The best holidays don’t have to be the most expensive. Experiencing the perfect sunset together, the joy of stumbling across the hidden ruins of an ancient castle or the stunning views from the top of the hill you’ve just climbed are often far more memorable and enjoyable than anything charging an admission fee!
Wales is a stunning part of the world, with breathtaking scenery, a beautiful coastline and plenty of history to explore so you’ll be able to find plenty of things to do and see without breaking the bank.
It’s a fairly affordable holiday destination compared to many parts of the UK when it comes to accommodation and travel. Given the current issues surrounding the cost of living, many of us looking for ways to save money when it comes to booking a holiday so read on to find some top tips on how to organise the perfect budget-friendly Welsh trip.
Getting There
Public transport doesn’t come cheap, particularly if you’re travelling by train. To make some savings, you’ll need to plan in advance. Consider signing up with some rail providers who will send you alerts when cheap tickets are available. If you’re coming from further afield, you’ll need to fly into Cardiff Airport. Again, as with travelling by rail, you’ll need to get organised if you want to save a penny or two!
You can use a provider who offers package deals. When it comes to Opodo trips, holidaymakers can save by booking flights and accommodation together. If you’re lucky enough to have Wales on your doorstep, you’ll be able to hit the open road and explore by car. If this is the case, try and fill up the car before you set off to avoid the higher fuel costs of motorway service stations.
Where to Stay
Snowdonia is a beautiful part of Wales but it’s also one of the busiest which can often result in higher prices for accommodation and eating out. Equally, some of the larger, more touristy cities such as Newport and Tenby are less likely to be budget-friendly. Wales is home to lots of beautiful villages which are less touristy than some of the more well-known resort towns and cities but still remain close enough to all the action.
Dining Out
Eating out for the entirety of your holiday can prove incredibly costly, particularly if you have a family to feed. Try and look for accommodation which offers self-catering facilities and you’ll be amazed at how much you can save by just substituting a couple of meals out for a bit of home cooking. Besides, having a homemade pot of tea and a slice of bara brith from a local bakery, on the balcony can be just as enjoyable, and far less expensive, than ordering in at a café.
If you don’t fancy catering for yourself then consider looking at cafes and restaurants a little distance away from the main attractions. You’re always going to pay more for a cup of coffee at the foot of Mount Snowdon, than you would in a neighbouring village café. If you do want to stay in the heart of things, look for lunchtime special menus which are often far cheaper. Some of the larger chain restaurants do offers where kids eat free in the school holidays so keep your eyes peeled for participating eateries.
Cheap Entertainment
As with eating out, doing an expensive activity every day can put a huge dent in the holiday fund. Luckily Wales is full of stunning scenery and plenty of things to see and do that won’t cost a penny:
Visit a castle
Wales is of course famed for its many castles and whilst some of them charge an admission fee, there are plenty that are completely free to visit. Try Ewloe Castle in Flintshire which is well-preserved and a great choice for families as there’s a great play park nearby and the track leading up to it is buggy-friendly. Dryslwyn Castle is well worth a visit; the hilltop position offers stunning views and is much less frequented than neighbouring castles in Carmarthen.
Wildlife spotting
Cardigan Bay is famous for its whale and dolphin sightings and there are plenty of boat trips to take you around the bay. There’s nothing to stop you from picking a safe spot on a cliffside or hilltop and watch the dolphins from dry land. Even if you don’t see any there’s always the promise of a beautiful sunset to enjoy.
Take a Hike
The Wales Coast Path is a great place to start. It’s unlikely you’ll manage the whole trail (it’s 870 miles long!), there are plenty of walks to take you along clifftops or through breathtaking scenery with historic sites along the way. If you’re after more of a challenge you could always take a trip to Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. There are plenty of tracks and routes of varying difficulty and if you don’t fancy the ascent, there are also myriad stunning trails or even bike tracks that offer some equally stunning views, just closer to the ground.
History and Culture for All
There are a huge amount of galleries and museums in Wales that don’t charge an admission fee. From art to natural history to exploring the country’s mining heritage, there’s something to cater for all ages and interests. Take a trip to the impressive National Museum Cardiff to learn about everything from art to archaeology. They have family-friendly interactive exhibitions throughout the year too. For something a little different visit the Usk Rural Life Museum. This quirky little hidden gem is housed in an ancient malt barn and charters rural life in Wales through thousands of fascinating artefacts.
If you’re savvy with your transport and accommodation, opt for some free activities, and enjoy the local cuisine, having a smaller budget doesn’t have to cost you your holiday fun. With its stunning scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient castles, Wales is the perfect destination for the budget-conscious traveller and proof that a memorable and enriching holiday doesn’t have to be an expensive one.
