International travel is still a bit iffy at the moment, isn’t it? So, why not look a little closer to home? For those of us who don’t fancy navigating the ever changing international COVID rules and need a stress-free rather than a stressful break, choosing Wales as a staycation destination this Autumn could be just the ticket.
We’ve shared a few of our favourite things about Wales below to get your staycation started – there’s something for everyone!
For…Walkers
From casual to serious walkers, Wales has your covered. There is of course Snowden to conquer if you fancy ticking ‘climb a mountain’ off your bucket list. Most routes take about 6 hours (to the summit and back), but please do your research before attempting it! For something a little less mountainous however, Wales offers a great selection of costal and countryside walks too.
The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way – a 135-mile-long route – can either be walked independently or as part of an annual pilgrimage which starts on May Bank Holiday Saturday each year, linking 6th century churches and sites of religious significance.
The Mynydd Hiraethog Footpath includes a linear 40-mile route as well as six shorted circular routes, taking in stunning moors and valleys.
The Edge of Wales Walk is a newish coastal path, and takes in some of the most breath-taking views and sweet villages Wales has to offer. Perfect for splitting up into separate day walks too.
For…Foodies
Cheese lovers, Wales is for you. Wales has cheese shops, delis and farm shops scattered across the country, selling and often hand making cheeses to suit every palette.
True Welsh delicacies include traditional lamb, Welsh rarebit (cheese on toast) and of course the leek! But the more adventurous amongst you might fancy sampling laver bread which is edible seaweed often mixed with oats then fried with a traditional breakfast of pork sausages, egg and bacon. Other dishes well worth sampling include Glamorgan sausages (a spiced vegetarian combo of cheese, breadcrumbs and leeks) or Cawl (a chunky mutton broth).
As well as cheese, Wales is also known for its craft beers and ales to wash all of this down with. Oh, and Welsh wine is booming with several vineyards available to visit!
For…Sports Lovers
If you are a city lover, head to Cardiff. It’s located close to the Welsh border so ideal for a shorter weekend or even day trips from the West of England.
Formally the Millennium Stadium, the 74,500 seater Principality Stadium is the pinnacle of Welsh sport. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in rugby, or indeed sport! You can go on a tour of the stadium, and if you time it just right and are in Cardiff on a match day, you can enjoy the excitement with the crowds and soak up the atmosphere – even if you don’t have tickets to the game.
If you fancy a bit of a mixture of city and country on your staycation in Wales, grab a group of friends and do both! With Jaunt temporary insurance, you can hit the road and split your Welsh road trip driving, from just 35p per hour*.
For…Nature Buffs
Did you know, the UK’s largest pod of dolphins lives in Cardigan Bay? You can take one of the many regular boat trips to see them up close!
Check out Anglesey Wildlife Walks, for an incredibly diverse selection of wildlife. They offer half-to full-day walks set around different parts of the island to enable you to spot – amongst other things – peregrines, rare choughs and, offshore, seals and porpoises. If you go in Autumn, you might be lucky enough to see some fluffy Atlantic seal pups.
For…Adrenaline Junkies
Zip wiring, coasteering, surfing, paragliding, mountain biking, bog snorkelling? You won’t be bored in Wales.
Titan 2 is a zip line experience where you can complete a four-person parallel zip line run and learn about the Llechwedd slate quarry you’ll soon be flying over. The zip line is one whole kilometre long, providing thrilling views of the quarry below and a panorama of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
For a more unique experience, bog snorkelling is a sport that is growing in popularity in Wales – there is even a World Bog Snorkelling Championship. So, if you fancy swimming lengths of a peat bog with a snorkel and flippers, you could combine your visit to Wales with world championship status!
Maybe you’re a mixture of a couple of these things, or are you a bit of all five? A Wales staycation is waiting for you!
* On average 28% of customers ages between 40-64 paid £0.35 per hour for a Jaunt car policy (from Jan 1st 2021 -June 30th 2021)
