Escapism

From pampered luxury living to surviving on your own in the wild, chose your own definition of “escape”, and go for it.

North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, outside Llandudno, offers the best in country house hospitality. Set in its own parkland, you can steal away to spend time in gardens which include a rare 17th century parterre of box hedges and several follies.

Isle of Anglesey

A private wooded driveway leads you into a world of indulgence in the refurbished and extended Tre-Ysgawen Hall on Anglesey, originally built in 1882 as a grand country house, with its fine dining and spa converted from Victorian stables.

Menai, Llŷn & Merionnydd

Get away from it all and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to Bardsey Island - the island of 20,000 saints - off the coast of the remote and beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, a place of pilgrimage since the early years of Christianity.

Ceredigion

Try a spot of sea trout fishing on the seaward stretches of the Teifi, Aeron, Rheidol, and Ystwyth rivers. Even if nothing bites, the scenery is still wonderfully relaxing.

Pembrokeshire

Be at one with the puffins and shearwaters on an overnight stay with a difference on the island of Skomer, off the Pembrokeshire Coast, a unique and protected environment cared for by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Escape our world and explore the strange world of the rockpool. This is a fantastic way to while away the hours whether on your own or in a family group and you’ll always find something of interest. Low tide is the best time to explore as you’ll see more unusual creatures but remember to keep an eye on tide times. You can even join guided tours if you want expert advice.

Carmarthenshire

Some of Carmarthenshire’s ancient ruins are so well preserved that it’s like escaping to another time. The medieval magic of Carreg Cennen Castle is sure to cast a spell on you when you climb up to the ruined ramparts of the late 13th century fortress and soak up the 60 mile panoramic views. Spectacular Carreg Cennen also boasts its own vaulted underground passageway which leads to a natural cave, a ghostly cavern deep beneath the fortifications, which may have been inhabited in prehistoric times.

Gower & Swansea Bay

Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty Margam Park is a fabulous place to unwind. Pack yourself a lovely picnic and find a spot under a leafy glade and let the tension escape. If you get itchy feet and find yourself in need of distraction, there is plenty to choose from, including ornamental gardens, a high wire adventure trail and a rare breeds farm trail.

South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary

If you want remote and romantic, try West Usk Lighthouse near Newport, South Wales - bed and breakfast in wedge-shaped rooms in a lighthouse overlooking the Bristol Channel built in 1821.

Escape to nature at the Coed Hills Rural Artspace in the Vale of Glamorgan, one of Wales’ leading centres for sustainable living and the creative arts, where artists’ workshops, permaculture gardens, a sawmill and green woodwork facilities demonstrate ecological land use and low-impact living.