Photo credit: Ancon Cottage, Nefyn Llyn Peninsula Coastline

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages on the North Wales Coast and Countryside

The Irish Sea borders the region of North Wales to the north and west, the English counties of Shropshire and Cheshire to the east, and Ceredigion, Powys and the rest of Wales to the south. Seaside holiday resorts along the North Wales coastline include Holyhead, Llandudno, Wrexham, Bangor, Colwyn Bay, and Deeside. It is a wild and rural area best known for its rugged mountains, beaches, waterfalls and scenic trails. Holiday cottages in North Wales lie amid the soaring mountains and shimmering lakes of Snowdonia National Park, the green rolling countryside around Wrexham, or on the spectacular coasts of the mainland and the Isle of Anglesey, where pristine, sandy shores and clifftop walks await discovery.

A modern, detached Anglesey holiday home surrounded by lawns and paved terraces with seating.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
4

This detached family holiday cottage on Anglesey rests in a delightful rural location at Trearddur Bay and can sleep six people in four bedrooms. Perfect for walking, cycling and touring holidays exploring this picturesque Island.

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Exterior of a large L-shaped stone farm house overlooking a large courtyard parking area.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

One of two wonderfully refurbished farm cottages near the rural village of Clawddnewydd in Clwyd, Maestyddyn Farm House (Maes for short) makes an ideal holiday base for large families and groups in North Wales. This large pet-friendly cottage features a shared games room, hot tub, sauna, and five stylish bedrooms each with TVs and en-suite.

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Sleeps
34
Bedrooms
12

The Ship Inn, once a pub in Colwyn Bay, has been comfortably and stylishly converted to create a large, dog-friendly holiday cottage in North Wales sleeping 34 guests in 12 spacious bedrooms, with a 5-minute walk of the beach.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Sitting on the edge of the village of Carrog near Corwen in Denbighshire, The Mill House is a lovingly maintained Edwardian farmhouse overlooking the River Dee. This pet-friendly five-bedroom home is ideal for a large group or family trips to Snowdonia.

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North Wales is dotted with ancient sites – perhaps none more iconic than Caernarfon Castle, which took 37 years to build and is renowned as one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses. You won't want to miss another historical site during your stay in a holiday cottage in North Wales. Erdigg Hall is a magnificent stately home with opulent interiors and an 18th-century walled garden.

One of the most popular activities visitors enjoy in North Wales is the strenuous ascent to Mount Snowdon's summit – Wales' highest mountain, at 1,085 metres. Nearby, in the pretty town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the country's steepest narrow-gauge railway explores the spectacular Llechwedd Slate Caverns – an unforgettable day trip for visitors.

Bodnant Gardens cover 88 acres, with a waterfall and exquisite Italianate terraces overlooking the lush Conwy Valley. The gardens are near Colwyn Bay, a Victorian seaside resort nestled between the Irish Sea and the towering hillside of Pwllycrochan Woods. A wander along the three-mile promenade that overlooks the sandy shore is highly recommended. Nearby, Llandudno is a classic seaside resort with a 19th-century pier and plenty of nostalgic amusements. Further east, Rhyl is another popular resort with a sandy beach, an aquarium, and botanical gardens.

Harlech Castle is one of North Wales' iconic landmarks, perched precariously on a crag, overlooking the crashing waves. The town of Harlech is a lovely place to explore on foot, with a sandy beach and a historic centre with a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.

Gwynedd is a beautiful, scenic destination for hiking, with great swathes of hilly countryside to explore. The village of Dinas Mawddwy is an excellent base from which to discover the area, located at the convergence of the Cerist and Dovey rivers at the foot of two imposing hills. The secluded beaches and unspoiled countryside of the Isle of Anglesey have attracted visitors for centuries.

The island is dotted with pretty villages, such as Moelfre, a lovely fishing community with a historic harbour. The town of Beaumaris is a must-see on the Isle of Anglesey, with fine Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Don't miss the chance to climb to the top of South Stack Lighthouse for breathtaking coast views.

Near the twin towns of Porthmadog and Tremadog, the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways pass ancient woods, sweeping estuaries and spectacular stretches of the North Wales coast. Further west, the Llyn Peninsula is home to long-extinct volcanic peaks, rocky bays, and wild hills scattered with Iron Age forts. The charming villages of Abersoch and Morfa Nefyn are idyllic bases for visitors to this remote North Wales region.

Further east, near the English border, the bustling market town of Wrexham is packed with independent businesses. Nearby, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the Vale of Llangollen. Designed by Thomas Telford, it symbolises the industrialisation of the region in the early 19th century.