A Local’s Favourite Towns in Wales
There are some beautiful towns in Wales which are definitely worth a visit. As a local, I’ll share with you some of my favourites, like Hay-on-Wye, the world’s first book town, and Dolgellau, with its striking architecture and mountain backdrops.
Many Welsh towns feature charming town centres, are surrounded by lush scenery, and are well-located for exploring the best places to visit in Wales.
Whether you decide to stay in a Welsh town or just stop off for lunch and have a short wander, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit!
Want to jump around?
16 Best Towns in Wales
Conwy
From one of the most magnificent castles in Wales to Britain’s smallest house, Conwy won’t disappoint!
🏠 Population: 15,715 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Conwy | 👉 Browse Hotels in Conwy on Booking
I often recommend Conwy to friends as the best town to stay in to explore North Wales. Conwy is beautiful and has lots to offer, and there are great destinations nearby.
You can’t miss the spectacular medieval castle and town walls, which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out Britain’s smallest house, measuring just 10 by 6 feet, and Britain’s finest Elizabethan townhouse, Plas Mawr.
You’re only a short distance from destinations like Bodnant Gardens, Zip World and the village of Betws-y-Coed. Conwy has a train station and many bus connections, making it a good option for people travelling without a car.
Abergavenny (Y Fenni)
Nestled on the edge of a national park, this popular town has stunning views, a bustling market and a well-known food scene.
🏠 Population: 13,695 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Monmouthshire | 👉 Browse Hotels in Abergavenny on Booking
Abergavenny is a charming town with some great places to shop, eat and drink. Browse a range of stalls at the historic Abergavenny Market Hall, and head to the family-run department store, Nicholls.
The annual Abergavenny Food Festival is a big draw to the town. You can find delicious food and drink all year round, such as in the award-winning restaurants in the Angel Hotel.
Abergavenny is a great base for outdoor activities, as it is surrounded by the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. The town is well connected to other destinations in South Wales by train, bus, and main roads.
Aberystwyth
Head to this vibrant coastal town for everything from seaside strolls to partying on a pier.
🏠 Population: 14,640 | 📍 Google Maps | Aberystwyth Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Aberystwyth on Booking
Aberystwyth is a coastal town in Mid Wales with a vibrant student population. You can enjoy the sea air on a relaxing stroll along the North Beach, or whilst partying on the Pier in the popular club, Pier Pressure!
A trip to Aberystwyth isn’t complete without taking the Cliff Railway to the top of Constitution Hill. Here you can visit the world’s largest Camera Obscura and see spectacular views.
Aberystwyth is home to a 13th-century castle, The National Library of Wales, and more recently, an awesome Caribbean restaurant, Mama Fay’s.
I highly recommend taking a trip on the Vale of Rheidol railway from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge for a memorable day.
Hay-on-Wye
The town of books will please everyone from bookworms to canoe enthusiasts!
🏠 Population: 2,065 | 📍 Google Maps | Hay on Wye Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Hay-on-Wye on Booking
Hay-on-Wye is known as the town of books as it has over twenty bookshops, including Booth’s, the world’s largest secondhand and antiquarian book centre.
Hay-on-Wye is a picturesque town on the border of Wales and England, nestled in the Wye Valley and Black Mountains. I enjoy pottering around the town and browsing the shops and the fine selection of cafes. It’s also nice to venture further afield into the surrounding countryside.
Why not hire a canoe and explore the scenery downstream?
Tenby (Dinbych-y-pysgod)
You’re bound to fall in love with this gorgeous seaside town lined with brightly coloured houses.
🏠 Population: 4,696 | 📍 Google Maps | Around Tenby | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tenby on Booking
Tenby is a popular seaside town in the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From strolling along the large sandy Tenby North Beach to mooching around art galleries and shops, Tenby has you covered! For a bite to eat, head to local favourite The Qube Restaurant in Tenby Square.
You can explore the nearby coast and nature by hiking on the Wales Coast Path or heading out to sea. Consider taking one of the many boat trips on offer, such as to the nearby holy Caldey Island!
Brecon (Aberhonddu)
This picturesque town is in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
🏠 Population: 8,250 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Mid Wales | 👉 Browse Hotels in Brecon on Booking
Brecon is a pretty town with an impressive cathedral and plenty of shops and cafes to explore. There are some great spots for food, from the delicious ice cream at Llanfaes Dairy to the popular pies at the Brecon Tap.
Brecon is an ideal base for exploring South Wales’ largest national park, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). You can walk up a mountain or wander on the scenic canal towpath. You could even venture along the Taff Trail, a 55-mile route which runs from the canal basin in Brecon to Cardiff!
Music lovers should head to Brecon in early August for the annual Brecon Jazz Festival.
Caernarfon
Walk through history in this atmospheric medieval town by rivers, mountains and sea.
🏠 Population: 9,730 | 📍 Google Maps | Caernarfon Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Caernarfon on Booking
Caernarfon is a medieval town with an impressive Castle and a circuit of town walls boasting eight towers and two gatehouses. I love the views from the recently renovated Kings Gate.
Along the cobbled streets in Caernarfon, you’ll find a great selection of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. I recommend popping in to The Black Boy Inn, one of the oldest inns in North Wales.
Caernarfon is surrounded by stunning scenery. You can explore the banks of the River Seiont or head to a nearby path to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales’ highest mountain.
Monmouth (Trefynwy)
Soak up some history and nature in this pretty market town that isn’t on the typical tourist itinerary.
🏠 Population: 10,110 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Monmouthshire | 👉 Browse Hotels in Monmouth on Booking
Monmouth is a small town with something for history buffs and nature lovers. You can visit the birthplace of King Henry V at Monmouth Castle, and the former courtroom of historic trials in The Shire Hall.
The town centre has many independent shops, such as Gemwaith RT Jewellery. Head up the High Street to the small cobbled Church Street to visit the oldest known theatre in Wales, the Savoy Theatre.
Monmouth is surrounded by lush scenery and is a great place to explore the Wye Valley, a National Landscape. For a gorgeous view of the town and the surrounding area, walk up the hill to the Kymin Round House.
👉 Pro Tip: Tintern Abbey is a breathtaking destination by the River Wye, under half an hour away from Monmouth. I recommend a visit here, and onwards to the town of Chepstow.
Dolgellau
At the foot of one of Wales’ greatest mountains lies a small former industrial town steeped in history.
🏠 Population: 2,688 | 📍 Google Maps | Dolgellau Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Dolgellau on Booking
Dolgellau is in the shadow of Cader Idris, one of Wales’ best mountains, on the Southern edges of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Dolgellau has many historical buildings, some of which still have remnants of the textile industry.
I suggest you start your day with a hearty Welsh breakfast in the cosy cafe Y Sospan, just off the old market square!
Dolgellau is a great base for doing outdoor activities in North Wales. You can follow numerous spectacular trails from the town or head to nearby activity centres like the Coed y Brenin Mountain Bike Centre.
Explore the town in a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once at the heart of the Industrial Revolution.
🏠 Population: 5,647 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Blaenavon | 👉 Browse Hotels in Blaenavon on Booking
Blaenavon is an unassuming town full of heritage and history that has been shaped by centuries of industry. You can visit 19th-century workhouses at Blaenavon Ironworks and go 90 metres underground in Big Pit National Coal Museum.
The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a lot to explore, from the blast furnace in the Ironworks to the surrounding valley landscape.
Blaenavon town itself is small, so you’ll probably spend most of your time in the various historic sites.
Blaenavon is one of the best day trips from Cardiff and can be reached on the scenic A465 ‘Heads of the Valleys’ road.
Barry (Y Barri)
Nicknamed ‘Barrybados’, this seaside town is home to sandy beaches, amusement parks, and lots of ice cream!
🏠 Population: 54,673 | 📍 Google Maps | Barry | 👉 Browse Hotels in Barry on Booking
Most people visit Barry to spend time at Barry Island, a popular seaside destination. Barry Island isn’t exactly a Caribbean island, but it does have a long expanse of sandy beach and gorgeous coastal scenery!
The area is great for families and anyone who loves a seaside holiday. Barry Island Pleasure Park, an amusement park with sea views, is sure to keep you entertained!
Barry is one of the biggest towns in Wales and is close to Cardiff Airport. You can travel from Barry to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, in less than half an hour by car, train, or bus.
Narberth
This charming town has more than may initially meet the eye, from characterful antique shops to a lively arts scene.
🏠 Population: 2,768 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Pembrokeshire | 👉 Browse Hotels in Narberth on Booking
Narberth is a lovely destination in its own right, but also makes for a pretty stop-off or day trip from Tenby or somewhere in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
I enjoy a trip to Narberth to browse the antique shops and have a nice lunch in an independent cafe. I recommend a visit to The Malthouse, an intriguing antiques store with a cafe and garden!
Narberth is known for its arts scene and array of community events. Take a look to see what this characterful town in West Wales has to offer during your visit.
Porthmadog
Discover a town that stands between the silhouettes of Wales’ highest mountains and the Glaslyn Estuary.
🏠 Population: 2,981 | 📍 Google Maps | Porthmadog Wales | 👉 Browse Hotels in Porthmadog on Booking
Porthmadog is a charming town in Wales’ largest National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia). Porthmadog offers visitors a lot, from mountain views to a lively high street. You can even stock up on locally brewed beer in the Purple Moose Brewery shop!
A train ride to or from Porthmadog on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway is really quite spectacular. As you chug along The Cob, you’ll have sweeping views across the Glaslyn Estuary and to the mountains of Eryri. You can also arrive by bus or car!
If you’re staying in Porthmadog, don’t miss a day trip to Portmeirion Village – one of the best things to do in Wales!
Machynlleth
The ancient capital of Wales set in stunning surroundings is bound to exceed your expectations.
🏠 Population: 2,235 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Mid Wales | 👉 Browse Hotels in Machynlleth on Booking
Machynlleth, also known as ‘Mach’, is a small market town in Mid Wales nestled in the stunning UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere. You can visit regular local markets, the iconic town clock and MOMA, a modern art museum in a former chapel.
Machynlleth is where the heroic Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales in 1404. Visit Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament House to find out more about this important part of Welsh History.
Machynlleth has a unique vibe and a reputation as being arty and eco-friendly. To delve into this more, head to the nearby Centre for Alternative Technology to discover innovative solutions for the future.
Also, Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir is only a short drive from Machynlleth!
Llandudno
Immerse yourself in holiday spirit in one of Wales’ most-loved seaside resort towns.
🏠 Population: 15,371 | 📍 Google Maps | Llandudno Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Llandudno on Booking
Llandudno is a charming Victorian seaside town that continues to capture the hearts of its many visitors. Llandudno Pier is Wales’ longest pier and stretches out into the Irish Sea. Try your luck in the amusement arcades or take in the views whilst eating a doughnut!
From Llandudno, travel on the colourful cable cars or the historic Great Orme Tramway to reach the Great Orme Summit. Here you’ll have spectacular panoramic views and the chance to visit destinations like the Great Orme Mines.
Llandudno is a great destination for families and travellers who like a seaside holiday near indoor (and underground) attractions. After all, a rainy day isn’t rare in Wales!
Cardigan (Aberteifi)
Discover this interesting town near breathtaking coastal scenery where you can look out for dolphins!
🏠 Population: 5,301 | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Cardigan | 👉 Browse Hotels in Cardigan on Booking
Cardigan is a quirky, ancient town with numerous shops selling vintage and antique goods, and local arts and handicrafts. The Custom House Shop and Gallery is a good place to start your shopping!
Cardigan is a gateway to the Teifi Valley, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Cardigan Bay. You can go hiking, cycling, fishing, do other outdoor activities or just chill on a beach. I love spotting dolphins and watching spectacular sunsets over the coast in Cardigan Bay!
The National Wool Museum is nearby, and you’re only an hour’s drive from St Davids, Britain’s smallest city and one of the best cities in Wales.
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring some of the best towns in Wales!
Next up, check out my perfect 7 day itinerary for traveling Wales.
