“How green was my valley?”, very green indeed. Wales is known for having some of the wettest regions in the UK, and that is why it is so verdant and beautiful. Luckily for those of you looking for a holiday park break there this year the wettest areas are actually inland away from the many holiday parks scattered along the vast coastline.
And, if you do happen upon a bit of rain, most of the parks have modern facilities so there is plenty to do indoors until the showers pass, plus indoor activities at local attractions. But, what is there to do in Wales?
First off, if you’re in South Wales then a visit to the vibrant capital Cardiff has a lot to offer visitors, and not at London prices either. The city has developed into a major tourist destination, all centering on it’s fabulous castle and bay development, and offering plenty of opportunities for entertainment and culture. The city is however a fair distance from most holiday parks, so is probably worth a visit either on the way to or way back from your break.
A bit further north is the Snowdonia National Park which is home to Wales’ highest peak, Mount Snowdon. You can actually walk to the summit if you are ‘moderately fit’, although there are some ascents which are challenging. It isn’t Everest, but if you are in Wales it’s worth the trek, although probably not suitable for children. Always check the weather forecast, and make sure are adequately prepared/kitted out, more info here.
Wales also has plenty of coastal paths, many of which can be cycled. The whole coastline is not linked up, but over recent decades inroads have been made to make much of the coastline walkable. And, it’s a fantastic coastline, mainly unspoilt and easily reachable in most areas.
Canoeing on the river Wye is another great way to see the countryside. A couple of companies in the area offer canoe hire, as well as dry sack hire. You can park at the canoe centre, take off down the river, and go as far and long as you want then you just need to make a phone call to be picked up and taken back to your car. It’s great fun, all you need to take is a small tent and provisions, although there are opportunities for overnight stays and food along the way, you just need to plan your trip. Make sure you find out what the seasonal differences are in river height before you book your trip, if the river is low you will be doing a lot of paddling, but it’s still a great experience! If you are on a caravan holiday for a couple of weeks it’s a great way to really spice up your break.
Other things to see and do include horse riding, watersports, more walks, and for those less inclined to physical exertion there are many castles to explore. All this for a healthy break, and not forgetting the beautiful coastline. Wales does not have the reputation of Cornwall for example, but, the campsites and caravan parks still fill up very quickly over the peak season, so you really need to book ahead. See our full list of caravan holiday parks in Wales here. Happy holidays folks!
By: Gareth Whieldon
