9 Most Welcoming Towns in Wales

While not the smallest country in the United Kingdom – that title lies with Northern Ireland – Wales isn’t all that large and could easily fit within the boundaries of Texas over 30 times. Despite its size – or perhaps because of its size – Wales has garnered an enviable reputation for its hospitality, with its smaller towns frequently being lauded as among the best places to live in the UK.

These small towns are also a great alternative to larger cities like Cardiff, the country’s capital, for those looking for an authentic Welsh experience. Please read our list of the nine most welcoming towns in Wales to learn more!

Hay-On-Wye, Powys

The market town of Hay-On-Wye in Powys is located just steps away from the English border in East Wales and is famous as the UK’s "Town of Books." This title was earned after locals decided to celebrate the many bookstores that had sprung up since the 1960s with the launch of The Hay Festival of Literature & Arts. Usually referred to simply as the Hay Festival, this 10-day event kicked off in 1988 it was even described by former President Bill Clinton as the “Woodstock of the mind.”

Now home to over 30 second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, Hay-On-Wye’s title as the UK’s number one destination for book lovers was cemented after the Welsh government named it the “National Book Town of Wales.” The town’s beautiful setting on the River Wye is another big draw, as its proximity to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park makes it an excellent base for outdoor activities. Other attractions in Hay-On-Wye include the ruins of Hay Castle, a 12th-century medieval fortress that stands in the heart of the town.

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

A favorite is the welcoming small town of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales. While not a town in the traditional sense – it has no government and is owned and operated by a charitable trust – this architectural marvel was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 as a replica of a Mediterranean coastal village. Its Italianate architecture and brightly colored buildings certainly give Portmeirion an ambiance unique in the British Isles, with its attractive central piazza and ornamental garden adding to the impression that you could be in Italy rather than Wales.

For those interested in ceramics, Portmeirion Pottery, established by Susan Williams-Ellis, is well-known for its distinctive designs and can be purchased in the village. The surrounding woodlands, known as the Gwyllt, are fun for nature lovers, with miles of walking trails and spectacular views of the River Dwyryd estuary.

Laugharne, Dyfed  

Only an hour’s drive west of Swansea, Laugharne is another small coastal town that boasts a rich literary history. Located in a picture-perfect setting overlooking the Taf estuary (Aber Taf) in South Wales, it was here that Dylan Thomas, one of the country’s most celebrated poets, lived and drew inspiration from 1938 until he died in 1953. Much of his best-known work was written in the Dylan Thomas Boathouse, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. A highlight of a visit is visiting the museum’s charming tea room with its lovely views over the estuary.

Other popular things to do here include visiting the ruins of Laugharne Castle, which was a stronghold during the English Civil War. Laugharne's location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline via the 870-mile-long Wales Coast Path.

Brecon, Powys  

A scenic one-hour drive north of the Welsh capital of Cardiff, travelers wind up in Brecon, a quaint market town in Powys. Notable attractions include Brecon Cathedral, a site of historical and architectural significance built in the 12th century that features a blend of Norman and Gothic styles. Tours with friendly local guides are recommended. The town's canal basin is another popular attraction and is accessible via a network of picturesque paths. History buffs will want to visit the Royal Welsh Museum for its fascinating displays relating to the famous British regiment's role in the Zulu Wars.

Brecon is also famous for its location in Brecon Beacons National Park and serves as a gateway to some of Wales' most stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Nearby Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, is a popular hiking destination, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Tenby is another very welcoming town in Pembrokeshire that you should consider placing on your list of the best places to visit in Wales. One of only a few destinations whose Medieval town walls have survived mostly intact, these 13th-century relics certainly add to Tenby’s mystique. The ruins of 12th-century Tenby Castle add another element to the town’s charm, as do the historic Tudor Merchant's House (now a museum), pretty St. Mary's Church, and the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Another of the town’s sightseeing options includes the brightly painted old houses that line the waterfront, offering a picturesque backdrop for the town's quaint harbor and   Carmarthen Bay. Tenby boasts several sandy beaches for beach lovers, including Tenby North Beach and Tenby South Beach, perfect for family outings.

​​Tintern, Gwent 

The attractive small town of Tintern is another location worth including on your Wales travel itinerary. Located in the Wye Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompassing portions of the River Wye, visitors will find the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey. Founded in 1131, this former Cistercian monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

It’s also a dramatic spot for a selfie, especially if you frame the shot to include the abbey’s tall arches and windows and the spectacular surrounding landscape. The Old Station Tintern, a repurposed railway station, is also worthy of a photo.

Beaumaris, Anglesey

Beaumaris is located on the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Mon) in North Wales and is known for its castle. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Beaumaris Castle was built in the 13th century by Edward I and features a unique concentric design with towering gatehouses and a moat that can all be explored. Be sure to climb the ramparts for great views over the Menai Strait.

The area surrounding Beaumaris is also worth exploring. Nicknamed the “Anglesey Riviera,” it has been a popular tourist spot since Victorian times for its beaches as well as for its proximity to neighboring Puffin Island and is a famous wildlife spotting destination to witness seals, dolphins, and, as the name suggests, those cute puffins.

Aberdyfi, Gwynedd

Also known as Aberdovey (its English name), Aberdyfiis a picturesque seaside village in Gwynedd tucked away in the most southerly part of Snowdonia National Park. Its position on the north side of the Dyfi Estuary, where the River Dyfi meets the waters of Cardigan Bay, is considered one of the prettiest in Wales, especially considering its beautiful sandy beach. Aberdyfi Beach is large, too, and stretches from the estuary right up to the neighboring town of Tywyn, four miles to the north.

Its coastal location makes Aberdyfi especially popular with water sports enthusiasts, with activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing attracting enthusiasts from far and wide. The area south of the river, particularly the Ynyslas Sand Dunes and Ynyslas National Nature Reserve, is popular for surfing, birdwatching, and hiking.

Llangollen, Denbighshire

A scenic 30-minute drive southwest of Wrexham, Llangollen’s location in the Dee Valley is one of the prettiest in the UK. This stunning scenery is enhanced further by the presence of the much-photographed Llangollen Bridge. One of the oldest stone bridges in Wales, it spans the River Dee and dates back to the 16th century. Nearby historic sites include Plas Newydd Historic House, a Gothic-style building with exquisite gardens now serving as a museum. The Llangollen Canal is another must-see, as is the pretty Horseshoe Falls a few miles west of town.

Llangollen is also famous for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an annual festival celebrating traditional music, dance, and culture every July and welcomes visitors from across the globe.

While Wales is well known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, and distinctive Welsh language, it is also home to some of the most welcoming and picturesque towns in the United Kingdom. These unique destinations offer visitors a glimpse into the county’s rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty, making for an incredible travel experience.