1. Beddgelert
This gorgeous village is in the Snowdonia National Park and, according to legend, is the resting place of Gelert, the faithful dog of medieval Welsh prince, Llywelyn. Legend has it that Llywelyn killed Gelert after returning home from hunting to find his infant son missing and Gelert covered in blood.
Frantic, Llywelyn plunged his sword into his dog, whose dying yelp was answered by a child’s cry. Llywelyn found his boy unharmed and, nearby, the body of a wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here.
2. Merthyr Mawr
This tiny village is west of the Ewenny river between Bridgend and Porthcawl and next to the famous dunes of the same name, the second highest in Europe.
Merthyr Mawr House is an early 19th century mansion built by the judge and Welsh MP Sir John Nicholl and there’s also a 15th century chapel, St Roque.
3. Solva
Tucked into a deep valley on the Welsh coast at the mouth of the River Solva, the village has a bustling quay and a charming High Street with cafes, craft shops and galleries. It was an important trading point in medieval times and is within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
4. St Hilary
One of several picturesque villages full of gorgeous stone-built homes in the Vale of Glamorgan between Cowbridge and Cardiff. There’s a 12th century church, active village hall and historic pub, which is famous worldwide thanks to being featured in the Sherlock series. A cobweb of narrow lanes and roads runs through the village, in which there are several dream (and very expensive) homes.
5. Llangynidr
Deep in the Brecon Beacons between Brecon and Crickhowell, Llangynidr is a small village on the River Usk, which is spanned by one of the best examples of an early stone road bridge in Wales. As well as the Usk, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal flows through the village, making it a haven for walkers and wildlife.
6. Talybont on Usk
Just north-west of Llangynidr, Talybont on Usk has a canal, two rivers and a reservoir. It’s also surrounded by hills, woods, waterfalls and wildlife so it’s a great place for hill walking, cycling and gentle strolls through lowland countryside.
7. Tintern
The Cistercian abbey of Tintern is one of Britain’s greatest monastic ruins. Founded in the 12th century, it was destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution but the remains are truly remarkable. The abbey is in the village, which also borders the River Wye as it gently winds through the Monmouthshire countryside. The village was in use in Roman times and in the sixth century a battle took place here between the king Tewdrig and invading Saxons.
8. Llanfihangel y Creuddyn
Llanfihangel y Creuddyn is an ancient parish deep in the Ceredigion countryside a few miles southeast of Aberystwyth. The village clusters around a 13th century church built by the Welsh lords of Creuddyn. And just a few steps away is the lovely pub Y Ffarmers, which is well-known for its open fireplaces, good beer and excellent food.
9. Skenfrith
Skenfrith sits on the River Monnow close to the border between Wales and England. It has a church dating back at least to the early 13th century and a ruined castle which is about as old. Its pub and restaurant, The Bell, is one of the best in the area.
10. Porthgain
There’s one road in and out of Porthgain, a tiny coastal hamlet on the north coast of Pembrokeshire. Stand on the harbour and look inland and you’ll see the hamlet, but turn around and towering over the sheltered harbour are the ruins of an old stone works used to export stone from a nearby quarry. Despite its small size and handful of houses, Porthgain has an excellent restaurant, The Shed, and a cracking little pub called The Sloop. There’s also an art gallery showcasing local talent.
11. Little Haven
The quaint village of Little Haven is on the west coast of Pembrokeshire at the southern end of St Brides Bay. An old fishing village with a good deal of charm and character, it looks out over a pretty beach and is a conservation area designated by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
12. Llangrannog
The name of this village is known throughout Wales thanks to the Urdd youth camp that’s situated here. But for anyone who’s not here as part of a school trip, there’s a quaint and colourful seaside village tucked into the narrow valley where the Nant Hawen river makes its way into Cardigan Bay. Homes and cottages climb their way up the cliffs that rise steeply from the sea.
