stay, and unforgettable experiences. It’s got everything—from zip lines and cliff jumps to waterfall swims and cosy pub nights.

Ready to plan your escape?
👉 Book your Welsh family adventure now and start exploring a land full of magic, mud, and memories.