West Wales Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your West Wales Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

West Wales packs in more sights than you can shake a Welsh cake at. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers 186 miles of walking paths with views that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. I recommend starting at Stackpole Quay (SA71 5LS) where you can walk to Barafundle Bay - voted one of the best beaches in the world.

St Davids Cathedral (SA62 6RD) is Britain's smallest city and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's open 9am-5pm daily with free entry (donations welcome). The Bishop's Palace next door is worth exploring too.

Cardigan Castle (SA43 1JA) has been restored after years of neglect. It's open 10am-4pm and gets 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The exhibition tells the story of the first Eisteddfod held here in 1176.

Dylan Thomas's Boathouse in Laugharne (SA33 4SD) is where the famous poet wrote some of his best work. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and is open 10am-5pm March-October. The views across the estuary are stunning - perfect for when you need a break from your hot tub!

Pet Friendly

We've brought our dog to West Wales countless times and it's brilliant for four-legged friends. Most beaches allow dogs year-round or have seasonal restrictions only on small sections. Marloes Sands, Newgale and Poppit Sands are our favourites.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path welcomes dogs but keep them on leads near livestock. Many pubs are dog-friendly - try The Farmers Arms in St Davids (SA62 6QT) which even offers dog treats at the bar.

West Wales has loads of pet-friendly cottages with enclosed gardens. Some even provide dog beds, bowls and treats. Just check if there are extra charges for pets when booking.

If your dog loves swimming, head to Bosherston Lily Ponds (SA71 5DR) for a gentle walk with swimming spots. The circular route takes about 2 hours. Remember to pack towels for drying off your dog before they jump back in the cottage hot tub with you! (Just kidding - keep pets out of hot tubs!)

Top 3 attractions you have to see in West Wales

Skomer Island (SA62 3BJ) is a must-visit for wildlife lovers. From April to July, it's home to over 30,000 puffins who nest there. Boats leave from Martin's Haven daily (weather permitting) at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Tickets can't be booked in advance so arrive early. One visitor told me: "We saw puffins within feet of the path. Best £22 I've ever spent!"

Folly Farm Adventure Park (SA68 0XA) isn't just for kids. We spent a whole day here exploring the zoo, vintage fairground and enormous indoor play areas. It's open 10am-5pm and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The lions and giraffes get most attention but don't miss the penguin enclosure. A recent visitor wrote: "Worth every penny. We're in our 50s with no kids and had a blast!"

Tenby (SA70 7DU) is the postcard town of West Wales with its colourful harbourfront houses and castle walls. The town has four beaches, each with its own character. North Beach is sheltered and perfect for families. Castle Beach gives access to St Catherine's Island at low tide. The town gets busy in summer but is magical in spring and autumn. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Like Cornwall without the crowds. And the hot tub cottage we stayed in nearby was perfect after a day exploring."

When is the best time to visit West Wales?

May, June and September offer the perfect balance of decent weather and fewer crowds. School holidays are busiest and accommodation with hot tubs books up fast. Winter visits can be magical with empty beaches and cosy pubs with roaring fires.

Do I need a car in West Wales?

Yes, public transport is limited. The Coastal Cruiser buses run along the Pembrokeshire Coast during summer but services are infrequent. Most cottages with hot tubs are in rural locations so a car is essential.

Where's the best place to see dolphins?

New Quay in Ceredigion offers the best land-based dolphin watching in the UK. The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre runs boat trips, but often you can spot dolphins from the harbour wall for free.

Are there good restaurants in West Wales?

Yes! Try Coast at Coppet Hall near Saundersfoot for amazing seafood, The Shed in Porthgain for the best fish and chips and Ultracomida in Narberth for Spanish tapas. Book well ahead in peak season.

What should I pack for a West Wales cottage holiday?

Walking boots, swimwear (for both beaches and your hot tub), binoculars for wildlife spotting and layers - the Welsh weather can change quickly even in summer.

Is West Wales suitable for children?

Absolutely! Beyond the beaches, check out Oakwood Theme Park, Blue Lagoon Water Park and The Dinosaur Park Tenby. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Pembrokeshire Official Site
2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
3. Discover Ceredigion
4. Visit Carmarthenshire